TechnoRat meets TechnoCrat
Written: Nov 28 '00 (Updated Mar 01 '01)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Size, Shape, Features
Cons: Antenna can bend and/or brake, Analog
The Bottom Line: Good, solid and reliable. Older technology makes it cheaper to buy. Good for a first phone for a teenager, or others.
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| Night_Walker's Full Review: Motorola StarTAC 6500 Cell Phone |
Let's admit it, most of us are closet technology junkies. Or not so Closet junkies. I my self am quite rabid about technology and have been restrained from entering many tech stores by my wife...usually with a judiciously applied choke hold.
So when I say that I love this phone, please keep in mind how much technology I've seen.
In the age of Digital and Web browsing capable phone, I'm still using my analog StarTac 6000 (The only difference between the 6500 and the 6000 is color and the 6000 doesn't vibrate). I will never give this phone up until someone offers me an unbelievable deal on a Digital StarTac, or they pry it out of my cold dead hands.
First let's look at it's outward design. Its small closed shape and extremely versatile belt holster make it a low profile wearable phone suited for the 'quick-draw' answer for those techno-cowboys out there. Plus the unfolded design is such that it snuggles up to your face making listening and talking less of a chore. The well designed keypad is easy to use, even with my thick fingered clumsy nature. The bonus to it's shape is that it points the antenna AWAY from your brain an has been shown to be the safest phone on the market, radiation wise. The weight of the phone is so inconsequential that I often forget I have it till it rings...or till I need it.
Next is the features. First, in the case of the 6500, is the vibrating ring. Usefull for those nights in a crowded theatre, or classy restaurant, where a cell phone intrusion is most unwelcome. The 'Open to Answer' feature is the one that makes me the happiest. I've been able to answer more calls one-handed on this phone than any other. I just hold the flip and press it open against my body, leaving my other hand free for driving, holding the baby, etc. Of course you don't even need to open it if you have a headset plugged into the jack. Just press the 'smart' button, located on the side of the phone, and your call is automatically answered. And the call can be ended with the same button, letting you leave the phone sitting at your hip and your eyes and hands free from distraction. The other usefull part of this phone is its extended alpha-numeric phone book. It can store up to 99 phone numbers with names that can be accessed either with one button dialing, or with the smart and scroll buttons on the side of the phone.
The only problem I've had with this phone is the antenna. When it sits at my hip and I bend over, I've been known to bend the antenna. It may need to be replaced from time to time, though not often.
In terms of service and reception quality, 95% of the time that is dependant upon the cellular carrier you use. If they have sub-standard, or not enough equipment, you may suffer signal loss, no matter what phone you use. The StarTac has had very few service recalls, unlike other phones, which makes it an economical as well as efficient phone.
The battery that you will get the most life out of it is the lithium-ion battery. It will give you the best run and least problems when it comes time to charge it.
Over all, if you want a phone, but can't afford digital, or can only get a cheaper digital, opt for the StarTac 6000 or 6500. It's size, shape and usefullness makes it a phone above phones in an already glutted technology market.
***************UPDATE****************
The unthinkable has happened. I was forced to give my beloved Star Tac up. It didn't get pried out of my cold dead hands, rather it's cold dead form was pried out of my hand. My young son decided to have fun, the way only a 10 month old can, drooled in and on my phone, then proceeded to bash it about before I caught him at it. The phone, so I thought, was dead. I even had a technician friend check it out.
We were wrong though. An hour after I bought my new v2297, my StarTac resumed life. The durability of this little phone amazes me. Though I was tempted to switch back, my wife wanted the StarTac and I wanted to stay with my new digital with it's web abilities.
This is still a great phone. Particularly if you live in an Analog region, where digital is not available yet.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
Night_Walker
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Member: Matt Brennan
Location: Moncton, NB, Canada
Reviews written: 7
Trusted by: 2 members
About Me:
30, 6'5" white Canadian Male
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