Spend the extra money and get the next model up...
Written: Jan 07 '01
|
Product Rating:
|
|
|
Pros: Size, Durability, Ease of Use
Cons: Antenna, Battery Pack, Compatibility
|
|
|
| LDorman's Full Review: Nokia 5120 Cell Phone |
When I first started using cellular about 9 months ago, I purchased the Nokia 5120 because it was the cheapest digital phone from the dealer I signed the contract with. In retrospect, I wish I had spent just a little bit more to get the next better model.
I will say that the size and design of the phone is quite acceptable. The configuration is also acceptably easy to use. I continue to use mine since I am still under contract, but will probably replace the phone when my contract expires and I can get another one at a discount.
There three faults at issue with this phone, one of which may well be a specific defect for my phone.
1) The battery pack fits a little loosely. Because of this there have been times that the battery pack has shifted and turned the phone off without my knowledge. While this could be a defect on my specific phone, one phone retailer indicated they've seen this happen a lot with this phone and recommended shimming the battery pack by putting a folded over business card behind it.
2) The antenna is very short. This is a pro as far as size, but a con as far as reception. My signal meter bottoms out frequently even though I'm in a major, heavily covered market. Some of the higher models have a slightly (1/4 - 1/2 inch) longer antenna that is supposed to make a real improvement, but I've not tested this.
3) The programming in this phone does not always allow it to automatically switch antennas and carriers when traveling as it should. As such, the phone has been 'blacklisted' from some of the calling plans offered by my carrier (Southwestern Bell).
In general, the phone does an acceptable job with the few issues listed above. I've dropped mine on a few occasions with no apparent damage, so the phone is certainly rugged enough.
The battery is definitely a slim line model, so it doesn't surprise me that it only lasts a few days with light use between charges. For $50 I could get a lithium ion battery that would undoubtedly give me a much longer duty cycle.
Recommended:
No
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
LDorman
|
|
Reviews written: 5
Trusted by: 0 members
|
|
|
- Add to My Yahoo!: 
- Add to Google Homepage: 
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.