Samsung SCH-3500: This cell phone is a MUST HAVE!
Written: May 21 '00
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Pros: Style, Functionality, Quality, Voice Recognition Dialing
Cons: Price (but it's a bargain compared to others in its class)
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| netKat's Full Review: Samsung SCH 3500 CDMA / AMPS Cellular Phone |
It all started when I spotted a colleague using this cell phone. I fell hopelessly in love at first sight. (With the phone, not the colleague.) The brushed metallic silver exterior, the compact size, light weight in my palm, yet heavily laden with the feel of Quality. I longed for the day it would be mine. (the phone, not the colleague... well, ok, maybe both, but don't tell my husband).
Flash forward to an innocent visit to the local Radio Shack. I don't even remember why I was there, but I saw My Phone. I spent quite some time examining it in depth and hammering the poor Radio Shack guy with tons of questions. In fact, by the time I was done with him, he had agreed to join Epinions.
It's not that I was in any way dissatisfied with my current Nokia 918 analog phone (http://creditexpert.epinions.com/./elec-review-74B5-603ECBE-385EAFCC-prod2), but my service agreement had come to an end and Comcast Cellular One was trying to rip me off... but that's another story.
Anyway, I was in love and nothing could stop me.
The Samsung SCH-3500
--Background--
There are two major types of cell phone service: digital and analog. Analog is the old fashioned crackley "are you calling me from your cell phone?" sounding system. Digital is the new technology with sound so sharp and crisp that it's hard to tell you're on a cell phone at all. Since digital coverage can be spotty and is only available in certain areas, it is wise to get a phone with dual system capabilities, especially if you want a phone that will always be able to call out in an emergency situation. I claim to have my phone for emergencies, but it's fast becoming an awesome convenience, and nearly a necessity, in my busy life.
This phone is set up to work on the Sprint PCS (Personal Communication System) Network. I chose this service because of the fantastic deal I was offered. Can we talk? Yes! Because I get 800 minutes for only $30 a month! Also, Sprint PCS seems to have good coverage in my area.
--Features of the Phone--
The Flip
Remember when flip phones first came out way back when? Well they were cool then, and they are even cooler now. This flip is awesome! The hinges are solid and well built. You can answer an incoming call by merely flipping the phone open. When in use, it also allows the phone to mimic the contour of your face way more than its straight as a board cousins, allowing for better fidelity for both you and your listener. When closed, the flip covers the dialing area of the phone, which helps prevent inadvertent calls.
Voice Activated Dialing
Wow. This one of the funnest and most impressive features. You can program the phone to dial a number based on your voice command. For example, I flip open my phone and it asks me "Who would you like to call?" I say "Home!". And it does! I felt like naming my phone "Jeeves" after this trick, but it's a female voice. This is so nice when I'm in the car and don't want to take my eyes off the road to press a few buttons on my cell phone. The phone will accept up to 20 different entries in this mode.
Standard Cool Stuff
These features are commonly available on normal phones, and are extremely useful on cell phones. The 3500 has 'em all:
- Caller ID
- Call Waiting
- Call Forwarding
- Three-Way Calling
- Mute
- Redial
Incoming Ringers
Not only are there a multitude of ringer options from silent vibrate to Beethoven's "Fur Elise", but you can program all different rings to signify different call types. For example, calls coming in that are roaming (read $$$$) ring differently than normal PCS calls. This saves a lot of money by alerting me in advance and leaving me the option of not answering. You can also set a unique ring for different types of messages: Voicemail, Text Messages, and Numeric Pages. Additionally, you can differentiate your calls with and without caller ID. Options R Us with this baby.
Voice Memos
You know how you think of a great idea while you're driving around but you don't have a pen and paper handy and anyway you can't take your eyes off the road long enough to write legibly? Well, here's the answer! This phone can record up to 10 voice memos, of up to 1 minute in length each, of whatever you want with just the touch of a button. The phone will label the voice memo with the time and date, but you can change it to an alphanumeric name if you wish.
Message Services
This phone will store up to 100 messages! The messages are all time and date stamped and are easy to retrieve and save or erase.
Alarm
This phone can also serve as an alarm! Whether you need a reminder to call someone or a wake up call while traveling, the 3500 is there to serve. Plus you get to choose another ring for this feature too!
Phone Book
How about 179 numbers of up to 32 digits each with a corresponding associated name of up to 12 characters? Wow again! You can sort your internal phone book either numerically or alphabetically. I often look up a number on my phone rather than in my planner because it's so easy and convenient.
Call Logs
This is very handy and a great way to control your costs. You can use this to get information on the last 9 calls you made, received, or missed. And you can also review your airtime. Airtime can be measured for the last call, or all the calls in the interval. You can reset the airtime whenever you wish. I do at the beginning of each month so that I can be sure not to go over my 800-minute allotment.
It Faxes too?!?
Do you believe it? You can send and receive faxes! Of course, you have to connect the phone to a PC, but still, it's a phone for goodness sake! What will they think of next?
Minibrowser
Need a stock quote or the latest weather? Check it out online with the minibrowser feature! Wowza! You can pull up all kinds of sites, but keep in mind it's going to cost you some dough, there's an extra charge when you go into browser mode. Also, don't do this while driving! You can even set up a file of bookmarks. No, I have not tried to pull up Epinions on the phone... yet.
The Desk Recharger
It's really a cradle in which you can rest the phone and/or an extra battery. It's very nice looking and will compliment any decor. This phone fully charges in only several hours.
The Guide Book
This TV Guide size tome is well written, nicely organized, and highly informative. It's makes taking advantage of all the features a breeze. A laminated pocket size mini-guide is also included.
Sprint PCS Service
So far, so good. I've been treated very well by the customer care area each time I've called. I have not had to wait extended periods of time to get help and my billing has been accurate and fair, thus far. It's been rare that I have not been able to access PCS service in my normal travel routine in my area. I have only experienced pockets of a lack of coverage lasting for only a few moments on the road. I have not had to resort to analog use, which was one of my initial concerns.
--How to Save Money--
The dual band is great for extended options in service, however, keep in mind that when analog airtime is used it presents an extra billing cost to the consumer. The 3500 gives you a couple of options to manage this extra charge:
Analog Service Warning
You can set the phone to warn you when it is switching over to analog service.
Lock out Analog Service
I have the dual modes so that I will always be able to call out in an emergency situation. I don't want to get hit with additional charges for switching off to analog in the middle of a call or if I happen to be out of the digital network for a spell. This feature locks out the ability to make or receive an analog call except in the case of calling 911.
Minute Beep
This phone has a setting you can activate which will sound an alert 10 seconds prior to each elapsed minute you are on the phone. This is especially useful when you are calling long distance and subject to extra charges by the minute.
Airtime Tracking
The phone allows you to see a compilation of all the airtime you've used during your set interval. Reset your counter at the beginning of each billing period to keep tabs on your usage.
--Cell Phone Tips--
Get the car charger
You will not regret it. You never know when the phone will poop out, and if you spend a lot of time in your car it's an incredible convenience and a safety must.
Get some kind of case
It will really help keep your phone in top condition. You don't necessarily have to get the expensive leather custom case. I keep this phone in a hard clamshell type eyeglass case in my purse to prevent it from getting smashed.
Don't play with your phone while you're driving
How many times have you gotten stuck behind someone weaving back and forth, going too slow, and generally not paying attention to the task at hand because they were messing with their cell phone? Don't be one of them. It's not only inconsiderate to other drivers, it's downright dangerous.
Turn off the Ringer when Appropriate
Like in the movies, church, romantic interludes, etc. Set the phone to vibrate. *snicker*
Report Drunk Drivers
Most municipalities have a number, other than 911, that you can call to report drunk drivers you encounter on the road. Program the number into your phone. You could save a life.
--Specs--
Weight: 5.5 oz
Size: 4.4 x 2 x 1 (inches)
Talk Time Digital: up to 2.5 hours
Talk Time Analog: up to 45 minutes
Standby Digital: 130 hours
Standby Analog: 15 hours
(these times are with the standard Lithium-Ion battery, an extended battery is available which adds approximately .5 ounces to the weight and doubles the times)
Display Screen: 5 Lines (1 line of Icons and 4 lines of Text)
--Competition?--
Compared to the StarTAC, The Samsung 3500 is a far superior phone in my opinion, in many respects: features, workmanship, and manufacturing to name but a few. Not only that, but the 3500 costs LESS than the StarTAC, which is priced at $229.99!
Motorola has also come out with a couple of new (read more expensive) models which appear to be basically enhanced versions of the StarTAC with more features emulating the 3500. These are the Talkabout at $249.99 and the Timeport at $299.99. The finish of these phones is remarkably similar to the brushed silver of the 3500. However, neither of these phones offer the voice recognition feature found on the Samsung.
An upgraded Samsung model, the SCH-8500 is also available at $199.99. This phone is styled similarly to the all black StarTAC and contains a "personal organizer" in addition to all the SCH-3500 features. It's also smaller, if you can believe it, because the LCD window is actually in the flip. It is also an ounce lighter. But his phone lacks the shape and finish that turned my head on the SCH-3500 model. Also, I don't need these additional features... sometimes I forget that we're talking about a PHONE here! :)
--The Downside--
The Price
I'm accustomed to receiving a free cell phone when I sign up or renew my service. So when I found out the price of this phone was $149.99 out of my pocket, I was not amused. I did get a rebate of $25 as some kind of special Mothers' Day Promotion, but still, I had to shell out $125.
--In Conclusion--
I LOVE THIS PHONE! It's gorgeous looking, sturdy, light, compact, and high quality. It's easy to use, gives highly reliable service, and it's just plain fun! I am very happy with this purchase and highly recommend this phone to anyone in the market for a full-featured dual band cell phone.
On an additional personal note (aimed at those near my own age) can you imagine if someone would have come up to us when we were kids and told us that this technology would really exist in the future? And to top it off, we would actually possess one of these phones when we got older? "Yeah!" "Right!" "Suuuuuure!" Well, that's part of why I love having it. I feel like I've got my hands on something that, in the past, was only available in the wildest of imaginations. :)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 149.99
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Epinions.com ID:
netKat
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Kat
Location: Maryland
Reviews written: 166
Trusted by: 871 members
About Me:
Analytically inclined mom, bank officer, freelance writer, and internet addict.
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