Motorola T720, a Massive Step in the Right Direction
Written: Nov 11 '02
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Pros: Color screen, small size, "cool factor," features, etc...
Cons: Short battery life (?), holster problems, menu navigation
The Bottom Line: You must see it to believe it...
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| lambchops's Full Review: Motorola T720 Cell Phone |
After owning and promptly getting rid of an Ericsson T19LX, I settled on the newer and sleeker StarTAC ST7868. That phone lasted an amazing two years…just long enough to allow for a new plan and new, free phone.
Yes, I did say free.
The day my plan was renewed and I purchased a new phone seven individuals in my group were doing the same thing. As a result of this group endeavor, we were given the privilege of choosing any Verizon phone free of change. I was already accustomed to pithy amounts of battery life, and when asking about the Motorola T720 I discovered that despite the many complaints about talk time that it was indeed better than my StarTAC. Therefore, I wouldn’t be disappointed with that part of the phone.
The rest of the specs looked kosher, I liked the looks of the screen and the phone, and it was free. So the Motorola T720 is now a part of my purse arsenal.
Initial Impression
Without question, the main draw of this cell phone is the large-ish color display. It’s easy to see with crisp details and 4096 colors. It is likely to catch any onlooker’s eye. The sleek silver casing and miniscule dimensions also are appealing. The screen holds up to 9 lines of text and a single line of icons. Users may personalize phones in multiple ways from changing the color scheme to relating specific ringtones to certain callers. In addition, for an extra charge ($25 for two) owners can have different faceplates in colors ranging from green, blue, and red (my personal favorite) to tie-dye.
The size is minimal at just 3.6” x 1.9” x 1” when folded, smaller than my StarTAC. This is a flip phone, but a LCD screen on the outside of the unit will alert you to any incoming calls with the built-in caller ID feature. In addition, the small size also allows for it to be just 4 ounces. There are smaller phones on the market, but this one is about the smallest one with a color display.
Battery Life
As far as that aforementioned battery life issue, the manufacturer specs allow for 130 minutes digital talk time and 287 hours of standby. In using the phone, I’ve found these numbers to be accurate though I’m not the most avid of cell users. With that said, the phone comes complete with a 750mAh lithium-ion battery. For a mere $59.99 more, extra active talkers can pick up a larger battery for an additional 4 hours of talk time. The box comes complete with a wall charger, but a rapid-charging car charger (which I purchased) cost an additional $29.99…though this was no big issue because of the price of the phone.
Features
The Motorola T720 has a number of additional features. Of course, it includes voice mail capability and two-way text messaging. Also featured are Internet browsing, voice activated dialing, text-entry software, PIM software (alarm, calculator, datebook), 500 number phonebook with multiple entries per name, 33 ringer tones and five vibrating alerts. For an extra few dollars (I’m cheap so I don’t have the service), uses may actually use that Internet browser, download new ring tones, download wallpapers and screensavers, and download games. Included in the box are the wall charger, holster, manual, and actual phone.
In the case of emergency, the T720 has an embedded Global Positioning System (GPS) chip that allows for the E911 location safety feature and for added location features. That E911 will assist vehicles and rescue workers in finding you in emergency situations.
The Downside(s)
While I adore my Motorola T720, there are a few issues that need to be address. The menu system was difficult to master. Without referencing the users manual, it took about a half an hour to figure out how to add phone numbers, change my wallpaper, change ringtones, and various other basic tasks. It took nearly as long to re-locate the options on the second time around.
Then there is the issue of the battery. Personally, this is a non-issue considering the shoddy life of my StarTAC. But there are more robustly powered phones out there like Motorola V60i. Then again, there are phones out there with even worse battery life.
The holster could have also used some extra thought. I’m sure that they changed it so that it didn’t open up so easily to prevent accidental calls and the like. But in doing so, it’s become necessary to actually remove the phone from its resting place to make a call. This makes my husband none-too-happy. I, on the other hand, do not use the holster.
And then there is the price…Since mine was free, I can’t complain. For $250, it is reasonable, but not within my means. For $250 plus the $100 mail-in rebate, it’s a must-buy. In a few months, it will probably be even less expensive.
Final Notes
As a cell phone user, I recommend the Motorola T720. It’s a beautiful, easy to carry, and fun phone. While there are issues with battery life and usability, it’s difficult to complain much…
Rating: 4/5 stars
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 0.00
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Epinions.com ID:
lambchops
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Member: Shelly T.
Location: Metro Detroit, Michigan
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Bye-bye CL hat. Hopefully I'll write some new reviews some time soon!
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