Features:
- Prepaid service
- Built-in FM radio
- SMS text-messaging support
- Up to 210 minutes' digital talk time and 135 hours' digital standby time
- Includes headset, PhoneWrap, NiMH battery, standard charger, and belt clip; $50 worth of airtime included
Description:
An attractive contoured design, swappable "phone wrap" fashion covers, a built-in FM radio, and a reasonable price are some of the highlights of the new Motorola V2282 phone. Combine this with VoiceStream Wireless's flexible prepaid service, and you have quite a tempting offer. This is a GSM phone that measures 5.1 by 1.8 by 1.0 inches, and weighs in at 5.2 ounces. While relatively large, it is lightweight, balanced, and easily portable. Motorola's characteristic smart-button navigation guides you through the V2282's menu options. The keypad design is logical, and the raised, oval-shaped keypad buttons are well-spaced and quite responsive, so we rarely misdialed a call. Plus, the phone felt good to hold, and we could dial one-handed. The four-line screen (two lines of text, two lines of status icons) is backlit and easy to read. A standard 2.5-millimeter communication jack for hands-free devices is integrated into the phone. The V2282's handy call management features, including scratchpad memory, assignable ringer tones, one-touch speed-dial locations, multiple call timers, and any-key answer, help you organize your communications. You can store up to 255 numbers in the V2282's phone book, and entering phone numbers is easy. Just punch in the number and a unique descriptor, and assign it a memory location. Incoming and outgoing call logs help you keep track of your conversations, and the incoming call log also keeps track of missed calls. The V2282 supports carrier-dependent features such as caller ID, call waiting, voicemail alerts, and SMS text messaging, which lets you send and receive alphanumeric messages with other devices. Unfortunately, there is no way to tether the V2282 to a PC, so you can't use it as a digital modem, or import your computer's address book to the phone. Also, the V2282 is missing PIM funtions, profile settings, and built-in vibrating alert. To keep your V2282 secure, you can use a three-digit code to lock the whole phone or to restrict outgoing calls to one of 10 numbers stored in special memory locations. The V2282's NiMH batteries are rated up to 210 minutes' digital talk time and 135 hours' digital standby time. In our testing, the V2282 held a call for 220 minutes, and it lasted for nearly 140 hours in standby mode. A basic phone for everyday use, the Motorola V2282 scores high marks in visual design and reliability. Interchangeable phone wraps, text messaging, FM radio reception, and a very reasonable price are reasons enough to give this phone consideration. --Thom Arno Pros:
- A sound prepaid option
- Impressive peanut-shaped design
- Swappable phone wraps covers
- Built-in FM radio
Cons:
How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, because analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode. Our Tests: We tested digital mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings. To test digital phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Because no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength.
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