|
|
Motorola i530
Wireless/Mobile Phone/Cell Phone
|
  |
Rated 3.5 out of 5 Overview Compatible with Nextel cell phone service, the ultra-durable Motorola i530 packs all the really necessary features of a modern cell phone into the world's first weatherproof clamshell frame. This phone is so hardy, it actually meets military standard durability specs. If that's not enough, there's also Internet access, speakerphone functionality, a 600-entry phone book, voice recording, voice activation, and more. Durability The i530's Military Standard 810 F certification means that the phone can function normally in environments with high degrees of dust, shock, and vibration. Its hard rubber encasing and interior linings and seals all work to protect the phone’s antenna, speaker, keys, battery door, and accessory connections. The i530 also sports tough, rubberized keys designed to be both easy to use and durable in their size and resistance to accidental depression. Calling Features Used simply as a phone, the i530 sports a handy 4-way scroll key and two command keys for relatively easy navigation. It also includes a speakerphone function, important for the outdoor/industrial user, which has its own dedicated key. In its closed position, the i530's external screen lets you preview calls before you answer. The phone can also be set to connect to the last Direct Connect call or to a previously assigned Direct Connect contact, by pressing the PTT button. Other calling features include vibrating alert, downloadable voice activation (allowing users to speak a command or number and the phone will respond without a key being touched), recent calls list, call hold, call waiting, a 600-entry phone book, and keypad lock. Messaging and Internet The i530 includes basic text messaging, and its Net services include access to news, weather, entertainment, and other Mobile Net-enabled sites, as well as downloadable ring tones, and the always-handy GPS support (for non-Java services such as Mobile Locator). Other features The i530 also provides time/date notification, an accessory connector cover that enhances the phone's durability by protecting the bottom accessory connector from dust and debris, a headset jack for direct plug-in without an adaptor, and English, French, and Spanish language settings. Vital Statistics The Motorola i530 weighs 6.63 oz. including the battery, and measures 3.6 x 2.0 x 1.1 inches. The phone comes with an OEM standard Lithium Ion battery (750 mAh) rated at about 165 minutes talk time and 75 hours standby time. A travel charger is also included.
Features of Motorola i530:
- hands-free cellular conversations are always available with the built-in speakerphone
- motorola i530 is great for those who need added durability, and want other great features
- performs in dusty environments, stands up to short drops and exposure to vibration from heavy machinery use
- provides operation of phone when closed with a single key
- set your phone and instantly connect to the last direct connect call or an assigned direct connect contact by pressing the ptt button (also works for group connect)
Reviews:
| I love the phone and service! | Rating: 5 |
| I love my Nextel i530. Purchased it almost a year ago now. I am in northern Ohio and travel many places around the state. No matter where I have gone, and I take my phone everywhere with me, I have yet to find a place where my phone doesn't have Nextel service. Also, very durable phone. I live on a farm here, and we use the two-way often to communicate. My phone in particular has been dropped several times, once off a grain bin onto concrete 35 feet below, and once also driven over by four wheeler in mud. Still works like new. I am extremely happy with Nextel's service and phones. I know several other people with different model Nextel phones and also can't complain. I would definitely recommend Nextel over Verizon, Alltel, Cingular, and Sprint. Other companies have such cheap phones it seems. It's a shame that Sprint and Nextel merged - from my experience with Sprint, they are terrible with no service anywhere, and their phones suck too. |
| Dependable and Durable | Rating: 4 |
I have used the i530 for a little over two years and have had no problems with the unit, or with NEXTEL's service. To simplify your reading, here is a list of pros and cons.
Cons: A little chunky; Lacks up to date features and tech (such as color screen, external display, etc.); Battery life is nothing to write home about.
Pros: Durability (been dropped off a roof, still going strong); Looks (yellow model); Call quality is excellent; Good speakerphone; Digital 2-way is a great feature.
Overall, I am very satisfied with my i530. The only issue among the cons that is of any real concern is the battery life, but this is characteristic of most NEXTEL phones - perhaps due to the nature of the iDEN network on which they operate. Even after two years, my original battery lasts more than a day with moderate use. A pain? Slightly, but given the advantages of NEXTEL, its worth remembering to charge up more often. Please beware of several overly negative reviews on NEXTEL posted below - my experience with their coverage, customer service, etc. has been very positive. Just make sure you do your homework with respect to coverage before you sign up with any wireless company. Go with the one that gives the best coverage in the areas in which you live, work, or travel. It's always best to actually put the printed coverage maps to the test with a real phone. Some providers are overly optimistic. NEXTEL's maps are pretty legit, at least as far as I have discovered. |
| Motorola should recall this, or remove the battery-- makes a great paperweight! | Rating: 2 |
| My office has numerous i530 phones that came with our contract. No person in our office has ever commented on how much they like this phone or its performance. Battery life is terrible out of the box, the interface is clunky, and our personal phones with half the bulk have at least twice the overall performance. If everything else in your life is perfect then this phone is for you-- it will give you SOMETHING to complain about. For the rest of us consider other models or other manufactures to work with your Nextel/Sprint network contract. |
| Get a free unlocked Motorola RAZR v3i instead! | Rating: 4 |
| Why settle for less, or commit yourself to a specific cellular provider and service plan, when you can get a complimentary unlocked top of the line Motorola RAZR v3i cell phone that works with any cellular service provider and any SIM card. I got mine free at this web site: stuffgratis.biz/razrv3i |
| Tough but basic | Rating: 4 |
| I bought this phone knowing it didn't have many extras. It is great for what it is. I've always gotten a great signal and sound quality, everyone says it sounds like a landline phone when I talk to them on it, and it's sturdy as can be. There was even a time when I fell at Oktoberfest and landed right on it, but it was no worse for it. My contract is up so I'm getting another phone with more toys on it (camera, mp3 player, etc.), but I can't say anything bad about this phone other than that the battery seems to wear down faster than other phones I have had. If you need a tough phone with a good signal and don't need any toys on it, this one is great! |
| good no nonsense | Rating: 4 |
(Michelles husband using her account)
I chose Nextel because most of the contractors I know use Nextel and the walkie talkie feature is wonderfull for quick communication. I chose the i530 phone because I needed a phone that would take being trashed around on a toolbelt all day, getting sawdust, MDF dust and other grit in and on it. I didn`t need "extras" like cameras, color screens, MP3s ect. Just a solid phone that would take abuse and keep working. The i530 seemed to be the best option without being too big and bulkie for non-jobsite use too. So far, after several months it holds up great. I bought a nylon case built for toolbelts to go with it and while a little bulkie it works well. The only complaint I have about the case is that it doesn`t hold the phone closed well and sometimes my phone flips open while I`m working.
The only complaint I have about the phone is the weak battery life. It frequently doens`t get me through a whole workday of moderate use, forcing me to buy a car charger to hook up to my jobsite radio. Overall I like the phone though and did buy one for my wife too. She works outside all day with horses and had similiar durability needs to mine. |
By Motorola |
The Mobile Phone Saving Network