Business Acumen For The Mobile Generation (Ericsson R320s)

Member Name: rclens

Product:	Ericsson R320s
Date:	25/07/01 (157 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stylish

Disadvantages: None

Having decided to purchase a new mobile phone and service plan I began my search on ciao for positive opinions on the phones available, therefore my choice is based on all opinions before it. I eventually decided on the Ericsson R320s with its sleek look and large screen. It may look a little more bulky than the ever popular Nokia phones but for good reason as it is WAP enabled.

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Sound Quality

Using EFR technology for improved sound quality, the R320s provides clear and extremely audible sound and, even when running on a low battery, the clarity remains excellent.

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Main Features

About 4 hours talktime and 96 hours standby are adequate enough and are generally what most phones allow nowadays (T20s allows up to 200 hours standby). The phone charges within 2 hours therefore allowing for quick re-charge whilst on the move. As well as having a battery power indicator on the main screen, a detail screen can be brought up stating how much talk and standby time is left as well as the date. By simply pushing a menu slider located on the side of the phone this screen appears. The slider can also be used to navigate the menus with more ease and acts as the volume changer during a call: certainly a handy addition to the phone.

A decent phone book feature stores up to 189 names and numbers (90 on the sim card and 99 on the phone itself). Also storing up to 10 email addresses the phone book is handy to use and finds the contact fairly easily when searched.

10 pre-programmed ringtones are available as well as 4 that can be edited (oh i really do hate the tones given!!). It is fairly easy to edit the tones and I came up with some far better tunes after a short play without the manual.

Alarm Clock (what is says).
Stopwatch (easy to use and has up to 9 laps availability).
Timer (max 23 hours 59 minutes and 59 seconds).
Calculator (e
asy to use and supports fairly large numbers).
WAP enabled (cannot say anything about this as I have not and will never use it).
Vibrating Alert (in conjunction with ring or not- it is very discreet but works effectively).

Multi-language support (includes Chinese and Arabic as well as the main European ones which can be expected).

Calendar Function (alerts can be added and will come up on screen at the time set).

Games (Tetris- excellent to use and stores the 3 highest scores; Klondike- card game that I cannot be bothered to learn-not worth being on the phone).

Voice Memo (record up to 92 seconds normal quality or 36 seconds high quality. You can also record yourself or the other person during phone calls although my only attempt froze the phone).

Call Waiting and Conference Talk (have a conference with a number of people from the one phone and also if in the middle of a conversation and someone else calls it will alert you and you can choose whether to accept it or divert it- useful feature but I have not tried it out yet).

Built-in Infra-red modem to use with PDA devices- to send emails etc (another feature I shall never use).

Voice-dialling (very useful but it plays back the word you have just said, so if you hate your 'recorded' voice this could be hell!)

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Accessories

With Orange the phone came with a Hands-free kit which works brilliantly and is very clear.
Charger. Comes in two parts making it easier to leave the main part plugged in but the ability to store the lead away.
Vibrating Battery. This fits firmly into the back of the phone without the need for a plastic cover.

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Conclusion

The phone may not feel totally robust but it looks superb and the sound quality is exceptional even with medium reception. The slider button provides an easy way of changing the c
all volume whilst in a conversation and feels sturdy enough. Many phones come with chargers that 'pop' out if the phone if you pull on the lead a slight bit but the R320s locks in better and can rarely be accidentally pulled out. The screen is large and concave which protects from scratching more easily. Overall I am pleased. I do like the Nokias but they have become too popular so if you are looking for a business type phone packed with features then this is the one.

Summary: