Tech review: Jitterbug J cell phone
July 1, 2009 By Bridget Carey
Jitterbug J cell phone
Features: This super-simple phone for seniors doesn't require a yearly contract -- just pay for minutes monthly. Easy-to-press big buttons. Has text messaging and Bluetooth capabilities. Phone contacts and settings (such as ringtones) can be changed on the phone or via the Web site MyJitterbug.com. It can also be done remotely for the user anytime by dialing "0" to reach live U.S.-based customer service. Roadside assistance and live nurse calling features available for an extra monthly fee. Calendar feature coming later this year.
Price: $147 for the phone. Plans start at $14.99 a month.
Ups: When you open up the clamshell phone, you actually hear a dial tone! I was cracking up, but the truth is, I'm sure the sound of a dial tone can be very comforting to a senior who has used only landline phones.
Instead of "OK," "Call" or "Cancel" buttons, the entire interface just uses "Yes" or "No" buttons. For example, when you enter a phone number, the screen displays a prompt asking "Dial?" Just press yes or no. The phone even incorporates the yes or no buttons in a friendly conversation when calling voicemail, with questions like "Would you like to delete this message?"
I'm also a fan of how it provides a list of 20 prewritten text message responses, such as "On my way," "Doing fine" and "Call me." After all, if the kids are texting, this is an easy way to respond. There is the option for users to type a personal message.
Downs: The volume controls could be a problem for some folks. They are located on the front cover of the phone, and because you have to have the clamshell open to adjust the volume, it feels awkward.
Bottom line: Coverage is good because it piggybacks off other carriers. I have seen cheaper simple phones on the market designed for seniors, but I've never come across a phone this simple to use. Because if all else fails and you can't figure out how to do something, just dial 0 to have the operator do it for you.
___
(c) 2009, The Miami Herald.
Visit The Miami Herald Web edition on the World Wide Web at http://www.herald.com/
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
-
Make Free Internet Calls From Your Regular Phone With Internet Phone Wizard
Jan 08, 2005 |
not rated yet |
0
-
60-second review: The Palm Pre
Jun 24, 2009 |
not rated yet |
0
-
Vodafone Simply: the more the better?
May 21, 2005 |
not rated yet |
0
-
Verizon aims to curb cell 'sticker shock'
Aug 08, 2005 |
not rated yet |
0
-
LG Launches Versatile LG-KF700
Apr 22, 2008 |
not rated yet |
0
-
Engineers build first sub-10-nm carbon nanotube transistor
Feb 01, 2012 |
4.9 / 5 (33) |
30
-
Something old, something new: Evolution and the structural divergence of duplicate genes
Jan 31, 2012 |
4.6 / 5 (7) |
1
-
The hidden nanoworld of ice crystals: Revealing the dynamic behavior of quasi-liquid layers
Jan 30, 2012 |
5 / 5 (4) |
1
-
Stock market network reveals investor clustering
Jan 27, 2012 |
3.9 / 5 (23) |
8
-
Of microchemistry and molecules: Electronic microfluidic device synthesizes biocompatible probes
Jan 26, 2012 |
5 / 5 (2) |
0
-
How to calculate total compressibility in liquid porous solid system
6 hours ago
-
Need help reading 3-D
Feb 11, 2012
-
A way to send and receive wireless data
Feb 11, 2012
-
Calling function with no input argument
Feb 10, 2012
-
Force free body diagram problem on gym equipment
Feb 10, 2012
-
Empirical data regarding shower heads and water
Feb 10, 2012
- More from Physics Forums - General Engineering
More news stories
Japan scientist makes 'Avatar' robot
A Japanese-developed robot that mimics the movements of its human controller is bringing the Hollywood blockbuster "Avatar" one step closer to reality.
Feb 10, 2012 |
5 / 5 (9) |
12
Intel packs performance and reliability into its latest SSD 520 series
Intel Corporation announced today its fastest, most robust client/consumer solid-state drive (SSD) to date, the Intel Solid-State Drive 520 Series (Intel SSD 520), a 6 gigabit-per-second (gbps) SATA III SSD ...
Feb 07, 2012 |
5 / 5 (1) |
4
Google rumored to have built Heads-Up-Display glasses prototype
(PhysOrg.com) -- 9to5Google is reporting that they have received a tip from someone they believe to be a reliable source saying that Google is working on a Heads-Up-Display (HUD) pair of eye-glasses. The per ...
New Kindle Touch is an impressive e-reader
When it comes to reading digital books, tablets are all the rage. But there's a lot to like about simple e-readers, which over the past year have become both a lot cheaper and a lot less clunky.
Electronics / Consumer & Gadgets
Feb 09, 2012 |
5 / 5 (4) |
1
Apple to debut 'iPad 3' in March: report
Apple will unveil a new version of its market-ruling iPad table computer in March, according to a report in Dow Jones-owned technology blog All Things D.
Electronics / Consumer & Gadgets
Feb 09, 2012 |
1.9 / 5 (21) |
0
Scientists discover molecular secrets of 2,000-year-old Chinese herbal remedy
For roughly two thousand years, Chinese herbalists have treated Malaria using a root extract, commonly known as Chang Shan, from a type of hydrangea that grows in Tibet and Nepal. More recent studies suggest that halofuginone, ...
New method to examine batteries -- MRI from the inside
There is an ever-increasing need for advanced batteries for portable electronics, such as phones, cameras, and music players, but also to power electric vehicles and to facilitate the distribution and storage of energy derived ...
A mitosis mystery solved: How chromosomes align perfectly in a dividing cell
Although the process of mitotic cell division has been studied intensely for more than 50 years, Whitehead Institute researchers have only now solved the mystery of how cells correctly align their chromosomes during symmetric ...
Overeating may double risk of memory loss
New research suggests that consuming between 2,100 and 6,000 calories per day may double the risk of memory loss, or mild cognitive impairment (MCI), among people age 70 and older. The study was released today and will be ...
Lab study raises questions over nano-particle impact
Tests involving chickens have raised questions about the impact on health from engineered nano-particles, the ultra-fine grains commonly used in drugs and processed foods, scientists said on Sunday.
Google might launch Drive for cloud storage soon
(PhysOrg.com) -- Google's next big move, according to the Wall Street Journal, is a cloud storage service called Drive. Hardly first to the plate, Google is simply catching up to introducing its cloud reposi ...