Motorola i850 Phone (Nextel)
January 24th, 2006 - Posted in Motorola
With the i850, Nextel and Motorola continue their tradition of offering powerful handsets that help folks get the job done. With a built-in VGA camera, multimedia messaging, voice dialing, a speakerphone, and support for Nextel’s legendary Direct Connect walkie-talkie service, this phone is designed to deliver great functionality in a stylish, easy-to-use package.
Design
The i850’s clamshell form factor sports a very large, 176 x 220 TFT color display with 262,000 colors. Meanwhile, the outside cover of the handset features a supplementary, 96 x 32 monochrome display that displays time, call information, battery and signal strength, and more. The phone’s VGA (640 x 480) camera unit is placed just above this display. The speakerphone is located on the rear of the phone while the trademark Direct Connect and menu scrolling functions can be controlled from the side of the phone. The phone’s control pad features a five-way button that can control most of the phone’s functions, and there’s also a 2.5-millimeter headset jack for connecting a hands-free headset.
Calling Features
The i850’s built-in address book can store up to 600 contacts for quick and easy management of phone numbers and e-mail addresses. The phone comes with built-in polyphonic ringtones plus a vibrating alert, and more polyphonic ringtones can be added via download from the Nextel Online service. Voice-activated dialing makes calling your friends, family, and associates as easy as saying their names, while a built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. And if you have an emergency, the i850’s GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911.
One of the key features of any Nextel phone is support for Nextel’s Direct Connect walkie-talkie technology. The i850 fully supports the service, which allows for one-touch conversations with anyone else on a Nextel phone, or with entire groups of Direct Connect users. It’s like a having a CB radio with enough range to cover all of North and Central America. With the i850’s powerful Direct Talk function you can also communicate in walkie-talkie mode when you’re not even connected to the network. The system works anywhere, anytime between compatible phones within a range of up to 6 miles (range will vary based on terrain and conditions). Direct Talk provides a reliable backup communications tool in times of emergency, network outage, or when traveling to remote areas not under Nextel coverage. And last but not least, the i850 features a walkie-talkie private speaker button. This switches from the external speaker to the earpiece for private conversations or to minimize disruptions in quiet environments.
Messaging, Internet, and Tools
The i850 features MMS-based support for mobile-to-mobile or mobile-to-e-mail text, images, and audio messaging. When used with the phone’s built-in camera, MMS (multimedia messaging service) messaging opens up a whole new world of messaging fun. T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built in to the unit–a plus for mobile e-mail and text messaging users. Getting on the Internet anywhere is easy with the i850, as well. Nextel’s optional Nextel Online package allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages, and view your favorite Web content on your phone. Nextel Online also features games, ringtones, real-time news and sports updates, virtual address books, and more–all delivered to your Nextel phone. Also, because the i850 is GPS-enabled, you can use Nextel’s location-based safety services like Mobile Locator, which allows you to locate a friend or family member’s phone location at anytime, right from your computer. And finally, the i850 ships with a calendar, a voice memo application, and a time and date clock.
Imaging and Entertainment
The i850’s 640 x 480 camera is enhanced by the phone’s Media Center application, which allows you to easily store, browse, and send your photos. The i850 is also packed with a number of Java applications. TeleNav for audible driving directions is included, as is 1KTV multimedia for news (both require a subscription). Preloaded games include Zuma, Block Breaker, and Texas Hold’em. More game downloads are available via the Nextel Online service.
Vital Statistics
The Motorola i850 weighs 4.32 ounces and measures 3.46 x 1.85 x 1.14 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 245 minutes of digital talk time and up to 70 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the IDEN 800 frequency. The phone comes with a one-year limited warranty.