Motorola ic502 Buzz: A Direct Connect Cell Phone for Seniors

I have mentioned in one of my posts that Sprint Nextel's Direct Connect mobile phones are popular with seniors because they need to push one button to connect to family and friends. I decided to take a closer look at one of these Direct Phones, the the Motorola ic502 to see why it's popular with elderly mobile phone customers.

However, before we can explore the phone I thin it would help to have some background knowledge on Sprint Nextel's Direct Connect service. This service allows customers to connect with co-workers, family and friends in under a second. How is this done? Simple, Direct Connect mobile phones allow users to make a call to anyone in the push-to-talk network by pressing a single button.

Now let's proceed with the Motorola ic502 or the Motorola Buzz. This handset is the first CDMA/iDEN hybrid phone. It uses iDEN for walkie-talkie functions and CDMA for voice and data. Let's explore the reasons why the Motorola ic502 is a popular cell phone for seniors.

I think that senior cititzens like this phone primarily of its Direct Connect capability. The Motorola Buzz supports Nextel's Direct Connect walkie-talkie service (including Group Connect, which lets you chat with up to 20 others at once, via PTT). It also has Direct Talk, which allows out-of-network walkie-talkie chat with another Direct Talk handset at a range of up to six miles.

Seniors Appreciate the simplicity that comes with the phone. They can make a call by simply pressing a button. And the best cellphones for seniors are simple or basic phones because they are easy to use. They don't have to go through complicated actions to make calls which is a benefit because seniors do not have the sharpest memories.

The design of the Motorola ic502 Buzz is also a factor that makes it a suitable mobile phone for senior citizens. It feels comfortable in the hand and has rubberized sidings that add some extra durability. More importantly, it has high resistance for dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, low pressure and solar radiation. This means that it can withstand being dropped by the frail fingers of an elderly person.

This Sprint Direct Conjnect mobile phone for seniors also scores points with its navigation buttons and keypad. The Motorola Buzz have large buttons that are tactile and easy to use. It also has keypad buttons that are well-designed for use by the elderly. This handset has large and clearly separate keys. Dialing is easy with this phone because the keys are raised slightly above the surface of the phone. The weak eyes of senior citizens will benefit from backlit keys with large numerals.

It's easy to see why the Motorola ic502 is a popular cell phone for senior citizens. It's design fits the needs of senior users and it offers an easy and simple way to make calls.