Cell Phones for Seniors

Senior Mobile Phone Tutorial: Adding Emergency Contact Numbers to the Just5 J509 Phone Book

2012-02-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

Let's add another type of post to our blog. I thought that tutorials would be great because these type of post are helpful for folks who want to lean how to fully use their phone. Of course, we will focus on functions that can help the elderly.

For this post, we will look at a key function of the Just5 J509 cell phone for seniors. This phone allows users to add five emergency numbers to its phone book. This is a way for seniors to quickly call someone in cases of emergency.

Before we begin the tutorial, here's an image of the Just5 with its buttons and navigation keys. this will make the step-by-step guide easier to follow:

Now we can begin. Here's how to add emergency contact numbers to the phone book of your Just5 J509.

First press the Navigation Up key to access the menu.
Then select option “Phone Book” by pressing the Answer key or Green key.
Press the Navigation key up or down until “Emergency Number” option is displayed.
Press the Answer key or Green key three times, input the phone number, then press the Answer key or Green key again.
Repeat up to four times to fill the five emergency contact slots. Entering five emergency contacts improve the chances of getting an answer.

But what about if you want to change an existing emergency phone number? Well, simply repeat steps one to three. Then press the Answer key or Green key, then scroll down to “Edit Record” option, and press the Answer key or Green key twice. Edit the number by using key pad, press the Answer key or Green key to save the new number.

There you have it. A simple but useful tutorial for a cell phone for senior citizens. Stay tuned every week for more tutorials and related topics.

Sprint Samsung MPH-M370: Simple and Reliable

2012-02-13T13:29:00.000-08:00

The Samsung MPH-M370 from Sprint is one of the newest basic phones to enter the market. We seem to be getting fewer of these phones as the trend continue to swing towards powerful smartphones. But not to worry. Simple phones will always be available as long as there are young teens and seniors. Now back to our featured phone for this post.

Last year, Sprint's Samsung SPH-M360 proved to be a solid cell phone for seniors and this year's MPH-M370 is very similar with a few adjustments and alterations. So it should also be a good choice for seniors, right? Well, let's look at the details of this handset to see if it should be considered as a good option for the elderly.

Let's first look at the overall design. Well, there's no surprise here. It's a simple clamshell phone with a bubbly gray finish for good grip and dimensions that make it a compact phone that is easy to carry. Here are some images to give you a good look at this phone:

The main display of this phone measures 2.4-inches with 320x240-pixel resolution. It's a good size and bright enough for seniors with poor eyesight. It has a small interior screen which provides some key details without the need to open the phone. It shows the time, date, signal strength, and battery life.

A look at the phone's keypad and navigation array will indicate that it's an easy-to-use device. It has rubber keys, which are easy to press and respond will to the user's touch. The buttons are also large and separated so users will not find it hard to find a particular number to press. There are also bumpers, which guides your fingers so one can dial even without looking at the buttons.

Performance-wise, the Samsung MPH-M370 scored good marks overall. The call quality is good and the speakerphone also performed well.

The main features offered by this mobile phone for seniors also include a 1.3-megapixel camera, an alarm, a calendar, a calculator, address book, 10 preloaded ringtones, Bluetooth support and multimedia text messaging.

Here a few videos to give you another angle on this phone:

Follow this blog if you wish to see more post on the best cell phones for seniors in the market.

Senior Cell Phone Comparison: Tracfone SVC Phone Vs Consumer Cellular Doro PhoneEasy 410

2012-02-08T13:33:00.000-08:00

Are you ready for another battle of mobile phones for seniors? A week ago we matched up the Jitterbug J against the Just5. This time we will compare two more excellent phones for the elderly. Here's a comparison of the top senior-friendly features of the Tracfone Senior Value Cellphone and the Doro PhoneEasy 410 from Consumer Cellular.

We will follow the same formats with images and information to let our readers decide. Let's begin with:

Overall Design:

Front closed:

Opened:

Displays/ Screens:

The Tracfone SVC phone sports dual displays. The external screen has a resolution of 128 x 128 and the larger internal display measures 1.5 inches with 65K colors. On the other hand, the Doro PhoneEasy 410 features a larger 2 inch LCD display with 176 x 220 pixels.

Keypad/Buttons

Both of these phones have keypad with buttons that are ideal for senior mobile phone users. The SVC Phone comes with over-sized lighted keys while the Consumer Cellular Doro PhoneEasy 410 offers a spacious keypad with large digits, and the separated keys that are raised above the surface.

Senior-friendly features:

Let me enumerate the features of these phones that can help seniors. Let's begin with the SVC phone:

Easy menu navigation
911 Emergency Location Assistance
Hearing Aid Compatible

And for the PhoneEasy 410:

Emergency SOS button
Speakerphone
Hearing aid compatibility: M3 T4

Price: (reflects price at the time this post was published)

SVC Phone: $14.99 at KMart (Senior Package) with leather case, car charger, and hands-free headset

Doro PhoneEasy 410: $25.00 after instant rebate, applied at time of purchase.

Cell Phone Plans:

Tracfone SVC:

Doro PhoneEasy 410:

This comparison clearly show that both of this handsets can fit the needs of seniors. The handsets are pretty similar with both offering flip phone designs, simple features, easy navigation, and cheap pre-paid plans.

We hope that this comparison can help you pick a phone for your needs.

Stay tuned for more comparisons of cell phones for seniors and other similar topics.

Clarity to Offer the PAL Amplified Mobile Phone for Seniors Soon?

2012-02-06T12:46:00.000-08:00

Here's an exciting update that I discovered while exploring some websites that offer devices for senior citizens. I was exploring the Clarity website when I saw an intriguing image. Here it is:

Well, it's clear an ad for an upcoming amplified mobile phone. The image indicates that it will be called the Clarity Pal. I searched the websites press releases for an official announcement for this handset but I found none. I also searched the web and found nothing helpful.

I think it's safe to say that this upcoming cell phone for the elderly will hit the market this year. By the look's of it, it appears to be a worthy successor to the company's LifePhone. But then again, it might not even be a replacement. Perhaps the company plans to offer the Clarity Pal alongside the Clarity C900. That's not a bad plan since it would provide consumers with more options.

The picture indicates that the Clarity Pal will be a device that caters to the need of seniors. It's an amplified phone so it can work for users with hearing problems. The display also shows large fonts so it will also fit the needs of seniors with weak vision. It also appears to have large buttons so dialing is not a problem.

These elements indicate that the Clarity Pal will be a solid option for seniors. Hopefully, an announcement will be released soon so that we will have an idea of its price, features, and specs.

What do you think of this phone? Can it compete with other mobile phones for seniors? Stay tuned for more updates on this device and other phones for the elderly.

Senior Cell Phone Comparison: Jitterbug J VS Just5 J509

2012-02-01T12:44:00.000-08:00

I recently thought of a new format for our blogposts. We have already feature a lot of cell phones for seniors so I have to admit that finding new devices to feature is getting more challenging. So I thought that it would be interesting to make use of our old features and make comparisons.

I notice that many tech sites are comparison two or more phones against one another. This kinds of articles are often called phone battles, dogfights, or battle royals. So I thought this format would also work for our viewers since its interesting and helpful.

However, I will refrain from making a conclusion as to the winner of the comparison at the end of the post. You, our readers, will be the one's to decide the winner.

OK, enough with the intro and on with the battle. For this post we will compare the Just5 J509 and the Jitterbug J senior cell phones. These handsets are on the forefront of the market for cell phones for the elderly. So let's begin with a comparison of the physical design:

Jitterbug J Vs Just J509

Overall Physical Design: The Jitterbug J is a flip phone while the Just 5 is a bar-style device. Here are some images for comparison.

front:

back:

These images should give you an idea on how these devices look like and compare in terms of physical design. The Jitterbug J is available in graphite and red, while the Just5 can be purchased in black, red, white, orange, and gray.

Display/Color Screen: The Jitterbug J comes with dual displays. The internal screen measures 2.1 inches while the external display comes in at 1.1 inch. On the other hand, the Just5 has a monochrome LCD display.

Keypad/Buttons: This is a crucial feature for a cell phone for the elderly because seniors may have weak vision,. User-friendly keypads with large buttons that raised from the surface and separated from one another is ideal. Here are the images for the keypads on these handsets:

Emergency Button: Both of these handsets come with an emergency response system. The Just5 has a large dedicated button to automatically call emergency contacts and the Jitterbug J users can dial “0” anytime to reach a U.S. based, 24-hour operator.

Price: (reflects price at the time this post was published)

Jitterbug J: $99.00

Just5 J509: $89.99

Plans:

Now before we end this post let me highlight other points that were not directly addressed above. GreatCall, Jitterbug's manufacturer offers apps and services for seniors. We have covered some of them in this blog such as the LiveNurse and Medication Reminder.

OK. So what do you think of our first mobile phone for seniors comparison posts? Do you want more of these? We have plenty of SVC fans among our commenters so I'm sure they want to have their handset featured in an article like this.

Stay tuned for more posts on comparisons, featured phones, plans and other topics connected to senior mobile phone users.

Unpacking the Just5 Cell phone for Seniors

2012-01-30T09:32:00.000-08:00

I went over to browse the Just5 website and stumbled upon the packaging section. I thought it would talk about the eco-friendly packaging or the contents of the box for this senior phone. However, I quickly discovered that the section was meant to warn customers about purchasing knock-offs or fake handsets.

I can fully understand why Just5 wanted to educate consumers about buying the real thing. After all, fake handsets can damage their brand and the reputation of their products. Buying the real Just5 cell phone for seniors will ensure quality and support from the company's customer support.

Here are the images of the Just5 packing to help educate consumers on what to look for when buying one from a dealer:

I did more research and found an online video of the unboxing for this phone. Check it out to see what is inside this phone's box:

Hopefully, this video will help you to purchase the real thing. And perhaps it also gave you an idea on what the phone is about.

The Just5 J509 is one of the best handsets for the elderly. It combines ease of operation, large buttons, amplified sound and an emergency button. It is currently offered for $89.99, You can also check out our post on Just5 videos to know more about this device.

That's it for this post. Check us ut every week for more news, and features on the best mobile phones for seniors.

The Cheap and Simple Kyocera k126c from TracFone

2012-01-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

Seniors love simple phones because they can cater to all their needs at a low price. Phones like the Kyocera k126c from TracFone can solve the problems of users who simply wants to make a call. Some fancy phones may cost more because it forces one to pay extra for features you may not use. A basic and affordable phone like the k126c will not put a dent on your budget and provide for all you calling needs at the same time.

Let's take a closer look at this cell phone for seniors.

The Kyocera k126c is available at Tracfone, a carrier that specializes in prepaid devices. This types of cell phones are great for the elderly because of their low cost, and basic features. Since, I've mention that this handset is affordable, let us first discuss its price. This phone is currently available for around fifteen bucks. That's the full price so there are no annoying contracts and other fees involved.

This phone sports a basic bar style design with a LCD color display. It's a bit small but the fonts can be adjusted to fit your vision. It also offers a simple navigational system and a simple menu that allows users to make calls quickly. The keypad is also good because the buttons are speared from one another. They also have good size and are raised from the surface of the phone.

This phone also offers some useful features such as Text messaging, hands-free speakerphone, and a hearing aid compatible (HAC) rating M3.

If you wish to purchase the Kyocera k126c, then you should know that Verizon, US Cellular and Alltel networks.

I was unable to find videos for this phone so I'll just post a large picture to help you get a closer look:

Visit us every week for more mobile phones for the elderly and related topics.

Videos of the Samsung SCH-r100 Senior Phone

2012-01-23T12:03:00.000-08:00

The Samsung SCH-r100 or Stunt is one of the underrated cell phones for the elderly. It is not as well-known as the Tracfone SVC, Jitterbug J, or Just5 phone but it can also do a great job of serving the needs of seniors.

Well, the Samsung SCH-r100 is good enough to join the vaunted Jitterbug J at the Greatcall cell phone for seniors line-up. It has all the necessary attributes that make it a good phone for folks who are 65 years and older. For instance, it's cheap at just forty bucks and a powerful speakerphone. It's an easy-to-use device that also comes with 24/7 access to friendly who can provide friendly assistance.

We have already featured this phone so let's not dwell on the details. This post is dedicated to videos so we will give some videos of the Samsung SCH-r100. These clips include unboxing videos, reviews, and video tours.

Here they are! Enjoy:

We hope that those videos can help you to find out if this phone fits your needs. Stay tuned as we feature more phones and post more videos for the elderly.

Cheap Senior Phones: Motorola i412 from Boost Mobile

2012-01-19T09:39:00.000-08:00

We have not posted a lot of senior phones from Boost Mobile but no one can deny that this prepaid carrier has offered a number of simple phones that can help the elderly. Let's look at one of the affordable phones from this carrier and look at the factors that make it a good device for senior citizens.

The Motorola i412, like most prepaid handsets, is suited for users who want an affordable device with all the basic features. Well, this Boost Mobile phone answers that description. It sports an unremarkable flip phone design with a rectangular look.

The i412 offers an external display that shows useful information without forcing the user to flip it open. The tiny monochrome display shows the battery life, signal strength, plus the date and time. Open the phone and you will see the bigger internal display which measures 1.79-inches. It's a bit small when compared with other elderly friendly mobile phones but there are limits when we talk about cheap devices. The display offers a resolution of 128x160 pixels and 64,000 colors. Users with weak eyesight can adjust the text size to suit their vision.

This handset is easy-to-use and is no challenge even for your grandparents. This phone comes with a basic navigation array with two soft keys, a round toggle, a menu key, and a camera button. The number keypad is also user-friendly because it provides plenty of room and separated buttons, which are raised above the surface.

The i412 is marketed as a "Walkie-Talkie Push to Talk Phone". That means that users can use it like a Walkie-Talkie and allows users to numbers and assign PTT groups.

Now let's talk about how this phone performs. The call quality for this phone is good and users generally heard conversations clearly. The speakerphone calls also had good volume and clarity. This handset has a camera but the VGA-quality results are not impressive.

Here are a video of this phone to help you see how it handles in the wild:

So do you agree that the Motorola i412 from Boost Mobile can be suited for the needs of seniors? This phone is available for a prepaid price of $69.99 and is available with the carrier's monthly unlimited, daily unlimited and pay as you go plans.

That's it for this phone. Stay tuned as we look into more cell phones for seniors and similar topics.

GreatCall Phones, Devices, and Services for Seniors Showcased at CES 2012

2012-01-16T11:15:00.000-08:00

Emporia showed off its new cell phones for seniors at the recent CES 2012 show. However, they did not have the monopoly of showcasing senior-friendly products at the show. Not to be outdone, GreatCall also has some exhibits at the show. Let's look at the devices that were unveiled for consumers at the recently concluded event.

GreatCall's exhibit centered around the 5Star Responder. It's not a cell phone though so I won't dwell too long on this gadget. It may not be able to make calls but the responder can be very useful for the elderly. This device provides location tracking, and one-button access to the 5-Star Urgent Response service.

This useful gadget cost $50 up front, and $15/month. It's an option for consumers who want the 5-Star service for emergencies, and not a full phone service from GreatCall.

Here's a video that previews this device:

GreatCall also took advantage of CES 2012 to show off some of its iOS apps for the iPhone. But wait. Do seniors own iPhones? Well, this Apple smartphone is one of the top notched mobile devices with all the fancy features. It's overall design is not suited for the elderly since it has no physical buttons. However, it has an easy-to-use user interface and the large and sharp screen is ideal for seniors with weak eyes.

Of course, we should underestimate the ability of seniors to handle a device like the iPhone. There are some tech-savvy folks who are at the age of 65 or older. And if they can afford this premium device then they should be allowed to enjoy the senior-friendly iOS apps from Great Call.

So what are the mobile apps for seniors that we showcased at the show? Well, we have featured some of them already and they are also available on the Jitterbug J.

There's the 5Star Urgent Response, MedCoach, and Live nurse apps. Take note though that these applications will also be available to Android phone users in the near future.

The Live Nurse app provides basic health info while the Medcoach mobile application is a great pill reminder.

So what do you think of these devices? Is it time for a new Jitterbug phone for seniors?

Emporia Cell Phones for Seniors Showcased at CES 2012

2012-01-11T10:59:00.000-08:00

Emporia recently announced that it will expand its business and bring its handsets into North and Latin America. We also looked at two of the company's new senior phones last week.

Well, these handsets were also on display at the CES 2012 event. That's right. The event is not only a place to show off the latest 4G, Android or Windows Phone devices. Simple handsets that are suited for seniors are also shown at the show.

I did a search for hands-on videos of the EmporiaCLICK and EmporiaSolid Plus at CES and managed to find some clips.

Here are a couple of videos featuring the EmporiaCLICK and EmporiaSolid Plus:

If you want to get more looks, then head over to Engadget for some hands-on images. Here are the links:

EmporiaCLICK hands-on gallery
EmporiaSOLID Plus hands-on gallery

And here are some pictures from the CES website:

Stay tuned for reviews and other related topics on these handsets. Until next week. See you for more mobile phones for seniors and other related discussions.

Simple Phones for the Ederly: AT&T Z221 GoPhone

2012-01-09T10:23:00.000-08:00

Let focus on a simple cell phone on the second post for 2012. This time we will look at another basic mobile phone from AT&T's prepaid phones line-up.

The GoPhone portfolio has been a steady source senior-friendly mobile phones. But that's not surprising since the line-up is made up of prepaid phones with simple features. You wont find any fancy expensive smartphones in this group. For this post we will look at the AT&T Z221 GoPhone, a handset that is made by ZTE. We will look at the features that make it a suitable device for seniors.

Let's begin with the design. One look at this handset will tell you that is a basic clamshell phone. There are no part that slide from beneath its body. You simply open it up tp to make calls or send messages. Here are some images that provide views to the different angles of its body. Take a good look.

It's easy to see how this device fits the needs of seniors. It's uncomplicated, direct to the point, and easy-to-use.

Let's break down the details for its design. The outer display is small but it shows important information such as the time, battery, and signal strength without the need of opening the handset. The internal QVGA display measures 2 inches with 320x240 pixels and is pretty much standard for a cell phone for seniors.

The keyboard comes with large buttons but they are a bit flushed. They are separated but not as much as we would like. The numbers are large so folks would have no problem with dialing numbers. Dialing by feel though is not very easy.

Now what are the senior friendly features offered by the AT&T Z221 GoPhone? Well, it's a hearing aid compatible (M3/T4) phone, which makes it usable for seniors with hearing difficulties. This phone also comes with the carrier's pay-as-you-go service so users will not need to worry about contracts, credit checks, or deposits. It's a flexible plan that is cheap.

But this phone actually comes with some decent features despite being such a simple mobile device. For instance, it offers a basic camera that can record video. It also ships with Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1), 3G, e-mail, and access to social networking sites. Now, these are not essential features for seniors but its nice to have them on your affordable phone.

The AT&T Z221 GoPhone is being offered for $39.99 without a contract so it's within reach of senior users.

That's it for this cello phone for senior citizens. Stay tuned as we feature more phones every week.

Emporia Telecom to Bring a Couple of New Senior Cell Phones to North America

2012-01-05T12:18:00.000-08:00

A manufacturer of cell phones for seniors have decided to expand its business into North and Latin America. This company also announced a couple of handsets that can serve the need of seniors.

Emporia Telecom is not a big name in the US but of its phones have already been sold in the country. Do you remember the LifePhone? Well, that excellent phone was made by none other than Emporia. And the carrier has introduced a couple more phones to increase the options of the elderly.

The company has decided that the expansion will happen this Spring.

Now let us look at these new cell phones for seniors.

EmporiaCLICK: This phone sports a simple clamshell design with a piano lacquer finish and a stainless steel clasp. It has a clear and easy-to-navigate menu that allows users to quickly make a call or send messages. This phone also offers a ringtones that can be adjusted to very high volumes to help hearing impaired users. It also comes with high-powered vibration motors and a flashing LED light that warns users whenever a call is coming in.

EmproiaSolid: This handset comes with a rugged design that can take damage from being used in the workplace or outdoors. It's durable design also includes a large buttons and big fonts on its display.

Both of these handset come with a one-touch Call for Care button that allows users to automatically dials family, caregivers or emergency services when they are in need.

Here are a couple of videos that feature these phones. Unfortunately, the language is not in Englids but the clips will give you a glimpse of these handsets:

What do you think about this bit of news? Will the arrival of Emporia be beneficial to the elderly mobile phone users?

Stay tuned for more news and updates on senior cell phones and related topics.

Videos of the Doro PhoneEasy 410 from Consumer Cellular

2012-01-03T10:21:00.000-08:00

The first post of the year for our senior phone blog will continue a series of video related content. We have previously posted some videos of cell phones for seniors so I feel we should continue that trend again.

We will still post the basic stuff on new handsets for seniors that we uncover but posting videos might also be good for our visitors who wish toi see the phones in action. I feel that videos do a good job of showing the functions and the good things about these mobile phones for the elderly.

This time we will look at the Doro PhoneEasy 410 from Consumer Cellular, one of the best senior-friendly phones for the market. This phone is a big-button phone with a simple clam shell design. It comes with a cheap price of $ 25 and sports a large screen for users with poor vision. It also comes with an emergency feature that immediately alerts family and friends.

But enough with this descriptions. You can get an in-depth view with our look at the PhoneEasy 410. This post is dedicated to video clips so here they are:

I posted some tutorial videos and a few that provides reviews on the phone. These clips should be enough to give you a glimpse on this mobile phone for seniors.

Stay tuned as we feature more videos and previews of the best phones for the elderly and related topics.

Pantech Breeze: Three Generations of Mobile Phones for Seniors

2011-12-21T13:03:00.000-08:00

For today's post we will look at a cell phone that has served seniors through three generation of models. The Pantech Breeze was the original AT&T cell phone for seniors but the carrier has already announced the third version of this phone.

The Breeze III is also a good phone for the elderly just like its predecessors so I think it would to look back at these 3 senior-friendly phones. I'll post some basic info, images, and videos of these handsets.

Let's begin with the original Breeze. This phone was a simple device that feature a clean and uncluttered design. It was easy to use since it had simplified menus, over sized display, large keypad and quick-call keys.

Here are the images and videos of the first Pantech Breeze:

Then came the Breeze II. This phone arrived in 2010 and was offered for $19.99 with a two-year contract or a full price of $170. The 2nd Pantech Breeze ple flip phone with easy-to-use features just like the original.

It did have some new features including voice-guided GPS navigation, 3G connectivity, and Bluetooth. However, it remained at that time as one of the top phones for the elderly.

Here are the images and videos for this phone:

Fianlly, we come to the Pantech Breeze III, which was launched this year. I'm not going to go into the details of this phone since it was already featured in one of my post.

It is currently available for $29.99 after mail-in rebate with a 2-year agreement. It's priced has drooped to a more senior-friendly fee after a few months. This phone offers the simple flip design enhanced with 3G data, memory card slot, and a music player. It also shipped with with Audience earSmart and improved hearing-aid compatibility rating (Hearing Aid (HAC) rating M4,T4).

Here are the images and clips of this AT&T cell phone for seniors:

That's it for this look back at the Pantech Breeze. We hope that this post brought you information on a handset for the elderly. I hope yoyu liked the videos and images we added to this post. Stay tuned for more content on cell phones for senior cityizens and related information.

Cell Phone Plans for the Elderly: Sprint's Basic 200

2011-12-19T11:19:00.004-08:00

We have focused on cell phones for seniors for the past few weeks so I feel that its time for a change of pace. This day we will look at a mobile phone plan that suits the elderly to provide more variety for our readers. Hopefully, this post will be as helpful to our visitors as those that are focused on handsets.

For this post, we will look at Sprint's basic plan. This carrier does not offer a specific cell phone plan for seniors but we will see if this offering can also fit the mobile communication needs of folks who are 65 or older.

So we begin with the details of the Sprint basic plan 200.

As its name suggest, folks who subscribe to this plan will get 200 Anytime Minutes $29.99/month that can be whenever they choose. Now, to maximize the value users should use these minutes for peak weekday hours before your plan's Night and Weekend calling starts (9 pm). Those who wish to get more can pay 45¢ per additional minute.

So what other features does this plan provide. Well, this Sprint plan also offers roaming, and domestic long distance. The long distance feature can be useful for seniors who have family and friends that are living far away because it allows for coast to coast calling anywhere in the continental U.S.

This plan also include standard features such as data, and messaging. If the features seem to few to you, then you have to remember that this is an affordable plan and basic offering.

So how does it compare with other cell phone plans for seniors? Well, the other offerings by carrier are close in both pricing and features so it can certainly compete with them.

If you are searching for possible plans for a senior then this plan should be among your options. The only drawback with this pack is that it comes with a contract. It's less flexible than pre paid plans and comes with contracts and credit checks.

That's it for this Sprint mobile phone plan that can be ideal foe seniors. Stay tuned for more plans for the elderly. You can also browse our older post if you wish to see more of our featured post on senior-friendly plans. See you in a few days for another post.

Tracfone SVC Phone Videos

2011-12-14T11:46:00.000-08:00

Let's continue this series of videos for cell phone for seniors with another popular handsets. The Tracfone SVC Phone or Senior Value Phone is one of the rising phones for the elderly. It may not be as well-known as the Jitterbug or offered by a major carrier but word on its value as a phone for seniors is getting around.

The handset is actually the Samsung T155G, a phone that we have already featured in this blog. However, we did not focus on videos for this device so we decided to post a few clips for your enjoyment.

These Tracfone SVC Phone videos are more effective at letting you see the device in action. Unfortunately, we did not find a lot of tutorial or how to videos unlike our post on the Just5 senior phone videos. There are plenty of ads though, but I decided to post user reviews, unboxing videos and one testimonial video from Tracfone.

I don't want to keep you waiting so here are the Senior Value Phone videos:

And I added a few features for you to see this handset in new angles:

That's it for this videos of a mobile phone for seniors. if you want more, then tune in to this site every week. We have fresh content on new phones, plans, and services for the elderly.

The Simple but Effective Nokia 2705 Shade

2011-12-12T11:55:00.000-08:00

Let's look at another simple mobile phone released by Nokia. This manufacturer did not release a lot of phones in the US but the handsets that reached the US were mostly simple devices that are ideal for seniors.

This time let us take a look at the Nokia 2705 Shade, which was released by Verizon Wireless. This phone is more than two years old but it is still available via a few retail stores.

The Shade sports a simple design that is geared towards making calls. This is a good fit for senior users who require a cell phone as a device that allows them to commuincate with friends and family on the go. The phone's flip design sports a sleek body that is relatively straight forward. The only negative aspect that I see on this phone is the build quality. It's made out of plastic, which may not survive being dropped and seniors do not have the means to buy a replacement phone every few months.

Is this phone senior-friendly? Well, the 2 inch internal display performs well and users can alter the font size so it scores well in terms of display usability. The keypad is spacious with lighting for dialing in the dark. The buttons are flushed though wich means that users may take some time before getting used to dialing and messaging on this phone.

So what about performance? Tests show that the Nokia 2705 Shade performed well when making calls. We did not experience any major issues while making phone calls. The handset's volume was loud and and the voices sounded natural. These are great attributes for seniors who are hard of hearing. The battery lasts for hours with continuos talking and for up to 15 days while on standby.

The Nokia 2705 Shade also offers the following features:

up to 1,000 contacts
1.3 megapixel camera
Bluetooth
VZ Navigator

Here are a few videos that may help you to judge this phone's quality as a cell phone for seniors:

That's it for this post on a mobile phone for the elderly. Stay tuned for more post, pictures and videos of senior-friendly cell phones.

GreatCall Jitterbug J Videos on the Web

2011-12-07T09:39:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago, we posted some tutorial videos for the Just5 simple phone for the elderly. We've gotten some good response from the videos so I decided to post more clips of senior-friendly handsets.

This time we will post videos of the Jitterbug J from GreatCall, one of the most well-known cell phones for senior citizens. But before we post the videos, let me first provide some details on this phone. Of course, you can also read our feature post on the Jitterbug J if you want more details.

The Jitterbug J is currently available for around a hundred bucks and is known for its simplicity. It has a clamshell design with backlit keypad with big buttons for easy dialing and a color screen with large numbers for users with weak eyesight. This phone is also hearing-aid compatible and comes with speakers for loud, clear sound and an emergency feature that can quickly reach a U.S. based, 24-hour operator.

I guess that's more than enough for our background on this phone. Now let's proceed with the videos. Unfortunately, there are no tutorial videos for the Jitterbug J on the web. However, this clips provide plenty of info on this phone and what you see make convince one to get this phone.

Without further ado here are the Jitterbug J Videos:

That's it for this post. Visit us often if you wish to see more videos of the best mobile phones for seniors.

Sprint's Kyocera DuraCore: A Rugged and Simple Push-to-talk Cell Phone

2011-12-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

Sprint's new Direct Connect network has a limited number od phones. However, this line-up promises to have a few phones that may be suitable to the needs of the elderly. For example, the Kyocera DuraCore combines rugged and simple features to form a package that might be suitable for senior users.

First let's talk about price since an affordable handset is more suited for the elderly most whom do not have a steady source of income. Sprint is offering this phone for 69.99 with a contract but some retailers like Amazon Wireless offers it for only $0.01. It's a new phone so the price may be lowered in the next few months.

Now let look at the senior-friendly features of this mobile phone. First let's look at the design. The DuraCore sports a clamshell design that has been ruggedized to meet Military Standard 810G. That means that this phone can easily take on damage from dust, shock, vibration, and temperature extremes.

The body of this cell phone for seniors sports a non-slip rubber surface that makes it easier for users to hold it when making calls or sending messages. This is a good features for seniors because some of the elderly have reduced grip strength.

The display of this phone measures 2-inch QVGA TFT display with 240x320-pixel resolution. The screen is bigger than most displays sported by basic phones. It also comes with large font option for menus, which helps users with poor vision. It also comes with an external monochrome screen that displays important information such as the current time, incoming calls, and battery strength.

The keypad for this phone is also user-friendly, which is in line with its simple design. The Kyocera DuraCore has bubbly buttons for soft-key navigation. It's alphanumeric keypad buttons have good size and rise above the surface of the phone. The smooth, rounded edges allows the user to dial by feel.

The other senior-friendly features for this phone include Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free devices, bi-directional speakerphone, and hearing aid compatibility (M4/T4). This phone also supports Sprint's push-to-talk (PTT) service for quick conversations with families, and friends. it's a quick and simple way of communication that is suitable for seniors.

Here are a few videos that feature this phone:

Well, that's it for this post on a Sprint mobile phone for senior citizens. Stay tuned as we feature more phones, plans, services and related topics.

Features that Make Cell Phones Accessible for Seniors

2011-11-28T12:25:00.000-08:00

What makes a mobile phone suitable for user who is already 65 years or older? How can you tell if a cell phone will be a good fit for the needs of an elderly person? These are tow of the most common questions asked by people who are looking to purchase a phone for senior citizens.

But what are the answer to these questions? Well, let me give a few features that one should look at when shopping for a cell phone for a senior.

Large Buttons on a Spacious Keypad: a phone should have buttons that are easy to press and highly visible to users who might have weak eyes. There should by good separation between the buttons so that users can dial or compose messages by feel. One should also examine the backlighting of the buttons and see if the labels on the buttons are large enough to be read by elderly users.

Material used for Design: Senior citizens do not have the strongest of grips so a slippery phone will not be ideal. Look carefully at a phone that you are planning to buy and hold it in your hand. It should be comfortable to hold and come with a non-slip grip so that a senior-user will not drop it easily.

Adjustable Screen brightness and Fonts: Since most seniors have less than perfect eyesight, a buyer should pay attention to the display. It should be bright enough to illuminate the information on the screen. It should also have adjustable fonts so users can alter its size to fit their vision. A phone with a small display can still be good for seniors as long as its fonts are big enough to serve users with weak eyesight.

Presence of a Lanyard Pin: Some accessories that aid senior users may require a lanyard pin. For instance, straps and lanyard can allow users to use the phone without holding them. These accessories are useful for users who use canes or walking sticks.

Simple Overall Design: Arguing about the best design for senior users would be a waste of space. Instead, I'll just describe the attributes that one should look for when finding a phone for senior citizens. A phone should have a simple design that does not require complex movements when answering a call. A device with functions that require inching, twisting or rotation of the wrist may not be suited to seniors who have fragile joints.

That's it for the features that make a mobile phone accessible for elderly users. We hope that this information will help you as you search for a good handset for seniors.

Stay tuned for more articles, updates, news and other posts that are related to cell phones for the elderly.

Just5 Cell Phone for The Elderly Tutorial Videos

2011-11-23T10:41:00.000-08:00

I have written a lot of blog post for the last few years in an effort to contribute to seniors mobile phone users. In this endeavour, I most often rely on words to convey and share information on mobile phone for seniors. However, I realize that videos can also be a good tool for this blog.

Videos are not being used in the internet as a form of expression or advertisements. But videos can also be used for education and this post will illustrate this point. For this post, I will feature a couple of videos that provide information on the Just5 mobile phone for seniors.

This handset is just on e of the many options available for the elderly on today's mobile phone market. It's a device that integrates "ease of operation, big buttons, amplified sound, a long-lasting battery for reliability, and an emergency SOS button" into its design. Here are a couple of videos that feature this phone for the elderly.

Just5 easy phone introduction video:

This clip highlights the best features of this phone including the emergency response system or SOS button, the large buttons, large display fonts, speaking keypad, simple menu, built-in flashlight, and FM radio.

How to use the Just5 Easy cell phone:

This video provides a quick tour of the simple functions of the phone including unlocking the handset, enabling the flash light, adjusting the volume, using the SOS button, making a call, saving contacts, and digital dial readout.

Here are a few pictures of the Just5 handset in case you want a closer look as its senior-friendly design:

That's it for these tutorial videos of a mobile phone for seniors. If you want more videos, then don't worry. We will be posting how to videos and tutorial clips of other cell phones for those who ware 65 years or older.

The Emporia RL1 Big-Buttoned Phone for Seniors

2011-11-21T12:06:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since we featured a senior phone from Emporia. This manufacturer is best known for creating the Life phone, which is one of the top cell phones for the elderly. This time we will look at the RL1, a phone that follows in the wake of other senior-friendly phones form Emporia.

The Emporia RL1 is a good mobile phone for seniors because it's a device that has been designed with simplicity and usability in mind. It was built to be a phone for users who mostly want to talk and text with their phones. But that's a general description. Let's go over the facts and figures that makes this handset a good device for the elderly.

Let's begin with the display. The RL1 sports a 1.8 OLED display with 160 x 128 pixels. It's not a Retina display but it gets the job done for folks with weak eyesight. The screen has high contrast so users will easily read the information depicted on the display.

Now let's look at the body of this phone. This mobile phone for seniors comes with a light plastic body with big, chunky buttons. The buttons may look ugly but they are designed to be large so that seniors and other users can dial or compose a text message with ease. The numbers and letters printed on each button are larger than your average phone. This was intended to aid users who may have difficulty seeing small text.

The simplicity of the handset extends to its menu interface. Users will find that it has a minimalistic user interface that allows them to easily navigate the features. They can easily access the phone book, and dialer should they wish to contact a friend or family member.

The Emporia RL1 also comes with a few extra features such as the torch button which activates the bright LED flashlight on the top. It also offers a calculator, a birthday reminder, and a battery that only needs to be charged after several days.

Here are a few videos that feature the Emporia RL1:

That's it for this post. Follow use regularly for more post on mobile phones for senior citizens.

TTY-compatible Cell Phones for Seniors

2011-11-16T10:02:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone! I hope that those of you who have been following this blog are having a great week. For the last feature for this week, we will look at a cell phone feature that can serve the needs of seniors and those who have speech and hearing disabilities. It's a feature called TTY or Text Telephone / Teletype Terminal / TeleTYpewriter.

So what is it? TTY is a technology that is designed to cater to the needs of people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired. It allows users to use a cell phone to communicate by enabling them to type text messages.

Now, here's an interesting question. Why is it different from text messaging? Well, TTY is more like text version of a phone call. It's a form of synchronous communication through text.

So how does it work? How can a senior use a TTY-compatible cell phone?

First one needs to connect the handset with a TTY-machine. This is usually done via a headset jack. The TTY machine will then connects to a relay service, which converts incoming speech to text for the person using the TTY. The relay service will then convert the outgoing text from the TTY machine to a spoken voice for the person on the other end of the conversation.

Here are a video that illustrates how it works:

Here here are links to TTY-Compatible cell phones that can help seniors who are hard of hearing:

We hope that this post can help the elderly and folks who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired. Stay tuned as we feature more cell phones for seniors and related topics.

Image Credit: United TTY

The Simple and Affordable LG1500 from Net10

2011-11-14T11:12:00.000-08:00

Let's look at our second phone from Net10, a company that offers prepaid cell phones and services. We featured the LG100C last August so it's about time that we blog about another phone from the same prepaid company. For this post, we will look at the LG1500.

One look at the LG1500 will tell you that it's not a recently released phone. It sports a blocky flip design and it even comes with an external antenna! This simple handsets hails from 2004 when mobile phones were designed primarily to make calls. Most of today's users will probably not give this device a second look but it can still be of value to some folks.

The elderly will be a good fit for the LG1500 because it fulfills two of their most important needs. This Net10 phone is affordable with a prepaid price of $30.00 and it's an easy-to-use phone. Let's delve deeper and look at the factors that make this device a suitable phone for senior citizens.

This handset sports an internal display that measures 1.6 inches diagonally. Yeah, it's pretty small but it comes from a time when large displays were uncommon. Luckily it has 65,000-color support and bright so it's decent. But the font size is not adjustable, which would have great for seniors with weak eyesight.

The display may not be very impressive but the keypad is quite senior-friendly. The keypad's design is clean, simple, and straightforward so even inexperienced senior cell phone users will find it easy to dial.

the simple design of the LG1500 also ensured of great performance when making calls. The external antenna resulted in solid call quality. The sound is clear and the volume is loud. The recipients of our calls have very little complaints when we tested the device.

Here's a list of the features for this cell phone for seniors from Net10:

MP3 ringtone support
speakerphone
external caller ID
WAP 2.0 with one-touch access button
830 mAh Li-Ion battery

An here's a video for the folks who want to see this phone in action:

That's it for this senior mobile phone. Check this blog every week if yopu want to see more post one all things mobile phone for the elderly.

The Cheap Doro PhoneEasy 410 from Consumer Cellular

2011-11-08T09:47:00.000-08:00

Consumer Cellular is one of the carriers that offers a special program for senior citizens. This company has allotted phones and deals that specifically target the needs of the elderly. This Consumer Cellular phone for seniors was introduced two years ago and still remains as one of the best options for folks who are 65 years or older. Let's look at the simple and easy-to-use Doro PhoneEasy 410.

Sine the PhoneEasy 410 is a phone that is being offered to seniors it comes with a price that is friendly with most budgets. Consumers can get this phone for $25.00 after instant rebate plus a $35.00 activation fee. This offer does not come with a contract so it provides flexibility and allows consumers to avoid irritating fees and credit checks.

Now, let's look at the features that makes the Doro PhoneEasy 410 a good mobile phone for senior citizens. Let's start with the design.

The handset sports a flip design with an easy-to-read color display with large text so its suitable for users with weak eyesight. It measures 2-inches with 176x220-pixel support. You can't alter the size of the font but there's really no need to since it's large enough even for users who are partially sighted.

The keypad for this phone is also designed for seniors. The spacious keypad comes with soft-touch buttons with rubbery feel. One will find it easy to dial by feel because the number keypad some large digits, and the keys are raised above the surface.

There are other senior friendly qualities that combine well with the phone's practical design. For instance, there is plenty of volume and very little static or background noise when making calls so it scores high marks for performance. It's also it’s Hearing Aid Compatible (T3/M3) so it's a good choice for seniors who are hard of hearing.

The phone also comes with an emergency feature that allows the users to quickly alert friends or family members in case of any unfortunate eventualities. I feel that this feature should be on every cell phone for senior citizens.

That's it for this post. Stay with us every week for more mobile phones for the elderly and other related topics.

Should the Latest Hearing Aid Standards be Put in Cell Phones?

2011-11-02T10:49:00.000-07:00

A great number of seniors are using hearing aids so I felt this issue is worthy of being posted in this blog on cell phones for the elderly. Recently, the Federal Communications Commission proposed that the latest hearing aid standards should be included in mobile phones as soon as possible.

Do you agree with this proposal? Before you answer that, let's take a closer look at this proposal.

The FCC wants cell phones to have the latest standards developed by ANSI (American National Standards Institute) for hearing-aid compatibility (HAC).

The handset's with hearing-aid compatibility that are currently in the market use a standard that was developed in 2007. This standard is compatible with devices in the 800MHz to 950MHz, and 1.6GHz to 2.5GHz spectrum bands. However, this year's proposal wants to include the 700MHz band. Other frequencies that are used in modern phones to support 4G and other wireless technologies are also included in the proposal.

Apparently, the new hearing-aid compatibility (HAC) standards is designed to ensure that consumers will not experience undue radio frequency interference with devices such as hearing aids.

The commission also plans to only grant HAC certification to cell phones that meet the 2011 standard. The FCC also estimates that handset will meet the new standards within one year from the rules being published in the Federal Register.

So what do you think? Well, many senior citizens need phones with hearing-aid compatibility (HAC) so I agree with this proposal. updating the standard to the latest version will only improve cell phones for seniors who are hard of hearing.

That's it for this post. Stay tuned as we look at issues that are related to cell phones for senior citizens. Expect more posts every week from this friendly mobile phones for the elderly blog.

Nokia 3711: Simple but Suitable for the Elderly

2011-10-26T11:22:00.000-07:00

Nokia does not have a large presence in the US despite being the largest mobile phone manufacturer in the world. However, most of the Nokia phones that have debuted in the US are basic devices that are ideal for senior citizens. For instance, the Nokia 3711 can be considered as a basic phone by todays standards but the simplicity in its form and function makes it a suitable device for seniors. Let's go over the details of this mobile phone for the elderly.

Let's start with performance. After all, seniors purchase cell phones as a convenient tool for communicating with friends and family. It's a portable device that allows them to make calls on the go. Well, the 3711 is a solid tool for communication. The quality is good and the callers sound natural. There was little evidence of any static or interference plus calls via speakerphone or a Bluetooth headset are also lud and clear.

Now let's proceed with the display. The Nokia 3711 comes with a bright display. It measures 2.2 inches, which is a bit bigger then most basic cell phones. Size is a factor when chosing cell phones for seniors because weak eyes often come with old age. The display also supports 16.7 million colors and a 320x240-pixel resolution. This combination results in a brilliant display with great colors and graphics.

Let's continue with the keypad. This phone has flushed keys but a few factors can redeem it as a user-friendly phone. The keypad has good size so there's plenty of space for dialling and your fingers. The numbers on the buttons are also large so dialing is not difficult even thought the keys are flushed.

The Nokia 3711 comes with the Series 40 menu interface that is relatively easy-to-use. Even seniors who have never used a cell phone before can easily learn the basic functions such as making a call or sending text messages.

That's it for this feature on the Nokia 3711. As always, stay tuned for more weekly posts on cell phones for seniors and related topics on this blog.

Wireless CapTel an Application for Mobile Phone users who are Hard of Hearing

2011-10-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

A number of senior citizens suffer from some sort of hearing loss due to a variety of factors including, illness and old age. Some estimates show that nearly half of the seniors in the U.S. suffer from some form of hearing loss. Fortunately, mobile phone technology has provided solutions for users who suffer from hearing loss such as extra loud ringers and hearing aid compatibility.

Well, here's a new service that aims to serve seniors and folks who are hard of hearing. Sprint recently introduced the Wireless CapTel, an application that is designed to help seniors and others who are hard of hearing to more easily interact with their family/friends through their phone. Let's take a close look at this service for senior citizens.

So how does it work? Well, the application routes all calls placed to/made from the through a captioning service. Then, the service transcribes the conversation into text and displays it on the phone's screen where it can be read. Obviously, a phone with a large screen is suitable for this app. Adjustable font sizes and brightness also fit the bill.

So is there a downside to this service? Well, the Wireless CapTel service from Sprint is only is compatible with devices running Android 2.2 Froyo and up. Seniors do not usually carry Android smartphones around and the service won't work with the Jitterbug or any basic cell phone. One cn get it from the Android Market for free with an Everything Data plan

But there is hope. Manufacturers and carriers have released cheap Android phones that are designed for new users. Some of these device are simple and easy-touse. Also we should not under-estimate the ability of seniors to muse and operate a smartphone.

So what do you think? Is the Wireless CapTel service suitable to the needs a of senior citizens? Share you feelings in the comments.

That's it for this service for the elderly. Stay tuned as we look at plans, and cell phones for seniors every week.

Bluetooth Headset for the Jitterbug Cell Phone for Seniors

2011-10-19T11:11:00.000-07:00

I've posted a lot of cell phones for seniors over the past few weeks so I thought well feature something different for this post. I was browsing the GreatCall website and looked at the accessories for the Jitterbug phone. The Bluetooth headset accessory caught my eye so let's discuss it at this post. This accessory can help some seniors who want to communicate hands-free with their friends and family.

Upon closer investigation, I discovered that this device is the called the Samsung HM 1000. This Bluetooth headset for seniors is being offered at fifty bucks. Let's look at the features and capabilities of this device.

This accessory comes with the active pairing function and a Multifunction button that enables users to easily pair it with a compatible device. It can allow one to connect with another device within seconds. This is a good attribute as easy pairing is ideal for seniors who have no need for complicated steps and procedures.

The Samsung HM 1000 is also capable of connecting with two Bluetooth-enabled handsets. This is a good feature for those who have separate phones for work and play. A great feature but not one that is very useful for senior citizens.

This Bluetooth headset for the Jitterbug phone also comes with some easy-to-use features. And as we have discussed countless times in this blog, simple and easy-to-use devices are always suitable for the elderly users. For instance, the a dedicated power switch and easy-to-find volume button makes it easy to operate. It also comes with a battery-level indicator that informs the user of how much power is left on the batteries.

This accessory for mobile phones for seniors has a Talk Time of up to 7 hours and Standby Time of up to 400 hours.

That's it for this post on an accessory that can be useful for the elderly. Stay tuned for more post on accessories, services, plans, and cell phones for senior citizens.

The Inexpensive Samsung Contour SCH-R250

2011-10-17T12:14:00.000-07:00

MetroPCS has a good collection of cheap and simple phones that can be of service to seniors. The Samsung Contour SCH-R250 is a good example of a good handset from this prepaid carrier. Let's look at this phone and see how it can fit the need and budgets of elderly users.

The Samsung Contour can fit the needs of senior citizens and those with a limited budget. This phone was offered for fifty bucks without a contract when it was launched. An affordable price is pretty much a requirement for seniors because many of them do not have a stable income that can pay for expensive phones, plans, and services.

However, the Contour is much more than just your ordinary cheap phone. It also offers some features that can match the specific needs of senior users. Let's look at the senior-friendly features of this mobile phone.

The menu for this phone is basic and easy to navigate. A user will be faced with a soft-key controls and an icon-based menu to quickly access the needed applications be it to make a call or send a message.

The Contour's main display measures 2-inches with 128x160-pixel resolution and 262,000 colors. It's good enough for its cheap price and users can adjust the dialing font size and brightness to suit their sight.

This handset also comes with an easy-to-use keypad. The large buttons are lighted well, separated and raised above the surface so they can easily be used by those with weak eyesight. The buttons are also made from a rubbery substance that makes them easy to press.

Senior users will not be disappointed when using the Samsung Contour to call friends and loved ones. The call quality is solid, the sound was clear, and the calls we made were never interrupted. We observed only minimal white background noise.

That's it for this MetroPCS phone for seniors. Stay with us every week for more features on cell phones for seniors as well as plans and services for the elderly.

The Samsung SGH-A167 Pay-As-You-Go Phone for Senior Citizens

2011-10-12T07:58:00.000-07:00

We've already discussed why prepaid phones are suitable for seniors so I guess its clear that the Samsung SGH-A167 can be a good buy for the elderly. This handset was offered as a pay-as-you-go phone for AT&T. But being a prepaid phone is not the only factor that makes this handset a good mobile phone for seniors. Let's take a closer look at the SGH-A167 and see why it can be a suitable product for folks who are 65 years of age and older.

The Samsung SGH-A167 is a simple phone, which makes it a good fit for the needs of the elderly in more ways than one. First, since it's a basic device, a user do not need to pay a large amount to own the phone. It doesn't come with high-end features that drive up the price so seniors with a tight budget can afford it.

Since this phone is a simple device, there are complicated features that can confused seniors who are not familiar with the latest technology. A simple device is easy-to-learn so the elderly can learn how to use the device for making calls within minutes.

This cell phone for seniors also features a design that fits with the needs of elderly users. For instance, it offers a main display with adjustable dialing font size and backlighting time. If a user feels that the menu fonts are too small then the size can be altered. The menu font color and style can also be changed according to the need of a senior user.

The senior-friendly features of this phone also extend to its navigation array and keypad. Users will find plenty of space for these buttons on this phone. However, they are a bit flush so getting use to them may take some time.
The Samsung SGH-A167 is a reliable device for users who want to use it mainly for making calls. The voices on calls sounded natural and we did not observe any interference. The speakerphone also functioned well but users should not set it at the highest levels because that tends to distort the sounds.

This cell phone for seniors also provide the following key features:

VGA camera
battery life of three hours talk time and 10.5 days standby time
4MB of user accessible memory
200-contact phone book
10 polyphonic ringtones
vibrate mode, an alarm clock, and a calculator,
instant messaging and POP3 e-mail
WAP browser

That's it for this week's post. Stay tuned for more cell phones, services and plans for seniors.

Nokia 5130 XpressMusic: A simple Music Phone for the Elderly

2011-10-10T11:46:00.000-07:00

Cell phones have come a long way since they became affordable for the masses several years ago. Nowadays, even the basic phones can act as music players! Now. senior citizens do not need fancy phones with surround sound or Audio Beats. However, some affordable and simple phones come with decent music players that can entertain some senior users.

The Nokia 5130 XpressMusic is a good example of a mobile phone that can be used by seniors both as a phone and a music player. Let's look closer at his device and see how it can be a good purchase for music-loving elderly users.

The 5130 XpressMusic is a simple phone that was launched by T-Mobile about a couple of years ago for $29.99 after a $20 mail-in rebate and a mandatory 2-year contract. It is still available via a few retailers such as Amazon and eBay.

Now let's look at the phone's design. The display for this phone measures two-inches and supports 256,000 colors and 320x240 pixels of resolution. It's a solid display and the icons can be viewed easily. User's with weak eyesight can alter the font color and the font size to make the display more suited for their needs.

Seniors will not find it difficult to navigate this music phone. The phone's navigation array has a spacious, easy-to-use design and the soft keys and Talk and End/power controls have good size. The buttons for the keypad are also large so dialing is not difficult. However, the numbers and letters on the buttons may be a bit small for some users.

Let's proceed with the how the Nokia 5130 XpressMusic performed as a phone. Well, my experience shows that the phone can handle calls very well. I did not recall any static and interference on the calls I made. The audio also sounded natural and the speakerphone calls I tried were also solid.

But how about as a music player. Well, the 5130 XpressMusic is a cheap phone so one should not expect too much. The handset ships with the standard Nokia Xpress Music player, which offers a simple interface and controls. The music quality is not bad and I'm sure users will enjoy listening to their favorite songs on this device.

Seniors who want to enjoy a bit of music from a simple phone should look at this handset. It's cheap and easy-to-use with a decent music player.

That's it for this week's mobile phone for seniors. Stay tuned as we bring you more phones, plans, and services for the elderly.

Mobal Freedom 15 Cell Phone Plan for Seniors

2011-10-05T12:09:00.000-07:00

I stumbled upon a new carrier with cell phone plans for seniors as I was researching for news topics for this blog. Mobal Freedom appears to be anew company that was established only this year. Their homepage indicates that they specialize in no contract cell phone plans that adapt to a user's needs.

Is this a company that can cater to the needs of senior mobile phone users? Well, let's look at one of its cell phone plans for seniors to find out. Let's examine the Mobal Freedom 15 plan.

This plan is affordable and only charges a $9.99 monthly fee. That's a great price for the elderly but what does it provide at this price? Well, subscribers to this plan will get $15 worth of free call and text allowance. This means that one can use combinations of minutes and texts and mobile internet up to $15. Users who want to make international calls can do so for $2/minute.

To explain more clearly, one can get 40 minutes of calls (at $0.25/min) and 50 text messages (at $0.10/msg) for a total of $15. You can also choose to use the $15 for 60 minutes of calls. It's up to you to choose how you use one's minutes. I guess that's where it get the "Freedom" label.

What else are other advantages of getting the Mobal Freedom 15 plan? It offers carry over call credit is valid for 60 days. There are also no cancellation fees and roaming charges.

Mobal Freedom also offers a 60 day guarantee. Consumers who are unhappy with the company's service can get a full, quick, no-hassle refund within 60 days.

What do you think of this plan? Does it fit with your requirements? IS this offer a good mobile phone plan for seniors? I'll let you decide. You can also express what you feel in the comments.

That it's for this post on the Mobal Freedom 15. Stay tuned as we feature cell phones for seniors from this carrier and related topics.

The Simple Verizon Wireless Escapade

2011-10-03T11:35:00.000-07:00

The Escapade was originally marketed as a dual-mode CDMA/GSM phone for Verizon Wireless subscribers who want a handset in the U.S. and abroad. However, a closer look at this device shows that it's a simple handset that can cater to the needs of the elderly.

Let's see if the Verizon Wireless Escapade is a good mobile phone for seniors as well as a solid global roaming device.

This cell phone sports a simple flip design with a glossy shell plus silver and black trim. It's not a flashy design but it feels comfortable to hold. It comes with an external display which measures 1.1-inches and supports 65,000 colors. It's not very large but it provides useful information such as date, time, battery life, caller ID, and signal strength.

The Escapade sports a larger internal display that measures 2-inches. This is a solid display because it also comes with 262,000-color support and 176x220-pixel resolution. The screen offers bright colors and sharp legible text, which are good qualities for a cell phone for citizens. Most of the elderly have weak eyes so a bright display with good size is ideal for their needs.

This phone's display also comes with adjustable font sizes for dialed numbers and menu text so seniors can manipulate them to suit their eyesight.

Unfortunately, this simple mobile phone also comes with a flat key pad. The buttons are quite flat to the surface of the phone so dialing and composing text messages are not quick and easy. Luckily, the phone has some raised lines in between each key so dialing is not too difficult for senior users.

Now let's talk about performance. After all, the elderly need cell phones to communicate with friends and family. The Verizon Wireless Escapade might be a simple phone but its call quality is quite impressive. The callers on this handset sounded loud and clear. The voice sound natural and there was minimal static or noise in the background. This mobile phone for seniors also come with a solid speakerphone.

This feature is not really a priority for seniors but I think it deserves to be mentioned since it performed better than I expected. The Escapade comes with a 2-megapixel camera that produced surprisingly good images for a phone that only cost thirty bucks with a contract. A camera is not really a requirement for senior phones but its a nice feature to get with an affordable phone. Folks who want a good cell phone for seniors with a decent camera should definitely consider this device.

That's it for this post on a senior-friendly phone that's also got dual-mode CDMA/GSM for international roaming. Bookmark this blog if you want to get information on mobile phones for the elderly.

The Easy-to-use Nokia 2320 GoPhone

2011-09-28T10:58:00.000-07:00

You don't have to be a genius to know that a cell phone that comes with minimal features and a user-friendly design is a good fit for senior users. Well, in this post we will feature an easy-to-use cell phone that can fit the requirements of senior citizens.

The Nokia 2320 GoPhone may not look impressive but can turn out to be a gem of a device for folks who are aged 65 years and older. Even if it doesn't offer impressive features it can still function as a phone for the elderly.

Let describe some of the points that make the Nokia 2320 GoPhone a good cell phone for senior citizens.

Let's start with the design. This mobile phone sports a basic bar style design, which is pretty much as simple as you can get when it comes to mobile phones. There's no need to flip or slide. The phone is ready to use without pushing any buttons or doing any other physical actions.

The phone's body is made of plastic but that's a price to pay for an affordable handset. The design includes a 1.75-inch display that supports 65,000 colors and 160x128 pixels. It's not very impressive but it has bright colors and is visible even in daylight. The standby font color and font size are adjustable, which is a good thing for users with weak eyes such as the elderly.

The key pad is also simple with flat buttons. Fortunately, the spacious arrangement makes them easy to use. Texting quickly will result in mistakes but seniors are not prone to hurrying so it's not a big issue.

This basic, affordable phone also offers solid call quality. Users of this phone can expect voices to sound natural and strong volume. However, the Nokia 2320 GoPhone's speakerphone is a disappointment as the calls were garbled, and voices were distorted.

Overall, the 2320 is a solid mobile phone for seniors. It's user-friendly design and simple features are suitable to the needs of the elderly. AT&T is no longer selling this phone but interested consumers can get it from other online retailers such as Bestbuy and Walmart.

That's it for this post. Visit this blog often for more information on cell phones for seniors and related topics.

The Cheap Samsung T105g from Tracfone

2011-09-26T11:27:00.000-07:00

We often feature clamshell cell phones in this blog so I figured that it would be good to feature a handset for folks who prefer a bar style phone. The Samsung T105g from Tracfone is an affordable handset so folks who want an inexpensive option should take a closer look at this phone.

Since I mentioned that the T105g is a cheap phone (check the title), I think we should discuss its price first. Tracfone is offering this phone for $9.99. It's a prepaid phone so there's no need for contracts and credit checks. It's also paired with a prepaid plan so its flexible and you only pay-as-you-go.

Ok now let's look at the features that makes the Samsung T105g from Tracfone a solid choice for consumers who are looking for a cell phone for seniors.

The body of this phone comes with a bar style design. It's not the folding type offered by flip phones and clamshell so you don't have to worry about breaking its hinges. It's a relatively light phone and is mainly created from plastic. It's an affordable phone so you really can't expect premium construction for it.

Let's proceed with the color display. frankly, it's pretty small at around 1 inch by 1 inch. Most display's from cheap phones average around 1.8 inches so its smaller than standards. However, it does have a few things going for its such as its fairly sharp resolution.

The keypad for this handset is better than its display when it comes to being a good handset for the elderly. The buttons are not separated but there are deep grooves which allows users to distinguish a button from another. There is also a good keystroke response so one can dial or text with minimal problems.

The Samsung T105g is a simple phone with basic menus and functions so it's suitable for seniors and beginners. One will not spends days on learning how to use it. It works best as a device for calling friends and family.

Here's a video review from YouTube to give you a closer look at this mobile phone for senior citizens.

Tha's it for this post. Visit our blog for more features on cell phones for seniors and other related topics.

The GreatCall Premium Cell phone Plan for Senior Cititzens

2011-09-21T11:21:00.000-07:00

A premium plan for seniors? We don't usually associate a premium offering for senior users because those plans are usually expensive and offer features that are not needed by the elderly. However, the premium plan offered by the folks at GreatCall is a bit different.

The company focuses on senior consumers so its premium plan is also patterned after the needs of folks who are 65 years old and older. Let's look at the details of this cell phone plan for the elderly.

The GreatCall Premium plan costs $39.99 per month and offers 400 nationwide anytime minutes. There are plenty of cheaper plans out there but this one is suited for users who use a lot of minutes every month.

But the large number of nationwide anytime minutes per month is not the only reason that entices consumers to get this plan. It also provides some attractive features including:

unlimited nights and weekend minutes (7pm-6am)
carry over minutes
no contracts
no roaming charges
no cancellation fees
no data charges

It also comes with a bunch of apps that can help senior users such as the :

PhoneBook
Calendar
Daily Health Tips
The Wellness Call
LiveNurse

So what do you think? Does this plan fit with your needs? Express yourselves in the comments.

That's it for this post on a cell phone plan for seniors. Stay tuned as we post more information on verious phones, plans, services and other senior-related topics.

The LG Revere Prepaid Phone from Verizon Wireless

2011-09-19T10:39:00.000-07:00

Let's begin this week by looking at an affordable prepaid phone from Verizon Wireless. The LG Revere was recently launched and comes with a few modern features such as A-GPS, mobile email, and the ability to upload pictures to Facebook. However, this simple cell phone can also be a good phone for senior citizens.

Why should seniors consider a phone like the LG Revere from Verizon Wireless? Well, it's an affordable handset. It's offered for free with a prepaid plan or a two-year contract. Free is always a good thing when it comes to senior consumers. Many retired folks no longer have a steady source of income so a free mobile phone is a welcome offer.

But its affordable price tag is not the only thing that makes the Revere a good mobile phone for the elderly. This phone also delivers well when it comes to performance. A good phone for seniors should be able to make or take phones call and this handset did not disappoint. The handset's call quality was impressive and we did not observe any distortion or crackling on our calls.

Now let's look at the phone's design. Is the body of this handset senior-friendly? Well, let's look at the main display first. It's important that this feature is not small since many seniors suffer from weak vision. The LG Revere sports a main display that measures 2 inches diagonally. The size isn't remarkable but it offers 262,000-color support and a 176x220-pixel resolution allowing it to provide bright and colorful graphics.

The keypad and navigation buttons of this handset are also suited for beginners and seniors. It won't take long for users to get used to navigating the device. There is plenty of room underneath the display for the navigation buttons and keypad so users won't find the phone cramped. The large buttons on the keypad are a bit flat but separation between each one allows users to text and dial by feel.

That's it for this feature. Visit us regularly to get your dose of mobile phones for seniors and related topics.

The Rugged Samsung Convoy 2 from Verizon Wireless

2011-09-13T11:00:00.000-07:00

Let's look at another rugged mobile phone that might be suitable to the needs of senior citizens. The Samsung Convoy 2 is the latest durable phone for the Verizon Wireless network. Can this handset be a good phone for the elderly?

Before let's answer that question let me first discuss why a rugged handset can be a good cell phone for folks who are 65 and older. Well, most senior citizens do not have a steady income since they are most likely retired from work. Therefore, a durable device that can with stand bumps, falls, and the test of time can fit the needs of the elderly. A rugged device can eliminate the need to spend money to buy a need cell phone, purchase a replacement, or pay for repairs.

There's no doubt that the Samsung Convoy 2 is built to be durable. It's thick body is capable of surviving dust, humidity, temperature, altitude, and a bunch of other elements. It's thickness also makes it easier to grasp especially for seniors whose fingers are no longer as strong as they used to be.

This possible cell phone for seniors sports a 2.2-inch internal QVGA display (320x240 pixels) with support for 262,000 colors. The sharpness and vibrancy of this display makes it easy for users to view the info on the screen.

The Samsung Convoy 2 also features a simple menu that makes it very easy for users to navigate the handset's features. It also helps that the handset's roomy navigation area and dial pad are user-friendly. The fully separated keys are large with ridged edges and rise above the surface. The design of this buttons allows users to easily dial by feel.

Now let's talk about the drawbacks of this handset as a mobile phone for senior citizens. The Samsung Convoy 2 is a rugged phone with mid-range features that comes with a price of $79.99 with a 2 year contract from Verizon Wireless. it's a brand new device so its price may come down in a few months or so. However, it still more expensive than most of the available handsets for the elderly.

That's it for our look at the Samsung Convoy 2 from Verizon Wireless. here are a couple more images for this cell phone.

Stay tuned as we cover more cell phones that can help senior cell phone users.

The Senior-Friendly Plans: AT&T's $25 Monthly GoPhone Plan

2011-09-12T10:25:00.000-07:00

AT&T has announced a new affordable plan for its prepaid subscribers. But the question we have to explore in this post is: Is this plan suitable for senior citizens?

But before we discuss this plans' compatibility with the elderly, we should first provide details about this new plan. The $25 Monthly GoPhone Plan will be available on September. Click here to read to press release.

Subscribers to this plan will get 250 nationwide voice minutes and unlimited, nationwide messaging every 30 days. As its name suggests, the price for this offering is only $25 per month. A fee of 10 cents per minute will be charged to nationwide airtime over the 250 minutes.

The great thing about this plan is the fact that unused airtime minutes do not rollover. However, the minutes included in this plan may not be used for International calls.

So is this a good mobile phone plan for seniors? Well, I think it's a good alternative to AT&T's Senior 200 plan. It's cheaper by four bucks and offers 50 more nationwide voice minutes. This GoPhone plan is also prepaid so it's more flexible.

What do you think? Is the new $25 Monthly GoPhone Plan from AT&T a good mobile phone plan for the elderly? How does this plan compare with other offerings in the market? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Stay tuned for more features on cell phone plans for seniors and related topics. We'll also look at services and mobile phone for the elderly so check out this blog every week.

The Samsung Rugby II AT&T GoPhone

2011-09-07T12:53:00.000-07:00

Another trip to AT&T's GoPhone website pointed me to another cell phone for seniors candidate. The Samsung Rugby II is not a new phone and is designed for users who want rugged and durable handsets. However, since it is included in the carrier's GoPhone packages, it became an affordable option for budget restricted users like seniors.

The Rugby II is designed to take hits and keep on working. It's built to resist dust, shock, vibration, rain, humidity, and extreme temperatures. So how does these rugged qualities seniors who might want to purchase this handset? Well, seniors do not have a lot of cash to spend o buying phones so a device with a long shelf life and can survive massive amounts of falls is suited to their lifestyle. A durable phone will eliminate the need to buy a new handset every few months.

Now let's look at the features that make the Rugby II a good mobile phone for the elderly. Frist let's look at the handset's main display. The internal screen measures 2.2-inches and supports 262,000 colors, which allows it to provide plenty of space and brightness for the weak vision of some elderly consumers. Users can also adjust the brightness, the backlighting time, and the dialing-font, size, type, and color tome the information on the screen easier to see.

The key pad and th navigation array for this handset is also user-friendly. The keypad buttons are a bit flat but they are spacious and separated from each other so the user will not find it hard to dial numbers or compose messages.

The Samsung Rugby II is more of a mid-range device so it offers a few advanced features. Most of these are not really important for senior users but it still nice to have them on a solid device. The key features for this handset include:

2.0-megapixel camera with video
instant messaging
Web-based POP3 e-mail support
stereo Bluetooth
USB mass storage
PC syncing
PTT for making walkie-talkie calls

Performance-wise, the Rugby II can compete with other cell phones for senior citizens in the market. The phone's voice quality is smooth and clear, the volume was loud, and we observed that the speakerphone and PTT audio quality are solid.

That's it for this rugged handset for seniors. Stay tuned as we feature other senior related stuff such as plans, services and more phones.

The Senior-Friendly Nokia 6350

2011-09-05T13:26:00.000-07:00

We have featured several Nokia cell phones in this blog in the past and it's about time to feature another one. This time, let's look at the Nokia 6350 a simple and easy-to-use cell phone that was offered by AT&T.

One look at the Nokia 6350 will tell you that one will not spend a lot of time learning to use it. It's a handset that one can master after just a few hours of using it. Seniors who are not familiar with cell phone technology will not experience a lot of difficulty while learning to make calls with this simple cell phone.

Let's look at the physical design of this mobile phone for senior citizens. The 6350 sports a flip design with dual displays. The main display measures 2 inches, which is about average for handset's of this caliber. However, it offers 16.7 million colors (320x240 pixels) which gives it clear graphics and bright colors. It's a suitable display for users with weak vision like seniors.

This handset also offers usable key pad buttons. They are a bit flat but the spacious pad makes it easy for users to dial numbers or compose text messages. Even users with less than perfect eyes will be able to make a call easily because the buttons have large numbers and is supported by bright back lighting. The navigation keys for this handset are also user-friendly.

Now let's talk about performance. After all, seniors will purchase this phone based largely on its ability to make and receive calls. Well, the Nokia 6350 offers satisfying performance when it comes to phone calls. The volume is loud, the signal was clear and strong, and no static or interference were observed. The phone also delivered with speakerphone and Bluetooth headset calls.

Here are the key features for this cell phones for seniors:

Bluetooth 2.1
two-megapixel camera
1,000-contact phone book
14 polyphonic ringtones
text and multimedia messaging
full-duplex speakerphone
USB mass storage
support for push-to-talk

That's it for this feature. Stay tuned for more post on cell phones for seniors and other related topics.

The Affordable Samsung t259 from T-Mobile

2011-08-31T12:29:00.000-07:00

The Samsung Galaxy S II is the talk of the town this week but that is not a device that would work for most seniors. The elderly needs a more modest device that is very good at what it can do: make calls.

Well, let's talk about another Samsung mobile phone with a much lower price and a lot less complicated and fussy features. The Samsung t259 from T-Mobile is a much better fit for seniors because it comes with basic features, a cheap price tag, and solid performance. Let's look at the elements that make it a good mobile phone for senior citizens.

The Samsung t259 sports a classic flip design with dual color displays. The internal screen measures 2.2-inch, which is a good size for seniors who may have weak vision. This display features a 240x320-pixel QVGA resolution that looks appropriately bright and sharp. Seniors will have little problems with this screen because the numbers are large when the user is dialing and one can adjust the size of the font to make it easier on the eyes.

But what about the keypad? The t259 also provides a key pad that is suitable for the elderly. The keys are not fully separated but they are ideal for senior users who want easy-to-see and easy-to-press keys. The navigation buttons for this phone are also user-friendly because they have good size.

Now let's discuss performance where it really matters. How does this device perform when making calls? Reviewers indicate that the handsets performed well on both sides of the lines. The voices from the speaker sound natural and loud. The sound clarity is good and one will not notice any background noise, feedback, or digital distortion.

At the time this article was published, the T-mobile website is offering the t259 for $29.99 with a 2-year contract.
Here are the key features of the Samsung t259:

speakerphone
2-megapixel camera
MP3 player
a calendar and alarm clock
Bluetooth connectivity
voice commands
address book
19 polyphonic ringtones
microSD card slot

That's it for this post. Stay tuned for more informative articles on cell phones for seniors and related topics.

Cell Phone Plan for Seniors: Net10 Easy Minutes Plus

2011-08-24T13:30:00.000-07:00

We featured a Net10 cell phone recently so I think we should also look at the carriers plans. The plans offered by this company might also be suitable to the needs of elderly users because it specializes in prepaid plans. Let us examine the Easy Minutes Plus plan from Net10.

The Easy Minutes Plus plan provides an affordable monthly option for consumers. For only $15 per month(30 days of service) it provides 200 minutes automatically without any cancellation fees. This can be translated to about 7.5 cents per minute.

Consumers can also choose to pay $30 per month if they want more minutes. For this price, the Easy Minutes Plus plan from Net10 will provide 500 minutes for 30 days of service. This amounts to around 6 cents per minute.

But what about if you run out of minutes in less than 30 days? Well, that's not a problem because subscribers can buy bundles of 50, 100 or 150 minutes at anytime.

So is this a good cell phone plan for seniors? Well, it is cheap at just $15 for 200 minutes. Consumers who use a bit more minutes per month can try the $30 dollar option which provides 500 minutes. The need of seniors are suited to prepaid plans because they are flexible and affordable. I guess it would boil down to coverage and service.

If you have Net10 service in your area then this would be a good option for senior citizens or occasional mobile phone users.

That's for this feature on the Net10 Easy Minutes Plus. Visit us regularly for more posts on cell phones for seniors, plans, services, and accessories.

Cell Phone Plans for Seniors: Just 10 Calling Plan

2011-08-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

I featured the GreatCall Basic 19 mobile phone plan for seniors last week so I thought that it would be good to look at another affordable plan for the elderly for this day's post. This time we will look at a plan for users of the Just5 handset, the Just 10 calling plan.

This prepaid plan is one of the most affordable options for seniors. The Just 10 calling plan cost well, just ten bucks. It provides 100 minutes plus 50 text messages for 90 days. If you do the math, that translates to $3.33 per month.

The minutes for this plan good for 90 days and will l expire unless refilled. Any unused remaining minutes will roll over to the new 90-day period if the user refills his or her balance.

Here are the features that are included with this mobile phone plan for senior citizens:

international direct dial
voicemail
call waiting
call forwarding
caller ID
international & domestic SMS
nationwide long distance
three-way calling

Is this service reliable? Just5 runs its services through Jolt Mobile so you can read reviews to see how they perform.

Is this a good plan for seniors? Well, it depends on a user's usage rate. A senior user who uses less than 100 minutes and 50 text messages in three months will like this plan. However, if you use a lot more than that then one can look at other options or get this plan and simply refill the minutes as you need it.

That's it for this cell phone plan for seniors. Join as every week as we feature more cell phone plans, services, accessories and mobile phones for seniors.

The Affordable LG100C from Net10

2011-08-17T12:17:00.000-07:00

I checked out the line-up of phones from Net10 and was pleased to discovered a number of phones that might be suitable for the needs of senior consumers. Net10 is a minor carrier that specializes in prepaid mobile phones and a flat rate unlimited plan.

We will feature Net10 phones in the future but in this post we will look at the LG100C and its potential as a cell phone for senior citizens. The is one of the most affordable handset's in the company's line-up at only $19.99 . This cheap prize is one of the reasons why I chose it as the first Net10 phone to be featured in this blog.

Now let's look at some design elements for this affordable mobile phone for seniors. The LG100C sports a simple bar style design. It also comes with a basic user interface that any user can navigate without much effort. This is a crucial element since some seniors prefer uncomplicated devices that can get the job done.

The display on this senior-friendly phone is a bit small. It's a color display but the small size might be a hindrance to elderly users who have weak vision. Luckily, the phone's keypad is quite user-friendly. The keypad comes with separate individual buttons so a user will not find it difficult to dial a number or to locate a specific number. The navigation keys for this phone are clearly marked so using the menus are quick and easy.

The other notable features found on the LG100C include the 1000-entry phonebook, voice dialing, voice commands, hearing aid compatibility (M3 Rating), hands free speaker, vibration alert, and text messaging.

Here are some specs and additional info:

Dimensions: 4.09 x 1.80 x 0.50 (104 x 46 x 13 mm)
Weight: 2.45 oz (70 g)
Battery Talk Time Approx. 2.5 hours Standby Time Approx. 10 days
Included accessories: Battery Wall AC Adapter

That's it for this cheap handset. Stay tuned as we look at more mobile phones for seniors from, the same carrier.

Mobile Phone Plans for Seniors: GreatCall Basic 19

2011-08-15T11:41:00.000-07:00

Let's look at another cell phone plan that's ideal for elderly users. This time it comes from the company behind the popular Jitterbug J cell phone for seniors. Great Call does not only specialise in handsets for those who are over 65 because it also offers plans, applications, services and accessories that are designed to cater to the needs of seniors all over the states.

This time let's look at the Basic 19 cell phone plan from GreatCall. This is the beefier version of the GreatCall Basic 14 rate plan that we featured last May. It costs a bit more but it also provides more in the way of minutes.

Here are the details of the GreatCall Basic 19 cell phone plan for seniors:

100 Anytime Nationwide Minutes for $ 19.99 per month (Monthly anytime minutes carry over and are available for 60 days)
one time set up fee of $35
Text Messaging
No Contracts Required
No Roaming Charges
No Cancellation Fees
No Data Charges

This plan also come with the following apps and services:

Calendar
PhoneBook
Daily Health Tips

That pretty much sums it up. It's a simple plan made for the needs of seniors so it direct and basic. I like the carry over minutes feature but I do feel that the set-up cost is a bit high.

Do you think that this is a good cell phone plan for seniors?

Join us again this week as we tackle more plans, services, and cell phones for senior citizens.

The 65 Plus Two-Line Share Plan from Verizon Wireless

2011-08-10T10:24:00.000-07:00

Here's a cell phone for senior plan that can be shared between two handsets. The 65 Plus Two-Line Share Plan from Verizon Wireless is an offering that allows users to share minutes between two phones.

It's essentially the same as the Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus but this one can be shared between two separate devices. So what's the advantage of having this plan? Well, it allows one to have two mobile phones on a single plan. This can also be shared between two senior users without the need to sign up for a second plan.

Since this plan can be shared between two lines, it offers more minutes than the Nationwide 65 Plus but it also costs more.

Here are the Voice details for the 65 Plus Two-Line Share Plan from Verizon Wireless:

Anytime Minutes: 450
Monthly Access: $59.99
Line Access: $9.99/Month/Line
Overage: 45¢/Minute (occur when you exceed your Anytime Minutes)

And here are the messaging details for this mobile phone plans for senior citizens:

This cell phone plan for seniors also provides 1000 night and weekend minutes and no domestic long distance charges.

Do you think that this is a good option for seniors? Let us know via your comments.

That's it for this feature on 65 Plus Two-Line Share Plan from Verizon Wireless. Join as every week as we look at various cell phone plans, services and mobile phones for the elderly.

The Affordable Samsung SGH-T249 from T-Mobile

2011-08-08T13:10:00.000-07:00

Here's another affordable phone for those who are looking for a cell phone for seniors. The Samsung SGH-T249 from T-Mobile is a simple and cheap phones that can handle all the tasks that are required by elderly users.

I did say that this is an affordable handset so let's tackle the price first. The SGH-T249 is currently available for $29.99 with a two-year contract. I have to say that there are cheaper handsets out there but if you really want an affordable and simple T-Mobile cell phone then this one is a solid choice.

Now let's move on to the features and characteristics that make this phone a good choice for the elderly. Let's start with the display. At 1.7-inch, the display is a bit small. I fell that a cell phone for senior citizens should have at least a 2 inch display. Fortunately, the 220x176-pixel resolution and 65,000 colors support makes up for the lack in size and produces sharp graphics and bright colors. The dialing font size and color, and the backlighting time can be adjusted depending on the need of the user so even the elderly with weak vision can see the details on the screen.

The simplicity of the Samsung SGH-T249 extends from its basic design to its user interface. The UI is simple and can be changed into either a list or grid style.

But how about the keypad? It's a bit flat but the buttons are separated and the backlight can help users when it comes dialing numbers or composing messages.

The other senior-friendly features provided by this handset include a good speakerphone with strong volume and clarity. It also comes with a 1.3-megapixel camera that can record videos. Not really a required feature for a mobile phone for seniors but it's a nice bonus.

That's it for this cell phone. Stay tuned as we look at more cell phones for seniors and related topics.

The New LG Envoy from US Cellular

2011-08-03T13:20:00.000-07:00

US Cellular recently began to sell a basic handset with an affordable price. I looked closer at the LG Envoy to see if it can be a good cell phone for seniors. However, it's a new phone so reliable reviews are hard to find. That means will have to look at the surface to see if this handset can answer the needs of the elderly.

Well, at least the LG Envoy from US Cellular is offered at a good price for senior citizens. The carrier is offering it at a cheap price of $9.99 with a new contract. It is also available as a prepaid phone for only $29.99. This price if favorable for elderly consumers who usually do not have a large budget to spend on pricy mobile phones.

The LG Envoy is clearly a basic phone. It's a simple device that excels at phone calls. it can also do a bit more such as send messages or surf the web but it's more suited for users who have simple requirements such as seniors and new users.

But does it have senior-friendly features? It sports a 2.20 inch color display with 176 x 220 pixels. It's big enough to be ideal for seniors but we need other details such as adjustable fonts or backlights. A look at the keypad indicates that it's user-friendly. The buttons look large and widely separated.

Here are the rest of the features for the LG Envoy from US Cellular:

Hearing Aid Compatibility:- M4 Rating
VGA Camera
Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR
Micro USB Charging Port
24MB internal memory
1,000 mAh Battery
E911 Ready
WAP Web Browser

That's it for this preview of a new cell phone for senior citizens. Visit us regularly for more plans, services and mobile phones for senior citizens.

Revisiting AT&T's Cell phone Plan for Senior Citizens

2011-08-01T11:24:00.000-07:00

It's been more than three years since I've featured the AT&T Senior Nation 200 Plan so I decided that the time is ripe to feature it again. It's been a long time so I hope that this post will inform new readers about this good mobile phone plan for the elderly.

The AT&T Senior Nation 200 Plan has pretty much stay the same since we first featured this blog. I think it's a sign that this offering is successful since it has not undergone any changes through the years. Despite competition from prepaid carriers, this cell phone plan for senior citizens has remained strong indicating that a lot of consumers have paid for this plan.

So, let me re-emphasize the details of this affordable cell phone plan. The AT&T Senior Nation 200 Plan costs only $29.99 with a 2-year contract. It charges a $36.00 for the primary line one-time activation and $.45 per minute for additional minutes. It offers:

200 Anytime Minutes
500 Night & Weekend minutes
Unlimited Mobile to Mobile minutes
Basic Voice Mail, Call Waiting, Caller ID, Long Distance, Conference Calling, and Call Forwarding

There are no additional charges for roaming and long distance. You can also add more features if you want but there'll be additional charges for those.

Do you think that this cell phone plan is still competitive with the existing offers in the market? AT&T seems to think so since it has remained virtually unchanged for years.

Stay tuned for more post on plans, services and cell phones for seniors.

The LEADSKY EZ112 Bar Style Senior Phone

2011-07-28T13:29:00.000-07:00

I surfed the web for new senior-friendly cell phones and I was brought to the website of a cell phone manufacturer that I;'ve never encountered before. I simple typed "mobile phone for seniors" at the Google search engine and was directed to the product page of the LEADSKY company.

Upon further investigation, I found out that it's a China-based company that specialized in rugged handsets and cell phones for senior citizens. But can this manufacturer compete with other companies that specialize in cell phones for the elderly? Let's take a quick look at one of their products to find out. Let's check out the LEADSKY EZ112 Bar Style Senior Phone.

The EZ112 resembles the Just5 with its solid bar style design with large keys. The numbers are large so one will not have a lot of problems with dialling a contact even if you have weak eyes.

The main display is a bit small at 1.8inch TFT QQVGA but it's not a big deal because this cell phone specializes on making calls. It has big fonts so it caters to the weak vision of some seniors. But I'm sure that it can perform well with sending text messages.

The LEADSKY EZ112 also comes with a SOS key and 5 emergency members so it can handle any untoward incidents towards the user.

Here are the rest of the features for this cell phone for senior citizens:

GSM/GPRS 900/1800/1900
FM Radio MP4 MP3
Dual SIM
1200mAh Battery
Bluetooth (Optional)
3.5mm/5pin Mini USB
LED Flashlight Torch

So do you think it can compete with the other senior-friendly phones in the market?

That's it for this look at the EZ112. Stay tuned for more phones, accessories, and plans for seniors.

The Motorola i576 Nextel Direct Connect Phone

2011-07-25T13:01:00.000-07:00

A visit to the Nextel Direct Connect website allowed me to spot a possible candidate for seniors who are seeking for a cell phone. The Motorola i576 is a simple phone that can cater to the needs of seniors.

This mobile phone is designed to be a durable and user-friendly device rather than a handset that is marketed to fashion-conscious consumers. This simple designed makes it ideal for the elderly who only require a dependable phone for making calls, sending text messages or a tool for emergency situations.

The Motorola i576 is a rugged device that is ideal for folks who work on the field. However, I feel that rugged mobile phones are also a good fit for seniors. Since the elderly do not have a steady source of income, a mobile phone that has a long life and can endure a few bumps and bruises eliminates the need to purchase a new device after a few months.

The features for the i576 are pretty basic. It's outer shell sports rubber sidings, an extendable antenna, and an external display. There's no camera since it's designed to be a reliable and easy-to-use phone.

The external display is a bit small but the main display is a bit more useful. It measures 1.75 inches wide and supports 64,000 colors. Users can change the change the backlighting time and the font size, a feature that is useful for senior users who have weak eyesight. This mobile phone for senior citizens also offers a user-friendly keypad and navigation array. The buttons on the keypads have good size and spaced far apart from each other. They're also raised above the surface of the phone with large numbers and letters and a bright backlighting, which makes it easy for users to dial numbers or compose text messages.

Reviews of the Motorola i576 also provided good feedback on its performance. The speakerphone calls made with the device were satisfactory and it provided great voice clarity and plenty of volume.

The Motorola i576 is currently available for $279 at full price and just $79 with service.

That's it for this cell phone for seniors. Stay tuned as we feature new mobile phones, plans, accessories and more.

The New Pantech Breeze III from AT&T

2011-07-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

The third installment of AT&T's cell phone for seniors have arrived. The Pantech Breeze III from AT&T has quietly entered the market earlier this week for $49.99 after mail-in rebate with a 2-year agreement. We have featured the original At&T Breeze and the Breeze II so it's only fitting that we look at the Pantech Breeze III.

Like the previous models, this cell phone for seniors features a simple design that caters to the needs of new mobile phone users and the elderly. The sturdy clamshell design comes with a 2.2 inch display with 320 x 240 pixels and 256k colors. The main display on this handset is larger than the average entry-level handset, which offers a 1.8-2.0 inch display. It also have solid resolution and color support so the information on the display can be seen properly by users.

The Pantech Breeze III also comes with Audience earSmart, which provides background noise suppression and improved sound quality. This feature is good for a mobile phone for seniors because some elderly users may have hearing difficulties. It also comes with improved hearing-aid compatibility rating (Hearing Aid (HAC) rating M4,T4), which makes it even more attractive for seniors and those who are hard of hearing.

This AT&T cell phone for senior citizens also offers a pill reminder feature, which obviously favors users who take medication regularly. The Breeze III also offers a user-friendly keypad with big keys so dialling or texting is quick and easy. Three dedicated speed-dial keys on the inside also allows the users to quickly call for help during emergencies.

Here are the rest of the key features for this senior-friendly cell phone:

1.3 megapixel camera with 4X digital zoom, live video capture and playback
3G data, memory card slot, and music player
Bluetooth wireless connectivity
hands-free speakerphone
920 mAH Battery
expandable memory storage up to 32 GB

That's it for this post on the new Pantech Breeze III from AT&T. Stay tuned for more mobile phones for seniors and other related topics.

The Kyocera Luno From Cricket

2011-07-18T10:20:00.000-07:00

Cricket has added a new simple mobile phone from its line-up. The Kyocera Luno is now available for $59.99 MSRP and combined with the Cricket's unlimited talk, text and mobile data service plans. The Luno is already available from Virgin Mobile as the S2100.

The Luno is classified as an entry-level-phone. This simply means that it's a handset that works best for making calls and sending messages. It sports a clamshell design with a deep purple outer shell two displays.

The external display measures 1 inch and provides colored graphics. This display is used mostly to show some minor information such as the time, battery strength, and signal. The main display is located inside the flip design and measures 1.8-inches. This display is a bit small for seniors but its vibrant colors and adjustable elements should make up for its lack of size.

This cell phone for senior citizens also offers a good keypad. The Kyocera Luno comes with a tactile keypad with visual separation. This means that users will be able to do tasks like SMS and MMS messaging or dialing without much difficulty.

This mobile phone for senior citizens with the carrier's all-inclusive unlimited plans, including the basic $35 unlimited talk and text. I'm not sure if seniors need an unlimited plan but it may work for some seniors who want to be in constant touch with friends or family.

Here are the rest of the main features for the Kyocera Luno:

Bluetooth 2.1
BREW 3.1.5 technology
WAP 2.0 browse
VGA camera with 5x digital zoom
voice tags
voice digit-dialing
voice response

That's it for this quick preview of the Kyocera Luno From Cricket.

Keep on reading for more senior-friendly cell phones and topics related to the use of mobile phones by senior citizens.

VoiceMail for Cell Phone for Seniors

2011-07-13T10:56:00.000-07:00

I was looking at some of the cell phone services for seniors, and I spotted the voicemail services offered by some providers. This led me to ask, is voicemail a useful service for senior citizens?

VoiceMail is a service that allows user to answer telephone calls and allow callers to leave messages when the owner is unable to take calls. It is easy to learn and simple to use service so it might be a useful service for the elderly who cannot carry a cell phone all the time.

So are there any voicemail services for the elderly? Well, the major carrier's provide voicemail services so it is available to all cell phones that support the technology. GreatCall, the company behind the Jitterbug phones also provides this service.

The GreatCall voicemail service cost $3 per month and offers:

unlimited voicemail calls
Ability to retrieve from anywhere at anytime
easy set up
no access codes to remember

This voicemail for cell phone for seniors has been made simple to make it easy for users to use the service. It's not hard to use since senior citizens can access messages without having to remember codes or passwords. It's also affordable so it's suited to the needs of the elderly.

That's it for this feature on voicemail for mobile phone for seniors. Join us again next week as we look at more phones and services for senior citizens.

The Cheap Samsung SGH-a107 from AT&T

2011-07-11T13:59:00.000-07:00

I was surfing the AT&T website in the hopes of spotting a new phone for senior citizens. I spotted the Samsung SGH-a107 and quickly realized that it has the potential to be a good phone for elderly consumers. it combines a simple design with an affordable price.

Let's take a closer look at the Samsung SGH-a107 and the qualities that make it a good cell phone for seniors.

The cheap price of this handset lead me to take a closer look to see if this handset can serve the needs of seniors. At the time this article was published, the AT&T GoPhone website is offering it for $9.99.

The design of this handset is also advantageous for the requirements of elderly users. The senior-friendly design include a compact and lightweight body. The basic design does not include an external display and a volume rocker. This handset is clearly one of the most basic handset is the market today. Well, that quality makes it ideal for seniors who do not demand a lot from their cell phones.

The Samsung SGH-a107 offers a 1.43-inch 65,000-color display. This screen is smaller than the average cell phone. A larger screen would have made it easier for seniors to view the information on the display. Fortunately, this mobile phone for the elderly makes up for its lack of display size with its user-friendly keypad and navigation buttons. The phone's navigation array feels roomy, and keypad buttons are separated from each other with a defined grid. Senior user will find it easy to text and dial with speed.

Since the SGH-a107 is a basic phone with a low price, the features one will find is pretty basic. This mobile for seniors provide text and multimedia messaging, a vibrate mode, a speakerphone, instant messaging, a mobile MediaNet Web browser, an alarm clock, a calendar, a calculator, a tip calculator, and more.

That's it for this AT&T prepaid cell phone. Stay close as we feature other cell phone that can fit the needs of senior consumers.

The Samsung Gusto from Verizon Wireless

2011-07-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

I dropped by the Verizon Wireless website to check out the new DROID 3. I also looked at other phones in their roster to see if there are a few phones that can cater to the needs of seniors. I've found that we have already featured a few Verizon Wireless cell phones in this blog. I also discovered another handset that might suit the needs of the elderly. Let's examine the Samsung Gusto and see if it's a good cell phones for seniors.

The Samsung Gusto is a very simple phone with a very senior-friendly price. At the time this post is published, Verizon is offering it for free with a two-year contract. Senior consumers need affordable handset because they do not have a steady source of income.

Let's move on to the design. The Gusto is pretty simple. It's a flip phone with metallic-gray-and-black accents. The body is made up of plastic. Not exactly high-end but it's a free phone so it's understandable.

It sports a 2-inch display that supports 262,000 colors and a 128x160-pixel resolution. It's a solid display for its price but the font is not adjustable. Fortunately, the backlight on the display and the alphanumeric keypad can be adjusted. The phone also offered a user-friendly interface which highlights menu options as the user scrolls up and down a vertical list.

The navigation and text entry features on this device are solid. The keypad buttons are large and slightly domed so senior users will not find it hard to enter text or dial numbers.

Here are the rest of the main features for this cell phone for seniors:

2.5mm headset jack
speakerphone
1.3-megapixel camera
1.07-inch external color display
address book with 1,000 contacts
a calculator
alarm clock
text, picture, and voice messaging

That's it for this affordable mobile phone for senior citizens. Stay in touch and check out our blog regularly for more phones, plans, accessories and other related topics.

The Huawei M228 from MetroPCS

2011-07-05T11:07:00.000-07:00

Huawei mobile phones are starting to make an impact on the US market so I think we should feature phones from this manufacturer to see if they are fit for seniors. MetroPCS is one of the frequent destinations of Huawei phones and also a good source of potential cell phones for seniors.

Let's take a close look at the Huawei M228 from MetroPCS. I chose this phone because of its affordable price. It is being offered for $29.00, a good price for elderly users who do not have plenty of cash to spend.

The Huawei M228 is a simple device with basic features. It sports a bar style design with a 1.8-inch screen with 128-by-160 pixels. The display is a bit small and underwhelming in terms of specs but since this is a budget phone, one can't expect too much.

The M228 offers a bit more in terms of navigation and text entry. The keypad comes with well separated, rubberized keys so it's user-friendly. The phone offers a large circular button in the middle of a larger directional pad that allows users to navigate the phone. A small set of controls and a very basic UI makes it easy for users to navigate the handset.

What other features make the Huawei M228 suitable for seniors? it is equipped with a powerful speakerphone that can even be used outdoors. It is also loud and clear so its ideal for some senior citizens who have weak hearing. It also offers a solid battery that can power the phone for up to 7 hours and 3 minutes of talk time.

Here are the rest of the features for this mobile phone for seniors:

tri-band CDMA (850/1700/1900 MHz)
VGA camera
Bluetooth connectivity
22MB of free internal memory
alarm clock, calculator, calendar, stopwatch, and world clock

That's it for this cell phone for seniors. Stay tuned as we look at more devices that may fit the needs of seniors.

Can the LG HBM-520 Bluetooth Headset Help Seniors?

2011-06-30T08:05:00.000-07:00

We have posted about some of the Bluetooth headsets for seniors and the hearing impaired earlier this year. Well, I stumbled upon another possible Bluetooth headset for seniors as I was browsing through the Consumer Cellular website. Can this accessory suit the needs of the elderly?

But first let me tell you why a senior citizen might need a Bluetooth headset for a mobile phone. Well, it's a useful tool for those who have weak hearing. This accessory also allows one to make calls without the need to place the handsets at the user's ear.

OK, now on to the LG HBM-520 Bluetooth Headset. There are a few Bluetooth headsets in the Consumer Cellular line-up but I chose the HBM-520 because it's the cheapest at $30.00. A cheap price is ideal for seniors because they do not usually have a steady source of income.

This accessory offers dual microphones and a removable ear bud. It is designed to be comfortable fit to any user's ears. It also ensures a clear sound with its noise/echo cancellation technology and 2-mic solution.

Here are some specs for this accessory:

Weight: 11 grams
Dimensions: 52.5mm x 18.4mm x 12.05 mm
Talk time: up to 7 hours
Standby time: up to 250 hours

So what do you think? Is this an accessory that can be used by seniors?

Stay tuned for more post on mobile phones for seniors and other related topics.

Cell Phone Plans for Seniors: Consumer Cellular Anywhere Casual plan

2011-06-27T11:53:00.000-07:00

We've featured AT&T's new $50 unlimited plan last week so I thought it would be interesting to feature another plan for seniors this week. We have already featured a large number of cell phones for senior citizens so I feel that we should also devote some post for senior-friendly cell phone plans.

Let's look at the Anywhere Casual plan from Consumer Cellular. This is currently the most affordable offering from the carrier's line-up. Affordability is the key word for elderly users since most of them no longer have a stable source of income.

The Anywhere Casual plan has a fee of only $10.00 with 25¢/additional minute. This plan only charges subscribers for minutes if you use them. It's ideal for users who use 20 cell phone minutes or less per month. If you only use your mobile phone for an emergency or casual use then this plan will work for you.

If you want to give this plan a try then you won't have a problem. The carrier guarantees a trial for 30 days/30 minutes, risk free. Users can cancel and pay nothing, if they are not are not satisfied within 30 days or 30 minutes of usage, whichever comes first.

Are you interested in this mobile phone plan for seniors? Compare it with other plans to see if it can compete with what's on the market.

That's it for this post. Stay tuned for more mobile phones for seniors as well as plans and accessories.

Is AT&T's $50 Prepaid Calling Plan Suitable for Seniors?

2011-06-22T11:38:00.000-07:00

AT&T has recently introduced a new GoPhone prepaid calling plan that only cost $50 per month and will be available starting June 26. Will this offering be suitable for senior citizens?

This new AT&T cell plan includes a number of cool features including unlimited talk, text, and Web. Consumers will also get unlimited text and instant messages to Mexico, Canada, and 100 other countries from this $50 per month plan?

Well, I guess that depends if a senior really needs to get unlimited minutes or web. Perhaps an elderly person with friends and family in Mexico, Canada, and the 100 other countries can benefit from this plan.

However, there are cheaper cell phone plans for seniors in the market for those who do not require an unlimited plan. For instance, the GreatCall Basic 14 offers 50 anytime nationwide minutes for only $14. 99 with no contracts, roaming charges, cancellation fees, and data charges. The Just 10 plan provides 100 minutes + 50 text messages for only $10 and the Tracfone SVC plan starts at just $7

PureTalk USA also offers a good plan with starts at $10/month for 101 minutes with no contract, no restrictions, and no extra fees.

So if a senior really needs unlimited talk, text, and Web plus unlimited text and instant messages to Mexico, Canada, and 100 other countries, then this is a good plan but otherwise, there are plenty of better offers in the market.

That's it for this post. Stay tuned for more cell phones for seniors and plans for seniors as well as related topics.

The Affordable Tracfone LG 231c

2011-06-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

Tracfone is a good carrier for seniors who want solid phones with affordable rates. We have featured a number of Tracfone including the SVC. Let's look at another phone from this carrier to give you more options.

Like most cell phones for seniors, the LG 231c is a simple device that performs very well for making and receiving calls. It also supports text messaging so it's also a solid device for sending messages to family and friends.

The simplicity and basic features of this mobile phone for seniors will not intimidate the elderly who are not used to advance technological gadgets. It has a short learning curve and seniors users will master how to use it in a matter of hours because it does not come with complicated and flashy features.

The LG 231c also offers a user-friendly physical design. It sports a color display with graphics and adjustable fonts. It also comes with a simple keypad and navigation simple. nothing special here but simplicity is the way to go for senior users.

This cell phone from LG 231c is also affordable. Users who want to try it will only pay $30. It's a good price for seniors who do not spend a lot of time on cell phones and who do not have a steady source of income.

Here are the rest of the useful features for this cell phone for senior citizens:

Alarm Clock
Bluetooth Capable
Call Waiting
Caller ID
Camera
Color Screen
Graphics Download
HAC Compatible
Handsfree Speaker
Phone Book with up to 1,000 Entries
Text MessagingText/Picture Messaging
Vibration Alert
Voice Command/Dialing
Voice Recorder
Voicemail

That's it for this look at another Tracfone cell phone. Stay tuned for more as we feature other cell phones for the elderly.

The Simple Samsung Factor from Boost Mobile

2011-06-15T12:19:00.000-07:00

Services and cell phones from prepaid carriers are often suitable for seniors because they are cheap and uncomplicated. Boost Mobile is one of the best prepaid carriers in the US and offers a number of devices that can help seniors such as the Samsung Factor.

The Samsung Factor SPH-m260 is a simple device that is designed to be an affordable option for mobile consumers. It arrived into the market with a price tag of $49.99 without a contract. This cheap price makes it a good handset for seniors who often do not have a steady source of income.

The design of this handset also favors senior users. For instance, it sports a 2-inch TFT internal display with a 128-by-160-pixel QQVGA resolution and support for 262,000 colors. It's not very large but it offers adjustable backlight time and brightness so for users with weak eyesight. It also offers a 1.2-inch CSTN external display that supports 65,000 colors and shows important information such as the date and time, battery life and signal strength.

This mobile phone for senior citizens also offers a user-friendly menu, navigation buttons and keypad. The buttons on the keypad are coated with a rubberized texture gives them a comfortable and responsive feel. Dialing and composing text messages is fast and easy since the buttons are raised above the surface and slightly domed in the center.

The keypad also offers another feature that makes it easier for folks with weak eyesight to dial or compose a message. The Factor produces a different sound with each key press so dialing by feel is easy since one does not need to look at the keypad.

Other useful features offered by this senior-friendly handset include customized ringtones, address book, Bluetooth headsets, an alarm, a calendar, a calculator, a memo pad, a voice recorder, voice commands and a VGA camera.

That's for this Samsung Factor feature. Consider this handset if you are looking for a budget smartphone from a prepaid carrier.

Just us again next week as we look at more cell phones for seniors and other related topics.

Samsung Chrono from Cricket and US Cellular

2011-06-13T13:01:00.000-07:00

In the age of powerful smartphones, it's a good thing that carriers still find the time to release simple cell phones that can help senior citizens. For instance, the new Samsung Chrono from Cricket and US Cellular allows users to have mobile communication at a time where every gadget is full of features and the latest technology.

Let's look at this basic handset and see how it can benefit the elderly.

The Samsung Chrono sports a simple clamshell design with a flat top and squared edges. It has a thick, sturdy hinge which gives it some durability. A durable phone is important for seniors, since they can't afford to replace broken handsets every month.

This cell phone for seniors sports a 2-inch TFT main display with a QVGA (320x240 pixels) resolution. Users can adjust the font size, the backlight times, contrast, and theme to make viewing the text and graphics easier for user with weak eyesight. It also sports an external 1.7-inch CSTN display, which shows a number of important information including battery meter, signal strength, the date, and time.

The software on this handset is easy to navigate plus the soft keys, four-way navigation toggle and central OK button also make navigation simple. The keypad is also user-friendly with keys that are fully separated and easy to press.

The Samsung Chrono do not offer a wealth of features but the ones that come with it can help senior users. Other helpful features for this cell phones for seniors include an address book that can hold 1,000 entries, e-mail, group calling, a photo ID, and dozen ringtones. It can also send text and picture messages, and works with Bluetooth accessories.

This handset is affordable and can fit the budget of seniors. US Cellular is offering it for a penny when purchased with an agreement or $19.99 for pre-paid. Cricket is offering this cell phone for $59.99.

That's it for this quick look at a new mobile phone for seniors. Stay tuned as we feature more phones, accessories and plans for seniors.

Cell Phone Plans for Seniors: PureTalk USA Unlimited Plan

2011-06-08T10:38:00.000-07:00

We featured the PureTalk USA Flex Plan as a possible cell phone plan for seniors last April. It's about time to look at another senior-friendly plan from this provider. Let's discuss the PureTalk USA Unlimited Plan and see if it can be of some use to seniors.

As its name suggest, the PureTalk USA Unlimited Plan offers unlimited features. This means that there are no daily, weekly or monthly limits for the subscribers.

But what about the price? Well, this unlimited plan offers $39.95/month but it has no limits so it might be a great deal for some users.

Here are the advantages of getting this senior-friendly plan:

all taxes and fees are included
no contracts
no long distance/roaming fees
free voicemail
unlimited text and calls
unlimited, day or night, weekends and weekdays

So is this a suitable plan for seniors? Well, it's affordable as far as unlimited plans are concerned. However, it all depends on usage. A senior who only makes calls occasionally would be better off with a cheaper plan with far less minutes. But a senior who needs to be in constant touch with family and friends should be able to enjoy the PureTalk USA Unlimited Plan.

That's it for this week. Stay tuned as we feature more plans and cell phones for senior citizens.

Senior Cell Phone Accessories: The CE50 HearItMobile

2011-06-06T12:38:00.000-07:00

I was checking out the Clarity website when I came upon a new accessories for senior-friendly cell phones. If you remember, Clarity is currently offering the Lifephone, one of the top cell phones for seniors.

But were not going to talk about the Lifephone because we're going to feature the CE50 HearItMobile and see if it's a good accessory for senior mobile phones.

The CE50 HearItMobile is a "Bluetooth Mobile Phone Neckloop Amplifier." In simple terms it's an accessory that help hearing aid users that want hands-free cell phone use. This useful gadget amplifies incoming sounds directly from cell phone into hearing aid.

A large number of seniors use hearing aids so I'm sure that some of them would like to have this accessory.

But what about the other features? Well, the CE50 HearItMobile also features “One-Touch” technology to quickly answer or end calls. It also comes with a quick release” feature for easy and safe use. Other notable features include a 3.5mm headphone jack and a rechargeable battery that can operate for up to 14 hours.

So is the CE50 HearItMobile an ideal accessory for seniors? well, it is a solid device with a lot of features but it's missing a vital characteristic. It is being sold for $199.00 which is a very steep price for an accessory. It's probably worth that price but its an amount that only a few seniors can afford.

That's it for this post stay tuned for more mobile phones for seniors and related topics.

The Simple Nokia 1616 from T-Mobile

2011-06-02T11:31:00.000-07:00

A new prepaid phone became available at T-Mobile just a few days ago. The Nokia 1616 is a simple handset that has minimal features. Is this handset suitable for seniors? Let's take a closer look at the 1616 to see if it has the qualities to be a good mobile phone for the elderly.

The Nokia 1616 is a handset's that geared towards consumers looking a device for basic usage. It is designed for users who want to make calls and perhaps send a few text message. The design is basic so it doesn't even have a camera. But that's not a downside when you look at it as a cell phone for seniors because simple phones are ideal for the elderly.

This basic handset sports a simple interface and menu system. It is easy to navigate so it fits the needs of seniors and less-experienced users. Its straightforward approach means that an elderly person can learn to navigate the phone in a short amount of time.

The 1616 also features a 1.8 inch color display. It's not very large but it's colorful so its easy on the eyes of users with weak vision. This phone also offers a all-in-one key mat. It's comfortable to use and it keeps out dust.

This mobile phone for the elderly also features a flashlight built into the top of the phone. It's powerful beam makes it a useful tool that can aid visually impaired users. The handset also offers other useful features including a 3.5mm headphone jack, built-in FM radio, and a speakerphone.

The Nokia 1616 is now available from T-Mobile for a senior-friendly price of $19.99.

Stay tuned for more articles on cell phones for senior citizens and other related topics.

Accessories for the Snapfon ez One Cell Phone for Seniors

2011-05-30T12:35:00.000-07:00

The Snapfon ez One is one of the best mobile phones for the elderly in the US market. This handset can cater to the needs of seniors but the handset's official website also offered other enhancements that can improve one's experience with the ez One. For instance, one can check out the plans that will suit your needs be it a pay as you go plan or an unlimited rate plan.

The website also offers a number of accessories for the Snapfon ez One. These items can help to enhance the way one uses a handset. Let's discuss a few of these useful accessories for cell phones for seniors.

Desktop Battery Charger: this accessory is ideal for a battery that has been depleted and will not charge. It will bring a battery back to life even if it does not charge under normal circumstances. This item is compatible with Nokia-BL5c batteries and cost about ten bucks.

Hands-free Headset: This handy tool allows one to use the phone hands free. A convenient button allows owners to easily answer or end phone calls. This accessory is also cheap at just ten bucks.

Lanyard: This lanyard for the Snapfon ez One allows users to carry the phone round your neck. It's a good tool for users who often misplace their handsets. This accessory cost around five dollars.

These three items are just a few of the gadgets available for Snapfon ez One owners. Check out the website if you are interested in any of these accessories for mobile phones for the elderly.

That's it for this post. Visit us often to get more articles on accessories, plans and cell phones for senior citizens.

EPI Life Phone: the EKG Mobile Phone

2011-05-23T12:06:00.000-07:00

Can a cell phone save a user's life? A number of mobile phones for seniors come with a Personal Emergency Response System, which allows users to automatically call your emergency contacts in case of any untoward incident. However, one phone took it to another level.

The EPI Life features a built-in electrocardiogram measurement function linked to a 24-hour health concierge service. That's right. This mobile phone can take an EKG measurement.

So how does it work? well, the device can complete a reading within 30 seconds. This data can be sent back to the firm via GPRS anywhere in the world. A team of 10 cardiologists is available round the clock to analyze the collected data for life-threatening conditions. An appropriate emergency response will be rendered by Ephone International's call center including a private ambulance service, which will expedite patient admission into any of its three partnering local hospitals, and on-call doctors.

The other medical features for the EPI Life phone also include the ability to monitor blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol. Other features for this handset include a 2.8 inch full touch screen, multimedia suite, calendar and internet browser.

This special cell phone for seniors is designed by Singapore company Ephone International. It was first showcased at CommunicAsia 2010. This handset is currently available in Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong.

The makers of this handset plans to offer the technology to other mobile phone manufacturers in the market, so there's a chance that we will have an EKG mobile phone in the US.

Stay tuned for more posts on cell phones for senior citizens and related topics.

5Star Personal Security Now Available at GreatCall

2011-05-19T11:22:00.000-07:00

GreatCall, the force behind the Jitterbug cell phones for senior citizens, has launched the 5Star Personal Security Service. This service for seniors was introduced in February and is now available for GreatCall customers.

So what is the 5Star Personal Security Service? It is described as a cell phone-based mobile, personal emergency response system (mPERS). It works by proving customers with real-time access to help in any situation 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The service is reportedly reliable and easy-to-use so senior users can manage it without any problem. Users simply dial the (5) and the (*) keys on the Jitterbug cell phone to be connected to a specially trained response agent. This agent is certified by the National Academies of Emergency Dispatch (NAED) so the person has been trained well to deal with a number of situations.

So what happens if an emergence occur? Well, a response team can dispatch 911 personnel or get users other assistance that can help them overcome unsafe situations. The service agent will arrange for appropriate assistance and will stay on the line with customers until they are safe and secure.

Now the question you might want to know about the fees associated with this service. This service for the elderly cost $14.99 per month and $8.99 for each additional family member.

If you are interested in this app for seniors, then visit the Great Call website for more details.

That's it for today's post. Stay tuned for more information on mobile phones for seniors and other related topics.

The Samsung Wise Classic and Samsung Wise Modern

2011-05-16T10:55:00.000-07:00

Samsung has launch a number of cell phones for seniors arround the globe. The senior-friendly mobile phones by Samsung that have been featured on this blog include the Jitterbug, the Knack, the Haven, and more.

Samsung also recently introduced a couple of mobile phones for senior citizens for its South Korean market. The Samsung Wise Classic (SHC-Z100S) and Samsung Wise Modern (SHC-Z140S / SHW-A240S) are simple mobile phones that can cater to the need of the elderly.

The features for these handsets include a GPS, T-DMB, media player, and dual screens. But what are the senior-friendly features of these handsets.? Well, you have a large screen, large buttons and a simple interface with large fonts and icons.

Now these handsets are not likely to arrive stateside but let's hope that Samsung will bring similar models to the US.

Do you think that the Samsung Wise Classic and Samsung Wise Modern can help US senior mobile phone users?

Stay tuned as we bring you more phones for seniors and related topics such as plans, accessories and services.

The GreatCall Basic 14 Cell phone Plan for Seniors

2011-05-10T11:30:00.000-07:00

We have been blogging about cell phones for seniors for our past several post so I thought that it would be agood time to look at another mobile phone plan for the elderly. Let's discuss the GreatCall Basic 14, a prepaid plan from the makers of the Jitterbug cell phone for seniors.

I decided to feature this plan because it's the most affordable among GreatCall's line-up. Price is an important factor in choosing a plan for the elderly because most of them do not have a steady source of income. However, the plan also needs to satisfy their needs along with its cheap price.

The GreatCall Basic 14 offers a good number of features for its price. It is offered for only $14. 99 with 50 anytime nationwide minutes. This cell phone plan for senior citizens do not include a contracts and there are no roaming charges. Users will also benefit from the absence of cancellation fees and data charges.

This senior-friendly cell plan also provides a phonebook, calendar, daily health tips, and text messaging.

The monthly anytime minutes of the GreatCall Basic 14 also carry over and are available for 60 days.

That's it for this post on this cell phone plan for seniors. Stay tuned as we feature more plans, phones and related topics.

The Simple LG Accolade VX5600

2011-05-03T10:16:00.000-07:00

Senior mobile phone users do not demand a lot from their handsets. A good cell phone for the elderly should be a simple device with good performance.

A mobile phone like the LG Accolade VX5600 should fit the needs of senior citizens. This handset features an easy-to-use design, and a feature set that focuses on the essentials. The Accolade also performs well and is a reliable device for folks who want to be in touch with friends and family.

Let's delve into the attributes that make the LG Accolade a good cell phone for seniors.

This mobile phone sports a flip phone design with a 1.76 inch main display. It's a bit small but it makes up for it with its resolution (220x176 pixels) and vibrant colors (262,000 hues). The image displayed on this device are clear and sharp.

Users will not find it difficult to navigate the menu on the LG Accolade. The navigation array on this mobile phone for seniors is spacious and comfortable. Consumers can use them by feel because the central OK button, two soft keys, a dedicated speakerphone control, clear button, and the Talk and End/power keys are slightly raised.

The keypad on this handset also marks it as a good mobile phone for the elderly. The buttons are slightly raised so users can dial by feel. The keys are user-friendly because they are spacious and feature large backlit numbers. It's safe to say that seniors can dial contacts and compose text quickly without making a lot of mistakes.

The LG Accolade VX5600 is also priced very reasonably. It is now available free online with an additional discount. This is a good thing for senior who do not have a steady source of income.

That's it for this senior-friendly cell phone. Stay tuned from more cell phones, plans, accessories and more.

Bluetooth Headsets for Seniors and the Hearing Impaired

2011-04-27T13:23:00.000-07:00

A number of seniors users have less than perfect hearing so they need a handset with loud tones to communicate effectively. However, some find that using a Bluetooth headset can also be a remedy for the challenges of weak hearing while operating a cell phone.

Let's look at some Bluetooth headsets that can be of service to senior mobile phone users and the hearing impaired.

Sound ID 510: This device offers noise canceling, A2DP, multipoint connectivity, and voice prompts. It can even act like a hearing aid when paired with the EarPrint app. This application allows users to fine-tune incoming audio by adjusting the volume and the tone.

Plantronics Voyager Pro Plus: This Bluetooth headset offer good audio quality and wind noise reduction. It's features include a dedicated power switch, a volume rocker, a swiveling boom mic, multipoint, A2DP streaming, and voice alerts.

BlueAnt Q2: This headset features A2DP streaming, multipoint connectivity, and great sound quality. The Q2 also comes with a voice control interface that includes text-to-speech and access to Bing-411 services.

These devices are just a few of the Bluetooth headsets for seniors and the hearing impaired. If you want to explore your options, then do a bit of research on the web. I'm sure you'll find other great examples of headsets for seniors and the hearing impaired.

That's it for this post. Check out this blog every week as we feature mobile phones for seniors and related topics.

The Simple and Rugged Motorola i296

2011-04-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

Frail and delicate handsets are not ideal for seniors. Elderly users need a sturdy device that can withstand a few bumps and falls. Senior citizens have a limited budget so they can't afford to purchase a replacement after their phones broke down after a few months of use. A durable cell phone like the Motorola i296 can be ideal for senior users.

Of course, durability and ruggedness are not the only attributes that make the Motorola i296 a good cell phone for senior citizens. This handset also offer other capabilities that make it an ideal device for baby boomers. Let's talk about those qualities in the next few paragraphs.

The i296 is also a simple and easy to use mobile phone. Seniors will not spend a lot of time to learn how to use it and there are no complicated features that can cause confusion. It's a cell phone that is made for making calls and sending text messages. It can even be described as ultra-basic since it lacks a camera, music player, and web access.

I mention previously that good cell phones for seniors should be able to withstand being dropped a few times. Well, the Motorola i296 is mil-spec 810F compliant for dust, shock, and vibration resistance. It can take more punishment that most mobile phones in the market.

The rugged i296 also comes with a user-friendly keypad. It features raised, easy-to-press, cleanly separated keys. This means that the phone is easy to navigate and the elderly can easily dial numbers or compose messages.

This handset also comes with a senior friendly price of $49.95 contract free.

Other key features for this cell phone include a 1.8-inch display with 128-by-160 pixel resolution, Bluetooth, 600-entry phonebook, speakerphone with voice-activated dialing, multimedia and text messaging.

That's it for this durable mobile phone for the elderly. Stay tuned for more articles on handsets, accessories, and plans for folks over 65.

The Easy-to-use Motorola C168i

2011-04-14T11:40:00.000-07:00

AT&T's Go Phones service offer a number of senior-friendly cell phones such as the F160. Here's another Go Phone that you might find to be ideal for your elderly parents or relatives.

The Motorola C168i is a basic handset that features an uncomplicated candy bar style design with a 1.5 inche (128x128 pixels) color display. I have to admit that the display is bit small for a senior phone. Users can adjust the backlight time on this display.

The C168i makes up for its small display with a nice keypad. The backlit keypad buttons and the Talk and End/power keys are raised so senior-users will have no problem with dialing on this phone.

You can see by now that the Motorola C168i is a very basic phone. It's an uncomplicated handset that was crafted to make phone calls.

Other features include in this handset's arsenal include 600 phonebook entries, polyphonic ringtones, as well as downloadable wallpaper, screen saver and ringtones. It also provides a calculator, a calendar, an alarm lock, text and multimedia messaging.

Consumers can purchase the this handset at Amazon and other online retailers.

That's it for this cell phone for senior citizens. Staty tuned for more handsets, plans, and accessories for the elderly.

Cell phone for Seniors: Kyocera TNT from Virgin Mobile

2011-04-11T10:27:00.000-07:00

Here's another mobile phone for seniors that I found after surfing the web. The Virgin Mobile TNT or the Kyocera Adreno S2400 offers compact, simple design combined with an affordable price tag.

Let's take a closer look at the Kyocera TNT from Virgin Mobile.

The TNT features a clamshell design with emphasis on being a cell phone that concentrates on making calls and sending messages. That's always a good attribute for a mobile phone for senior citizens. A simple and practical handset will fit the needs of the elderly.

Let's delve deeper into the design of the Kyocera TNT.

The main display on this device measures 1.8 inches (160x128 pixels) and supports 65,000 color. It may not sound impressive but a touchscreen or a high-resolution display is not needed by senior users. The text is readable on this display and that's enough for elderly consumers.

The TNT also offers an external display but it's not very useful. It's a tiny (96x16 pixels) monochrome display that shows the date, time, battery life, and signal strength. Unfortunately, it may be too small for seniors.

The keypad for this handset is user friendly. The keys are a bit flush and slippery but it is still easy to use since the arrangement is spacious. The numbers on the keys are large and the back lighting is bright so users won't have to worry about misdials when texting or calling.

The TNT offers a decent selection of features for its price. This cell phone for seniors also offers a phone book, MP3 tones, vibrate mode, text messaging, a calendar, a calculator, an alarm clock, a voice memo, a two-way speakerphone and voice dialing.

That's it for the Kyocera TNT from Virgin Mobile. A simple and affordable phone with features that suit the elderly.

Join as every week as we feature a new cell phone for seniors and other related topics.

Cell Phone Plans for Seniors: PureTalk USA Flex Plan

2011-04-06T10:43:00.000-07:00

I was browsing the Snapfon website when I checked out the section for their cell phone plans for seniors. This company offers the Snapfon ez One, one of the mobile phone for seniors I featured in the past.

Without further ado, let's look at the PureTalk USA Flex Plan for the Snapfon ez One.

The company pairs the mobile phone for senior citizens with the offerings of PureTalkUSA, a nationwide provider of low cost rate plans. Why is this plan ideal for senior users? Well, it starts at $10/month for 101 minutes with no contract, no restrictions, and no extra fees.

The PureTalk USA Flex Plan also allows users to adjust the plan to fit their needs and budget (hence the name FLEX, from flexible). Subscribers can select from 101 minutes to 1000 minutes depending on their needs.

There's another useful feature from this senior-friendly cell phone plan. The PureTalk USA Flex Plan offer rollover minutes so the elderly can have the freedom to carry unused minutes over into another month. They never expire so here's no need to worry.

Here's a chart that might help to explain this cell phone plan for senior citizens:

Visit the PureTalk USA website to get more details on this plan.

That's it for this post on the PureTalk USA Flex Plan. Join as every week as tackle plans, accessories and cell phones for seniors.

Is this a Good Design for a Mobile Phone for Seniors?

2011-04-04T10:25:00.000-07:00

A number of manufacturers now specialize in mobile phones for seniors. Doro, Just5, Jitterbug and Clarity focus their efforts on producing simple and user-friendly handset that fit the needs of an elderly. However, some independent designers have published designs for mobile phones for senior citizens. I previously made a post on a concept phone designed for seniors called the Fit. This time let's look at the Simplesee Cellphone designed by Emma Caddick.

The Simplesee cellphone design includes massive buttons and built-in SOS function. If you have been reading this blog, then you'll recognize those features as necessary for a handset to be suitable for seniors. The large buttons help seniors with weak vision to dial more easily or by feel. The built-in SOS function is a feature that can deal with any emergencies.

The Simplesee cellphone design is also centered around simple functions. It is designed to for making calls. It was made to function more like a home phone. A more mobile version of course. While that might seem limited, one has to consider that a mobile phone for seniors should be a hassle-free phone.
The display on this concept appears to be quite small. However, the font on the screen appears to be large enough to accommodate the weak eyes of senior citizens.

The body of the Simplesee cellphone design also appears to be shaped for improved grip. The curved design may make it easier to hold for users who have frail hands.

So do you think that this design should be manufactured for the senior market?

Of course, design alone is not enough. It needs to be combined with a cheap price and affordable rate plans.

That's it for this post. Stay tuned for more articles on cell phones for seniors and related topics.

The Stylish but Senior-Friendly LG UX280

2011-03-30T08:37:00.000-07:00

Fashion phones are not usually ideal for seniors because the design is geared towards a slim body and flat keypads. However, there are a few stylish handsets that can fit the needs of senior users. For instance, the LG UX280 or LG Wine sports an attractive design but offers a large display and a very roomy keypad.

Let's take a closer look at this fashionable mobile phone for seniors.

Like most fashion phones, the LG UX280 features a flip phone or clamshell design. It sports a 2.2-inch display with 240 x 320 pixels with 262,000 color. Senior users can adjust the screen's backlight time, the menu style, the font settings for style, color, and size, and the color scheme to suit their weak eyesight.

I mentioned the roomy keypad on the LG UX280 but let me provide more details. A user-friendly is compulsory for a senior-cell phone because it allows seniors with weak vision to dial easily or compose text messages without difficulty. The navigation array and the number keypad on this handset is very easy to use. The keys are large and quite tactile and the number keys on the keypad are in very large text.

The LG UX280 is not only a stylish and user-friendly mobile phone. This handset also comes with a nice set of features. The UX28 also offers voice dialing, Bluetooth, GPS navigation and a 1.3-megapixel camera. The camera does not support video capture but it's a nice bonus for a simple handset.

That's it for this short feature on the LG UX280. Visit us often to get more information on cell phones for senior citizens and related topics.

Doro PhoneEasy 615 Cell phone for Seniors Hands-on

2011-03-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

Doro introduced new cell phones for senior citizens at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last month. The PhoneEasy 615, the PhoneEasy 610, the PhoneEasy 680, and the PhoneEasy 682 were showcased at the show.

Fortunately, the folks at Phonescoop shared some of their hand-on images and impressions on the Doro PhoneEasy 615. This mobile phone for seniors features 3G support, a camera, an SOS key on the back, and a very large color display.

Here are a few of the hands-on images of the Doro PhoneEasy 615:

And a look at its user interface.

Visit PhoneScoop.com for more hands-on images and impressions on the Doro PhoneEasy 615.

The availablilty and pricing of the PhoneEasy 615 and other new Doro handsets are not yet known. We'll bring you the latest updates on this handsets as they become known.

Check out this blog every week for more information on cell phones for seniors, rate plans for the elderly, accessories and related topics.

Can Seniors Use the Just5 Spacephones?

2011-03-24T10:44:00.000-07:00

Just5 introduced an interesting line of simple cell phones last year. The company introduced the J510 model in Las Vegas. The manufacturer is calling this line of handsets as the "Spacephones."

The Just5 Spacephones sound like very technological handsets. So would these phones be ideal for seniors?

The answer is yes. You see, the J510 or Spacephone utilize the same design scheme as the Just5 cell phone for seniors. It offers large buttons, speaker, and the SOS button, and a dedicated button that can be pushed for emergency assistance.

Just5 also sees the J510 as an ideal cell phone for senior citizens. Alex Petrov VP of Operations at Just5 Americas said that:

“The J509 will eventually be seen as a necessity for seniors who want to be out and about. With the SOS feature, we expect them to be popular inside the home as well, maybe replacing the landline for many seniors previously resistant to that idea. The phones are durable and long-lasting, and the calling plans are affordable.”

I'm not sure when this handset will be offered in the US. The company's website only shows the j509 so perhaps it will be available in the future.

That's it for this mobile phone for seniors. Stay in touch for more post on senior cell phones and related topics.

The Basic Samsung SGH-T139

2011-03-22T11:03:00.000-07:00

Here's a basic handset that might be ideal for the needs of senior citizens. The Samsung SGH-T139 is a prepaid phone that is tailor-made for senior citizens needs. Let's explore the senior friendly features of this call phone.

The Samsung SGH-T139 features a flip phone design which is considered by some as the ideal form factor for seniors. The design is easy to use. There not that many bells and whistles. Every part of the design is shaped towards making the handset an ideal device for making calls.

The simple Samsung SGH-T139 sports a 1.75 inch internal display. It's smaller than most mobile phones for seniors but one can compensate for the lack in size bu adjusting the options like standby text style and color, the dialing font size and the backlight time. It also offers an external display that indicates the date, time, battery life, signal strength and numeric caller ID.

This handset also offers a user-friendly keypad. The spacious layouts with raised button that have a comfortable, rubbery feel. Users wont have any problems with dialing or composing text messages on this cell phone because the backlit keypad buttons feature large numbers and letters.

The key features for the Samsung SGH-T139 also include a VGA camera for still photos captures, Bluetooth connectivity, SMS text and MMS picture messaging, instant messaging, voice recorder, speakerphone and organizer tools .

So where can you purchase the Samsung SGH-T139? This cell phone fort seniors is available via online retailers. It is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile.

That's it for this post. Visit us often to more information on new phones, accessories and services.

The Samsung Mantra From Virgin mobile

2011-03-15T11:45:00.000-07:00

Samsung seems to have a knack for producing good cell phones for seniors. For instance the Tracfone SVC phone, which is manufactured by Samsung, is rated as one of the best cell phones for seniors in 2011. This time let's look at another senior-friendly mobile phone from this manufacturer.

The Samsung Mantra or Samsung M340 is offered by Virgin Mobile for $39.99. It is also available at Amazon for an affordable price of $29.99. This price fits the budget of seniors who usually do not have a source of income.

Let's go over the features of this mobile phone for senior citizens. The Mantra sports a flip phone design and can be described as a basic cell phone. this means that its simple enough that an elderly person can learn to use it in a matter of hours. It doesn't have any complicated features so its best suited for sending text messages of making calls.

The Samsung Mantra also features a 2-inch internal display (128 x 160 pixels, 65K color depth), which is large enough to accommodate the weak vision of some seniors. This cell phone for seniors also comes a user-friendly keypad with large buttons. It has hearing aid compatibility for M4/T4.

Other key features for this device include a VGA camera, Bluetooth, Web browser, bi-lingual interface, and organizer tools including calendar, alarm clock, and calculator. These features are not really that useful for seniors but its nice to have them on a $30 mobile phone.

That's it for this look at the Samsung Mantra. Stay tuned for more posts on cell phones for seniors and related topics.

The Wellness Call Service for Seniors

2011-03-07T11:22:00.000-08:00

We have previously featured other GreatCall services for senior citizens such as the LiveNurse, Check in Calls and Medication Reminders. This time let's look at the Wellness Call Service for Jitterbug mobile phones.

The Wellness Call Service for seniors focuses on making users feel better immediately and long-term. How? Well, GreatCall partnered with Brian Alman, Ph.D, a well-known wellness expert and best-selling author to provide quality services to seniors and other consumers.

This service for mobile phone for seniors is ideal for users who suffer from stress, sleeplessness or weight. One motivational 4 – 5 minute call per week can be a big help for some consumers.

The Wellness Call Service for seniors include the following services:

Health and Wellness Coaching
Motivational Messages
Relaxation Tips
Immediate Results, Long Term Success

This service for cell phone for seniors cost $4.00 per month but is offered free on select plans.

If you're not convinced that this service is for you, then you can try it out for free for the first 30 days.

That's it for this short preview on the Wellness Call Service for seniors. Stay tuned as we tell you about other services for seniors.

Just5 CP11 Mobile Phone for Seniors at MWC 2011

2011-03-01T10:33:00.000-08:00

Doro introduced a set of senior-friendly phones at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona but Just5 also made a splash at the show.

The Just5 CP11 cell phone for seniors citizens was also showcased at MWC 2011. This handset features a large display that pops out. It that sounded strange then let me elaborate. The CP11's display open stiletto-style when the two buttons on the sides of the phone are pushed.

Other than this unusual design feature, the Just5 CP11 offers all the necessary features for seniors. The 2.2″ LCD display is large enough to accommodate the weak eyes of many elderly users.

But that's not all, this mobile phone for seniors also offer a S.O.S. emergency button. This feature is interesting.Pushing and holding the emergency button results in text messages being sent to 5 pre-defined numbers. The Just5 CP11 will then start calling those 5 numbers until somebody picks up.

The remaining key features for this mobile phone for seniors include a loud-speaker, a radio, thermometer and a flashlight.

Here's a video of the Just5 CP11 in action.

That's it for this senior-friendly cell phone. Join us again next week as we preview more senior cellphones, plans and related topics.

The Motorola WX345 from Consumer Cellular

2011-02-22T10:50:00.000-08:00

Consumer Cellular has introduced a new senior-friendly phone. The Motorola WX345 will join other cell phones from seniors from the Consumer Cellular line-up such as the Doro PhoneEasy 410 and Doro PhoneEasy 335.

The Motorola WX345 is ideal for senior citizens who are short on funds. Why? well, it is offered for free with a $35 activation fee. Consumer Cellular also offers affordable cell phone plans for the elderly so a large budget will not be necessary.

This new cell phone for senior citizens from Consumer Cellular offers all the needed features that can benefit the elderly including large keys, speakerphone, M3/T3 hearing aid compatibility, and long battery life.

The Motorola WX345 is a simple mobile phone so the elderly will not spend a lot of time when learning how to use it. However, that does not mean that it does not offer a nice set of features. This mobile phone for senior citizens also offer Bluetooth, a digital camera, MP3 player, and FM radio.

Check out this handset if you want to a simple mobile phone with a nice feature set.

THis concludes this post on this new cell phone for seniors. Stay tuned for more devices and plans for the elderly.

Doro Introduces Senior-friendly Cell Phones at MWC 2011

2011-02-15T11:38:00.000-08:00

Doro, a known maker of cell phones for seniors, has made its presence felt at the ongoing Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. This mobile phone manufacturer has introduced mobile phones that can be used by senior citizens at the event.

The PhoneEasy 615, the PhoneEasy 610, the PhoneEasy 680, and the PhoneEasy 682 are expected to hit the market this year. These new senior-friendly mobile provide features that are helpful to elderly users including loud ringers and earpieces, large display fonts, high contrast displays, dedicated quick dial keys, hearing aid support and large buttons

Let's look at the details for these mobile phones for senior citizens.

The Doro PhoneEasy 615 appears to have the most features among the new handsets. It offers 3G support and a 3.2-megapixel camera. It will be available in June/July.

The Doro PhoneEasy 610 features a with a direct key for text messages and many other improvements. This cell phone for seniors will be available in June/July.

The the PhoneEasy 680, and the PhoneEasy 682 offer noise reduction and an alarm key that is linked to GPS positioning for better emergency response support. Both of these senior mobile phones will hit the market in n September 2011.

Unfortunately, the US carriers for these handset were not revealed. However, they are GSM cell phones so they are compatible with T-Mobile and AT&T when they land in the US market.

Stay tuned as we bring you the latest news and information on cel phones for seniors.

GreatCall Adds 5Star Personal Security to Senior Services

2011-02-08T10:16:00.000-08:00

GreatCall, the company that offers the JitterBug cell phones for seniors, has announced a new service that can help the elderly.

The 5Star Personal Security Service can transform a mobile phone for seniors into a personal security device for almost any situation. This service allows subscribers to immediately connect to a certified emergency response agent. This service is on for 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.

When a senior citizens calls, the emergency operator will arrange appropriate assistance, while providing real-time professional support.

Elderly users will not find it hard to use this service. The caller simply touches (5) and (*) on their Jitterbug phone to reach the emergency operator. The operator who receives the call will immediately know who the caller is, where they’re located using the latest GPS technology, and their personal profile. The 5Star Personal Security Service operator will determine the type of emergency, dispatch the appropriate assistance, or connect to 911 or family members for familiar support, while remaining on the line to ensure resolution. The operator will even place a follow-up call as the situation warrants.

This senior mobile phone service will become commercially available in February 2011 for $14.99 per month.

That's it for this cell phone services for senior citizens. Join us every week as we feature mobile phones and services for the elderly.