Monday, June 25, 2012

New Cell Phones for Seniors: Jitterbug Plus for Great Call

The Jitterbug has been a major force in the cell phones for seniors and a new one is about to enter the fray. Samsung has revealed the next-generation Jitterbug before GreatCall has a chance to formally announced it.

It appears that the phone will be called the Jitterbug Plus or Samsung SCH-R220.

A look at the phone indicates that it will sport the traditional Jitterbug look with its clamshell design and large buttons on its keypad.

Here are a few images of this new cell phone for seniors to give you a batter look:




As you can see, its simplified design makes it ideal for the use of elderly mobile phone consumers.
The features offered by this device include a 2.2 inch color display (240x320 Pixels) inside and an external color screen that measures 1.3 inches (128x128 Pixels). This cell phone for baby boomers is also equipped with a 1.3MP camera.

Here are the rest of the features and specs for the Jitterbug Plus for Great Call:
  • speakerphone
  • voice dialing
  • messaging
  • phone book
  • hearing aid compatible (HAC): MT/T4
  • internal memory::1GB (EFS) + 512MB (RAM)
  • battery with up to 25 days standby time and up to 3.1 hours continuous usage time
  • 5-Star service
  • Dimensions (inches): 3.86 x 2.01 x 0.77
  • Weight (ounces): 2.86 oz.
  • Frequencies and Data Type: 800/1900MHz

GreatCall has not yet announced this phone so pricing and availability are still unknown. It will be available in red and silver.

What do you think of this phone? Is it worthy of being the next Jitterbug cell phone for the elderly?

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Monday, June 18, 2012

Accessories for the Just5 Cell Phone for Senior Citizens

Hello everyone. I have been checking out the different websites that sell mobile phones for the elderly to check if there are new handsets, plans, or service for the elderly. I explored Just 5's US website and found that they have new accessories for their handset for grandparents.

The website previously just offered a SIM card on their accessories page but the site has finally decided to expand their offerings and provide more products.

Let me provide some of the new accessories for the Just5 cell phone that are available for seniors.


First we have a wall charger that allows users to charge up their phones by plugging it into a power outlet. I thin it's a very useful accessory as we need power to use our phones (duh!). However, the charger that comes in the box with our phone are often the first gadgets to stop working or get lost so having the option a buying a new one for your handset is good. If you need this device then you can get it for $9.99.



Next we have another type of charger for the Just 5 mobile phone for baby boomers. This one is ideal for the elders who are often on the go. It allows one to get power for your cell phone even if you do not have easy access to a power outlet. One simply need to plug into the power adaptor in your car and you can rely on it keep your phone charged on the way to seeing your children or grand kids. This accessory is available for $9.99.


Then there's the lanyard for folks who want to keep their phones close without having it in your hands. This accessory allows users to hang their phones around their neck so they are free to use their hands while having a phone at a convenient location. This accessory is also a great tool for users who often find themselves forgetting where they have placed their phones. This product is available for $7.99.

These are just a few of new accessories for the Just5 phone. Check out the handset's website if you want to check out more of these devices.

If you are unfamiliar with the Just 5, then you should know that it is one of the best options for consumers whoa re looking for a cell phone that is fit for the needs of the elderly. here's a video that will help you to get to know this phone:



Stay tuned as we feature more accessories, plans, and cell phones for senior citizens.

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Monday, June 11, 2012

Samsung S125G: A new Tracfone Cell Phone for Seniors?

Tracfone is one of the best prepaid for senior citizens. It offers the Senior Value Cell Phone, which is one of the best handsets for the elderly (I'm sure SVC fans who frequently comment in this blog will agree). However, the SVC phone is not the only device that is suited for seniors among Tracfone's line-up. Here's an upcoming device that may also be ideal for the need of baby boomers.

This device was revealed by Samsung as headed for Tracfone's line of prepaid phone. That means that the pricing and availability of this phone have not been disclosed but I'm sure that it will be a cheap cell phone. The Samsung S125G is a bar style design that is design to "make your life easy". Let's go over the features of this mobile phone for grandparents.

Here are the highlights of this cell phone for seniors as touted by its page at Samsung's official website:

  • Easy-to-use interface makes dialing, texting and navigating easy-to-do
  • Keeps you connected to family and friends
  • Shortcut keys help to navigate and adjust settings in a snap
  • Easily manage calls with call waiting, Caller ID and alerts
A closer look at the features and specs for this phone reveals the elements that make this a goo phone for
the elderly. Here are the senior-friendly features of the Samsung S125G:
  • 1.52 inch color display with 128 x 128 pixels (a bit small and should be 2 inches or larger)
  • built-in speakerphone that let users talk hands-free
  • 1000mAh Lithium Ion battery with 12.5 days standby and 6 hours usage
  • Voicemail and TTY
 The specs sheet does not indicate the hearing-aid compatibility of the phone but perhaps that is due to this being a new device that has not been launched yet. The details on the site might be incomplete.

And here are some images to help you see how this phone can be a great device for senior citizens:



What do you thin of this phone? Is it worthy to be in the hands of an elderly consumer?

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Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Verizon Wireless Cell Phones for Seniors in the First Half of 2012

Verizon Wireless offers a very impressive line-up that includes the most popular and powerful smartphones in the US. However, this carrier also offer simple and affordable cell phones that are suitable for elderly users. These devices are designed to be cheap and easy-to-use for consumers who only want the basic features on their phones.

Now, carriers change their line-ups regularly to add new phones and retire handsets that need to be replaced to make way for new handsets. Currently, Verizon Wireless offers a few cell phones that we consider to be fit for senior citizens. We have featured them in our blog but we want to present an updated list of senior-friendly phones that are currently available on Verizon's line-up.

Here are the mobile phones for seniors that Verizon Wireless classify under "Basic Phones":
The prices for these phones are the current offers as this article was published. There are more phones in Verizon's Basic Phones line-up but they are meant for messaging and entertainment.

The phones listed above are linked to our featured blogpost where we take a closer look at the features and attributes that make them ideal for seniors.

Verizon Wireless already offers a senior-friendly cell phone plan (65Plus), which would work well when paired with any of these devices.

So what do you think about the list? Should Verizon offer more simple phones in its line-up? Should it offer the phones at a cheaper price?

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Monday, June 4, 2012

US Cellular Phone for Seniors: Samsung Chrono 2

We looked at the Samsung Chrono from Cricket and US Cellular about a year ago. Well, I'm happy to report to readers who like the phone that an improved version of the handset has already been available from sometime and it comes with a nice price.

US Cellular is currently offering the Samsung Chrono 2 for free for new activations and 0.01 after Instant Rebate for current customers who are eligible to upgrade.

So is this device a good cell phone for senior citizens? Is it as simple and easy-to-use as the original Chrono from Samsung? Let's go over the details of this phone to find out.

Like its, predecessor, the Chrono 2 sports a clamshell design that is slim and sleek. We would have wanted it to be sturdier as a device for the elderly but thin phones are the trend nowadays. It sports a 2.2 inch QVGA TFT display which is a bit bigger the the original Chrono which sported a 2 inch main screen.It also has a smaller 1.3 inch displays which shows relevant information without the need to open the phone.

This phone sports a nice keypad with large numbers printed on the buttons. The keys are separated with one another and raised slightly above the surface so dialing can be done without any difficulty.  The
four-way navigational keypad and softkeys also allows users to quickly access phone features.

The  Samsung Chrono 2 also offers a  Hearing Aid Compatibility rating of M4/T4 making it ideal for folks who are hard of hearing. The 1000mAh Lithium Ion can keep the phone going for up to 25 day on standby so it has decent lasting power.

Here are some images of this mobile phone for seniors:


And here are the bonus features you get with this phone(nice but not priorities for seniors):

  • 1.3 MP Camera
  • Social Networking and E-Mail Capabilities
  • Integrated Web Browser
  • Bluetooth 2.1 
  • Multiple Messaging Options w/Predictive Text
  • GPS
 That's it for this quick look of a cheap cell phone for seniors. Stay with us every week for new device features and other related topics.

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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

Talking with Grandparents via Cell Phones

We have featured a number of cell phones for the elderly in this blog so we figured its time for a post that will warm your hearts. I ran into a few videos while looking for new phones to feature so I thought I should post them here.

These clips feature cute videos of grandchildren trying to communicate with their grandparents via a mobile phone. I know that talking with grand kids and other family members is one of the most enjoyable moments for a senior citizen. So here are the videos showing cute kids talking with their beloved grandmas and grandads on the cell phone. I hope you enjoy them:

Here is baby Ella gets a call on speakerphone from her proud Sheets Grandparents from South Carolina:


And here's a video of young Annabelle talking on the cell phone to her grandmother in Lancaster, CA:


Enjoy this clip of another young girl giving grandpa a call:


Here is a young boy calling Grandma Bea on a BlackBerry:

We hope you enjoy these videos. You can find plenty of them on YouTube and other video websites.

Stay tuned to this blog every week as we feature more phones and other topics related to mobile phones for grandparents.

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Monday, May 21, 2012

T-Mobile 665: A Cell Phone for Seniors that Excels in Making Calls

The folks at Cnet described the T-Mobile 665 as a phone that "makes calls and not much else." That label sounds like a negative description of a phone where super powerful smartphones are being launched every month.

However, this description is fitting for a device that can fit the needs of the elderly. Senior citizens require a phone that can make phone and not much else. These consumers need phones that are simple and uncomplicated. Plus a phone that focuses on making calls is usually a cheap device that fits into the lifestyle of folks who are 65 years or older. This prepaid phone from T-Mobile is currently available for $49.

Every year, US carrier's and cell phone manufacturers release phone that just comes with the basics. These phones are headed for markets that include teens, new cell phone users, and seniors. The T-Mobile 665 falls into this category. It's features are limited but it's focused on the essentials. Flashy features and capabilities such as Wi-Fi, mobile TV, 4G LTE, and others are cool but they lose their value to consumers who are only after the most basic of features and the lowest of price.

The  665 comes in a clamshell design with a 1.7-inch, 262,000-color display. This cell phone for seniors also comes with an extra-large keypad that is designed for easy dialing and texting.

Here are some images of this mobile phone:


 The other features for this phone include:
  • 2-megapixel camera
  • Bluetooth
  • FM radio
  • speakerphone
  • a microSD slot for cards up to 8GB
  • included Accessories: battery, wall charger, and user guide
What do you think of this cheap phone? Can the T-Mobile 665 serve as a cell phone for the elderly?

Stay tuned as we look at more devices and help you to see if they are suitable cell phones for seniors.

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Monday, May 14, 2012

The ClearSounds AC100 ClearDigital Amplified Cell Phone for the Elderly

After combing the web for another cell phone that can help elderly users, I found another device that might be able to fit the requirements of senior citizens. The ClearSounds AC100 ClearDigital is an amplified cell phone that makes it ideal for seniors with hearing difficulties. But what other features does it have that can cover the remaining needs of folks who are 65 or older? Let's take a close look at this device to find out.

The AC100 is a simple phone. One can easily surmise that by just looking at it. It's a good device for folks who find modern cell phone technology daunting. Wi-Fi, 4G LTE, Bluetooth, mobile GPS are all great features but they are wasted on a cell phone for seniors. That's because they can be too complicated and are on the bottom end of a senior's priorities when buying a phone. These features also come with added cost that might burden folks who have retired and no longer have a steady source of income.

This amplified cell phone for seniors comes with a backlit screen with adjustable contrast and large text size for users who have difficulty with seeing fine print. The simple design of this phone also include an easy-to-read backlit keypad with big buttons for easy dialing. The buttons have large numbers so they can be clearly seen by users with poor vision.

As mentioned before, this handset is suitable for hearing impaired users. It can amplify sounds up to 25 decibels and features tone amplification up to 10 decibels gain. It also has a flashing visual ringer and a strong vibrating ringer to alert a user of an incoming call.

Like other great mobile phones for the elderly, the ClearSounds AC100 ClearDigital Amplified Cell Phone comes with features that help to deal with emergencies. It comes with a large one-touch emergency dial button that can instantly contact a trusted friend or family member in an emergency. There are also 4 one-touch memory dial buttons that allows users to call quickly.

Here are the rest of the features that can be helpful toward senior users:
  • Hands-free speakerphone
  • Built-in Flashlight
  • Automatic redialing
  • 1-year limited manufacturer's warranty 

Here's some pictures that gives you a closer look on this handset:




Unfortunately, this phone is a bit pricey. it is being offered for $149.95, which is a lot more expensive than most cell phones for the elderly.

That's it for this post. Stay tuned as we feature more phones for the elderly.

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Wednesday, May 9, 2012

The Affordable LG101 from Virgin Mobile

Phones from prepaid carriers like Virgin Mobile are often ideal for senior citizens because they are usually simple devices with easy-to-reaches price tags. We have featured a few phones from Virgin Mobile and it's about time to look at  another cheap prepaid phone from this company.

This time we will examine a bar style phone called the LG 101. We have looked at a number of flip style phones and a different design should provide a bit of variation for folks who are trying to find a phone that will fit their tastes.

First let us look at the price for this phone and see if it is indeed accessible for the elderly who have limited source of income. At the time this post was published, the LG101 cost $14.99 without any contracts. This price includes free shipping, free activation and a 30 day guarantee.

So what about the plans? Well,. Virgin mobile has plenty of cheap ones with enough minutes that can cover a senior's normal monthly consumption. For example, the $20 talk plan provides 400 minutes per month.

Now let's take a closer look at the device itself. We'll begin with the design. The LG 101 sports a candy bar-shaped body with glossy and black plastics. Admittedly, the color screen is a bit small at just 1.5-inches with 128-by-128-pixel resolution. with an affordable price its hard to put too much expectation on this phone specs-wise.

Fortunately, the navigation features of this phone makes up for its lack of display size. It offers a five-way control pad with six raised function keys and rectangular, raised plastic number buttons on its keypad. The design makes it easy to dial numbers and users can make a call quickly using one hand.

Some of the senior-friendly features offered by this phone include a speakerphone and a 800mAh battery with decent life. Voice quality on this device was also decent. The features are very limited but that's part of the simplicity that makes it ideal for seniors.

Here are some videos and images of this device to give you a closer look:

 



That's it for this post on a Virgin Mobile phone for seniors. Visit us regularly for more phones that are ideal for the elderly.

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Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Low-Tech Cell Phones for Seniors

Mobile phones are becoming more advanced every year. That is the trend of technology and mobile telecommunications is no different. manufacturers attempt to cram as many features into a handset that should be slim enough to appeal to users. A new launched cell phone would usually have a touchscreen, Wi-Fi, GPS, email, web browsing, and 3G. However, the most technologically advanced devices are not fit for seniors. There are discussions of smartphone for seniors but the fact remains that low-tech devices are the best fit for the elderly.

Why? Well, I think it is due to the fact that seniors want the simplest devices because they are easy-to-use and cheap. The elderly can learn how to use low-tech cell phones in a matter of minutes. Basic phones specialize in making calls and usually come with keypads that feature large buttons. The best ones also come with emergency buttons that provide one click access to persons that can provide immediate help.

Price is also a major issue that can be solved by low-tech phones. Since these devices only provide the essentials, they are offered at a price that is reachable for senior citizens. Folks who are 65 or older do not have a steady source of income so they may not be able to spend hundreds of dollars on a telephone.

Advanced features like touchscreens, Wi-Fi, HD cameras, NFC, 4G LTE and GPS add to the cost of a phone. Seniors also do not have these advanced features in their priority so simple mobile phones with basic technology is the way to go. It does not make sense to pay for features that you do not use so handset with low technology are best suited for grandparents.

These complex features also make a phone more difficult to use and navigate. A phone that can make calls in a few steps is the best device for the elderly because they are much simpler.

Here is a list of several  low-tech cell phones that are ideal for seniors. These handsets have already been featured in this blog so click on them if you want  more information:


Can you think of other low-tech mobile phones for seniors? Do you agree that they are ideal for the elderly?

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Monday, April 23, 2012

New Cell phone for Seniors: Samsung Gusto 2 From Verizon Wireless

It's been some time since we posted a senior-friendly phone from Verizon Wireless so I think it's time to feature a handset from the carrier's line-up. After all, it's the largest US carrier with a significant number of elderly subscribers and offers one of the best cell phone plans for seniors.

This time we will look at the Samsung Gusto 2, a new phone that is set to become available for $79.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate with a new two-year customer agreement. This handset is also available with online retailers who may offer a more favorable price for seniors and other consumers.

This is not the first Gusto we have featured in this blog. The original Samsung Gusto was also featured here as a possible option for seniors.

The Gusto 2 is a sleek clam shell style cell phone with simple features. In fact, simplicity is being marketed as one of the strengths of this phone. Verizon's official press release for the device calls it as a device where "Simplicity Meets Style." Well, style is not a priority for a cell phone for senior citizens but simplicity certainly is one of the most important attributes. The elderly do not need a phone that can send emails or work as a 3G hotspot. They need a handset that can reliably make and receive calls or send a few text messages.Well, the Samsung Gusto 2 is a good device for consumers that only want to focus on making calls to friends and family. it's a basic device with a simple menu that can easily allow users to dial numbers.

Speaking of dialing numbers, this cell phone sports a contoured keypad with large buttons that make it easy to press numbers. The directional keys can be customized to provide quick access to contacts plus the one-touch shortcut keys can be programmed to quickly get in touch with emergency contacts.

It also offers a Sound Alert Mode, which changes the volume automatically to high and reads contact information aloud when a call or message is received. This features id useful for senior users with weak hearing.

A few images:




Here's a list of the features that contribute in making this phone suitable for seniors:
  • 2-inch main display
  • speakerphone
  • adjustable display font
  • voice-enabled menu and submenus

This phone also offers a few bonus features which are not really needed by seniors but are nice t have on your phone. It provides Bluetooth technology, 1.3-megapixel camera, mobile Web, and VZ Navigator.

What do you think of this device? Is it good enough to top the best cell phones for seniors in the market?

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Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Is Nokia's Cheapest Cell Phone Ideal for Seniors?

Nokia recently announce a device that it declares as its "most affordable handset." The new Nokia 103 was announced with a price of only $21 (16 euro) before taxes making it one of the most affordable cell phones in the market and in history.

A low price is one of the traits that makes a cell phone suitable for the elderly and with its affordable price does the Nokia 103 make a good mobile phone for seniors?

Well, first let me explain why this handset is offered at a very cheap price. Well, one look at the Nokia 103 will tell you that it's an affordable device. The phone looks like it was introduced a decade ago. This device basically trims its features to the most essential that are needed by users who simply want to talk and send email messages.

This device fits the needs of seniors because it focuses on the basic and most important functions like making and taking calls. Senior citizens do not demand a lot from their phones so this device seems like a good fit. The elderly does not usually need features like Bluetooth, email, 4G, or a media player hat increases a phone's price.

Here's some images to give you a nice look at this super cheap phone:




The phone's display is a bit small but the buttons look nice and large. This phone also include a few modern touches especially on the hardware. The 103 sports a durable anti-scratch cover that should protect it from drop and bruises. It is also equipped with long-lasting battery with a talk time of up to 11 hours.

Here's a short list of the features for this phone:.
  • built-in flashlight
  • FM radio
  • speaking clock
  • MP3 grade ringtones

The Nokia 103 is clearly a good phone for seniors. However, I'm not sure if any US carrier will pick it up. Let's hope that US consumers can get it from online retailers.

That is it for this post on the cheapest cell phone as a handset for the elderly. stay tuned for more post on affordable mobile phones for seniors.

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Monday, April 16, 2012

AT&T's LG A340: Eco-conscious Cell phone for Seniors

The LG A340 recently became available at the AT&T website. It was a quiet launch with no press release or other fanfare that usually accompany high-end phones and devices. This is probably due to the fact that the A340 is a basic phone that does not come with the complex features that are to be expected within today's crop of modern cell phones.

Other tech sites might frown upon or disregard a phone that does not even merit an announcement or press release but not at this blog. This site focuses on simple handsets that provide features and functionality that favor the elderly so the simplest phones are often the best phone to blog about. Well, let's look at this new AT&T cell phone for seniors and see if it can make benefit folks who are 65 or older.

The is reasonably priced at just $19.99 with a contract. That's not a bad deal for a new flip phone. This handset sports a dual color display. The main screen measures 2.4-inches with 320 x 240 pixels. It has good size and sharpness for users with weak eyes. This phone also comes with TTY support and hearing aid compatible (M3/T3 rating) so its usable for folks who have hearing difficulty. The keypad for this phone is also user-friendly. The buttons are separated so it's not difficult to dial numbers or create text messages.

The  LG A340 is also targeted towards environment-conscious users. This cell phone for seniors has a body that is made from 17% recycled materials. it also ships with  an energy efficient charger that draws less power than traditional chargers

Here are some images of the AT&T LG A340:




 And here's a list of the features for this mobile phone for seniors:
  • 3G network
  • 1.3-megapixel camera with video capture
  • GPS-based navigation
  • Bluetooth 2.1
  • speakerphone
  • 900 mAh battery  with 3 hours of talk time, and up to 10 days of standby time
  • 20 Unique Ringtones + Vibrate and Silent Modes

That's it for this post. Stay tuned as we look at more phones that can  be used by seniors.

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Wednesday, April 11, 2012

How to Change Your Android Smartphone into a Cell phone for Seniors


We have blogged a few times on the possibilities of Android smartphones for seniors entering the US market. However,it was recently  brought to our attention that some existing Android phone can actually be transformed into a simple phone that can be easily used by the elderly.

This can be made possible via an application called Phonotto. Simple install this app on your Android phone and you will have a device that is suitable for the elderly.

This application  is being advertised as a "Simple Phone for Seniors Android App".

It's basically an application  that aims to convert a smartphone in the simplest phone for seniors. It provides an interface that features a chunky, simple design with large buttons for easy phoning and texting. Here's an image of the buttons that Phonotto provides:

But that's not all. This app also provides other ways to make an Android smartphone easier to use for consumers who have weak eyesight. For example, the large home screen is optimized for elderly people and people with weak vision.

Users will have no problem with learning how to use this app because it has a simple wizard for sending SMS  and it automatically loads on startup.

Here are more images of the  Phonotto app and its easy-to-use interface:



And here's a  video that illustrates how to install this app and how it can be used:


What do you think of this app? Do you think it can be useful? Well, I think this provides a way for old Android phones to be recycled by being handed down to seniors or donated to programs that provide phones for the elderly. Since the app makes a smartphone manageable for seniors, it widens the options of senior citizens who are looking for a phone.

Stay tuned for more post and features on the apps, services and mobile phones for seniors.

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Monday, April 2, 2012

Sprint's Kyocera DuraPlus: A good Rugged phone for Seniors?

The phones in Sprint's Direct Connect network provide a nice selection if you are looking for a mobile phone for a person who is 65 or older. The carrier's Direct Connect service provides instant, one-to-one push-to-talk calling nationwide and other features that can benefit seniors. For example, we have featured the Kyocera DuraCore as a possible option for the elderly.

A new phone for Sprint's upgraded push-to-talk platform may also be a good choice for seniors. The new Kyocera DuraPlus feature simple and easy to use features in a rugged body that can stand up to dust, shock, vibration, temperature extremes, and humidity. It can even resist blowing rain and can be immersed in up to 1 meter of water for half an hour.

Can a phone that is certified to Military Standard 810G be suitable for seniors? I think that they can because durable devices are good for any consumers especially the elderly. A rugged phone can keep on working after being dropped several times and can keep on working for years. A cell phone get's broken easily will need to be replaced and getting replacements cost money. A device that stays working after being dropped by frail hands will be beneficial for folks who do not have a steady source of income for buying new phones and replacements to ones that break easily.

Since the Kyocera DuraPlus from Sprint is a rugged phone, it is built solidly. It is thick and heavy because it was built to withstand damage from a number of hazards. That being said one cannot describe it as an aesthetic phone. However, a fashionable look is not a priority for senior citizens since they do not use cell phones to show off during parties. The elderly use mobile phones to communicate with friends and family so the looks of the DuraPlus is not an essential factor when discussing it as a phone for grandparents.

This handset has a 2-inch screen with a resolution of 240x320 pixels. It's nothing special when compared to the ultra bright displays of premium smartphones but it works for the needs of seniors. It also offers a nice keypad with bulbous buttons that are easy to press and feel. However, the number keys are a bit small and it would be a lot more user-friendly if they were bigger.

Here are some images from the manufacturer website to give you an idea of how this device looks:


Some folks may criticize this phone for not having a camera or a slot for microSD expansion. Those are valid points for most handset but for a device that's to be used by a senior, those features are not the priority. It would be nice to have those but the Kyocera DuraPlus is designed to make phone calls not take great pictures or store thousands of media.

This phone is compatible with Call Alert with Text , a Direct Connect service that allows users to send an audio alert with an optional text message to let another Direct Connect subscriber know you are trying to reach them and why. This feature is great for emergencies and other situations may a senior may need to contact someone immediately.

The call quality for this phone is good and the battery can last for days with normal use.

Here's a video that gives you another look at this cell phone for seniors:


Visit us again next week as we look at more phones, and services that are suitable for elderly users.

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Wednesday, March 28, 2012

GreatCall Awarded for High degree of Customer Support


GreatCall is one of the few companies that is dedicated to serving the needs of consumers who are at the age of 65 or older. This company offers cell phones for seniors as well as other services and mobile applications that are designed for the elderly.

Recently the company received an award from Frost & Sullivan for being successful with offering High-Touch customer service for mHealth and communication. The 2011 North America Frost & Sullivan Award for Customer Service Leadership is just another award the company received in the course of providing services for senior citizens.

The award recognizes the MNVO's ability to put the users directly through to a trained customer service representative. The company prides itself guaranteeing get quick, responsive, U.S.-based, English-speaking service.

The centerpiece of this company's offering is the Jitterbug phone.  This device is a leading mobile phone for seniors and we have featured it several times in this blog. This phone allows its users to contact a customer service operator for any type of assistance be it using the phone or an emergency. These operators are also well versed in the health and safety services, like 5Star Urgent Response, Medication Reminders and LiveNurse.

Here are a video that show how one of these service work:


That's it for this post. Stay tuned for more Jitterbug J news and other updates on cell phones for your grandparents.

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Monday, March 26, 2012

EmporiaConnect A Flip Phone for Senior Citizens

Emporia recently made some waves at CES and MWC with a number of new phones for the elderly. We have covered a few of the devices earlier this year and we shall look at another one to let our readers be exposed to the latest devices that target folks who are at an advanced ages.

The emporiaConnect is a product that is slated to enter the market in the fall of 2012. This phone may reach the US market but we still are not sure. Emporia has made it known that they will expand their business in North America so this handset may fall into the hands of seniors in the US and Mexico.

Now let's look at the physical features of this phone. The dedicated page for the emporiaConnect is a bit stingy with the details but it does indicate that it will sport a 2.8 TFT (240x320) display. This obviously refers to the size of the internal camera as it is a flip phone. The images show that it will also offer a smaller external camera.

Here are some of the official images for this phone:


As can be observed, this cell phone for senior citizens sports an emergency button at its back. The website indicates that the emergency function of the phone is integrated with A-GPS. That should allow the user to be located quickly in times of emergencies.

I can also see a flashlight button, which can come in handy and a dedicated camera button. The buttons on this appear to be large and easy to press. The details on the displays also show the graphics to be sharp and fairly bright.

The description for the emporiaConnect also indicates that it will offer "loudspeakers are even hearing aid compatible." As if the emergency button was not enough, the phone also comes with a speed dial function that allows users to dial three important telephone numbers with a single tap of a finger.

Here are a couple of videos that show this device in action:



So do you what you see of the emporiaConnect? Do you think that this phone should also be available to US consumers?

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Monday, January 30, 2012

Unpacking the Just5 Cell phone for Seniors

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.

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Wednesday, January 25, 2012

The Cheap and Simple Kyocera k126c from TracFone

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.

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Monday, January 23, 2012

Videos of the Samsung SCH-r100 Senior Phone

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.

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