Cell Phones for Arthritic Seniors

I was surfing the web foe news and updates on cell phones for seniors when I stumbled upon an interesting blog post. Russel Shaw of ZDNet.Com wrote about an interesting experience while spending a Thanksgiving holiday weekend in the home of a senior citizen with arthritic hands.

Shaw narrated that the elderly lady's daughter and brother-in-law signed her up for a cell phone plan, and bought her a cell phone. After exploring her new cell phone, the senior made an interesting comment. She said:

“Don’t the people who make these cellphones realize that these tiny keys are very difficult for older users with arthritic hands?”

This experience led ZDNet blogger to emphasized the need for larger-keyed cellphones for arthritis sufferers. Clearly, there is a need for large button cell phones for seniors.

Well, I made a post on large button cell phones for seniors last month. I gave some examples of handsets that would be ideal cell phones for arthritic seniors. These handsets have wide keypads with large buttons.

I pointed out that the Jitterbug, UTStarcom Coupe 8630, and Sanyo SCP 7050 are good choices for mobile phones for the elderly because of their special buttons and keypad. There is no doubt that these phones will be useful for a senior citizen suffering from arthritis.

One of the visitors also suggested that the Nokia 6085h from Consumer Cellular also sports a large keypad. It is also important to mention that Consumer Cellular offers inexpensive plans for casual users beginning at just $10 a month.

There are cellphones for arthritic seniors in the market but they are few in number. With the exception of the Jitterbug J, no other large button cell phones for seniors have been released. This probably due to the fact that manufacturers are paying more attention to younger users.

That's it for this post on large button cell phones for seniors suffering from arthritis. Tune in to this blog for more news and updates on mobile phones for senor citizens.

New Jitterbug Phone for Seniors Arrives!

There is no doubt that Jitterbug is one of the leading forces in the cell phone for seniors industry. The brand has almost become synonymous with the cell phone for senior citizens market. We have featured the company's phones and services in this blog multiple times and we now welcome the arrival of a new Jitterbug device into the industry.

Great Call, the moving force behind these useful handsets for the elderly, has announced a new version of the Jitterbug. Called the Jitterbug J, this cell phone for seniors features the same clamshell with large buttons. This special handset is now available online and via select retailers.

However, the Jitterbug J has a slimmer and lighter design than the SPH-a110 and SPH-a120 models. Despite it's new design, this simple cell phone for senior citizens remain comfortable in the hand.

The new Jitterbug J cell phone for senior is simple when compared with most of today's mid-range and high-end cellphones. However, it also offers new features that were not found in earlier models. The new features found in this new Jitterbug phone include Bluetooth that enables the use of wireless headsets.

This new mobile phone for seniors also provided improvements such better -screen navigation, custom ringtones, dedicated speakerphone key and call waiting. The Jitterbug J also boast of a battery that can last 30% longer than previous models.

New services include the MyCalendar app, which lets users add calendar items online that automatically sync with their handset. This new Jitterbug phone also offers new SMS templates and 24/7 access to a nurse call-in service.

Users can also subscribe to the Complete Care package that bundles in roadside assistance and free replacement of lost or broken phones. I like this service. It appears to be beneficial for elderly users. It is offered at a very affordable monthly price of $9.

Unfortunately, the Jitterbug J phone for seniors is offered at the same price of $147. We would have liked it to have a more accessible price in the face of the current economic downturn.

That's it for this post on this new Jitterbug phone. Tune in to this blog for the latest news and updates on cell phones for seniors.

Important Jitterbug Phone Software Update

We have featured the Jitterbug phone and service in this cell phone for seniors blog. The Jitterbug is one of the leading mobile phone for seniors in the market. However, this device is also imperfect and performance issues could sometimes affect its performance.

Samsung has issued a voluntary recall of Jitterbug phone units because of an issue that causes the device to fail when connecting to 911 emergency services. This Jitterbug phone problem most often occurs when users roam outside of their defined calling area or in the a no-service area.

However, Jitterbug phones will operate normally in users' home regions.

Owners of the Jitterbug phone may visit a customer service center to have the phone's system software updated. The models SPH-a110 and SPH-a120 are included in this update. Customers can also send the phone directly to Samsung, which will upgrade the phone and return it within about a week.

Here's a letter from Sue Weaver VP of Customer Service for Jitterbug regarding this problem:

At Jitterbug, we always put our customers first. Your safety and peace of mind are our primary considerations. When we learned that many of the Jitterbug phones sold after March 1, 2008 have a software issue that could, in a "no service" area, impact certain Jitterbug phones' ability to connect with 911 emergency services, we began working with Samsung, the manufacturer of the Jitterbug, to resolve this issue.

Please be assured that this software issue does NOT affect your basic cellular service. You may continue to make and receive calls, including 911 emergency calls, wherever Jitterbug cellular service is available. Again, this is an issue only when there is “no service” available on your Jitterbug phone. So if you are in an area where you are normally able to make phone calls, this software issue will not present a problem.

Although this issue potentially affects only a small number of phone users, Samsung is providing a free update of the software in most Jitterbug phones sold after March 1, 2008. Customers eligible for the software upgrade will receive a letter from Samsung explaining the two easy methods available: 1) visit one of the designated Samsung Service Centers in your area or 2) send your phone to Samsung’s Service Center using the prepaid envelope included in the letter.

As always, our Customer Service team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to assist with any questions regarding this issue or any other service need you may have. Simply call 1-800-733-6632.

That's it for this latest news on the Jitterbug phone. tune in to this blog to get more of the latest news and updates on cell phones for seniors.

Large Button Cell Phones for Seniors

The keypad and it's buttons is a major factor for selecting a good mobile phone for a senior user. The elderly are not overly concerned about stylish handsets with their flat keypads and cramped buttons. They prefer a phone with a simple keypad configuration with large and widely-spaced buttons.

Let's look at a few large button cell phones for seniors and do a quick review of their easy-to-use keypads.

The Jitterbug is a premier cell phone for elderly users. And as expected its keypad and buttons are really fir for senior users. Here's what Cnet.com has to say with the keypad on these large button cell phones for seniors:

The usability of the keypad is where this phone really shines. There is a dedicated On/Off button, as well as large Yes and No buttons, along with two simple arrow keys in the middle to scroll through lists. The number keys are similarly large and amazingly tactile, making it very easy to dial by feel if you so choose. Using this phone couldn't be easier.

The keypad on large button cell phones for seniors may not look pretty but nothing can beat them when it comes to usability.

The UTStarcom Coupe 8630 also belongs to large button cell phones for seniors. The buttons are large and widely spaced so one can easily dial a number. This phone also has a dedicated 911 button which allows a user to call for emergency with a single touch of a button.

Some large button cell phones have keypads made out of special material that makes them ideal for elderly users. For example, the navigation and alphanumeric buttons on the Sanyo SCP 7050 are coated with a special material that gives them a a bubble like texture. Seniors can navigate the phone easily and dial numbers by feel due to this substance.

I would also like to mention that the lighting behind the buttons is an important factor. Size is not enough. A phone's buttons should also have good background light to allow a user to distinguish a particular key in low light conditions.

Large button cell phones are great for senior citizens. However, it takes more than just large buttons to make a good handset for senior users. The large button cell phones for seniors should also have a good display, a simple interface and other characteristics to be ideal for one's grandparents.

Jitterbug - A Service Provider Just for Seniors

Jitterbug is a mobile service providers that specialize in catering to the needs of senior users. The company is a mobile virtual network operator that works with Sprint and serves more than 5 million subscribers. Jitterbug offers simple handsets and service plans that are easy-to-use for senior citizens.

This mobile service provider for seniors offers subscribers two basic mobile phones, the Jitterbug and the Jitterbug OneTouch. The Jitterbug is a clamshell mobile phone that resembles a typical wireless land-line phone. It even has a real dial tone when one turns it on. The Jitterbug has all the qualities that a senior would require from a mobile phone. This device has a large display as well as big and widely spaced buttons on a simple numeric keypad. The Jitterbug OneTouch is similar to the Jitterbug except that it only has three buttons, instead of the numeric keypad. These handsets are simple and can be used by a user with basic telephone skills. However, they are a bit bulky and may be too simple for seniors who might want more flexibility. These Jitterbug handsets are offered for $147, which is a bit expensive for simple mobile phones.

Jitterbug offers pay-as-you-go and monthly plans with no contract requirements. These plans have monthly rates that range from $10 to $80 and the minutes expire after 90 days. Jitterbug subscribers are required to pay a one-time activation fee of $35. Jitterbug also provides a 24-hour operator service which provides directory assistance, connects calls or changes to the subscriber’s phone contact lists. It is important to note that calls made to an operator are deducted from the subscriber's monthly minutes. Jitterbug provides coverage in every state, but individual coverage will vary by location. This service provider operates on a CDMA network so international roaming is limited to only 26 countries.

The handsets and services of Jitterbug mobile virtual network operator are ideal for senior users. The services are affordable and simple to use. One will not find 3G data, streaming video services or music download services form this provider. Instead, Jitterbug is dedicated to providing clear, easy-to-use cell phones, helpful support, and affordable plans without monthly contracts.

Simple Cell Phones for Seniors

Simplicity is one of the most important factors that determines the value of a handset as a cell phone for seniors.

A simple mobile phone is ideal for seniors because it is easy to use. This means that they do not need to press a lot of buttons or go through confusing bells and whistle to call or send a text message.

Simple cell phones for seniors have a quick learning curve so the elderly can lean to use them in as little time as possible. A person who has never use a mobile phone before will have no problems mastering the controls of simple cell phones for seniors.

Simple cell phones for seniors also offer solid designs and very good battery life. They don't have any energy consuming features such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. These handsets also usually have large keypads because they are designed to be functional and not fashionable.

And best of all, simple cell phones for seniors are very affordable. Some of the best simple cell phones for seniors are even o9ffered free with a contract by major US carriers. Seniors usually don't have a steady supply of income so cheap cell phones fit right into their life style.

Let me provide a short list of simple cell phones for seniors. Now some of these have already been featured in this blog and some of them will probably be treated to a more detailed review in this blog. No need to mention any features, here since they are not very important as these are simple cell phones for seniors.

Without further ado here's a list of simple cell phones for seniors:

• LG VX3450
• LG Flare
• Motorola i760
• Motorola ic502 Buzz
• Motorola i335
• Motorola MOTOFONE 3
• Motorola V195s
• Samsung Knack SCH-U310
• Sanyo SCP 7050
• Sanyo SCP-7000
• Pantech Breeze
• Nokia 6085
• Nokia 6133
• Nokia 2366i
• UTStarcom Coupe 8630

I hope this list helps you if you are in the market for basic or simple cell phones for seniors. Tune in to this blog for more news and handsets for seniors.

Consumer Cellular Launches Cell Phone Plans for Seniors

Here's a new set of cell phone plans for seniors. Consumer Cellular recently sent out a press release heralding the company's basic data and messaging plans for seniors. A quick glance at at the Consumer Cellular press release indicate that these services are among the cheapest cell phone plans for seniors.

According to Phonescoop, Consumer Cellular is a company that targets the senior population and does not require contracts for its services. The company offers simple, affordable cell phones and calling plans that are ideal for elderly users. Let's go into the details of these new Consumer Cellular cell phone plans for seniors.

The official press release explains that Consumer Cellular cell phone plans for seniors are ideal for limited cell phone users because they are offered on a pay-per-use basis. The new Consumer Cellular cell phone plans for seniors enable users to do a lot of things like send picture messages, check news from their phones or download ringtones, wallpaper images, screen savers and games.

Why do I feel that these service are one of the cheapest cell phone plans for seniors? Well look at the rates for the Consumer Cellular cell phone plans for seniors. Sending or receiving messages cost 10 cents and affordable bundles are also available.

Here's some of the cheapest cell phone plans for seniors or bundles offered by Consumer Cellular:

• Consumer Cellular 100 Pack: $2.50 After 100 messages, additional messages are 10 cents each.
  
• Consumer Cellular 200 Pack: $5.00 After 200 messages, additional messages are 10 cents each.
  
• Consumer Cellular 500 Pack: $10.00 After 500 messages, additional messages are 10 cents each.
  
• Consumer Cellular 1000 Pack: $20.00 After 1000 messages, additional messages are 10 cents each.
  

Consumer Cellular cell phone plans for seniors also offer the Wireless Web feature which includes up to 1MB for $5, 5MB for $10, and 10MB for $20.

Consumer Cellular cell phone plans for seniors are only products ideal for elderly users. The company also offer basic phones together with some of the cheapest cell phone plans for seniors. You can check out basic plans and cheapest cell phone plans for seniors at the Consumer Cellular website.