LG Flare: A Good Phone for Seniors

I found out that I had received a wonderful from a reader who has appreciated the info offered by this blog on cell phone for seniors. After reading that wonderful comment, I felt obliged and inspired to make another post on a suitable mobile phone for old folks.

After spending a several minutes o9n the web, I decided that the LG Flare LX175 will be a good cell phone for senior citizens. Let's break down the elements that make this phone suitable for the elderly.

Despite having a flashy name, the LG Flare is a simple entry-level phone. Not that it's a bad thing. Simplicity is one of the essential elements that make a good handset for the elderly because complicated and flashy features will often confuse them. Even this handset's design is simple or basic and offers an all-black exterior that exudes simplicity.

The LG Flare LX175 is a bit curved on the side which offers a nice feel when the device is being held. The curves also make the Flare easy to grip. Seniors usually have poor grips or weak fingers so the curves are a beneficial attribute.

Lets move on to the displays. Unlike most basic phones, the LG Flare offers two displays, an external display and a bigger internal display. The external display measures 1-inch across and offers information on the standard date, battery, signal-strength and time. On the other hand, the external display that's 1.75-inch across that is big enough to offer a good view to seniors.

Senior users can adjust the font size for the messaging, browser, and notepad applications if they feel that they are too small. The backlight time, the foreground (clock/calendar or a greeting), the menu styles (list or grid) and the incoming call screen can also be changed to make them easier to see. Being able to adjust these features is a key element for any mobile phone for seniors.

The key pad of the LG Flare offers large buttons. However, they are a bit too crowded and are quite close to each other. Many have also observed that , the keys don't have a lot of give and need a bit more push than most even if they are tactile. This is the glaring weak point of the LG Flare when it comes to being a good cell phone for seniors.

Since the LG Flare is a simple or basic phone, it onle offers a limited number of features. It offers a decent-size phone book, text messaging, a speakerphone, a vibrate mode, a notepad, a scheduler, an alarm clock, a tip calculator, a regular calculator, a world clock, a voice memo recorder, notepad, voice dialing and Bluetooth support. The LG Flare do not have to offer a staggering amount of features to be a good phone for seniors because the elderly do not require them.

There you have it. Another good phone for seniors. But before I end this post let me add that the LG Flare LX175 is offered at $29.99, with no contract required. This is a cheap mobile phone for seniors. Tune in to this blog for more ingfo on cell phone for senior citizens.

Pantech Breeze: AT&T's New Cell Phone for Seniors

It seems that the mobile phone for seniors market has become active in the last few weeks. After the Life Phone was recently announced, AT&T launched a handset that is suitable for senior mobile phone users. Let me introduce the Pantech Breeze from AT&T.

There have been a few updates on when AT&T will launch the
Pantech Breeze After a few months of waiting, the carrier has finally released the device and has marketed it as a handset suited for seniors. Let us examine the elements that make this mobile device a good cell phone for the elderly.

The Pantech Breeze is an uncomplicated or basic mobile phone. It has a clean and uncluttered design, simplified menus, over sized display, large keypad and quick-call keys. Clearly, its a useful device for people who want an easy way to stay in touch with friends, loved ones and caregivers. I don't think I need to explain why a simple or basic phone is best for seniors.

AT&T's Pantech Breeze is also part of the carriers "Universal Design" approach. This approach the practice of designing products and applications that are usable by the most customers possible. This means that application developers and handset manufacturers were encouraged to consider the needs of seniors or customers who have disabilities when creating products and services. The Pantech Breeze is an example of a device design with this approach.

Here's a statement from an AT&T representative that would further explain the Universal Design concept that was used in the making of the Pantech Breeze:

"Universal Design helps define important design criteria to meet the wants and needs of as many of our customers as possible. The Pantech Breeze is a result of our efforts to meet these criteria and offer a great-looking phone that's a breeze to use for everyone — from tweens to great-grandparents."

These are the fruits of the Universal Design being applied to the creation of the Pantech Breeze.

• Simplified Menu : senior users can easily navigate the phone's features with the simplified "breeze menu," which prioritizes the features that customers want to access most.
  

• 1-2-3 Quick-Call Keys : The Breeze has 3 preprogrammable quick-call buttons that are located below the screen. By selecting one of the three quick-call contacts and pressing the send button can easily tart a call.

• Easy-to-Use Buttons - When users press the Pantech Breeze's oversized buttons, the buttons respond with a tactile click. The amount of time the keys remain illuminated after use is extended tp benefit seniors with weak eyesight.
  

• Large Font - The menu screens on the device use a highly visible large font for greater visibility. The font of SMS messages is also enlarged to aid weak eyes.

• Clear and Loud Speakerphone - the design of the Breeze takes seniors with poor hearing into consideration by offering a large, dedicated button starts and stops speakerphone use.
  

• Audible Keys - mistake-free dialing for those with limited sight is also offered by the Breeze. this is possible through the option to have audio accompany numeric keystrokes.

I guess it should be clear by now that the Pantech Breeze is a mobile phone for seniors. It has the attributes that are design to make communication by mobile phone a breeze for seniors.

The Life Phone Handset for Seniors

Here's another phone that has been explicitly targeted towards seniors. This handset could be the Jitterbug's biggest rival. Here is the "Life Phone" from Emporia.

The Life Phone is designed for seniors so you can expect it to lose all the flashy features found on most mobile phones today. This mobile phone for seniors is a back-to-basics handset that should prove simpler to use for the technologically challenged senior citizens.

However, some expert say that it would be a good phone for any age. The Life Phone is perfect for those who do not want all the high tech specifications. Personally, I think that the younger generations would prefer other devices. For them it's all about flashy design and features. Anyway, let's get back to the Life Phone.

The main feature for this cell phone for seniors is a built-in, large red emergency button designed for use in emergencies. This button is locted on the back of the Life Phone and can be programmed to call a designated number and send off a pre-written text message in any emergency.

The Life Phone also offers other attributes that makes it a suitable mobile phone for seniors. For instance, the handset has a large screen and larger buttons. The large screen makes it easier for seniors with weak eyes to see information on the screen. As I have often mentioned in this blog, large keys are best for the elderly because pressing them are easier. Emporia's mobile phone for seniors also offer a louder than normal speaker for those who have impaired hearing.

Here are the other features of the Life Phone:

• 2.7 inch (6.8cm) mono-colour screen
• Dualband
• Five emergency numbers can be stored
• Very loud
• Very strong vibration mode

You can also watch this Life Phone video to get a better idea of this handset for seniors. Tune in to this blog for more cell phones for seniors and other services for oldies.

Motorola ic502 Buzz: A Direct Connect Cell Phone for Seniors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sanyo SCP 7050: Built Like a Brick

I've found another candidate for a great cell phone for seniors. The Sanyo SCP 7050 is described as a basic phone that is rugged and durable. Basic phones are usually suitable for elderly persons because they are easy to use and they don't have complex and confusing features. However, the 7050 is more than just a basic phone because it has other attributes that makes it a useful mobile phone for senior citizens. let's explore those characteristics.

The Sanyo SCP 7050 is known as a very durable phone. It has military specs and can reliably resist vibration, dust, and shock. One user described this handset as built like a brick. But why would being so durable benefit seniors? Well, seniors usually have weak hands so they are prone to dropping objects. With its durability and resistance to shock, the 7050 can remain usable even when it has been dropped several times.

One of the factors that makes this device durable is the coating that covers it. The Sanyo 7050 is designed for durability so it is clad in a non-slip, rubberized material. Seniors will be able to grip the phone easily and they will be less apt to drop it. this device can withstand being dropped but it would still be best if it wasn't dropped at all.

The Sanyo SCP 7050 also has a large QVGA display . The 2.0-inch diagonal internal display found on the device is larger than those normally found on basic phones. The display has a resolution 240x320 pixes and can display 265,000 colors, so seniors will be able to read the screen without much difficulty. The phone also features a modern 1.0-inch diagonal monochrome external display that offers information on battery life, caller id and signal strength.

The best cellphones for seniors also features large keys for easy use. The 7050's keys are big enough to be suitable for the elderly. It's navigation and alphanumeric keys have a bubble like texture so seniors can navigate the phone easily and dial numbers by feel. seniors with poor vision will also find the pleasant blue backlight very helpful.

This handset also offers some features like text and picture messaging, voice messaging, voice-activated dialing, e-mail, Bluetooth, a speakerphone, an alarm clock, built-in GPS, and support for Sprint's Ready Link push-to-talk service. It lacks a camera but it also offers games for entertainment.

Sanyo's SCP 7050 has qualities that make it a good cell phone for seniors. However, like all handsets, this device has its share of weakness. For example, I have read several complaints about the speaker phones on this device. A consumer posted that the while on speaker phone the device must be very near the speaker or communication will be very difficult.

I also observed that the Sanyo SCP 7050 is more expensive than most basic cell phones. The durability of the device as well as the modern features probably justify the price. However, the price is an important factor in judging if a device is a suitable mobile phone for seniors. Senior consumers do not usually use their devices a lot and often use them for emergencies so paying a high price for a seldom used device may not be a good idea.

For Emergencies Try the Jitterbug OneTouch

A cellphone with only three buttons? In this high tech world where phones have qwerty keyboards it can be puzzling to think about a mobile phone with only three buttons. Who would want such a handset?

Well, it might surprise you that a phone with only a few buttons appeal to a certain groups of people. Seniors and disabled persons can benefit from a device that do not have a large number of buttons. The best phones for senior citizens are devices that have large buttons, a bright display, and simple features. Seniors do not require sophisticated features, they want a cell phone that is easy to operate.

The Jitterbug OneTouch is a phone that is specially designed to meet the demands of the elderly and disabled persons. this unique device is manufactured by a new Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) called GreatCall. This network serves elderly people who want to keep in touch with their relatives and friends.

What makes the Jitterbug OneTouch a good cell phone for seniors? Well, there are plenty of reasons. let us begin with the special buttons and keypad. Since this phone is designed for emergencies and seniors, it does not feature the traditional numerical keypad found in most mobile phones.

The Jitterbug keypad has large, backlit buttons that seniors can see without any difficulty. the buttons are easy to press, and users can choose to pre-install their contacts into the device. This mobile phone for seniors also comes with a handy operator service that guides the elderly through the calling process.

This brillianly designed device also have hands free features that make it easier for disabled and the elderly to make a call. The Voice Dial feature allows users to dial contacts or numbers simply by saying the name or number aloud.

Seniors who have less than perfect hearing can benefit from the padded earpiece that keeps unwanted noise out and provides comfort for the elderly who wear a hearing aids. The Jitterbug's volume can be adjusted from low to super-high depending on the hearing capacity of the user. The volume can also be adjusted while the user is are on a call to make conversations go smoothly.

Since no device is perfect, the Jitterbug OneTouch also have some limitations. For instance, Seniors who are looking for more flexibility might find it too limited. The volume rocker could have also been placed in a less awkward position. Some seniors might also find it too bulky and difficult to carry around.

The Jitterbug is a good option if you are interested in cell phones for seniors. It is specially designed for them and has features that makes it valuable in emergencies. It's a simple device that ideal for the elderly and disabled users.

The Motorola i760: A Good Choice for Seniors

After spending a few minutes surfing in cyberspace for mobile phones that are suitable for the elderly, I found another candidate. The Motorola i760 is described as a basic phone that has good qualities that makes it a solid cell phone for seniors. Let me discuss the attributes that makes this device a good choice for senior citizens.

When I saw pictures of the Motorola i760, the first thing I noticed was the handset's big display. The size of the display is one of the important elements that can be found in good cell phones for seniors. Old folks usually have poor eyesight so a large display would make reading the information on the device easier. Thus this device offers a display that is suited for the weak eyes of the elderly.

I also read some reviews from customer who have experience with using the phone and I noticed that they were very satisfied with the keypad. The keypad is also a vital element in choosing cellphones for seniors. A device with small buttons that are placed close together will make it difficult for an old person to dial numbers or compose a text message. The Motorola i760 has large buttons which are separated well from each other so senior citizens will have no problem dialing numbers when using the phone.

Users also praised this device because of the high earset volume, and good sound quality. These attributes also make this handset a good choice as a mobile phone for seniors. Our hearing usually degrade when we grow old, so a device that has good volume and sound quality can allow seniors to communicate well with their families.

The Motorola i760 also has features that make it a good choice for seniors. For instance, it supports Push-to-talk (PTT). This technology allows the user to instantly talk to other people owning a PTT phone on the same network. With a simple push of a button, the user can make a call. This eliminates the need for old folks to push several keys in order to make a call.

However, there are also some negative attributes associated with this phone. Those who have used the device complained that it has an unsatisfactory battery life and do not have many of the features that are found in most mobile phones. Nevertheless, the Motorola i760 has several attributes that make it a solid cell phone for seniors.

The Simple but Durable Motorola i335

If you want to purchase a mobile phone for a senior, then you would probably be looking a simple model. After all, people who are sixty five years and older are not usually concerned with the camera or other fancy features when they need a mobile phones. The best cell phones for seniors are simple and user friendly.

The Motorola i335 is a good cellphone for seniors because it is simple, easy to use and durable. It lacks the high technology features that are trumpeted in the latest handsets, but it makes up for it in many ways. Let me discuss the attributes that makes it a suitable cellphone for seniors.

Let us begin with the design. The Motorola i335 has a practical and simple design. It's in the form of a candy bar and is sturdy enough to withstand beatings. This is a device that can still function even if it has been dropped a few times. This attribute is certainly appropriate for use by seniors. The elderly do not have a lot of strength so they are prone to dropping objects.

This device has been described as durable but that does not mean that it's bulky. Compared to earlier models, this cellphone for seniors is thinner with dimensions of 4.7 inches by 1.8 inches by 0.5 inch. However, it has been criticized for being a bit tall or long. Nevertheless, that does not make it a bad phone for old folks because it makes the device easier to hold.

Let us now move on and discuss the display and keypad of this device. Unfortunately, the Motorola i335 does not have a large display that is suitable for the elderly. The display is only about one and a half inches and the resolution is also low. Fortunately, the text or font size can be changed so that seniors can see the information more clearly.

Seniors will love the keypad of the Motorola i335 because of the rubbery, soft-touch material that coats it. The coating makes the it very tactile and user-friendly which are great attributes in a cell phone for seniors. Old folks will not misdial a number very often with this handset because the buttons have good separation.

Seniors who have weak eyes will also find it easy to dial a number with this cellphone for senior citizens. You see, the Motorola i335 has a bright backlight and the numbers on the keys are large. Your grandparents will have little problem dialing numbers in the dark with this wireless device.

Those are just the great attributes that make this phone very useful for old folks. The Motorola i335 is a simple phone that is user friendly, and durable. I'm sure there are other characteristics that makes it a good cell phone for seniors but I'll leave it to you to discover them. After all, the best way to test a phone is to use it. Tune in to this blog for more mobile phones for old folks.

UTStarcom's Coupe 8630: Specially Designed for Seniors

When I did some research on the web to find a good cell phone for seniors, I observed that the UTStarcom Coupe 8630 appeared quite frequently. I decided to learn more about this device and I discovered that this phone was specially designed to be used by senior citizens.

What makes this device a suitable cell phone for seniors? For starters, this mobile phone has a large keypad. This means that seniors will find it easy to press the keys and dial numbers. A small keypad will obviously cause a bit of a problem for old folks because it will be more difficult for them to locate the buttons.

The UTStarcom Coupe 8630 is also a good phone for seniors because it also has 3 large programmable emergency buttons plus a 911 button. This means that seniors can easily call for help by pressing a few buttons. There is no need to memorize any numbers and elderly persons can receive immediate aid with the help of this device.

This mobile phone for senior citizens also features a large display and a good speaker phone. The large displays means that seniors can easily read the display. Old folks normally have poor eyesight so a large display is a requirement for any cell phone for seniors. The speaker phone is also useful for seniors who are hard of hearing.

The UTStarcom Coupe 8630 weighs only 3.3 onces which makes it lighter than average mobile phones. Its relatively light weight makes it an ideal cell phone for seniors because the old folks are not advised to carry heavy objects.

Of course, the Coupe also has limitations. Many reviewers made comments that the device is very limited in terms of the wireless data system. It has no Bluetooth capability and picture messaging is absent in this phone. However, these features are not very significant when you look at the UTStarcom Coupe 8630 as a phone for your grand parents.

Overall, this device is suitable for seniors because of its user friendly qualities. The large programmable emergency buttons plus the 911 button are also great features that may prove important for seniors. If you are looking for a wireless phone for the senior memebers of you family, then the UTStarcom Coupe 8630 is one of the best options.

If you are interested top learn more about this phone then click this link. It will give you the specifications and reviews on this device. I hope this post will help you find a good senior mobile phone for your elderly loved ones.

Senior Citizens and Mobile Phones

A blog about mobile phones for oldies? We usually associate these devices with young people who like to have the latest gadgets, so making a blog devoted to cellphones for senior citizens may not seem sensible. Mobile phones only became very popular in the last several years so we don't usually see them in the hands of older persons.

However, I think publishing a blog about wireless phones for seniors makes sense. One reason for this is that people aged fifty or older are just as likely to have cell phones as younger people. Senior citizens also use these modern devices as a communication tool for security and emergency purposes. Of course, grandparents also rely on cell phones to keep in touch with their friends, relatives, children and grandchildren.

Some mobile phone companies and carriers have also recognized that old folks may also need these devices so they manufacture mobile phones that are designed for seniors. These cellphones usually have large keypads and displays that are suitable for senior citizens.

Let me give you an example. A Japanese mobile phone company designed the Raku-raku (easy-easy) cell phones that are suitable for seniors. These phones can slow down the caller’s voice to make it easier for older adults who are hard of hearing to converse with a caller. These phones also have a specially designed panic button that allows seniors to call for help in emergencies.

There also some mobile phone plans that cater to senior wireless customers. These mobile phone plans offer discounts and features that fit the lifestyle of older customers. However, these special mobile phone plans for old folks require proof of age before any customer can enjoy the benefits they offer.

I'll discuss the details of these devices and mobile phone plans for seniors in my next posts. I think this post will do as an introduction. I hope that this blog can provide useful information on cell phone for seniors.