Replace Your Cellphone

I’m sure you’ve heard of a universal remote control for your home. It’s a device that can let you operate several appliances like TV, VCR, CD player, with just the click of a button. Well, can you imagine having a mobile phone that can do different tasks, with just the push of a button? Imagine no more, Motorola has solved that puzzle by creating the i850, which was released not long ago in 2005.

The i850 is a small and compact clamshell phone measuring 3.46 in x 1.85 in x 1.14 in, not much bigger than a 24-stick pack of chewing gum. It weighs 4.32 ounces, and comes in a metallic graphite finish.

The Motorola i850 supports Integrated Digital Enhanced Network (iDEN) technology, which originated from Motorola itself. With iDEN on your mobile phone, you can use it as a data/fax modem, alphanumeric pager, or two-way radio. One of the most talked about features of the i850 is its push to talk (PTT) option. The button is located on the side of the unit. With just the push of that button, users can communicate via walkie-talkie mode to other users within a six mile radius. The two-way radio works even when cellular signal is low or unavailable, and even if many users are using the radio at the same time.

Also, with just the push of a button, other tasks can be accomplished by the Motorola i850. It carries the push to send my contact and push to send my info feature. So phone numbers and other details can be sent to other i850 units with just the PTT button.

So the i850 can communicate well, but what about fun and entertainment? Of course, Motorola has something for everybody. Upon purchase, the i850 is installed with a web browser and Java games to boot. You can enjoy Zuma, Aces Hold’em, and BlockBreaker on your handheld device. The unit also has 1KTV, which gives subscribers access to live TV broadcasts for news, sports, and what not. Songs can also be played in clear quality on the i850, as it supports mp3, WAV, and MIDI files. You can playback your tunes over the speakerphone, or use headsets, which are sold separately. Additional songs and games can be downloaded straight to your mobile phone.

Don’t forget the digital camera on the flip cover! Yes, the i850 comes with a 0.3 mega pixel camera with 4x zoom, and it takes photos with VGA quality. Photos can be transformed in to screensavers, wallpapers, or attachments to MMS and email. You can even add a photo for every contact you have on your phonebook.

How well does the Motorola i850 fare when other electronic wireless devices are around? CNET reviewers and critics tested the two-way radio function when wireless equipment is within the range. Calls still sounded clear, and the i850 performed without interference.

Motorola has again done a good job with this model. After the release of this unit, the company still kept going and going with more ideas that astound us. Keep tuning in to the latest mobile news, you’ll never know what Motorola will think of next.