| Nextel has delivered a digital calling service,
using high-end Motorola phones with additional perks: Nextel Direct
Connection (a two-way radio feature), text and numeric paging
capabilities, two-line capability, and text-based Web page surfing (coming
in late 2000). Designed for the corporate user, this service has many
advantages over standard phones, pagers, and two-way radios, and uses the
nationwide all-digital Nextel Network as a backbone.
INSTALLATION
We tested two models of phones � the i1000plus and the i700plus. The OEM
on both models is Motorola. We decided to configure all the features, to
accurately test the phones. The service had already been established when
we received the phones, and we had to configure all the options we wanted
to test.
Both models have a small screen with several icons on them, including
signal strength, phone line (1 or 2), speaker on/off indicator, and
battery life. The text in the middle of the screen indicates which
function is active. The two menu items at the bottom of the screen choose
simple options such as Exit and OK. These buttons are necessary when
programming the phone.
We configured the voice mailbox, the Direct Connection feature, and the
speed dial and all the numbers. All these features are explained well in
the User�s Guide; however, programming most of the functions was very
cumbersome, requiring several keystrokes for every function changed. For
example, editing and erasing phone list extensions requires four
keystrokes to enter the editing mode. Even the technical neophyte should
have no problem with this, though it seems more complicated than
necessary.
DOCUMENTATION
Nextel�s phones come with a User�s Guide. The guide for both phones is
less than 100 pages long, and it examines every function of the phone.
There is also a 12-minute videotape. While I wouldn�t call all my
friends over to watch it, the tape does give a good insight on the phones,
and gives the end user pretty much everything needed for the non-technical
user to quickly get up to speed.
There is also a small, two-sided, four-panel quick reference card that
gives all the important commands. This is good for users who need to
reference it while on the road, or away from their desk. It fits nicely
and unobtrusively into a wallet, since it folds to size of a credit card.
FEATURES
Nextel phone service is feature rich. These features include rounding
calls to the nearest second (starting with the second minute), an easily
accessible voice mailbox, and message retrieval via land line phone or out
of a covered area. There are also special delivery options (urgent,
private, etc.), caller ID service, pager notification (which can be
limited to specific hours), and text and numeric paging options. It is
important to note that there are no roaming charges on the Nextel National
Network. Nextel�s features also includes Group List, a service that
allows one voice mail to be sent all the members of a group
simultaneously.
The Motorola phones are also loaded with excellent features, including
a hold key for call waiting service that allows the user to toggle between
two different conversations, call waiting, three-way calling, choice of
display (English, Spanish, French, or Portuguese), speakerphone, and the
ability to store up to 100 private numbers and IDs. There is also the
ability to add a second line, which has the option of a different pricing
structure, and separate billing records. The following settings are
independent for each line: ringer volume, selectable ring styles, and call
forwarding. Both models will offer Internet access later this year.
Features specific to the i1000plus:
- Weighs 6.0 ounces.
- Lithium ion battery provides up to 180 minutes of talk time or up to
50 hours of standby time.
- Very compact � 4.5� X 2.2� X 1.2�.
- Nine selectable ring styles, plus VibraCall.
Features specific to the i700plus phone:
- Weighs 10.2 ounces.
- Standard nickel metal hydride battery allows up to 240 minutes of
talk time and 65 hours of standby time.
- Sturdy construction, with rubber molding.
- Available in either black or yellow.
- Compact � 6.2� X 2.3� X 1.6�.
Optional accessories for both phones include: travel charger, cigarette
lighter adapter, a desktop dual-pocket charger, audio adapter (for privacy
and hands-free operation), and a desktop dual-pocket charger, which
charges the phone and an additional battery.
A coverage map came with the phones as well. Since we�re located on
the East Coast, we were interested in how far out of the southwestern
Connecticut area we could get service. Our coverage area, which covers
most of Connecticut, is a local call. We got service down the entire I-95
corridor on the East Coast, and were able to successfully call from
virtually any major metropolitan area in North America, including Toronto
and Salt Lake City.
OPERATIONAL TESTING
There is no better way of testing cellular phones than going out and
making a bunch of calls and direct connections with them. First we set up
the features needed for modern communications. We changed all the defaults
(ringer volume, ring style, etc.) to our own preferences and stored
several phone numbers and private IDs. Private ID is necessary for
programming the phones to work with Direct Connection. We set up the
two-way radio feature first and contacted the other party on our network.
This worked very well, except when we made a descent into a cavernous
parking garage. Across town, two-way radio communication was no problem,
and worked every time.
We first established contact with the others in our party. Our phones
worked well, both are very solidly built, and dialing and connecting is no
problem. We had friends call us to leave messages in voice mail, and we
retrieved those messages without a problem.
Coming Attractions
Nextel plans to launch Web-based services in the second half of 2000. An
Internet-ready phone is necessary to take advantage of this service. (Both
phones reviewed are Internet-ready.) This service will allow Nextel
customers to use their phone as a modem for a Windows PC laptop, a good
feature when no land line is available.
MyNextel, which is powered by MSN, is a Web site that allows users to
personalize their homepage, including personalized messages from Web sites
selected by the customer. Stock quotes, weather and news headlines are
items that users would typically be interested in accessing. These can be
downloaded at specified times during the day, or upon demand.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT
We found that the service for the phones, for the most part, was as good
as any decent cellular service. The range was good, and where there was no
Nextel service, there was no service for any cellular phones. Direct
Connection only works within our local calling area, which, according to
the map provided by Nextel was most of the more heavily populated areas of
Connecticut and the Springfield/Holyoke area of Massachusetts. It would be
nice for Direct Connection to work in all areas where cellular service is
available, but we wonder in what circumstances this would be practical.
The i1000plus is an excellent phone. There are no features of this
phone we would consider improving, except for the fact that the mode
changes without any human intervention. For example, when we put the phone
down after having used it for the phone function, it would automatically
revert to Direct Connection mode. Other than that, it is sturdily built,
and we don�t see any areas where physical improvements can be made.
On the other hand, the i700plus is very heavy. Wearing this on your
belt would produce a scene like the old Saturday Night Live skit featuring
Dan Ackroyd as the refrigerator repairman. The battery of that model is
not a fully enclosed unit, but a real battery covered by a plastic shield.
This is not good when you�re on the road and want to take another
battery with you or charge one battery while you�re using the other one.
The phone is rugged, and can survive a pretty serious drop, though we�re
not crazy about the optional yellow and black motif.
Also, as mentioned above, the programming and editing sequence of
several functions is somewhat more complex than necessary. Though well
documented in the User�s Guide, we feel that this can be simplified
using the menu and the screen on the phone.
CONCLUSION
These are great phones, with a lot of important (and fun) features.
However, the Direct Connection function and the excellent service are what
give Nextel the edge in their phones. With the excellent results and
flawless service we experienced during our extensive testing phase, we
award the Nextel phones with our Editors� Choice Award. |
Internet Telephony Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
CUSTOMER 
Cloud Computing Magazine
Click here to read latest issue
IoT EVOLUTION MAGAZINE
