'Rugged' phones?

Hi All,

Our daughter has had a few models of phone (often given to her after
other people have upgraded etc) and is generally pretty good re
looking after them. However I think because of her new role as
apprentice tree surgeon it and motorcyclist seems her phone (currently
a slide of some sort .. Samsung with touch sensitive buttons?) is
getting a bit more accidental abuse than it was designed for? :-(

So, what does the panel think re a replacement please? It must be good
for text (like most teens she's a prolific texter), have a camera for
stills and a bit of video (doesn't have to be brilliant at either as
she generally carries a Fuji F31fd with her), have a reasonably loud
ring tone and most importantly be reasonably shock, vibration, dust
and damp proof whilst not being too bulky?

She doesn't particularly need a built in radio, mp3 player or web
access features.

I believe the Nokia 5140i is (was?) a good all-rounder?

Cheers, T i m

p.s. She liked the JCB phone when she saw it on the net but I'm not
sure how suitable it would be as her girly weekend / going-out phone.
;-)

---

› See More: 'Rugged' phones?

In message [email protected],
T i m <[email protected]> Proclaimed from the tallest tower:

> Hi All,
>
> Our daughter has had a few models of phone (often given to her after
> other people have upgraded etc) and is generally pretty good re
> looking after them. However I think because of her new role as
> apprentice tree surgeon it and motorcyclist seems her phone (currently
> a slide of some sort .. Samsung with touch sensitive buttons?) is
> getting a bit more accidental abuse than it was designed for? :-(
>
> So, what does the panel think re a replacement please? It must be good
> for text (like most teens she's a prolific texter), have a camera for
> stills and a bit of video (doesn't have to be brilliant at either as
> she generally carries a Fuji F31fd with her), have a reasonably loud
> ring tone and most importantly be reasonably shock, vibration, dust
> and damp proof whilst not being too bulky?
>
> She doesn't particularly need a built in radio, mp3 player or web
> access features.
>
> I believe the Nokia 5140i is (was?) a good all-rounder?
>
> Cheers, T i m
>
> p.s. She liked the JCB phone when she saw it on the net but I'm not
> sure how suitable it would be as her girly weekend / going-out phone.
> ;-)

Not sure you are going to be able to get a rugged, vibration, dust and damp
proof phone that is also 'girly'... :-)
Maybe she should get the JCB for work and buy a nice little pink number for
weekends and evenings...?

--
Regards,
Chris.
(Remove Elvis's shoes to email me)

On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:22:55 +0100, "ChrisM"
<[email protected]> wrote:


>
>Not sure you are going to be able to get a rugged, vibration, dust and damp
>proof phone that is also 'girly'... :-)

I'm not sure that's a requirement Chris, but something easily
pocketable might be (something the Samsung seems to be at least).

>Maybe she should get the JCB for work and buy a nice little pink number for
>weekends and evenings...?

We thought about that but I'm not sure changing the SIM's about on a
regular basis is a good thing? I've got a funny feeling she'd be quite
happy with the JCB even for weekends ... as long as she could get it
in her bag! One thing I do know is she wouldn't want anything in pink!
;-)

Whilst she still does 'girly' now and again she generally seems to be
a camo / Land Rover, get_stuck_in sorta girl. She's just been given an
old 250cc MZ motorbike by a mate (who said if she can start it and
ride it she can have it) and she's extra chuffed that it was hand
painted in NATO green! ;-)

So, do these JCB / Sonim XP1 mobiles actually work well as phones do
we know please?

Cheers, T i m

In message [email protected],
T i m <[email protected]> Proclaimed from the tallest tower:

> On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:22:55 +0100, "ChrisM"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>
>> Not sure you are going to be able to get a rugged, vibration, dust
>> and damp proof phone that is also 'girly'... :-)
>
> I'm not sure that's a requirement Chris, but something easily
> pocketable might be (something the Samsung seems to be at least).
>
>> Maybe she should get the JCB for work and buy a nice little pink
>> number for weekends and evenings...?
>
> We thought about that but I'm not sure changing the SIM's about on a
> regular basis is a good thing? I've got a funny feeling she'd be quite
> happy with the JCB even for weekends ... as long as she could get it
> in her bag! One thing I do know is she wouldn't want anything in pink!
> ;-)
>
> Whilst she still does 'girly' now and again she generally seems to be
> a camo / Land Rover, get_stuck_in sorta girl. She's just been given an
> old 250cc MZ motorbike by a mate (who said if she can start it and
> ride it she can have it) and she's extra chuffed that it was hand
> painted in NATO green! ;-)
>
> So, do these JCB / Sonim XP1 mobiles actually work well as phones do
> we know please?
>
> Cheers, T i m

That, I can't tell you, but I'm sure someone can...

--
Regards,
Chris.
(Remove Elvis's shoes to email me)

On 2008-10-17, ChrisM <[email protected]> wrote:
> In message [email protected],
> T i m <[email protected]> Proclaimed from the tallest tower:
>
>> Hi All,
>>
>> Our daughter has had a few models of phone (often given to her after
>> other people have upgraded etc) and is generally pretty good re
>> looking after them. However I think because of her new role as
>> apprentice tree surgeon it and motorcyclist seems her phone (currently
>> a slide of some sort .. Samsung with touch sensitive buttons?) is
>> getting a bit more accidental abuse than it was designed for? :-(
>>
>> So, what does the panel think re a replacement please? It must be good
>> for text (like most teens she's a prolific texter), have a camera for
>> stills and a bit of video (doesn't have to be brilliant at either as
>> she generally carries a Fuji F31fd with her), have a reasonably loud
>> ring tone and most importantly be reasonably shock, vibration, dust
>> and damp proof whilst not being too bulky?
>>
>> She doesn't particularly need a built in radio, mp3 player or web
>> access features.
>>
>> I believe the Nokia 5140i is (was?) a good all-rounder?
>>
>> Cheers, T i m
>>
>> p.s. She liked the JCB phone when she saw it on the net but I'm not
>> sure how suitable it would be as her girly weekend / going-out phone.
>> ;-)
>
> Not sure you are going to be able to get a rugged, vibration, dust and damp
> proof phone that is also 'girly'... :-)
> Maybe she should get the JCB for work and buy a nice little pink number for
> weekends and evenings...?

The Samsung M110 is another rugged handset with few frills (I'd consider
that one for myself - but I'm a beardy old bloke, not a girly girl).

I think the Motorola i335 is built to a 'military' spec.

My search for 'rugged phone' also suggests the JCB phone is available as
the Sonim XP1 without the JCB branding.

--
-- ^^^^^^^^^^
-- Whiskers
-- ~~~~~~~~~~

On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:30:10 +0100, Whiskers
<[email protected]> wrote:


>The Samsung M110 is another rugged handset with few frills (I'd consider
>that one for myself - but I'm a beardy old bloke, not a girly girl).

;-)
>
>I think the Motorola i335 is built to a 'military' spec.

A quick Google seems to suggest it's not that prevalent at the moment.
Is that right, is it out yet?
>
>My search for 'rugged phone' also suggests the JCB phone is available as
>the Sonim XP1 without the JCB branding.

Indeed, no camera though so I'm not sure if that's a deal breaker for
her or not.

The other thought would be a less 'rugged' / more traditional phone
that has a decent protective skin available for it?

Cheers .. T i m

T i m wrote:
> On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:30:10 +0100, Whiskers
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>> The Samsung M110 is another rugged handset with few frills (I'd
>> consider that one for myself - but I'm a beardy old bloke, not a
>> girly girl).
>
> ;-)
>>
>> I think the Motorola i335 is built to a 'military' spec.
>
> A quick Google seems to suggest it's not that prevalent at the moment.
> Is that right, is it out yet?
>>
>> My search for 'rugged phone' also suggests the JCB phone is
>> available as the Sonim XP1 without the JCB branding.
>
> Indeed, no camera though so I'm not sure if that's a deal breaker for
> her or not.
>
> The other thought would be a less 'rugged' / more traditional phone
> that has a decent protective skin available for it?
>

I have a SE K850i which seems pretty indestructable with or without the
leather case if that's any help.

Mike P

On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:40:15 +0100, "Mike P" <[email protected]>
wrote:

>> The other thought would be a less 'rugged' / more traditional phone
>> that has a decent protective skin available for it?
>>
>
>I have a SE K850i which seems pretty indestructable with or without the
>leather case if that's any help.

Hmm, good to know but is that right, ~300 quid (ouch).

And then you read stuff like this:

http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/sho...php?t=17919768

But I guess it's like anything, you can get good / bad luck?

She has had a SE (610i?) in fact it's about the only phone she's had
from new and whilst I remember it being 'ok' it did end up going back
for repair and was never really the same after. :-(

Meanwhile my 6310i plods on ....

Cheers .. T i m

"T i m" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 11:22:55 +0100, "ChrisM"
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>
>>Not sure you are going to be able to get a rugged, vibration, dust and
>>damp
>>proof phone that is also 'girly'... :-)
>
> I'm not sure that's a requirement Chris, but something easily
> pocketable might be (something the Samsung seems to be at least).
>
>>Maybe she should get the JCB for work and buy a nice little pink number
>>for
>>weekends and evenings...?
>
> We thought about that but I'm not sure changing the SIM's about on a
> regular basis is a good thing? I've got a funny feeling she'd be quite
> happy with the JCB even for weekends ... as long as she could get it
> in her bag! One thing I do know is she wouldn't want anything in pink!
> ;-)
>
> Whilst she still does 'girly' now and again she generally seems to be
> a camo / Land Rover, get_stuck_in sorta girl. She's just been given an
> old 250cc MZ motorbike by a mate (who said if she can start it and
> ride it she can have it) and she's extra chuffed that it was hand
> painted in NATO green! ;-)
>
> So, do these JCB / Sonim XP1 mobiles actually work well as phones do
> we know please?
>
Reviews of Sonim XP1/JCB Toughphone here...
http://stuff.tv/Review/JCB-Toughphone/
....and here...
http://www.gsmarena.com/sonim_xp1-review-273.php

--
Cheers, Steve.
Change jealous to sad to reply.

"T i m" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
> On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:30:10 +0100, Whiskers
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>The Samsung M110 is another rugged handset with few frills (I'd consider
>>that one for myself - but I'm a beardy old bloke, not a girly girl).
>
> ;-)
>>
>>I think the Motorola i335 is built to a 'military' spec.
>
> A quick Google seems to suggest it's not that prevalent at the moment.
> Is that right, is it out yet?
>>
>>My search for 'rugged phone' also suggests the JCB phone is available as
>>the Sonim XP1 without the JCB branding.
>
> Indeed, no camera though so I'm not sure if that's a deal breaker for
> her or not.
>
> The other thought would be a less 'rugged' / more traditional phone
> that has a decent protective skin available for it?
>
If she's used to using Samsungs, they make a ruggedized phone, the "M110
Solid" probably not as butch as the XP1, but it's got a camera and seems to
be pretty tough...
http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=161230
....any use?
--
Cheers, Steve.
Change jealous to sad to reply.

On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:06:58 GMT, "Steve Dulieu"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>> So, do these JCB / Sonim XP1 mobiles actually work well as phones do
>> we know please?
>>
>Reviews of Sonim XP1/JCB Toughphone here...
>http://stuff.tv/Review/JCB-Toughphone/
>...and here...
>http://www.gsmarena.com/sonim_xp1-review-273.php

Thanks for those Steve.

On one of the user reviews they mention issues with texts and with no
camera on this and no BT on the 5410i I'm beginning to see a theme
here. :-(

To be fair and considering what they have put up with (I've seen her
phones explode on hitting the floor at least once each) they have
lasted quite well. I'm pretty sure the last two being slide types (LG
/ Samsung) doesn't help re durability.

Maybe we should start again and just look for a 'business phone' (to
get strong usability features like BT, good keypad, battery life,
reliability etc) and find a protective skin for it (or have it on a
bit of string round her neck). ;-(

I think she does make reasonable use of the Samsungs camera (stills
and video) and she just mentioned she uses BT quite a bit (between her
mates phones), so I guess that leaves the M110 Solid?

Cheers, T i m

On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 17:12:05 +0100, "Mike P" <[email protected]>
wrote:


>>
>> http://forums.overclockers.co.uk/sho...php?t=17919768
>>
>> But I guess it's like anything, you can get good / bad luck?
>
>Exactly. I've never had a problem in 18 months with mine. It's got damp,
>it's been dropped onto hard floors, covered in cement dust and generally
>been abused. Maybe that post you highlighted was down to the poisonous
>orange firmware :-)

Is that like the Sky firmware on Netgear routers? ;-)
>
>
>> She has had a SE (610i?) in fact it's about the only phone she's had
>> from new and whilst I remember it being 'ok' it did end up going back
>> for repair and was never really the same after. :-(
>>
>> Meanwhile my 6310i plods on ....
>>
>Heh, I wish I'd kept mine now. I gave it to my brother 5 years ago, he still
>uses it now..

I was lucky enough to be given mine by my neighbour. I charge it once
every 6 months <weg> and it's pretty well behaved. ;-)

Cheers, T i m

On 2008-10-17, T i m <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 12:30:10 +0100, Whiskers
> <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>
>>The Samsung M110 is another rugged handset with few frills (I'd consider
>>that one for myself - but I'm a beardy old bloke, not a girly girl).
>
> ;-)
>>
>>I think the Motorola i335 is built to a 'military' spec.
>
> A quick Google seems to suggest it's not that prevalent at the moment.
> Is that right, is it out yet?

I think it's been out for a year or so, but I can't say that I've seen one
in the flesh.

>>My search for 'rugged phone' also suggests the JCB phone is available as
>>the Sonim XP1 without the JCB branding.
>
> Indeed, no camera though so I'm not sure if that's a deal breaker for
> her or not.
>
> The other thought would be a less 'rugged' / more traditional phone
> that has a decent protective skin available for it?
>
> Cheers .. T i m

Depends if she's willing to unpack the phone from its case to answer
calls, but there are some very tough solid cases that would take a mobile
phone and give it good protetion. The leather or plastic cases I've used
are more cosmetic than really protective - although they might keep all
the fragments in one place next time the handset falls out of a tree.

--
-- ^^^^^^^^^^
-- Whiskers
-- ~~~~~~~~~~

On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:15:30 GMT, "Steve Dulieu"
<[email protected]> wrote:

>If she's used to using Samsungs, they make a ruggedized phone, the "M110
>Solid" probably not as butch as the XP1, but it's got a camera and seems to
>be pretty tough...
>http://www.expansys.com/d.aspx?i=161230
>...any use?

Yeah, I've since mentioned that elsewhere Steve and it's a contender
that's for sure, just I'm not sure if the camera is going to be a let
down after the one on her current Samsung and although she's used to
Samsungs (as you put it) I'm not sure she's totally sold on them.

Like, her existing Samsung has an irritating jingle that goes off when
you send a text and she can't seem to turn it off?

She's just added via MSN " ... last time I spoke on the phone I looked
and I'd sent a text with the touch screen using my cheek, it randomly
slides onto touch screen and starts ringing people, my old phone [1]
seems mechanical, this seems virtual, nothing clicks properly and it
all lags. I could put up with it, especially seeing as it was free but
now its just gone completely mental, turning itself off halfway
through texts ... "

And then what often makes things worse is they then get thrown across
the room ... :-(

[1] An LG Shine.

And the issues with the Samsung could be down to dirty connectors and
I'll give it a look / clean for her later but I think she's just fed
up with unreliable stuff, but like many of he age want (or expect) the
'features' as well.

Like I believe ALL answering machines should timestamp the message and
capture the calling number etc (so you don't get left with the "It's
yer Mum, can you ring me back, I'm round Mary's ... " ??? ;-)

Cheers ..

T i m

On 2008-10-17, T i m <[email protected]> wrote:
> On Fri, 17 Oct 2008 16:06:58 GMT, "Steve Dulieu"
> <[email protected]> wrote:

[...]

> Maybe we should start again and just look for a 'business phone' (to
> get strong usability features like BT, good keypad, battery life,
> reliability etc) and find a protective skin for it (or have it on a
> bit of string round her neck). ;-(

[...]

If she's climbing trees and using power tools, I don't think any sort of
lanyard is a good idea - could be quite dangerous.

The Samsung seems to be tougher than the JCB, and does have a camera (only
VGA, but with flash) and BlueTooth. This is the maker's own site
<http://uk.samsungmobile.com/mobile/SGH-M110> and this is a good review
from The Register (which is what first made me think I'd like one of them)
<http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/04/23/review_samsung_m110_solid/>.

--
-- ^^^^^^^^^^
-- Whiskers
-- ~~~~~~~~~~