Rugged phones, any good??.....

[SteveA]

I bought one. It is very nearly a really good phone, but that's the same kind of "nearly" as in "nearly made it over the chasm".

I think the hardware is pretty near the money for what I want: claims a fortnight of standby battery life, can act as a mobile WiFi hotspot or happily tethers via bluetooth or USB.

But I get the impression that the programmers who set up the operating system haven't actually used a phone: almost everything about it I think they've got wrong.

 

Hopefully they'll put out a firmware update sometime, or some geeks will hack a fix...

 

Ref: Aldi Workzone phone

The battery life is stunning.... I bought mine on 15th April (six weeks ago) and have recharged it 3 times (and it still has loads of battery life in it before the next recharge)!

 

The ring tones are a cross between a Bolywood CD playing in your favourite curry house and supermarket music on a slow day.... absolutely dire!

 

The alarm tone I use reminds me of the Adams Family.

 

The navigation in sunlight takes a bit of guesswork because it's impossible to see which category is being selected.

 

I hate inserting a number 1 into a text message!

 

Bluetooth doesn't connect to my iPad, which is very annoying.

 

Definitely seems rugged and waterproof / so far.

 

Overall.... it's a fairly cheap and crap phone with AWESOME! battery life.

 

cheers, steve

[Hairyloon]

Ref: Aldi Workzone phone

The battery life is stunning.... I bought mine on 15th April (six weeks ago) and have recharged it 3 times (and it still has loads of battery life in it before the next recharge)!

It doesn't last so long if you use it for an internet connection, but you wouldn't expect it to.

The ring tones are a cross between a Bolywood CD playing in your favourite curry house and supermarket music on a slow day.... absolutely dire!

I can put up with the ring tones, but not as message alerts, especially as it also uses them for message delivery receipts. I've had to turn mine off.

The alarm tone I use reminds me of the Adams Family.

I've not found an option to change the alarm tone, nor the volume: it is too -ing loud.

I hate inserting a number 1 into a text message!

Just hold down the key. It's a bit slow, but it works.

I find it a pain to change to capitals and back, but I have to admit that it is the best phone I've had for texting in Arabic.

[SteveA]

It doesn't last so long if you use it for an internet connection, but you wouldn't expect it to.

 

I tried surfing le'internet and quickly came to the conclusion that its much easier to use the ipad.

 

I can put up with the ring tones, but not as message alerts, especially as it also uses them for message delivery receipts. I've had to turn mine off.

Good idea!

 

I've not found an option to change the alarm tone, nor the volume: it is too -ing loud.

 

I think the up/down volume control button on the side controls that, i think, but i maybe wrong.

Just hold down the key. It's a bit slow, but it works.

 

Nice one.... I'll try that.

 

I find it a pain to change to capitals and back, but I have to admit that it is the best phone I've had for texting in Arabic.

 

Its a shame the torch isnt bigger and brighter. I'd also like a laser spirit level incorporated.... and a coffee machine. Not much to ask for is it?!

cheers, steve

[felixthelogchopper]

It doesn't last so long if you use it for an internet connection, but you wouldn't expect it to.

 

I can put up with the ring tones, but not as message alerts, especially as it also uses them for message delivery receipts. I've had to turn mine off.

 

I've not found an option to change the alarm tone, nor the volume: it is too -ing loud.

 

Just hold down the key. It's a bit slow, but it works.

I find it a pain to change to capitals and back, but I have to admit that it is the best phone I've had for texting in Arabic.

 

Careful, MI5 have eyes and ears everywhere.

[Hairyloon]

I tried surfing le'internet and quickly came to the conclusion that its much easier to use the ipad.

Oh the browser on the phone is truly dreadful, but it works fine as a WiFi hotspot.

Careful, MI5 have eyes and ears everywhere.

I expect they've already got a file on me, but I should hope that it says "mostly harmless".

[PatMustard]

Hi SteveA, I'm not sure if it's too late to be of help but I can highly reccomend the Samsung XCover 3. Just upgraded from my previous Xcover-2 years old, lives in the leg pocket of my sweaty chainsaw trousers climbing and grounding 5 days a week! I've kept the old handset as it is still fully functioning, still with excellent battery life. They have a rubber sealed built-in case which keeps water and rubbish out. Although still a thin phone.Bright and very usable torch which has got it dropped into many engine bays, chipper flywheels etc!

New one has better memory, camera etc.

Love it!

J.