Description:
The Kyocera QCP-3035 is an inexpensive Web-enabled phone with all the basic ingredients for everyday use. It also includes some treats, like voice-activated features, a scheduler, and 25 different ring tones. We carried this trimode CDMA phone around for weeks and recommend it for both business and personal needs, despite its tricky navigational button. Aside from its features, the 3035 also sports a rugged case and an oversized screen. It measures 4.9 by 1.9 by 1.1 inches, has a retractable antenna, and weighs 4.4 ounces with its standard lithium-ion battery. The keypad has raised, oval-shaped buttons, and its overall ergonomics are in tact. An eight-line screen (seven lines of text, one line of status icons) and graphical menu guide you through the phone's options. The diamond-shaped menu button, however, took some getting used to--it directed us to the wrong screens until we got the hang of it. (It should be noted the phone we tested was a preproduction model.) Also, you can't scroll continuously through menu options, which proved to be a minor annoyance. The diamond button aside, the 3035 does have some advanced features. It supports voice-activated dialing and it stores up to 30 names in memory. It also has a voice-memo recorder with room for five minutes of messages. The built-in speakerphone lets you place calls and listen to voicemail without having to hold the phone up to you ear--anyone who uses this feature can tell you it's a total blessing. And since voice-activated dialing allows safer, more efficient operation, it's wonderful to see how many new phones include this option. Just like other Kyocera models, the 3035 has a full set of PIM functions, as well as an alarm clock, tip calculator, standard calculator, and stopwatch. And although we've played a few too many rounds of it, the phone is equipped with the very addictive game, Brick Attack. On the wireless Internet front, the minibrowser's response time was commendable, and Sprint PCS's Web service is incredibly practical. It provides quick access to popular sites as well as news, weather, stock, and entertainment updates. Technophiles will enjoy the fact that--provided you purchase a data connectivity kit--you can use the phone as a digital modem for your PC. The QCP-3035 supports carrier-dependent features such as text messaging, caller ID, speed dialing, call waiting, data/fax service, and voice mail. Its phone book stores up to 200 numbers (up to six numbers per contact). It has 25 ringer types (including vibration mode), and you can download additional ring tones from Sprint PCS's website. Furthermore, the 3035 has a number of call timers and environment settings, quick phone-book search, standard security features (keypad locking, phone lock, and restricted dialing), and call logs that maintain lists of 30 outgoing, incoming, and missed calls. We conditioned the battery before testing talk and standby times. The phone's lithium-ion battery is rated for up to three hours of digital talk time and five days of digital standby time. Our tests produced similar results; we achieved slightly over three hours' digital talk time, and 5.5 days of digital standby time. If you make frequent calls, we suggest monitoring battery life at least every other day. Ultimately, the 3035 is a bargain-priced phone with a full set of features and options. While it does have some subtle imperfections, the phone's advantages clearly outweigh its quirks. --Thom Arno Pros:
- Competitively priced
- Speakerphone
- Responsive minibrowser
- Voice-activated features
- Trimode CDMA technology
- 25 ring tones (and downloadable ringer capability)
Cons:
- Unwieldy menu navigation button
- Can't scroll continuously through submenus
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