Nicole Lee,
September 8, 2006
The acronym MVNO stands for mobile virtual network operator, a cell phone carrier that sells its own phones and services but piggybacks on more traditional networks. MVNOs are usually lifestyle oriented and target a niche demographic. Virgin Mobile and Helio are two such MVNOs, riding the Sprint network. Both target the young, hip crowd with their brand of stylish cell phones. Virgin Mobile's more recent offerings include the Kyocera Oystr, a pearly white basic handset, and the Kyocera Switch Back, formerly known as the Strobe, which features a funky curvy design and a QWERTY keyboard for easier messaging. Helio is quite a hot new MVNO these days, especially with its support for MySpace Mobile on all of its phones. Helio phones are also very well designed, with decent multimedia features, such as the Zen-like Kickflip and the sleek slider Hero handsets. Both of them have 2-megapixel cameras and integrated music players. Not all MVNOs target the young adult demographic, some are specifically designed to serve families with younger children. Disney Mobile, a virtual carrier that rides on the Sprint network, is the most recent carrier to offer family locator and alert services. These services allow parents to keep tabs on their children as well as limit their calling times and restrict whom they can call. Disney Mobile phones such as the Pantech DM-P100 and the LG DM-L200 also have customized menu designs and are capable of downloading Disney-themed wallpapers and screensavers.
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| Review date | August 14, 2006 | May 05, 2006 | June 27, 2006 | June 06, 2006 | July 21, 2006 | July 21, 2006 |
| The Bottom Line | The basic Kyocera Oystr doesn't have a lot of features or an external display, but it does what a phone should do. | We had some serious design complaints with the Kyocera Switch Back, but the QWERTY keyboard, youth-friendly features, and decent call quality should appeal to the text-crazed teenager. | The attractive Helio Kickflip offers high-end features, such as a 2-megapixel camera and EV-DO support, and is the better phone of the carrier's two offerings. Unfortunately, it's plagued by the lack of Bluetooth and instant-messaging options; plus, the call quality is subpar. | If you're a MySpace addict or a wannabe hipster, the Hero from Helio may be for you. But no instant messaging and no Bluetooth plus lackluster media options and a high price tag means the Hero definitely isn't for everyone. | Though its design is nothing special, the Pantech DM-P100 offers a solid selection of services and content that stands out from other carriers'. | The LG DM-L200 is a great phone for families. Parents will appreciate the family locator and alert services, and kids will love the sleek design and fancy features of the phone. |
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| Features | ||||||
| Band / mode |
CDMA 1900 |
Info unavailable |
CDMA2000 1X 1900/800 |
CDMA2000 1X 1900/800 |
CDMA 800/1900 |
CDMA 800/1900 |
| Cellular technology |
CDMA2000 1X |
CDMA2000 1X |
CDMA2000 1X |
CDMA2000 1X |
GSM |
CDMA |
| Talk time |
Up to 215 min |
Up to 180 min |
Up to 170 min |
Up to 180 min |
180 min |
Up to 240 min |
| Weight |
3.5 oz |
4.1 oz |
4.4 oz |
4.7 oz |
3.8 oz |
3.7 oz |
| Height |
3.5 in |
4.3 in |
3.9 in |
4.3 in |
3.4 in |
3.6 in |
| Carrier |
Virgin Mobile |
Virgin Mobile |
Helio |
Helio |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Wireless Interface | Info unavailable |
Yes |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
Bluetooth |
| Service Provider |
Virgin Mobile |
Virgin Mobile |
Helio |
Helio |
Disney Mobile |
Disney Mobile |
| Service & support details type | Info unavailable |
Limited warranty |
Limited warranty |
Limited warranty |
Info unavailable | Info unavailable |
| Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications | Full specifications |
| Buying choices | ||||||
