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- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 61 reviews Back to product review
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Full user review
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6 out of 6 people found this review helpful
3.5 stars
"So far it's a reliable, functional instrument"
Pros: Size, signal lock, it does exactly what it's designed to do: make calls.
Cons: It's not the best bang for a buck; outside buttons; high dollar phone with no software for external functions
Summary: One should be very cautious about where this phone is physically placed... it has exposed magnets when the phone is flipped open. Those magnets help to keep the phone closed. In contrast to that on the underside of the phone, should one desire to test it's magnetism, get your hands on one of those metal ties used commonly on bread and other things and you'll discover that the outside of the phone is magnetic as well! Only after the phone is purchased and you read all of the propaganda do you find out that this phone can possibly negatively affect credit card strips and so forth. Computers, credit cards, smart card type devices, and magnets are not good friends.
I've had this phone for a month now and so far it's a functional instrument. I see no reason to rant and rave about it as it does what it is designed to do. So far it seems to do it quite well.
The phone itself is certainly a good feeling and jazzy looking device but performance of anything has never been enhanced by good looks. What ever the case, the battery life seems to be okay. I have an old habit of charging my unit nightly so I'm not sure what the full extent of battery usage is. Yet. In any event, after an hour of talking it takes about a half hour to maximum re-charge even though the unit shows a full charge.
Thinking about chargers, if your need is for a vehicle charger be sure and order the mobile charger that does double duty: 120v AC and 12v cigarette lighter in a single package. It's smaller than the size of a pack of cigarettes; it's weight is basically negligible; and it works splendidly. I have no idea if this charger type is offered outside the USA so you'll have to do a bit of research on that issue.
While I'm not one for wallpapers and all, I can do without that added attraction. The way I see it, battery power is needed to keep those sorts of things up and running... I want maximum performance from my battery for communicating. When this device makes a call one can see the screen dim a little... sort of like it's powering down. So, until a self rejuvenating battery is introduced to the wonderful world of cellphones...
While the screen suffers greatly from dimness when outside in bright light or sunlight, inside or in deep shade the screen is clear and crisp looking. So if you're an outside person you do not want this phone.
If you have big hands such as myself you'll find it to be a little difficult to operate this phone with one hand due to it's small size and the smallness of the keys. Good dexterity is pretty much a necessity for one handed usage. The key setup is weird at best but that's Motorola. But did they have to make them so bloody small?
If you do extensive text messaging or email you do not want this phone because it's interface (phone keys) are a royal PITA for that application. Get a Razr or other phone.
I dunno about those other PEBL's people are talking about but mine does not have a button to open the phone. One has to slide the top (screen) downwards and it'll open or simply pry it open with your fingernail. For the most part it's an effortless operation. I was told by the T-Mobile salesperson that it had a button release and I've read about it in User Opinions but I've yet to see one. I'm thinking that this just ain't true. If it is... where's my button?! Go figure.
My unit has three side buttons on the outside of the phone which, according to the manual, are programmable. Well, those buttons are a PITA because one has to be careful not to accidentally press one when handling the phone or the ring setting (ring + vibe or whatever) can be accidentally changed and you wouldn't know it until you check. Or, out of the blue, the phone is asking you to make a voice command. That ain't good.
I live in a rural area in the desert southwest with plenty of mountains so it's a good test for signal reception. The Razr and a couple of Nokia brand phones seem better able to get a grip on a useable signal indoors and sometimes outside. I often get "call failed" until I move around and find a more conducive area for dialing a number. Once connected all of my calls have been routinely clear, and quite audible. Dropped calls isn't a routine thing so I'm happy about that.
The speaker phone just plain sucks. The volume level is too low and too many times it is inaudible. I don't use it.
The earbud contraption supplied with this phone sucks too. There is no way to keep the thing in an ear. If you move it falls out. If you sneeze it falls out. If you hold still it falls out. The bloody thing is too big. But, the sound, volume and voice transmission is good! Ain't that something?
I have a Bluetooth audio device for this unit and it works quite well. I bought the one that is not powered by the phone and has about a 30' range. It uses one AAA battery and eats 'em up if I use the device routinely. Two things I found out about using a Bluetooth with this phone is that I had to name it and care must be taken when turning it off or it will make an automatic redial of the last call. If you're in an area where other people are using the same sort of device your phone will detect yours and theirs. The problem with this is that detected items are listed by manufacturer number. Name yours and you'll be able to pick it out of a crowd in a jiffy. The Pebl has the capability that allows you to name your device.
Would I buy another Pebl knowing what I know about it now? No. I'd buy a less expensive phone with the same features.
This unit, a world class phone, and one of the primary reasons I purchased it from T-Mobile, is suppose to be right on the money when used world wide. I'll let you know just how good it works outside the USA the next time I take a trip to see what the rest of the world is up to these days :o)
Where to buy
Motorola Pebl U6 - black (T-Mobile):
$94.99 - $172.26
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$99.99 | Yes |
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$94.99 | Yes |
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$94.99 | Yes |
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$94.99 | Yes |
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Buy.com
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$172.26 | Yes |
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