One cannot deny that mobile phones are evolving more and more every day and new ideas and technologies pop up every minute. Unfortunately, these devices usually cost a lot of money and have a tendency to be out of the normal user's reach for a long time after their appearance. The Cool8800C tries to bring a little high-tech to a low-budget user wanting more than just your average mobile phone.
Design
He says: I have to admit this mobile phone's design is, as its name says, cool! Although at first look, it's just a common mobile phone, its dual flip mode turns it into some sort of PSP-like gaming console and multimedia player. The second mode seems to make talking on the phone a little uncomfortable.
She says: What's cool about this phone's design is that it manages to keep its surprise factor; although it looks like a regular mid-range phone, all it needs is a flip to turn into Prince Charming, showing off with flip out screen and keypad, which reveal another screen underneath and a set of dedicated gaming controls. So, the design is this phone's outstanding feature, letting users benefit from multiple functionality in adequate form factors.
Features
He says: Unfortunately, it doesn't have a lot of over-the-top characteristics, the usual mobile features like playing MP3/MP4, GPR & WAP connectivity or Bluetooth and FM radio making it a not so advanced piece of technology. At first hand, it showed great promise. Still, for a mobile phone, it's OK. For a multimedia player/mobile phone, it's not! The ability to play NES games is a cool feature, although a bit outdated.
She says: Despite its rather futuristic design, the Cool8800C doesn't come with just as futuristic features. It's true that it offers its users the possibility to play NES games, but the phone comes with only three preloaded games. Also, it supports dual-SIM cards, eBook reader, FM radio, MP3/MP4 and analog TV tuner. However, it only supports GSM 900/1800 frequencies.
Performance
He says: Don't expect pretty big images on its 240 x 400-only second display screen. The 3-5 hrs talking time is a huge downer even if it has a standby time of 240-360 hours. I'm not going to buy a phone and not talk on it! I guess playing time is also 3-5 hours or less so; not very happy regarding its performance. The 0.3-megapixel camera is a huge downer, since images and videos made using that camera will have a rather low-quality.
She says: With the 0.3-megapixel camera, it's like not having a camera at all, not to mention the fact that the battery life is not satisfying. The Cool8800C is kinda uncool with its rather low resolution screen and the only 1GB of included memory.
User FriendlyHe says: The Cool8800C is as user friendly as a phone gets, and the two controller-type panels opening at the side are pretty easy to use when playing a NES game, moving through different files and menu options or watching a very low resolution video you just shot.
She says: Solombi's home is not exactly a child's play, but you can't say it's difficult to use either. Its friendly interface won't make you want to smash it against the walls because you can't figure out how to text to your friends. This is definitely not the case with the Cool8800C.
Value for Money
He says: The $134 price is just perfect because this gadget is obviously directed towards the “low-end user” market. Although I for one wouldn't pay $134 for a low-tech phone even if it does play NES games and looks cool when opened.
She says: We have already established that this phone is by far not the best in its segment. However, it might actually be worth the money, taking into account the fact that, even though not high-end it still comes with some pretty varied features and functions.
Cool Factor
He says: It's not going to set any standards or reach any high-standard of coolness either, but this gadget is not uncool either.
She says: I can't firmly say that you'll be envied if you get this phone, but, as I’ve already said, for that price, you most likely won't regret either. So, it's all up to you.
