The best cell phone I've had so far!
My best friend Kate got Kyocera Strobe phones for herself and her husband. I saw hers and instantly wanted one of my own. It has all the features I want in a phone, and when I went to my Alltel dealer to get one, I was surprised to find out it was only $50!! (With a two year contract.)
Below I've outlined the features of the phone (check with your phone company for rates) and have provided a list of links where you can learn more, get your own, and buy cool accessories.
Benefits of the Kyocera Strobe
The Strobe offers many features, and of course each of those has many benefits. What makes this phone better than most?
- Internal antenna means nothing to rip off or get caught. (Can you tell I've done that before?)
- External screen allows you to browse the menus and see who is calling when the phone is closed. This screen works much like the internal screen of a Motorola v262.
- Hook at top of phone provides access for a velcro strap. Straps are available with a plastic hook, perfect for hanging on your jeans belt loop. I actually prefer this to the belt clip because it's secure and I don't knock it off with my elbow when I'm walking. (You know, that whole female hip structure that makes wearing pagers and phones and radios so obnoxious?)
- Speakerphone key and headset jack make your phone easier to use.
- Internal speaker provides sound directed towards the user when the clamshell phone is open.
- Full QWERTY keyboard - possibly the best feature of the phone! Makes using the internet, IMing, text messaging, and other network features faster and easier.
- Large internal screen makes surfing the web, using the IM programs, and scrolling through the menu less of a strain on your eyes. Images also show up better.
- Flashlight on the back of the phone can be turned on using the menu, and comes in handy for finding keyholes and dropped items in your car.
- Camera takes great images which can be sent to an email address or directly to other users. There's a mirror next to the lens so you can get an idea of what your self-portrait will look like.
Official Kyocera Links
Don't take my word for it - get the real deal from Kyocera themselves.
- Strobe Homepage
- The official Kyocera Strobe homepage.
- Strobe Features
- A list of the features the Kyocera Strobe has to offer, including the technical things no one really understands. ;)
- Technical Specifications
- Ever wondered how cold it can be outside before your phone won't work? Find out that, and more, here.
- Strobe Models
- As long as you're buying a Strobe, get the K612B with Bluetooth.
- Reviews
- What do other people have to say about the Kyocera Strobe?
- Where to Buy
- As far as I know, this phone is supported by Alltel. If you don't have Alltel, or aren't sure, find out where else you can buy it.
- Accessories
- Since the phone doesn't flip open like most cell phones, it requires special case. The hook at the top also allows for a nifty strap, and don't forget to buy a travel charger.
- Support
- Get technical and self-help support for your phone, including replacement and additional downloads.
- User Manual
- Visit this PDF manual to get a quick view of what I'm talking about as I describe the features of the phone.
Menu Features
Below is a condensed list of menu features that come with the Kyocera Strobe operating software.
Recent calls
All Calls
Incoming Calls
Outgoing Calls
Missed Calls
Erase Call Lists
All Calls Timer
Home Calls Timer
Roam Calls Timer
Contacts
View All
Add New
Find Name
View Groups
Speed Dial List
Voice Dial List
Messaging Groups
Information
Messages
New Text Msg
New Picture Msg
Voicemail
Browser Alerts
Sent
OutBox
Saved
Drafts
Msg Settings
Group Lists
Erase Messages
Camera
Launches the camera
Media Gallery
Camera Pictures
Images
Sounds
Settings
Silent Mode
Keyguard
Sounds
Display
Convenience
Voice Features
Messaging
Security
Network
Accessories
Tools & Games
Brick Attack
Race 21
Voice Memo
Scheduler
Alarm Clock
Tip Calculator
Calculator
Timer
Stopwatch
Flashlight
Web Browser
Connects to Internet
Bluetooth
On/Off
My Devices
Settings
Phone Info
Displays information regarding your phone software
Brew Apps
Connect and purchase your service provider's brew applications
Recent calls
All Calls
Incoming Calls
Outgoing Calls
Missed Calls
Erase Call Lists
All Calls Timer
Home Calls Timer
Roam Calls Timer
Contacts
View All
Add New
Find Name
View Groups
Speed Dial List
Voice Dial List
Messaging Groups
Information
Messages
New Text Msg
New Picture Msg
Voicemail
Browser Alerts
Sent
OutBox
Saved
Drafts
Msg Settings
Group Lists
Erase Messages
Camera
Launches the camera
Media Gallery
Camera Pictures
Images
Sounds
Settings
Silent Mode
Keyguard
Sounds
Display
Convenience
Voice Features
Messaging
Security
Network
Accessories
Tools & Games
Brick Attack
Race 21
Voice Memo
Scheduler
Alarm Clock
Tip Calculator
Calculator
Timer
Stopwatch
Flashlight
Web Browser
Connects to Internet
Bluetooth
On/Off
My Devices
Settings
Phone Info
Displays information regarding your phone software
Brew Apps
Connect and purchase your service provider's brew applications
Cons?
There are a few things I could find to improve. These are JUST my opinions.
- DVORAK keyboard instead of QWERTY. Since the buttons are so tiny you can't type like you do on a keyboard. You still basically need to hold the phone like a video game and type using your thumbs or index fingers. A Dvorak keyboard would allow users to type faster, because it's arranged so letters commonly used back to back are on opposite sides of the keyboard. While you're typing one letter with your left hand, you can search for the next letter with your right, and so on.
- Ringtone preview so you know what it sounds like on the phone before you pay for it. I don't want to download Before he Cheats and have it sound tinny or buzzy.
Find IT on eBay
If you can't buy the Kyocera Strobe locally, you might be able to find it on eBay. Before you buy, ask your service carrier how to get it activated. Some locations won't activate phones bought on eBay because they can't prove they're not stolen.
Are you as jazzed as I am?
I'm totally jazzed about my Kyocera Strobe.
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Mobile Tracker
Get the latest and greatest news about the cell phone industry from Mobile Tracker.
Do/did you love your Kyocera Strobe?
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Steve
Dec 18, 2007 @ 8:04 pm | delete
- I'm on my third Strobe. Each one has glitched or broken on its own somehow. MAKE BETTER PHONES!!!
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calvin
Nov 27, 2007 @ 3:19 pm | delete
- i have the phone too and i LOVE it! I too have metro pcs, i just wish it would come with yahoo messenger too and more games
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chris
Nov 25, 2007 @ 2:15 am | delete
- i love this phone perfect for aim and text so i u love 2 text get this phone i got it with metro pcs so i get unlimited every thing for like 55 a month =) im so luky lol.
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