Review: G'zOne Type-S
Shock-proof phone meant for "rugged environments."
Aug. 1, 2007 — -- The G'zOne Type-S from Verizon Wireless is a shock-proof and water-proof cell phone made for rugged use -- an update of the company's Type-V model.
The phone is firm and solid and was built to withstand some rigorous abuse. Dropped from various heights, it withstood the shock remarkably, with no adverse effects on the phone other than a few scuff marks. After it was dropped into a pool and left submerged for a few minutes, the phone worked like a charm.
The Type-S features Bluetooth support, speaker phone, and a limited VGA camera with an LED flash.
As a "rugged" cell phone, the phone lacks some features that would be considered standard on other phones. The phone does not support high speed data, stereo Bluetooth, and there is no megapixel camera, which has become standard in most phones these days.
However, it does have a clear and specific target group: hikers, campers, construction workers, or people who are "accident-prone."
The phone has decent reception and sound quality. The phone also features a small LED light that will in no way replace a flashlight, but as a small emergency light, it is surprisingly bright.
The phone's battery is listed for seven days of standby and more than 200 minutes of talk time. The phone is available from Verizon Wireless now for $199.99 with a 2-year contract.
