[cassidy]

Well, people, you've seen it everywhere. It's becoming the new craze among the wireless carriers in your region and mine -- cell phones that can do everything your computer can do. Sprint PCS, AT&T and Voicestream (T-Mobile) have all introduced their new wireless products that include color LCD displays, internet capability, and even linkups to your desktop computer.

Nextel isn't far behind the front runners in bringing out their newest cellular product: The i95cl. At first glance, anyone that looks at this phone will notice that the appearance is similar to that of Nextel's most recent innovation -- the i90, which was an instant hit. But, beauty on this one is no deeper than the outer plastic cover. Yes, the most significant feature of the new phone is the 256-color LCD display. "Well, finally," you'll say, "Nextel is getting with the times." That's right, friends, no more command-driven i500's for us! Our one-year agreement is finished and we're upgrading. That's right, for only 20 dollars (American), they'll let us upgrade to this new marvel in technology (if that's what you wanna call it). I hope I've got you all excited about this phone, because, Nextel has broken my heart with Motorola's latest invention. Therefore, I'm gonna break yours...

The truth really hurts, but most users will overlook the inner flaws on this new 400 dollar toy. It's that whole superficiality thing that we humans have. We try our hardest to overlook the outer appearance of something, but it's inevitable. Alright, so, the Nextel is a status symbol. It's how business gets done, right? Yeah, I guess it is, and they're upgrading their systems at record pace. They've got the best interactive coverage map for the midwestern United States that I've seen. They've got coverage in every state, and beautiful plans. I haven't seen anything perfect, as long as I've been in the wireless industry, and this is no different, people. This new Motorola i95cl is just like everything else -- too good to be true.

We'll start with the size and shape. Yes, it does resemble the i90, but the hardware on the inside makes it a little bulkier and cumbersome. In this day and age, we're so accustomed to having small electronics. Sooner or later, we're gonna split the atom and make a cellular device that's implanted in every newborn. But, hey. if it was made for Nextel, by Motorola, I'd wait until the second build. It's always better that way.

Next, there's the inside. This is the confusing part, and the most important. One of the things that made the i90 such a hit was the beautiful reception. You know those commercials you see on TV about the "internal antenna boosters?" Yeah, for only $19.99, you get this little gold sticker that you put under your battery and instantly, you get the greatest reception in the world. Elevators, buildings, and even trapped in rubble with 9 miners, being dug up by a crane. Ummm...no! Denied! If you're gullible enough to think that a sticker is the best thing since sliced bread, then I can't help you. There is a bit of logic behind those things, though. The stickers are supposed to emulate this tiny piece of electronic things, or something (I don't remember the word at this moment), that tunes your phone into a narrower band on the tower that's giving you service. It's basically like a better antenna...a longer one. But the sticker doesn't do it. The i90 has four of these pieces in it and that's what gives you GREAT reception! Now, you say, "well, the i95cl is newer, so it should have 'em in there, plus better stuff, right?" No! Once again, denied. The i95cl doesn't incorporate the same breakthrough technology as its predicessor. I know it hurts. Nextel is like a status symbol. Unless you don't have the newest one, you're not cool! Well, tell your friends that they had better have a backup plan for those long trips, because their i95cl's are colorful crap on the road.

This past week, our tester took a roadtrip to southeastern Pennsylvania from southeastern Michigan. Yeah, I wanted to go, but I had to stay here at headquarters and take the "Can you hear me now? Good," calls. We compared our new toy with the Nextel i90c (don't you wish that C stood for "color?"). Through southern Michigan and Ohio, both phones were flawless, aside from the occasional "dead zone," or sudden drop in signal strength. But, it comes with the territory. The real test came in the mountains. of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. I hear it's beautiful -- rolling hills, beautiful scenery, and free placement of cellular towers. I wish I was there to see it. Oh well. The altitude really hurt both of the phones. But it didn't take a sensitive ear to notice the difference in sound quality between the two phones. The i95cl sounded "boxy," for lack of a better word, while the i90 was relatively clear. There wasn't much of a difference in the signal strength between the phones, to be perfectly honest, but the difference was audible.

In conclusion, for and extra200 dollars, you get nothing better, than 255 more colors. The internet is the same, the menus are the same. It's a beautiful phone, and a wonderful package, but just like everything else, there's room for improvement. I'm a tough one to please, but I'm only looking out for you guys, the consumers. It's your right to spend your money wisely. 400 dollars isn't buying a pack of gum. It's an investment. Therefore, you should invest in something that will last and give you your money's worth.

Cassidy

[Sufian]

I didn't like it when they released it here..color screen...yippeeee, but the phone sux and costs way to much. I mean, who'd pay $349 for it (advertised price at the local nextel dealership).

[Michael]

Nextel Intraduced the v66 into its line of phones as well

[cassidy]

actually, mike, what you're probably referring to is the i60. they don't look all that different, but all nextel phones come from motorola with the prefix "i." so, it's the i60. check it out, eh?

[Michael]

yeah i meant i60 lol I was thinking of the v70 when I was typeing that