Samsung M300
I purchased the Samsung M300 on E bay recently as I needed a phone to replace for an elder family member. One of the biggest pluses that the M300 offered is the well-lit keypad. The large screen and font size of the numbers when viewed on the screen was probably the best feature. A nice feature is the automatic contact back up using the back up via internet option, this prevents losing contact info if the phone is lost or stolen - but without a data plan, you'll pay dearly for such. The phone allows for all types of telecommunications, the serial/charging port allows for "tethering" or using the phone as a modem - you'll need to buy a usb cable that has the correct port adapter, and add a data plan to your phone PAM (phone as modem), is the best plan for data use on this phone, but ultimately the features breakdown like this:
1) Dialing - perfect for aging eyes (presbyopia) - large LCD screen and poor articulation of fingers - nice illuminated and large keys.
2) Texting - Difficult but doable, get a PC or PDA phone for texting
3) Blue tooth, it has it, but connectivity isn't the best and can be frustrating
4) Internet - not worth it if you don't like small screen ratio viewing, but can be a good modem worthy phone - would suggest getting a newer phone that has the 3G aka: EVDO connectivity (56-300kbps), this phone uses 1X or RCT technology (56kbps)
5) Camera - decent pictures, but no way to store them (limited memory) requires data plan to send/receive them for keeping also no flash
6) Voice dialing - once set up you can tell your phone who to call
7) Speakerphone - a must have in my book
8) Voice memos - allows you to leave messages saved directly to your phone, so you can recall/replay them later to jog your memory. (limit 10)
9) Phone book - easy to use allows you to save 4 numbers per contact, limited to 299 entries
10) Standard 2.5 mm audio jack for your hands-free
11) Many tools - including a calendar, a scheduler, a calculator, an alarm clock and notepad
12) Phone looks sleek and functions well, the ringers can be as loud or as quiet as you need
Rules in phone buying: 1 always make sure the phone your buying is what you want; correct provider (Sprint versus At&t, Verizon vs T Mobile etc), verify what condition it is in - used comes in all types of conditions, MAKE SURE THE ESN IS CLEAN, verify if chargers, batteries, manuals, and battery covers - if not, you may double the price of the phone by having to piece-meal the phone back to the way you need it. LAST BUT NOT LEAST: READ THE LISTING!!! if the phone is labeled BROKEN, you don't want it, if the ESN is listed, verify with your cell phone provider that it will work on their network.Read full review
