Other standard mobile features include support for email and stock organiser apps including calendar, memo, tasks, world clock, calculator and convertor, timer, alarm and stopwatch functions plus a voice recording facility. An SOS message option enables users to send an emergency text by pressing the volume key four times. One full game and half a dozen demo games are pre-loaded too.
Talking dirty: luckily there's a built in speaker for those mucky moments
While it has a limited bunch of features, the Samsung Solid Extreme does the basics of voice calling extremely well, with a crisp, loud audio performance and reliable signal handling. Battery life – something that could very well be an issue in extreme conditions – is particularly robust. Samsung estimates approximately 9 hours of talktime or up to 600 hours standby, while we comfortably managed 3 days or more regular usage out of it.
Verdict
If you’re after a mobile for high-end functionality, the Samsung Solid Extreme won’t be for you. It has a limited feature set, and lacks the multimedia firepower and gadgetry of typical mid-tier 3G mobiles. It’s not exactly going to swing it on the looks department either. But if you need a phone that’ll withstand the elements, can take a bit of a dunking and has to perform in extreme conditions, this phone will come into its own. We can certainly see it as an attractive second phone for rough and tough outdoorsy types for whom IP57 and MIL-STD-810F compliance are more appealing than 3G and Wi-Fi. ®
More Rugged Phone Reviews...
Samsung B2700 Bound |
Sonim XP3 Enduro |
Sony Ericsson C702 |
Samsung SGH-M110 |
Samsung GT-B2100 Solid Extreme
COMMENTS
Not idiot proof
point being, i had the 2700 version of this, and still managed to brick it within 3 months, only £20 basic phone for me from now on
Great phone lacking ONE feature
Agree with two others above - a phone this rugged NEEDS GPS, especially if that could be integrated into the one predefined SOS message. Just like a DSC VHF radio that is used for marine use to call the Coast Guard and gives a fix to them. And honestly, for many coastal sailors, such a phone would actually be more useful, as so few own pocket VHF radios they can keep with them in an emergency (the radio belowdecks isn't that useful if you fall overboard!).
I was thinking about buying one as I read the article, especially as they are less than £90. But I think I will wait for the GPS version...it has to come. But nice attempt...
N.B. - the GPS version has to have the function to activate the GPS on a periodic basis, to save battery. Perhaps about one fix every 20 minutes, that is then stored in the phone, and then have the GPS turn off. That is what EPRIBs (emergency locator beacons) with GPS do...
Waterproof & Numb hands
Easy to make a phone waterproof. Go a marine chandlers and you can buy a sealable PVC envelope. Better still you can still hear through it. Modern phone with flip-open style or slider won't work too well with this though. This phone would work ok with the PVC envelope as it is a simple keypad job. Might even survive a moderate dive in the PVC sleeve.
If you can't work this in anything other than light gloves then it won't work well for you when you hands are truly numb, as in winter watersports ! Pay attention to the number you are dialling ! Bet you get it wrong first time due to clumsiness. However I commend the strong case and design - more of these designs required. I hope it works in the environment intended.
GPS on this would be good, especially as it is most likely to be used by hillwalkers and climbers. Position fix would be good. 'Oh shit accident, location blah blah, please help'.
If the phone survives a severe impact, where you are really badly hurt, but it enables you to call for help, then it has done it's job.
"So if you want to make a call in...
...environments of blowing rain, shock, salt fog, humidity, solar radiation, vibration and extreme temperature..."
Finally - a phone that will work in my server room!
ip57?
If your going to shell-out for a functionally cut down handset, surely it has to be rated to at least ip65?
