Hands-on with the Amplicom M5010 – the phone your granny wants

Whilst we wait giggling with utter delight at the prospect of watching the Master, Steve Jobs, dance across the stage today, I wanted to bring you something from the total opposite end of the spectrum.

I’ve been banging on about the Amplicom handset since the newsletter on Christmas Eve (to be published online shortly) and I’m delighted to say that I’ve been sent a device. So obviously, I’ve done an unboxing.

The unboxing video was one of the most unusual I’ve ever done. There are literally four pieces in the box: The phone, the battery, the plug, the charging-stand. Job done. Oh, there’s a manual too. If you watch the first unboxing video, you’ll see my total surprise when the phone turns on. It took about 2-3 seconds.

Seconds.

I had to look twice. I was shocked, wondering how it started up so fast! I’m so used to devices taking minute-upon-minute to go through their boot sequence.

There’s precious little to say about the actual device because it just ‘is’. It’s a phone…. and that’s it. It won’t tell the time in Tokyo, it won’t fart at you nor will it tell you how many inches of snow Val d’Isere has. But it’s LOUD, it’s BIG, it’s LIGHT and it’s got a flipping big display with BIG numbers on it. Precisely what the target audience wants and needs.

This is, of course, a phone for granny. Or grandpa. Or anyone in your family who’s a bit elderly or who simply can’t be bothered arsing around with the current crop of super-snazzy mobile devices. One of my relatives is a fairly young 60 years old — still filled with energy — but has real trouble with arthritis in her fingers, making operating a standard small mobile keypad a real annoyance. They will love the Amplicom.

I was surprised by how light the phone is — and by how *bright* the keypad numbers are when lit up. Everything about the device is specifically designed for people who are infirm, have poor eyesight but who still have the need of a mobile device.

Here’s a reminder on the specs:

Hearing Aid Compatibility with integrated Induction Coil (Rating: M3/T3)
SOS button with up to 5 numbers for auto dialling
Extra loud ringer up to 100dB
Extra loud speaker volume up to 23 dB
Red LED to indicate out of range and other functions
Vibration Alarm
Backlit display with large numbers and letters
3 Short dial numbers – M1, M2, M3
250 name and number phone book
Automatic keypad lock
SMS Text send and receive
Handsfree function
4.3 cm Display white back light
Dual Band GSM (900 / 1800 MHz)
Mains charger with Mini-USB connector
Talk Time up to 120 Minutes
Standby Time up to 170 Hours
Battery Li-Ion 750 mAh
SAR value < 0,526 W/Kg Weight including battery < 100g

The device retails on the Amplicom website for £68.70 +VAT.

Here’s the unboxing video:

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And here’s the video where I make a call and send a text with the device:

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