Yet more G'zOne Type-S details
It seems anticipation is running pretty high for this one, so we thought it was in everyone's best interest to rush out additional deets just as quickly as they fell into our hands. We hear now that the G'zOne Type-S will lack VCAST; not necessarily a big deal for a large portion of its target demo, but more devastatingly, it lacks EV-DO data entirely. Rumors also now point to a lack of expandable memory, rendering any on-board media support of rather limited use in our books. On the plus side, though, it appears VZ Navigator is in the cards, as is Bluetooth and a healthy 2 megapixel cam. But why, Casio, hast thou forsaken us speedy data? Heck, "Type-S" even sounds fast.[Thanks, anonymous tipster]
Update: It seems the camera may be nothing more than a pedestrian VGA unit, despite a tip that we'd be seeing a full 2 megapixels. Eh, whatever. At least it's waterproof, right? [Thanks, everyone]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
none @ Apr 20th 2007 9:10PM
You sure about that camera? Last I knew, the "300k" camera that's listed on the spec sheet is nowhere near "2 megapixel".
John Filler @ Apr 20th 2007 9:56PM
Yeah everyone has been flapping their freaking gums about the camera being 2 megapixels. Number one it is a 300k and it is classified as a low tier phone.
none @ Apr 21st 2007 1:30AM
Also, pretty sure it doesn't support expandable memory either. No point to it with the lower quality camera and lack of music functionality.
-_- @ Apr 21st 2007 8:13AM
So... if you really needed a phone like this (i.e.- waterproof, ruggedized, etc.) would you give a crap about the camera and music player?
me2 @ Apr 21st 2007 8:30PM
Its the size of the screen that's the deal-breaker for me - its what, a 1.8"? I REALLY was wanting for this to be like one of the slick Jap models (2.8"/2.6" screens). Its such a tiny screen for a phone as large & thick as this phone (4" x 2" x 1"+) - makes me LOL.
I guess now I'm hoping that Sprint might bring the REAL thing. (Or, always can hope the new KDDI Mobile MVNO will surprise us).
Dave D. @ Apr 23rd 2007 9:04PM
I called the main Verizon customer support line and spoke with a very lovely and very helpful young lady who was more than happy to pull up the 'Type S' on her system and give me all of the details that she had.
First, and perhaps the most contentious of all the details: The camera is 1.3 megapixels.
Here are some additional details that have already been documented here:
1. Speakerphone (obvious)
2. Bluetooth (she did not know which version, but said that she was sure it was the most up to date version.)
3. Mobile Web 2.0
4. VZ Navigator.
5. Able to download ringtones & able to access their 'Get It Now' system. (again, obvious)
6. Text & pic messaging.
7. Ext & int. display (unfortunately, her system did not show the internal display type or size).
8. I asked her to confirm if it was coming out May 1 and she said that all it said was, "COMING SOON."
9. She said that it did not show any pricing yet, but normally it does not show pricing even if it's due out in a week.
Hope this helps. Again, the only concrete thing here that was not previously settled was that the camera is 1.3 MP, which I hope is accurate. However, if it comes from Verizon directly, then I would have to say that is as good as it gets without seeing the actual phone.
Now, it's up to you to keep checking with Verizon customer service and your local stores everyday for the unknown details and report back here.
dd.
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chad @ Apr 24th 2007 8:44PM
I talked to a rep at a store saturday, and he confirmed the release date is 5/1.
alan @ Apr 28th 2007 9:51AM
has anyone seen the Japanese version of this, the W42CA at gzone.jp. just google the site. that phone is amazing in looks and features. is there any chance that they will be selling that version here in the near future. If so, it blows away even the S version and everything else out there. The verizon rep I spoke to said he had seen it but didn't know if it was coming here.
alan @ Apr 30th 2007 3:00PM
verizon just reported to me that the gzone type s release date has been delayed until 6/1. they had no information on the more impressive japanese version, the W42CA.
Jason @ May 1st 2007 6:07PM
I spoke with Verizon this morning. The rep today told me the same thing the Verizon Store employees told me last week. It's a 2.0 megapixel just like the V type, waterproof to 30 feet for 30 mins, smaller screen than the V type, and bluetooth (didn't ask which version). The rep today also said this version will be faster on the mobile web 2.0. I guess the best thing is to let those who have to be first, buy them and then tell the rest of us what they think.
Andy @ May 2nd 2007 2:02PM
When is it being released?
sandpig @ May 10th 2007 1:23PM
It will be released June 1st, 2007.
Bill A. Farley @ May 22nd 2007 8:39PM
I bought a type s day before yesterday at Verizon in Shreveport,LA so it is definately been released. Great phone. Bluetooth hands free works very well. Camera works well. Talked about 6 hours today and still have battery life. I work for a living so the toughness of the phone is much more important to me than music and stuff. Best phone I have ever had.
Hero_of_skies @ May 10th 2007 9:26PM
Hey I just got one today from my local Verizon store for my dad! It pretty nice.
donnie @ May 11th 2007 9:39PM
i just got the s and i love it i didn't buy it for music or pic. i have a mp3 and a water proof cam. for that. but i am a paramedic and i go out in the rain alot.i'm very tough on phones hated all three of my lg 9800. this one seems to fit the bill.needs a louder speaker though.
sandpig @ May 11th 2007 9:42PM
Please give us more reviews of the Type S ASAP.
Thank you.
RasOne @ May 14th 2007 11:23AM
I have had the S for almost 3 weeks. Currently available in the Verizon Business Channel. Still waiting for the custom holster. Great phone.
The waterproof speaker is a little tinny but this phone lives up to anything you can dish out. I broke my last two VX6100's from rough handling. The camera is only 640 x 480. Only allows 3 phone numbers per contact, 1 mobile, 1 home, and 1 work. (My LG allowed 5, so I lost a few when transfered over). Groups can only have 10 names per group. I have 150+ contacts, a couple dozen more ringtones and still have only used about 700K of the 50MB memory (NOT expandable). I sent the ringtones from my wife's VX6100 so I could have the same ones I am familiar with for many contacts.
I like the feel of this phone in my hands, screen font is a little small for the names and phone numbers. Nice royal blue color. Bluetooth capable.
Battery lasts a long time, well over a week with several phone calls a day, talked just over 2 hours and the battery level gauge still shows 2 bars.
Kyle Kraujalis @ May 22nd 2007 10:13PM
to bad it doesnt have ev-do
connor @ May 23rd 2007 5:00PM
i have the type-s, just got it yesterday, may 22nd. they said they had it in store since may 15th. i have to say i am dissapointed in this phone. the only thing it does well is the waterproof issue. Yeah, you can drop it in a glass of water, but so what...
screen size is small, camera is worthless (crappy quality), no music player, bluetooth is only good to 12 feet, ANTENNA STRENGTH---i never ge tmore than 2 bars...on my old Motorola E815, i got 4 or 5 always, and i havent change my location.
i will probably switch back.
TheDman @ Jun 14th 2007 7:46PM
I love how everyone wants EVERYTHING in a phone , or any new electronic device for that matter. We want it smaller, faster, louder, power out the wazoo!!, Get real people!! Just like sacrificing speed for gas mileage in your car, sometimes you have to give up some things to get others. Oh yeah! And of course we all want this for very little money!! Riiiight! This phone is what ALOT of people have needed from cell phones for a looong time...durability!! THIS PHONE ROCKS!!
Kip @ Sep 10th 2007 12:03AM
While this G'zone type S is a great rugged phone, one needs to have the VOLUME loud enough to hear the other person talk as well hear the ringer while working outdoors around heavy equipment. I need to know how to accomplish this, will unlocking the phone make this possible and are there any ramifications form the unfriendly giant Verison
JerseySlime @ Nov 2nd 2007 9:21AM
Has anybody tried to link up the phone with a Bluetooth capable car? I have an 07 Acura TL. The Acura HandsFreeLink website shows the Type S phone as in the testing phase. Anybody try it with any success? Thanks.
Phillip @ Mar 6th 2008 12:14PM
Soooo, now that you all have had 10 months to use the phone and truly understand all of its features and capabilities, how do you like it? Or not like it?