Living With the Motorola StarTac Cellular Phone--the first "wearable" phone.
Summary:
The Motorola StarTac's small size and versatile features change the way one operates with an analog cellular phone. It becomes a subtle and transparent extension of one's daily business activities, putting instant communication and interaction in the pocket or purse. An indispensable tool, it gives new meaning to the phrase "personal communicator". When used in connection with call forwarding it puts your communications where and when you are, as you want them.
First Impressions:
One's first impression of the StarTac is surprising. It is hard to imagine a package that does as much in a form factor not very much larger than a full-featured alphanumeric pager. One may wear it like a pager on a belt clip without unpleasant bulges, or carry it in a jacket pocket without a telltale lump. Sturdily built like all Motorola products, the fit and finish convey an air of quality.
When closed, the case reveals no obvious buttons or controls. Instead, clam-shell-like, the controls and display are concealed on the inside of the folding case yet are ready at hand when the case is opened. The antenna protrudes slightly from the case when it ’s not extended. Though the phone will operate in most areas with the antenna stowed, it ’s probably a good idea to pull it out. Like most Motorola phones, it comes in black, charcoal, or gray, depending on the distribution channel.
On opening the phone, one sees the usual keys, attractively arranged and back-lit. A small screen displays crisp information as one sets up or uses the phone. After dialing, the connection is made quickly and the quality of the sound cannot be faulted.
The supplied phone came with three Lithium-Ion batteries: standard, slim and auxiliary, nicely integrated into the phone's form factor, all with solid storage cases. Also included were a belt holster, cigarette lighter adapter, AC adapter (with slide-in plug for different countries), headset, and a desktop charger that uses the AC adapter and can charge several batteries at once.
Overview:
The phone incorporates LED status indicators to show when the phone is in use, out of range, or roaming. A single combined power and status indicator on top of the phone can be seen when the phone is closed. It displays an alternating red/green light for an incoming call, a flashing green for in-service, flashing red for no service, slow yellow flash for roaming on a home type system, and a fast yellow flash for roaming on a non-home type system.
The graphical signal strength indicator displays one to three bars depending on the strength of the received signal. There is a battery level indicator, a two-line seven-character red LED alphanumeric display, and a set of helpful menu icons.
A built-in phone book stores and retrieves numbers and alphanumeric identifiers. There are several call timers, a choice from nine distinctive ringing sounds or vibration, and a set of lock and security features. The usual volume and function keys are conveniently located on the side of the phone, as well as a unique "smart button" between them. In combination they permit menu and directory scrolling and easy selection of common operations. An accessory connector provides access for an external power supply as well as vehicle and data accessories.
Batteries:
The StarTac uses NiMH or longer life, lighter weight Lithium Ion batteries. The main or slim battery attaches on the front clamshell section, where it appears part of the case. The larger auxiliary battery piggybacks on the rear clamshell. There ’s a 6-bar battery display, indicating Main or Aux. The phone uses the auxiliary battery first if it ’s present. There's a low battery display and periodic tone when the batteries approach exhaustion.
The slim Lithium Ion or standard main NiMH batteries provide 60 minutes of talk time or 12 hours of stand-by time per charge, The standard extra-capacity main LI battery provides 90 minutes of talk or 19 hours of stand-by as does the slim Aux LI battery. The standard Aux NiMH battery provides 120 minutes of talk or 24 hours of stand-by time, while the extra capacity Aux LI battery provides 150 minutes of talk or 35 hours of stand-by time. Thus with the extra capacity aux and extra capacity main Lithium batteries installed one can obtain up to 240 minutes of talk time or 54 hours of stand-by time-- substantial capabilities.
The charger plugs directly into the phone or into a desk stand which can charge the phone with 2 batteries attached, and an extra standard battery in a second compartment.
Using the phone:
The phone executes a self-test when turned on, and then requests the lock code, if the user has activated that feature. Pressing the Òsmart buttonÓ allows selection from the 99-location phone directory by initial letter, with the volume keys acting as forward and backward scroll keys. The first ten locations may be dialed directly by pressing and holding the appropriate number key. Location 01 may be used for an emergency number, which may be dialed even if the phone is locked. Pressing the FCN key and the smart key enters the menu system, and the volume and smart keys permit scrolling and selection.
Opening the phone answers an incoming call; closing it hangs up the phone; alternatively the "Send" key can be used. Unanswered calls are counted and their number displayed if the phone is on. If the cell is busy, the send key activates an automatic redial feature. If the called party is busy, the last number called can be redialed via the Send key. The last ten numbers called are saved and can similarly be redialed as desired.
Security Features:
With the lock code feature activated, if no unlock code is entered within 30 seconds of turn-on, the theft alarm feature places 2 phone calls to pre-programmed numbers and gives a high-pitched alarm tone to the person at the other end. The phone may be automatically locked whenever it is turned off, or manually locked via key press.
Eight service levels may be specified, controlling whether keypad dialing is permitted, which memory locations may be used for placing calls, whether memory may be read or altered, and whether local calls only may be placed (with DTMF keypad tones disabled to prevent calling card calls).
Some carriers have adopted a PIN feature to authenticate phones. The StarTac can handle this automatically, if desired.
Additional Features:
The phone may use two numbers, permitting one to subscribe to both an "A" (non-wireline) and a "B" (wireline) carrier, or two carriers in different cities. A series of search preferences as between A and B carriers may be set. One may also limit the phone to one or a list of system identifiers (SIDs) so that it will only operate with particular carriers.
A delayed call option permits the phone to place a call after a specified number of minutes, using a pre-stored phone number. Disabling "call receive" counts calls but doesn't ring the phone. Some models have a built-in answering machine. The phone may be set to answer automatically after two rings. A hands-free option is available for vehicular accessory use.
Battery saving features include "VOX Off" which activates the transmitter only when talking (if supported by one's carrier), and "Extend Talk On" for strong signal areas.
A digital message service (if supported by one's carrier) permits callback and short text messages. Up to 20 messages can be stored.
Accessories:
Optional accessories include various batteries, a cigarette lighter adapter, desktop charger, holster and headset. A portable connection interface permits use of a modem or fax machine. PCMCIA or pocket modems are available to connect directly between the phone and either a PCMCIA slot or serial port in one's portable or desktop computer.
A hands-free vehicle kit powers the phone, provides a full-duplex speaker phone, and charges the battery whenever the car engine is running. An outside antenna is also available. Another vehicle kit includes a phone holder, battery charger, external microphone, external speaker, 3-watt trunk-mounted power booster, and external antenna.
The phone can accommodate the NAMPS (Narrow-band Advanced Mobile Phone System) where provided by one's carrier, giving 2412 channels instead of 832. The service provider can also offer calling line identifier, voice mail status, and short messaging.
Evaluation:
Because of its convenient size, ease-of-use, many convenience features, and reliable operation, the Motorola StarTac is strongly recommended as the telephone of choice for analog cellular users.
Watch for our review of the Digital PCS Motorola StarTac in our next issue. With scrambled digital voice for privacy, encryption to prevent cloning, short digital messaging and paging, this unit is even more strongly recommended for users in areas where PCS GSM service is available.
Buying advice:
The cellular and GSM service market is highly competitive as a number of carriers and technologies vie for customers. Substantial promotional rebates on the StarTac and PCS StarTac phones are often offered, and these rebates, initially available only on high-end service plans, have now migrated to the more inexpensive service plans in major metropolitan areas. In exchange, a fixed-term subscription is often required, with a cancellation penalty.
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