Jitterbug Phone Reviews
If you don't wish to use a cell phone that is loaded with features, then a Jitterbug phone might be the perfect choice for you. Though Jitterbug cell phone handset is priced at $99, the buyers would also have to pay $10 and $35 as shipping charges and activation fee respectively. The phone models have been created by Samsung, which needless to say, figures among the list of the most popular cell phone manufacturers. This phone has been specially designed for the elderly, keeping in mind the needs of those who may not be comfortable using complex gadgets. So, if you have been looking for an easy-to-use cell phone, leaf through this information on the features of this cell phone.
Features
If you go through Jitterbug phone reviews, you will see that simplicity is their motto. They are not there to compete with the cell phones that have additional apps and cell phone accessories. The idea behind manufacturing this cell phone is to make things simpler. This cell phone has been specially designed for senior citizens. Senior citizens who might find the new cell phones very confusing can use these phones. Since they are targeting the simple phone market, there aren't many competitors as of now.
The concept of Jitterbug phone was developed by Marty Cooper, who created the GreatCall Inc., the parent company that offers wireless service. Jitterbug handsets are created by Samsung, as per the specifications. They have come up with two main models. Jitterbug J and Jitterbug Dial. Jitterbug Dial has a basic keypad with large buttons which makes dialing a very easy task. Jitterbug J was introduced later. It has Bluetooth capability and a much louder speaker phone. One can activate the voice dialing service, by contacting the customer service. It also supports text messaging service. There is also the option of enabling the caller ID facility.
These phones cater to the needs of people who have poor vision. The large-sized, easy-to-dial buttons, large display, easy-to-read phone book, speaker phone, adjustable ringer, adjustable call volume and voice-activated dialing are great features that make the use of cell phone a much simpler task for elderly people. It is a simple phone, with 'YES' and 'NO' buttons and a 10 digit keypad. Another feature that has been advertised is the padded ear-cushions. The cell phone battery can last for around 11 days on the standby mode. When the phone is fully charged, one can easily talk for about 4 hours. Since the buyers would be those who just need the basic functions, the option of Internet access is not available on this phone.
Jitterbug One Touch is another model that just has three large buttons that can be used for dialing 'operator', 'my choice' or '911'. This may come in handy for those who wish to use this phone to make a few calls in event of an emergency. Operators are accessible 24 hours a day and they can place calls to those who are on the user's phone list, as well as connect the user to any United States or Canada phone number. In addition, these operators can also add new numbers to the phone list of the phone. One can also open an online Jitterbug account in order to add new contacts to the phone book.
Coverage and Plans
As far as the Jitterbug coverage is concerned, the parent company, GreatCall, has agreements with 33 different carriers for providing their network coverage to your phone. Jitterbug cell phone monthly plans start at $14.99 and $19.99 for 50 and 100 anytime minutes respectively. There are other features like add-on minutes. You could also opt for $39.99 monthly plan and get 400 anytime minutes or go for the unlimited plan by shelling out $79.99 a month.
The unlimited plan provides free access to voice mail. One can also send and receive text messages, but text messaging service is not included within the calling plan. You may have to pay about 10 cents every time you send or receive a text message. They also have a road assistance program. By paying $4 a month, you can avail services such as towing and battery jump start, fuel delivery, lockout, flat tire service and winching. If you ever lock yourself out or run out of gas, you can get assistance. You can also get medication reminders by paying $10 a month, or have access to registered nurses through the Jitterbug LiveNurse service by paying $4 a month. All this surely sounds useful.
Complaints
Well, for those who are used to handling cell phones that are loaded with several features, the biggest complaint would be regarding its simplicity. It is a simple phone that can save up to just 50 contacts, therefore, it is meant for those who have a limited use. It is good for people who don't like complicated gadgets and just want to use the phone for calling their friends and family. So, how has this basic cell phone fared in the market? Though one wouldn't have to sign a contract, and there are monthly plans starting from as low as $14.99 for 50 minutes, the reviews have been somewhat mixed. Though the handset is sturdy, it is pretty bulky. Some people have complained about the pricey activation fee of $35.
Cheap cell phone plans would certainly be an added advantage when buyers would be seniors, who may not have a disposable income. So, are the cell phone plans economical? Though the operator-assisted calls and voice-mail service are free with the yearly plan, those who opt for other plans will lose five minutes of the call time, every time they make an operator-assisted call. Voice-mail can be activated by paying $3 a month. So, the additional features come with a price. People also feel that the Pay-As-You-Go plans are not feasible at all. Some people have also complained about the inconspicuous battery indicator. There have been complaints about the service plans and billing. Many users seem to be highly annoyed with their unsatisfactory customer service.
Now that you have some idea about the features of Jitterbug phone, you may be able to decide whether this phone will work for you or not. Do keep in mind that this phone has received mixed reviews, and many have criticized their customer service. Check out its features and see if Jitterbug can really fulfill your requirements before you get one for yourself. You should also look around for other simple cell phones such as Just5 cell phone, Nokia 6085, Tracfone senior value cell phone, ClarityLife C900 and Doro Handle Easy 326i. Do a little research about each of these basic phones for seniors along with their monthly or yearly plans. This is to ensure that you take a well-informed decision.
