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Pantech PN-218 Video

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Pantech PN-218
Created: 04/20/2007
Video description: The Pantech PN-218's unique square design and internal screen might appeal to those who do a lot of text messaging, but we did not like the flimsy antenna.

Pantech PN-218 Video Transcript

[ Music ] ^M00:00:01

>> Hi, I'm Kent German, senior editor here at CNET.com. Today we are going to take a first look at the Pentax PN 218, this is a new phone for Alltel service. This phone is shaved a little differently than most cell phones you see, usually with a flip phone we'd see something in the longer, not as wide and in fact this phone is almost square looking. The reason is you open up and you see it has a horizontal or landscape display, usually on a phone we'd see the portrait display, but we are going to turn to the outside for just a moment. How they do it, external LCD screen, colorful, shows all the information you need including Time, date, all those sort of things. With a small speaker down here, if you have a pretty large antenna, it does extend, like most extendable antennas it is a bit flimsy so want to be careful if it's up. Here on the back we have a camera lens and a small flash. On the side we only have the volume rocker, dedicated camera button and a covered headset port. Back to open up the phone, again this display is pretty unique, it is landscape so might, can be better for texting[sp?] and things like that, but it is just a little different so you are going to want to give this phone a try if you are interested. Moving down to the keypad buttons, these are flat with the surface of the phone, don't always like those. The best flip phones have the keys raised slightly above the surface of the phone, so this will take some acclamation if you are not used to it. Overall this is a unique phone, definitely something you might want to try out, but may not be something for everyone. I'm Kent German and this is the Pentax PN 218. ^M00:01:19 [ Music ]

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Pantech PN-218 Review

Editors' rating

The good: The Pantech PN-218 offers voice commands and a speakerphone. Also, the landscape display may be attractive to some users.

The bad: The Pantech PN-218 has a dull design, an awkward shape, and poorly designed controls.

The bottom line: The Pantech is certainly different, but we couldn't get past the design flaws.

Read full review

Pantech PN-218 Specs

Manufacturer: Pantech & Curitel
Part number: PN218

Product Basic Spec
  • Product Basic Spec

Read full specs

Pantech PN-218 Prices

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