UTStarcom CDM8630, a Mobile Phone for Grandparents

UTStarcom launched a new mobile phone, the CDM8630 model, an entry-level handset with practical features targeted at older adults, making it one of the few mobile phones specially designed for old people.

CDM8630 comes with a large keypad, an easy to use menu with large fonts and voice activating dialing and seems to be exactly what old people want a mobile phone to be: an easy to use communication device with practical features. The handset enables users to set no less than ten one-touch speed dialing keys. Besides, it features a one-touch 911 button and special "In Case of Emergency" directory containing emergency contacts. CDM8630's main display is a 262 Color TFT 2 inch screen with a 176 x 220 resolution. The secondary, external display is a monochome 1 inch screen with a 96 x 96 resolution that shows what basic external displays show: a digital clock, signal strength, battery life and, of course, incoming calls.

The mobile phone has an enhanced phone book that supports up to 500 entries and comes with a pack of basic features that include: alarm, calculator, E911 support, scheduler, speakerphone, Enhanced Messaging for sending sounds and emoticons, 32 polyphonic ringtones, text messaging with T9 predictive text, TTY/TTD capability and vibrating alert.

UTStarcom CDM8630 is a dual-band CDMA phone and its Lithium Ion 920 mAh battery can provide almost 4 hours of talk-time and 229 hours of stand-by time. It looks identically with the Verizon Wireless Coupe model, which makes me think that it's actually the same phone, as even the measurements (3.8 X 1.8 X 0.8 inches) correspond. UTStarcom will probably launch the handset via different carriers under different names.

UTStarcom CDM8630 is available now at Alltel for a price of $20 with a two year contract.