14 DAY TRIAL // FCC has just approved two more Motorola iDEN phone models, the i290 and i425. The two candybar handsets bring low performances and repulsive design, just as similar ones have gotten us accustomed to by now, although they also bring the great advantage of iDEN.
The two devices resemble one another, but all these handsets come with almost the same design, so they are not a pair. The great advantage that these two models bring over older ones is that they come in slightly smaller sizes and slimmer looks. This makes them neither elegant, nor stylish, but cuts down on the bulky feeling that previous models used to give.
Both Motorola i290 and i425 are based on a similar platform as the i335 when it comes to appearance and performances too. They are quite plain devices, capable of packing only the most basic performances, but manage to compensate by bringing support for the iDEN performance.
This technology has been developed by Motorola in order to allow people to benefit from radio and mobile phone at the same time. Over the years, it has managed to gain some fans, despite of its drawbacks.
The fact that FCC has just given its approval on these two devices makes it highly possible to see them reaching in the near future the telecom market. There is no news on pricing and availability, although there are some hints pointing towards a carrier for each of these phones.
There is a high chance that Motorola i290 will come from Sprint, whereas the i525 will come at Boost. This phone also features a dedicated web access key and voicemail indicator, which few other similar devices manage to pack. Rumors also state that Boost will launch this iDEN model or shift completely to the unlimited CDMA calling plans.