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November 10, 2008 12:00 PM PST

ClarityLife phone goes on sale

by Kent German
  • 4 comments

Now you can buy the C900.

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

Seven months after its release the ClarityLife C900 cell phone is now on sale. Designed with senior users in mind, the C900 has a simple design with a bright display and large keys and it offers decent call quality. As we noted when we reviewed the device earlier this year, the menu interface could be easier to use, and we think the text messaging is an unnecessary feature, but the C900 is a good choice for older users unfamiliar with cell phones.

We like that the GSM phone is sold unlocked, so you can use it with AT&T or T-Mobile. It's a bit pricey at $269, but you can buy it online from Clarity's Web site. Clarity originally announced the ClarityLife (it didn't have the C900 model number then) at the CTIA show last April.

The C900 is only the third cell phone in the United States designed exclusively for seniors; Samsung introduced the Jitterbug OneTouch and Dial in late 2007 for Mobile Virtual Network Operator GreatCall Mobile. Verizon Wireless still offers the UTStarcom Coupe, but that phone is meant for a wider audience that includes seniors.

April 1, 2008 6:00 AM PDT

ClarityLife phone unveiled

by Kent German
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Now you have no excuse to not call grandma

(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CNET Networks)

Cell phones may be ubiquitous, but not every cell phone is appropriate for every person. That's why over the last couple of years, a small but growing market has begun to address the cell phones needs of senior citizens. These handsets ditch fancy and unnecessary features in favor of simple designs and basic communication functionality. Previously we've seen it in the Samsung Jitterbug and the UTStarcom Coupe, and today we see it in the new ClarityLife. Unveiled in as Vegas on the first day of CTIA, the ClarityLife has all the hallmarks of a senior-friendly cell phone. It's big and bulky, the display is large and bright and the buttons and controls are oversized and user-friendly. As a phone it accomplishes its job well. Call quality was good and we like that it's sold as an unlocked GSM model. On the downside, the menu interface was more complicated than it should be and the feature list offers a few more applications than are necessary (text messaging anyone?). But we invite you to decide for your self by reading our full ClarityLife review or perusing our ClarityLife slide show. The handset should go on sale later this year for a yet-to-be-determined price.

Originally posted at CTIA show
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