It seems that mobile phones for seniors are coming back in style, with Telstra announcing the EasyCall 2, a big-buttoned dumbphone with a built-in torch and FM radio.
The phone has a couple of clever additions to it to make it ideal for your nanna. It boasts the standard big buttons and clear big font of most nanna-phones, but adds in features like audible key tones so you canhear the numbers you are pressing, a built in torch, a dedicated keypad lock switch on the side and hearing aid compatibility.
For $99 outright including $10 of prepaid credit, it’s also as cheap a phone as you’re ever likely to find for your nanna.
Roland
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 11:11 AMAny word on the loudness of ring or earthquake capabilities of the vibrate feature?
My dad has the eyes of a hawk, but he’s deaf as a post and won’t admit it. ;)
TSH
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 11:19 AMWonder if it’d work overseas… not keen on backpacking and hiking with my smartphone.
Simon Reidy
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 12:11 PMThose buttons needs to be larger. I can’t quite make out the numbers.
Brendan
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 12:38 PMIs it water resistant?
Glenn
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 12:41 PMThis would have been perfect for my dad before he passed away, the old fool could never use his phone.
Normandy
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 12:51 PMWhat, about a home phone? like a one with big numbers etc? anyone got a link? my grandfather of 92 really needs a phone like that, can anyone help with advise?
Tim
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 1:48 PMCheck out http://www.telstrahomephones.com.au and I’m sure they’ll have something that’s suitable. The CLS3450 or 3400 look like they might be what you’re after.
HC
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 2:22 PMTry this http://telstra.com.au/abouttelstra/commitments/disability-services/disability-equipment-program/index.htm#tab-Telephones
Click the Telephones tab, you’re probably looking for the Big Button/Multi-Purpose phone. I think it costs the same as a regular rental handset ($3) though I could be wrong.
Peter
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 2:38 PMLook up the Uniden SSE25, big numbers, visual ringer, audio boost and a button to slow down answering machine messages to boot.
James Mac
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 1:37 PMSurely an AM radio would be better than an FM one… FM stations are all full of loud music, and you don’t get much talkback on FM.
thomasr
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 1:57 PMAM radios need a different sort of aerial that will not sit nearly in a phone.
James Mac
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 4:47 PMI wasn’t being serious… I was going for a jibe about how old people don’t like FM radio now that John Laws isn’t on it… and so prefer talkback on AM.
Steve
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 at 9:13 PMPersonally, I think it’s somewhat patronising…
“Yo gramps, here’s your big stupid chunky phone. It’s childproof so your dumb, clumsy fingers won’t mess it up and the ringer’s loud enough to wake you from six feet under. which you already are.”
Fury
Sunday, May 6, 2012 at 3:02 PMIf Steve thinks he’s funny, I trust he will remember his comments with deep regret until he too goes 6 feet down. How mature really is this bloke ?
Paul
Wednesday, May 4, 2011 at 12:20 AMThis is a good idea. I bought the first Easy Call for my Mum – it didnt have a colour screen – just all orange backlit etc, but it was about $53 from Big W – which was cheaper than the Chinese makers version on Deal Extreme.
They also have a big “panic switch” on the back, the oldie can flick the switch and it makes a big noise (from memory) but also SMS’s a custom message to about 5 numbers (all us kids) and auto calls 1 person – great for if your nanna falls over or something.
Do recommend.
Anne
Wednesday, October 12, 2011 at 8:22 PMDoes it have 3G? I live in the bush and need the better coverage.