Ericsson has launched the world`s first water, dust and shock resistant cellular phone, the Ericsson R250 Pro, geared specifically to deliver optimum mobile communication under the roughest conditions be it on a building site, a mining operation or bush-whacking in Botswana.
A dual band phone capable of functioning on both GSM 900 and GSM 1800 networks, the R250 Pro is also the first mobile phone to support both GSM phase 2+ technology and the GSM Pro system. This allows users the first ever opportunity of combining the advantages of GSM phones with Private Mobile Radio (PMR) functionality.
With the launch of the R250 Pro, Ericsson has become the first cellphone manufacturer to have identified the market`s need for a heavy-duty cellphone tailor-made for rough industrial applications. Developed specifically for craftsmen, tradesmen, forestry workers, transport personnel and construction workers, as well as anyone with a passion for outdoor adventure, the R250 Pro is equipped with GORE TEX(R) membranes and rubber gaskets to protect against water and dust. A sturdy magnesium frame and rubber moulding allow the phone to withstand the harshest of treatments, and a special sealing agent prevents any moisture entering the phone. A unique locking mechanism also prevents the battery from separating if the phone is dropped.
The GSM Pro capabilities of the R250 Pro allows users access to features that, to date, have only been accessible to PMR users. The highly sensitive, built-in speakerphone allows you to have a conference call with up to one hundred people simultaneously even when your hands are occupied, simply by hanging it on your swivel clip or positioning it on a nearby table.
By inserting Ericsson`s unique GSM Pro SIM card, users may now also use a number to initiate group calls with up to sixteen members. The 'Push-to-Talk ` button activates the microphone to ensure clear communication and the automatic answer function on incoming group calls allows you to continue to work while you listen to conversations amongst members of your work group.
Other distinctive features of the R250 Pro includes a built-in tracking device that could serve as a substitute to standard vehicle tracking devices, as well as an alert button which allows you to speed up your reaction time during an emergency by pressing one button to activate your chosen emergency number.
Equally useful features include a vibrating alert under conditions where a ringing tone would be inaudible or unsuitable as well as a dedicated button for quick phonebook access.
Available either in an eye-catching bright orange or a more sober dark green, the Ericsson R250 Pro delivers a talk time of 4,5 hours and approximately 135 hours of standby time. These extensive talk and standby times ensure that the battery does not require any charging during an eight-hour working day.
According to Tor Nordli-Mathisen, Director of Ericsson Mobile Phones SA, the PMR market, estimated at forty million users worldwide, is the perfect counterpart for GSM services. "Organisations that today use both mobile phones and PMR may now streamline their communications technology by combining the two functions in one handset with Ericsson`s R250 Pro, " he said.
The phone is supplied with a wide range of accessories including a high gain antenna, which secures greater coverage than a two-watt car kit could, to ensure clear reception in areas with inadequate network coverage.
Other accessories include a desk/wall stand, a swivel clip and a system connector boot.
The R250 Pro will be available in South Africa from mid-December this year.
Synopsis of the Ericsson R250 Pro features:
. Alert button
. Push-to-talk button / Quick-access-to, and scroll-through, phone book
. Phone book with space for 99 names and up to 250 names on SIM card
. Built-in vibrating alert
. Conference calls
. Call hold / call wait
. Alternate Line Service
. Calling Line Identification
. Easy access to fifteen last-called numbers
. Received and missed calls list
. Fixed dialing numbers
. Advice of charging
. Enhanced full-rate speech coding (EFR)
. Data/fax capabilities
With standard GSM SIM card:
. Built-in speaker phone
With GSM Pro SIM card:
. Automatic answer to group calls
. Push-to-Talk functionality with loud speaker
. Push-to-Talk mode and Phone mode
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