Kyocera DuraMax Pro Reviews

The DuraMax's feature set is about as basic as it gets. Kyocera and Sprint are obviously aiming at a particular market segment with this device: those who need a durable phone that makes good voice calls and does little else. In fact, there's really no other reason to get this device if you're not in need of a rugged handset that offers PTT powers. The hardware lives up to its mil-spec rating and survived some abuse from me, including drops, kicks, throws, and even dunks into water. It may not be a svelte piece of hardware, but that's not what it is designed to be. The DuraMax's strongest suits are good battery life and good call quality. The only thing really holding it back in this respect is the pitifully weak volumes produced by both the earpiece and the speakerphone. You might be able to hear calls when on a quiet, woodland trail, but there's no way in hell you're going to hear what your coworkers are saying on a construction site. Speaking of which, the PTT walkie-talkie features work perfectly and are an able successor to Sprint Nextel's iDEN-based services. The DuraMax's weak points are its limited media playback capabilities, so-so camera, and downright useless video camera. Browsing isn't that great, either. But for the outdoor enthusiast who is more concerned with having a durable voice device than a pretty media device, the DuraMax is durable to the maximum effect.

If you're a customer of Nextel's iDEN push-to-talk services, then you should find Sprint's next-gen Direct Connect service to be comparable. The features worked well on the Kyocera DuraMax, and though it's a very basic handset, it offers a rugged exterior, easy-to-use controls, and good battery life. However, there are a couple of issues that you should consider before picking up the phone. First, the speakerphone volume is pretty weak, so if you work in loud environments, such as a construction site, the DuraMax might not be the best choice. Second, be aware that for now, the CDMA-based Direct Connect service doesn't work if you're roaming, so consider the 3G coverage in your area before making the plunge. If you prefer to stick with iDEN a little longer or want some more features, check out the Android-based Motorola Titanium or CDMA Motorola Admiral.

Sprint's new Direct Connect push-to-talk network is the future, and the Kyocera DuraMax is a good way to get started with it now, although a few flaws mar overall experience.