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Robust battery on retro device

Emporia TALKpremium mobile phone | by Monticelli

battery lasts 500 days on standbyThe 500 day battery standby on the latest Emporia mobile phone is astonishingly high. Coupled with the chic shape and size, the TALKpremium seems a winner.

On first looks, the handset looks more like a TV remote control courtesy of the large, clear numbers and shiny, chrome fascia. 

But on closer inspection, the device leans it towards a retro version of today's popular Blackberry handsets - especially as the keyboard's numbers and letters dominate to leave only a small orange screen.

Designed primarily for comfort and ease-of-use, the functions of the phone initially appeared to be limited to just calls and text messages. Most surprisingly, there is no menu to flick in and out of as all the options are handily located on both sides of the phone.

Despite Emporia's trademark enormous keys, including a massive green for go and huge red for stop, the TALKpremium phone is a delight to use thanks to its chic look and smooth feel.

chic TALKpremier phoneLike all Emporia phones, there are some nifty tricks hiding behind this no-nonsense offering - many controlled by switches and slides on the sides. These include a handsfree facility, birthday reminders, the ability to blacklist SMS addresses and an intergrated flashlight that can be used as a torch.

And TALKpremium's unique trick is simple, a slide-out notepad that lists the five favourite numbers which have been pre-programmed as speed dials. This discreet notepad is hidden at the base of the device, and is easy to locate as there is an Emporia-branded lanyard that doubles up as a screen cleaner.

As usual, the main functions can also be operated by side keys. An effective LED flashlight/torch, a quick key facility for either SMS or main menu and the ability to put the (loud) alarm clock on or off are all found on the right. While the power button, volume control switches and a device lock facility are all found on the left. And what appears to be a headphone socket is actually for the battery charger.

Nowadays, most phones are expected to have the space for a memory card, but not the TALKpremium. 

Lacking a camera, MP3 player, video recorder/player and without the facility to surf the internet, additional memory is not necessary.

Back-to-basics with EmporiaWith the back-to-basics facilities provided, the unique selling point of this device is that the battery can last up to an incredible 12,000 hours (500 days) on standby. During testing, the battery never seemed to go down when it was not used. 

However, during tests, we were disappointed to discover that the talk time only last three hours - which goes to show that this is a phone which is not expected to be used very much by the owner.

Simplistic talking and texting is what the Austrian manufacturers provide with aplomb, although this is their first model to ooze such style for users. 

Although the black text appears clearly on the small screen, Emporia's trademark large fonts on a huge monochrome LCD orange-lit display are specifically adapted for a highly visible screen. For those who require further clarity, you can increase the font size for text messaging although the signature big buttons make it extremely easy to write texts.

Up-to-date look and feelRingtones are set to be exceptionally loud, which helps those with hearing difficulties, and even turned down can make most people jump out of their skin. When receiving a call, the CALL/OK button lights up green in unison with the flashlight turning on and off.

Following the successful launch of other Emporia handsets, the TALKpremium is an offering that brilliantly blends lifestyle practicality with an up-to-date look and feel. 

Emporia's phones tend to target elderly users and those who have hearing and/or sight difficulties, but are equally suitable for those who require a simplistic device whose battery will seemingly last forever in standby mode.

This modern yet stylishly retro mobile is perfect accessory for its particular target audience, allowing users to easily keep in touch with family and friends whilst rarely needing to recharge the battery.

The pocketable TALKpremium phone, the most chic of Emporia's stable of innovate handsets to date, offers style with simplicity for those who have difficulty with modern technology on smaller phone models.

Unique selling points | An incredible standby time of 12,000 hours. Slide-out notepad listing speed dial numbers

Good Points | Chic and elegant. Very easy to use, see and hear

Bad Points | Back-to-basic phone features

Website | www.emporia.at

Cost | Around £105+
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For more information | Visit www.emporia.at

Emporia TALKpremium factfile 

ABOUT THE HANDSET | 

Chic candy bar mobile phone that boasts simplistic controls and an outstanding 12,000 hours (500 days) in standby mode.

Earpiece and ringer volume can be adjusted to be extremely loud.

Emporia's signature massive buttons and trademark large fonts.

Slide-out notepad for immediate reference to top five speed dials.

Torch/flashlight is easy to locate, powerful and reliable.

SPECIFICATIONS FOR THE PHONE |
Antenna | Internal
Battery | Li-Ion 3.7 V/1200mAh
Dimensions | 12.3cm x 5.8cm x 1.7cm
Display | 2.0 inches
Earpiece volume | Adjustable up to a very high volume
Extras | Alarm clock, flashlight/torch, slide-out notepad
Incoming call | Orange flashing LED       
Network | Dual Band GSM 900/1800
Phone book memory | 200 names & numbers
Ring melodies | Polyphonic
Ringer volume | Five different choices
Screen backlight | Orange
Screen | FSTN, 128 x 64 pixels
Standby time | Up to 12,000 hours
Talk time | Up to 180 mins
Text messages | SMS
Vibration | Extra strong vibrator
Visual alert | Green (and flashlight)
Weight | 110 g

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