More advanced features include a voice recorder, voice dialing and voice command support, a mobile Web browser, and Web e-mail support (for Windows Live, Yahoo Mail, and AOL Mail). The Boulder also has a few extra cool tools for the outdoorsman, like an electronic compass and a flashlight. We're also pleased to see the Boulder supports a robust array of Bluetooth profiles, such as A2DP, AVRCP, object push for vCard, hands-free, dial-up networking, and object exchange for phone book access. Finally, the Boulder has access to Verizon's Push-to-Talk network, and it also supports VZ Navigator, Verizon's location-based navigation system. As an extra for businesses, the Boulder is compatible with a resource management tool called Field Force Manager, that lets companies locate and monitor mobile field workers.
The Boulder also comes with EV-DO Rev. A support, which is one of the fastest 3G cell networks out there. Like all other Verizon phones with 3G speeds, the Boulder has access to Verizon's V Cast Video, where you can view streaming video from content partners like CNN and ESPN, as well as V Cast Music with Rhapsody, Verizon's own online music store. As we mentioned in our review of V Cast Music, the store lets you download music directly to the phone for $1.99 per song, and the price is inclusive of a simultaneous download to the PC. The music player on the Boulder is tied to the V Cast Music interface, which means it can take a second or so to start up the player. The player interface looks exactly like that of the V Cast Music store. That said, it was still easy to understand, and we could create and manage playlists pretty easily. You can also sync music from your PC to the phone. The Boulder comes with a microSD card slot that can support up to 8GB, so you can load it up with plenty of songs.
Unlike the Type-S, the Boulder (thankfully) comes with a 1.3-megapixel camera. It can take pictures in four resolutions (1,280x960p, 640x480p, 320x240p, and 160x120p), five white balance settings, and six color effects. Other camera settings include flash, a self-timer, the option to turn the shutter sound on and off, brightness settings, and a self-timer of up to 10 seconds. There's also a camcorder option, but it's quite limited. You can only record in 176x144p resolution, with adjustable brightness and white balance. You have the choice of a limited recording time for multimedia messages, or a lengthier one if you're just saving it to available space. Though the video quality left something to be desired, the photo quality was quite good. Images looked bright, with defined details and sharp colors. It did look a little overcast in low-light conditions, but, aside from that, it wasn't bad for a camera phone.
Personalization options are plentiful with the Boulder. You have lots of wallpaper choices, plus display themes, alert sounds, and more. You can even get more graphics and sound files from Verizon's Get It Now service. The phone doesn't come with any games, but you can always buy titles via the same service.
Performance
We tested the Boulder in San Francisco using Verizon Wireless. We were hugely disappointed with the call quality. Calls sounded crackly and there was a lot of static and echo. Callers could definitely tell we were on a cell phone, and had difficulty hearing us, especially when we were in a crowded area. Speakerphone calls were even worse, as callers sounded quite muffled on their end.*
As for music quality, we thought the audio quality was mediocre. Due to the lack of bass and a slight tinny sound, we probably wouldn't recommend it replacing your MP3 player, but, that said, it sounds decent enough for a quick listen while waiting for a bus. Of course, we recommend using a headset for superior sound. Since the Boulder is compatible with stereo Bluetooth headsets, we paired it with the Jabra BT3030, and it worked out great.
Video quality of the V Cast Videos is comparable to other V Cast phones. Streaming media had little to no buffering problems, but video did seem a little pixelated and jerky at times. The EV-DO Rev. A speeds were impressive, and we were able to download a song in a matter of seconds.
The G'zOne Boulder has a rated battery life of 3.56 hours talk time and 2.6 days standby time. According to our tests, it has a talk time of 4 hours and 10 minutes. According to FCC radiation tests, the Boulder has a digital SAR rating of 1.04 watts per kilogram.
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