Zipit Wireless Messenger 2
Starting at: $35.00
CNET Editors' Review
CNET Editors' Rating
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Reviewed on:
The good: The Zipit Wireless Messenger 2 has a simple design and an easy-to-use interface. It doesn't require any subscription services, and it's compatible with three instant-messaging services.
The bad: The Zipit Wireless Messenger 2's plastic skin feels a bit cheap and it had a slight tendency to freeze.
The bottom line: The Zipit Wireless Messenger 2 is a great option for free mobile instant messaging.
Unless you have a cell phone with a full alphabetic keyboard, using your handset for on-the-go instant messaging isn't very convenient. Granted, lightning fast texters won't have much of an issue, but pecking out entire conversations on a standard nine-digit keypad can be tedious for most people. And in response, some manufacturers have developed IM-specific products like the Zipit Wireless Messenger 2.
While we can't imagine that there's a huge market for mobile devices that send instant messages but don't make calls, we must admit that the Zipit is a handy, easy-to-use product. As long ... Expand full review
Unless you have a cell phone with a full alphabetic keyboard, using your handset for on-the-go instant messaging isn't very convenient. Granted, lightning fast texters won't have much of an issue, but pecking out entire conversations on a standard nine-digit keypad can be tedious for most people. And in response, some manufacturers have developed IM-specific products like the Zipit Wireless Messenger 2.
While we can't imagine that there's a huge market for mobile devices that send instant messages but don't make calls, we must admit that the Zipit is a handy, easy-to-use product. As long as you have a Wi-Fi network or hot spot, you can use your AOL, MSN, or Yahoo IM accounts to chat with your buddies. The device itself is compact and easy to use, and the response time is quick. Sure, the need for a Wi-Fi network will limit usability in some places, but once you're hooked up, you can IM as long as you like for free (the Zipit doesn't require any subscription services). And as an added bonus, you can use the Zipit to listen to streaming music or radio, and you can play music or view photos off a mini-SD card. The Zipit is $149 with service.
At 3.74 inches by 3.0 inch by 0.9 inch, the Zipit is about the size of a smartphone. That means it fits only in larger pockets, but it's still small enough to haul around with ease. And at 12.5 ounces, it won't add excessive weight to a bag or purse. We're a bit divided on its construction, however. Though the hinge has a sturdy construction, the plastic skin seems a bit flimsy.
The black and silver exterior of the Zipit has few controls. A volume rocker is located on the left spine, and a 3.5mm headset jack rests on the right spine. The charger port is on the back of the device, and the SD card slot is on the front. Inside the Zipit you'll find the 320x240-pixel, full-color display. At 2.83 inches, it's sufficient for all your messaging needs, but it's worth noting that the text size isn't changeable. On the other hand, the menu interface is easy to understand and you can change the backlight time.
The Zipit's controls are clearly labeled so we didn't have any trouble understanding their use. A four-way toggle with a central OK button is your primary tool for navigating through the menu pages and selecting options. Though it is tactile and easy to use, we noticed that the plastic material felt slightly flimsy. A "MyFriendz" control gives instant access to your IM buddy list (it could be better labeled, however) while Next and Previous keys assist you in moving backward or forward through the current application. There's also a dedicated power button, two music player keys (play and stop), a Home control, an Options button, and a shortcut for opening a menu of IM emoticons.
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As a senior managing editor for CNET, Kent German heads up the CNET Reviews team in San Francisco. Formerly a cell phone reviewer, he still blogs about wireless news and offers his take on the wireless industry. When not at work, he's planning his next trip to Australia, going for a run, or watching planes land at the airport (yes, really).
User Reviews
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"you can buy this from mashexclusive.com" By abdullah89
Pros: lot of cool stuffs like text messaging...lol hooked on to it. You play mp3, radio, etc. saves you from buying expensive mp3 players. just buy a memory card and transfer all your mp3s.
Cons: more for kids...normally we adults can use cell phones.
Summary: it saves lot of money. let say you want to buy an mp3 player you will spend around $50 to buy a good mp3 player. With zipit wireless you get more than an mp3 player. view pictures, play radio, play mp3s, send instant messages to any cell phone you want. ... Expand full review
"Zipit has it's perks and misses!" By trin20t
Pros: SMS,EMS,Internet Radio,Multi-protocol IM similar to computer versions,large screen,back-lit keys,MP3 player with album art,photo viewer
Cons: Can't SMS/EMS to pre-paid phones,cost money for IM/text for a year when it was free,freezing happens when listening to music and photos,server-side connection errors,3 hour battery life
Summary: I bought a Zipit early this month to pull away from the $20 a month unlimited fee that my pre-paid service charges for SMS/MMS/EMS/Webmail/IM.
I have mobile AIM and Yahoo plus email on my phones,but it costs alot to use plus requires a calling plan ... Expand full review
