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Entered CNET Catalog: 10/09/2004
SKU: Ogo
Manufacturer: IXI Mobile, Inc.
CNET editors' review
- Editors' Choice: No
- Reviewed on: 02/08/2005
The look and feel of the Ogo is a bit quirky and could take some getting used to. The clamshell design is compact and lightweight (4.5 by 3.0 by 1 inches; 4.8 ounces), but the ridges on the cover and the bulky battery pack on the bottom make for an uncomfortable ergonomic experience. Open the device and you'll find a 3.25-inch screen that is pretty disappointing. The Ogo sports only a 4,000-color display; in comparison, even the most basic cell phones today shine bright with 65,000-hue screens. As a result, the display feels quite dark, and there is no brightness setting to adjust this. You get a contrast setting, but it doesn't make much of a difference. Moreover, the text was blurry and may leave you thinking you need an eye exam.
Below the display, there are various shortcut keys, such as Inbox, IM, Compose, and Home, and the full QWERTY keyboard. Putting aside comfort in hand, we found typing on the device to be fast and accurate. The buttons are well spaced and very responsive. The eight-key navigation pad, which sits to the bottom right, is a bit awkward, though. The principal four-way toggle sits in the middle and allows for easy navigation through the main screen menus. However, once you are in a menu, you must use four outer directional buttons surrounding the toggle, which take some maneuvering, as they're close to the main keypad; users with larger fingers could end up hitting the wrong button. And while the keys are backlit, they're not very bright, making it difficult to type in darker environments. Some other minor issues included holding down the Cap key for five seconds to enable caps lock and hitting the Alt key each time you want to use numbers or add punctuation. But considering IM has a language all its own, we doubt the kids will care about caps lock or punctuation.
As we mentioned before, the Ogo's feature set is pretty basic. This is purely a messaging device, but you have your choice of text messaging, IM, and e-mail from the three big players: MSN, Yahoo, and AOL. There's a 500-contact book where you can store up to five numbers and an e-mail address for each name. You can also pair contacts to one of 16 alert icons, which consist of a quirky animated icon and an accompanying sound. Other features include a vibrate mode and a help section that connects to a live support technician via--what else--IM.
We tested the Cingular Ogo in San Francisco, and in spite of some of the device's flaws, it delivers as promised. Setting up IM and e-mail accounts was easy, and we were chatting away in minutes. A word of caution: E-mail takes a while to load during initial setup, and even then, you don't get full functionality (no folders). Text messaging to mobiles also was a breeze, especially when you're armed with a full keyboard. The signal could be a lot stronger, considering the Ogo uses the new Cingular/AT&T Wireless GSM network. That said, we experienced only three service drops during a two-week period. Battery life was solid. With casual use, the Ogo lasted five days before requiring a recharge.
User opinions
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User Rating: 
8/10
The coolest thing for chatting and emails!
Pros: Colorful, easy to use, compact, great service.
Cons: A few server connection problems at times.
User Rating: 
9/10
It's a very simple, easy to use, fun device for the 18 to 30 age range.
Pros: It's easy to understand. Not overly complicated like other mobile devices. It sends & receives text, email, & IM messeges very clearly. The screen is perfectly colored for the Ogos capabilities.
Cons: It's not for you if your one who likes to talk on the phone alot. Issues somtimes occur with your IM log on names. The carrying cases can be hard to find, so you may end up carrying it in your jacket.
User Rating: 
2/10
Trouble of OGO
Pros: Nice to have unlimited text message and instant message
Cons: Hard to read in day time, rely on battery not lift time, not connected quicker right way,
User Rating: 8/10
Very handy little tool, if you use it right!
Pros: Small, but not too small. Easy to type on the keyboard. Great to use with your POP mail account so that you can get your email while on the go!
Cons: Needs more. A browser, and maybe phone capability.
Yeah, someday they will get a perfect, always on, email, phone, PDA... but until then I am walking around like batman with a utility belt, or at least, a utility case.
User Rating: 
3/10
Couldn't use it most of the time!!
Pros: No contract, unlimited text messaging and email, QWERTY keyboard for easier typing...that's about it.
Cons: BAD RECEPTION!!! I couldn't get reception at my house, and I barely got reception elsewhere. Every few minutes, I would get disconnected and it takes forever to log back on. I think it's absurd to charge for each IM account, especially when there's hardly
User Rating: 
10/10
Good value for your money
Pros: Great for email, chat and text messages. Very handy for people on the move.
Cons: It needs a browser badly.
User Rating: 
5/10
I am using this Device in canada and its grate!!!!!!
Pros: grate device and at $21 for all three IM and email ports thats great
Cons: Restart by itself
User Rating: 8/10
decent value for unlimited msging
Pros: Really good if you get a lot of messages. I use mine for work and forward work email to mine, making it a really inexpensive blackberry. Its not secure email, no SSL, but overall it delivers what is promised.
Cons: It has bluetooth capabilities but they are not enabled. If it could be used as a bluetooth wireless modem, this thing would really take off I believe. Also net surfing would make it more popular too.
User Rating: 2/10
"NO GO" not ONO !
Pros: Small form. Nice screen and keyboard. VERY cheap to purchase as well as for the monthly charge.
Cons: Only one "con" needs to be mentioned. It has no means of saving outgoing e-mails. On the first day that I received my OGO, twice I received an error message telling me that the VERY long e-mail that I had just sent did not go through. One message said
User Rating: 10/10
Customizable, elegant user interface.
Pros: The Ogo may be marketed toward the youth segment, but this 50-something is impressed! Elegant OS by IXI Mobile (ixi.com). I keep finding new features and shortcuts. Downloading the manual from the ATT Wireless website is a must (it's not in the box) - htt
Cons: Locked up on me once during the first week (blank backlit screen). Just popped out the battery and put it back in - everything still there. Backlit display could be a little brighter for outdoor use, but it's readable. Keyboard backlighting is not uniform
User Rating: 3/10
Never got it working
Pros: The email, IM and text messaging were what I needed, cheap rate plans, cute device.
Cons: I ordered it online and when I got it the backlight didn't work, on the phone for hours with AT&T, poor customer service
User Rating: 
7/10
This is a kick
Pros: It's compact, and easy to use. What sold me was sending and recieving email from any pop3 account! The monthly charge is reasonable especially is you can get more people to go in with out. For three units it's 23.99 per month, not bad.
Cons: The battery life is so, so. I wish it was comaptable with pictures, such as picture messaging or email pics.
User Rating: 8/10
Good for people with phone-phobia
Pros: Had it for a month and my family is happy b/c i spend 2/3 less time on the computer. I love being able to have AIM and unlimited text messages without any binding 2-yr contract. Completely portable, car, beach, mountains, even bathroom ;). i love it!
Cons: Support! near atrocious, almost always down, however support is rarely needed. Also a slight network problem where every once in awhile you will not be able to sign on to AIM for a short amt. of time
User Rating: 8/10
L ike my Blackberry, but this is cool
Pros: I like the easy to use graphical command menu. I bought this online from AT&T/Cingular for only $49 during a special. It's a great value. I like that fact that there is no contract to sign, it's just month to month.
Cons: The mechanical hinge seems a little delicate on mine. I wish that there was an easier way to log on to multiple AOL accounts. And it does take a long time to boot up from power off. The case for the OGO (extra $10) is lousy.
User Rating: 8/10
Great Mobile Device
Pros: Weighs less then the t-mobile sidekick II.Got a Great Rebate for the device, Discount if Your a GSM Att&t/Cingular Wireless customer. Unlimited use of Instant messenger, Email, and Mobile text messeges. Great Device!! Easy to setup
Cons: Not able to view html format in Emails or Picture Attachments, Just text.
User Rating: 7/10
No Contract, No Overages
Pros: My daughter just turned 13, and ties up my pc to im constantly when she is at home. When she uses my cell phone to text, it costs more than I can afford. Also, she would rather type than talk, that way no one can overhear her conversation/s. I paid $49
Cons: The fact that you can't view display pictures or open attachments in email are the only drawbacks she's mentioned, and she sleeps with the thing.
User Rating: 
6/10
My kids love them!!
Pros: I purchased two for my two sons for Christmas and they can't put them down! Simple to use and perfect for pre-teens/teenagers!
Cons: Activation is a chore and service for that is the worst. There should be a special plan for multiple devices on one account.
User Rating: 9/10
The best for email/IM
Pros: Absolutely the best for "on the go" IM. QWERTY keyboard is easy to get used to. Can IM almost as fast as at home.
Cons: wish it was web enabled
User Rating: 3/10
Att cant get them activated
Pros: It seemed like a good buy for $100 and the price plan was cheaper than my blackberry.
Cons: Three days later and they still cant activate it. ATT doesnt have a clue when it comes to this device. They should allow a credit check and activate service this way. Sorry to say unit is going back because im tired of calling ATT every day trying to acti
User Rating: 6/10
Great tool. TECH SUPPORT is HORRIBLE
Pros: Fast, easy, cheap, excellent choice for teens and technologically challenged. Also a new "must have" for all deaf teens who can't take advantage of cell phones. Perfect way for parents and teens to stay in touch, too!
Cons: We have spent a total of approximately 15 hours setting up two devices and trying to straighten out billing. I have spoken to a dozen reps, been through at least 4 phone number/accounts and as of right now, the billing is still incorrect (billing two devi
User Rating: 6/10
READ THIS REVIEW----
Pros: Here's the real deal with the Ogo. I ordered mine online on Thursday, received it that Monday...not bad at all, especially since the shipping is free. THE SETUP: Pretty simple, but after putting in ur information it prompts u with the message: "Initiali
Cons: READ ABOVE LONG
User Rating: 
1/10
My ogo Nightmare (long)...
Pros:
Cons: My Ogo Nightmare: Ordered Ogo via website on 11/22 @ 2:00pm w/ the understanding I would receive it next day. Got email on 11/23 saying order was delayed for an unknown billing reason, and to call order support. Called order support, they didn't know why
User Rating: 6/10
Next generation will be better
Pros: great for people on the go. Check your e-mail, IM, unlimited everything. Price and plan no contract. Bluetooth.
Cons: A few issues, battery indicator is screwed up. It says that it's low when I just charged it up 30 mins ago. About a few seconds later it will jump back to full. Batter casing in the back has a little bit of play in it. When you're on AOL sometimes you ar
User Rating: 
4/10
Very basic com device.
Pros: It is well laid out, however I think it will not be able to seriously compete in the market it is intended for. All the features on the Ogo can be found on modern Cell phones.
Cons: Very limited capabilities. My cell phone can do the same tasks and more! Why carry two items around when you do not have to. I read a review on line that this was intended to be a sidekick killer. However, since it does not have the same options and capab
User Rating: 8/10
go0d for the teens! I love it!
Pros: Instant messaging. Rapid texting. Checking email in a snap!
Cons: cant use internet.
User Rating: 6/10
Great device for price and what it does.
Pros: This device makes it easy to text message, instant message, and email. I've had it for 2 days and I find myself using it all the time. I happened to get lucky on they day they offered the $80 instant rebate and bought it for $49.99.
Cons: If you have problems with activation, calling customer service is terrible. It took me over 3 hours to activate. It seems like all the bad customer service from Cingular transferred to AT&T during the buyout. Sometimes buttons that you push don't g
User Rating: 8/10
Not bad for a 100 bucks
Pros: Just picked it up yesterday.. so far so good. I work in a large building and i still get a signal ! Very user friendly keyboard. Its on the bigger side of most cell phones. But its much easier to read the screen, and navagate
Cons: I would like to see more accessories. New firmware, maybe include time stamps, and maybe better contacts
User Rating: 6/10
Very nice device- for the price.
Pros: Very good device for the price. Setting up new email accounts is fairly easy. Very easy to set up instant messaging, and contacts list allows you to send messages to either a sms-equipped cell phone or email with the push of a couple of buttons. Very c
Cons: I got my Ogo the second day it was advertised on the website- neither the store nor the customer service line really knew how to set up the device, even though it was supposed to activate itself. Hopefully that bug is out of the system. The cheap price
User Rating: 2/10
The one-man disaster
Pros: I can instant message on it at least...
Cons: My ogo was not activated for a whole 3 days. And the support people did not help me at all. Once I did get it activated, the keyboard is way to small to really do anything constructive. So I sold it.
User Rating: 6/10
Cheap way to have email and IM on the go!
Pros: I needed a device to receive and respond to emails on the road. I was going to buy a Dell X30/X50 and an extended keyboard, at least $400 if you need a wireless connection! I looked at the Side Kick and Blackberry's but both had a number drawbacks. The
Cons: This product is marketed to Teens, so the business user is an afterthought... The biggest disappoint is lack contact import or sync. The only ways to add a contact is to add it in manually or receive an email with the contact in address line of the email
User Rating: 8/10
Ogo is great and simple to use!
Pros: Very easy to use all around. User interface is easy. Works with standard POP email accounts. Terrific Value.
Cons: Some limitations: No calender. No alarm. No calulator. No easy way to sync address book. I would think that all of these limitations could be fixed with future software firmware enhancements.
User Rating: 10/10
Great device for $100.00.....
Pros: Great device for those of us who only want portable emailing and messaging capabilities. Ogo gets great reception even in a high rise office complex.
Cons: -None-
User Rating: 1/10
It might have been nice...if had it worked.
Pros: small size, cheap price
Cons: Didn't get service ANYWHERE, not in my home, not at my work, not in the line at the grocery store....and when it did manage to get service, it would work fine for about 15-20 minutes and then completely lock up. Once it locked up, there was no way out asi
User Rating: 8/10
Great for Communication
Pros: Simple and easy interface OGO Button shows all open mail/chat Checks email every 15 Minutes good keypad and overall design It works well and has good functionality. My wife and I have used ours for several days and are impressed with the fact that AOL IM
Cons: No Voice No PDA features A tad bulky Though not perfect, its a great device for communication. I hope ATT/Cingular will add a voice version with the $ 14.00 plan for existing customers as an option for customers. The OS is a little buggy, but this device
User Rating: 8/10
GREAT GIFT
Pros: I CAN TEXT AND EMAIL WITH THE BEST...AT A MOMENTS NOTICE.
Cons: NOT A INTERNET BROWSER...WOULD LOVE TO CHECK THE LINKS SENT TO ME IN MY EMAILS
User Rating: 7/10
SO far after three months of owning one, the reliability seems to be consistent.
Pros: I cannot get cell coverage well in my house but since the Ogo is a data unit it gets all the messages in my house making it a more reliable item than my cell phone. With google you can send a text to them and it will text you back with driving directions,
Cons: Since I use this as a data device only it appears there are no cons for me. The only thing I can think of is it is an extra device to carry around. It would be nice to have a way to talk with it. But then the unit would be too big for a phone.
User Rating: 8/10
Good Value for what it is meant to do
Pros: The Ogo works well for what it is intended to do which is send and read short e-mails, SMS, and IM. The IM feature works quite well. It has up to 5 free POP accounts which work well. I think ATT/Cingular have worked out the problems with setting it up lik
Cons:
User Rating: 7/10
Nifty device!
Pros: Cheep, easy, and getting services are cheep too! Email, IM, and SMS galore. Who needs web browser.. too slow. Used to have a BB 7280 and paid 50 to 60 monthly, screw that.... decide to go to OGO... $20 monthly.. no limits! Yeow.. Wow!
Cons: Bulky, flimsy hinge so becareful with it, pray to God that they'll make OGO II which would be as durable as Sidekick II. Accessories, where are they? No data transfer from computer to OGO. More preferably, Mac to OGO.
User Rating: 9/10
Great for teenagers
Pros: Great for me to manage my kids communications. Locks him to $18 and not an unexpected charge of $$$$.
Cons: Sign up was confusing. Sim card needed to be established over phone BEFORE I could connect the device. Took too long. After setup, communications were flawless and instantaneous.
User Rating: 8/10
Great for messaging
Pros: The ogo is very user friendly and simple to use. I have been able to set up two email accounts and I use the text function. This product is great for me because I have deaf co-workers and this is how we communicate. Before with my cell phone I would go
Cons: The activation process sucks. It is supposed to be a simple process. Well I could never connect. But I called ATT customer service and they activated over the phone for me. After about an hour after speaking with rep my ogo was ready to go
User Rating: 9/10
Does what its supposed to...very well!
Pros: The IM feature is great! I never know how convenient it would be. Even if you used it just for emails on the go, you will come to LOVE the IM capability.
Cons: A couple features are slightly difficult to get used to, but having had 8 or 10 cell phones over the years I can tell theyre just things I need to get used to--not really design flaws.
User Rating: 6/10
It Does A Decent Job of What It's Supposed To Do
Pros: Price ($17 monthly service and $49 for the device... plus NO SERVICE CONTRACT REQUIRED!). And it looks cool!
Cons: Toy-like functionality. Not as powerful or featured-packed as a Sidekick or Blackberry. Email/Intant-Messaging/Text service is good, but not great.
User Rating: 9/10
I love my ogo.
Pros: The first major pro is the price, I got mine for fifty on the ATT wireless website. Second the online support is excellent right now because not many have Ogos. Third, nobody knows what it is- so its a great conversation piece.
Cons: The sounds are limited.
User Rating: 8/10
its very portable
Pros: its is very small and has the three essentals of the computer, INSTANT MESSAGE,TEXT AND EMAIL
Cons: the monthly fee might be a little to high for just doin text email and instant message but thats the only thing i can think of
User Rating: 7/10
great Text messenger device
Pros: The device is great - lets you stay on AIM when you are on teh go -very easy to instant message with your buddies, not a chore like using on a phone - menu system is confusing at first, but once you get the hang of it, its quite intuitive
Cons: a major oversite is in the design, very very difficult to flip this thing open, there is no plastic tab to aid in opening the lid - poor product design, other than that, a great unit
User Rating: 7/10
Buy yours today
Pros: Great $50 price Low monthly fee User interface simple and very usable Keyboard size and layout Screen
Cons: No built in phone Bluetooth disabled No PC sync ability Lost in Space designed case
User Rating: 8/10
cHeAp, ReLiAbLe AnD eFfIcIeNt
Pros: At $49 after instant rebates, and no contracts, this unit is perfect for those seeking a portable, easy to use IM service with email. The fairly large keypad is extrememly easy to use and allows for fast typing. This unit is also extremely durable, drop
Cons: this unit only supports POP3 email accounts, and does not support html emails. it attempts to convert html into text, but does a fairly poor job of it. thus, the email capability is pretty much strictly text only.
User Rating: 8/10
Simple and effective...great product!
Pros: This product is great for students, commuters, and anyone else who needs reliable e-mail access at all times. It is very simple to set up, and equally simple to use.
Cons: No HTML support, network-based system activation can take several hours.
User Rating: 8/10
OGO IS PERFECT
Pros: I purchased OGO yesterday and i find it perfect!!!, its easy, its reliable, it's so much fun!! I cant believe it
Cons:
User Rating: 10/10
The Ogo Is Incredible
Pros: MSN Instant Messenger Yahoo Instant Messenger Aol Instant Messenger Free email from all three companies and pop email with smtp capabilities.
Cons: Battery life is very much like alast years ceall phone. You will get roughly two staright hours of texting and then need a recharge, but recharging is quicker than a cell.
User Rating: 7/10
Great value for unlimited IM & E-mail
Pros: I bought one on September 27th when it came out, and I have been a very satisfied user. Unlike the previous reviewer, I've been impressed with the text chat live support. The value is terrific, and I agree with the comment that the usability is on par w
Cons: I get a bit frustrated by the availability. For some reason the "network" can be unavailable even where there is AT&T/Cingular voice coverage, and the gateways to AOL and MSN are often down even when I can access POP3 e-mail. I actually don't mind n
User Rating: 7/10
Awesome for what it is supposed to be.
Pros: Easy to integrate multiple e-mails. So it doesn't support attachments. If I am away from a PC and see an e-mail with an attachment, I don't delete the message on the Ogo and wait until I see it on the PC. Perfect for e-mail notification while I am away
Cons: Password protection needed. Battery life is about 24 hours...USB charge capability it cool but the battery life is dismal when compated to Blackberry, Palm, PocketPC (I ahve owned at least one of each and think I will stay with the Ogo for the price/value
User Rating: 5/10
Very basic product
Pros: If you just want to IM or email then this is easy to use. The keyboard has a good feel to it with noticable clicks when used.
Cons: No security. This device cannot be password protected, anyone can just pick this up and begin using it and send emails on your behalf. No attachment ability.
User Rating: 9/10
I love this device!!!
Pros: At only $49 (after rebate), I got a cute little device that lets me chat with all my friends on MSN, Yahoo! or AOL, and all at the same time! I can also check, compose and send mail from my hotmail and my pop3 mail! The user interface is beautiful, and ve
Cons: The only thing missing in the device is voice capabilities. I know the ogo has a Bluetooth, and I can?t wait to be able to get a Bluetooth voice terminal that will work with it!
User Rating: 6/10
Over all, a solid easy to use device.
Pros: Most of the time, the IM, eMail & SMS works really well. Despite what this review says, this device uses it's 12bit (4K COlor) display very well and I do not see a reason to need more. The sounds are very fun and enjoyable. Vibration is easy to feel.
Cons: Pain in the rear to get activated. Can not have it not vibrate when it is closed and someone logs in or out of their IM. Free POP3 email account add ons. Battery like is par. Would have liked to have seen a larger battery included. Some times kep presses
User Rating: 2/10
Trouble Already??? Code Error 92010
Pros:
Cons: Well, here's my .2.. Ijust bought the Ogo. Wizard came up, entered all my info and after the process of activation started i received a error that later on haunted me over and over, ERROR 92010. Called 800# listed and was on phone for one hour. Error mess
User Rating: 7/10
Something I always wanted
Pros: It's great for those who just need email, text, and IM. I have a cell phone with all the bells and features but its a pain to type a message. I have alot of friends on yahoo and OGO does the job. I took mine to work and within a week everybody wanted one.
Cons: accesories
User Rating: 7/10
Love It !!
Pros: Great way to check your e-mail and love to IM people on my budddy lists. Comapct lite and affordable. No contract to commit too either.No problem with support found them helpful and supportive it new for them to so give them a break.
Cons: Wish it was web enables that would be great.
User Rating: 7/10
im and email whiz machine
Pros: the product is what it is, designed for email and IM and it executes those to a 10. Perfect for the deaf who need to get ahold of someone
Cons: sounds need to change and vibrate needs to vibrate only with a new message. The calender needs to sync with outlook with a USB cable of some sort.
User Rating: 6/10
Surprise...its actually good.
Pros: Having spent my weekend playing with my new Ogo, I can say I actually like it. Once you master the buttons and menus, its a breeze to navigate, messages well, love that all of my messages can go into one central inbox. Oh yeah...and the fact that I can
Cons: I wish that there was at least a calendar function, I'm not opposed to carrying two devices, but three is a bit extreme, I'd take this over my Tungsten T3 anyday if they'd workout some kinks. Battery life is so so..but like I said above, you can charge i
User Rating: 8/10
AWESOME - Does basic email, SMS, & IM better than anything else.
Pros: Love the easy IM access, 2 Button send/receive and Unlimited SMS to other mobile phones. It's better than my Blackberry in some ways and my kids can't run up a huge cell-phone bill!
Cons: The only CON is that it sticks to it's guns. It does SMS, IM, and email very well, but that's it. But what do you expect for a $100 device that give unlimited service for $14.99/month ?
User Rating: 10/10
Perfect for Deaf
Pros: This is the perfect e-mail and IM device which is all deaf people need. Why pay for a device like a dinky Sidekick when you will never use the phone on it. Cheap $99 after rebate and cheap service $17.99 ($14.99 for us already ATTWS members) Great Job
Cons: Reception could be stronger/better in some areas.
User Rating: 6/10
This is a great poduct
Pros: It is the perfect device for those who just need email, text, and im support. I love it because I have a phone with all he features I need it was just so hard to send text from it. The layout and the price are beautiful. I love my Ogo
Cons: THE SUPPORT IS THE WORST. I spent 9 hours getting my Ogo setup. None of the representatives even knew how to spell Ogo
User Rating: 8/10
Blackberry user, really likes his Ogo
Pros: The machine is designed with the clear purpose to be an easy to use portable messaging device. After a little acclimation, the menus and functions are a whole lot more efficient than spinning a wheel on my Blackberry. I couldn't be happier with it. Sup
Cons: The lack of a voice handset right now may spark curiosity. It will be just another device to carry until AT&T releases their PMG handset.
