The latest addition to the growing pre-paid phone segment comes from Pantech. The device is named the Caper, and according to Pantech, this device is designed for the teen market. Judging by the Caper’s focus on texting, multimedia messaging and instant messaging, it’s a focal point that is duly noted.
Pantech has provided a full qwerty keyboard that has good tactile feel and is typical of these style of phones. What gets lost in the mix is the fact that the phone has connectivity features that you wouldn’t expect on these phones, Bluetooth technology comes built-in allowing the user to connect to various bluetooth-enabled devices. Keeping with the wireless technology, the phone also manages software updates over the air.
Since the phone is pre-paid, there is no contracts to speak of. This phone is a CDMA phone so it will operate on any carrier that runs a CDMA network. Verizon would be a carrier of choice for this phone, although as stated previously, you can purchase the phone without a contract.
Multimedia capabilities of this phone is pretty standard. For starters, you have a 1.3 megapixel camera, a little dated but remember that this isn’t a high-powered smartphone. The camera works just fine within the parameters of taking photos on the fly. Rounding out the multimedia feature-set is the music player capabilities. The phone will support radio streaming, subscription music services and more.
It is easy for a phone like the Caper to get lost in all of the hoopla surrounding touch screen devices. In some ways it would be a hard sell to a teen who has friends enjoying more powerful phones like the Droid 2 or the Palm Pixi. That said, the Caper more that handles its’ own in features; and the no contract option makes this device a quick sell to those parents making phone buying decisions for their teens.
Ideally, this phone is just about perfect for that pre-teen to mid-teen who is trying to stay connected to an emerging social life. The price of this phone is perfect for the parent who finds themselves financing that teens’ social life.
Highlights
* 2.2″ Display With A Full QWERTY Keyboard For Quick and Easy Texting, Email, and Instant Messaging
* Bluetooth-capable For Safe, Hands-free Conversation While Driving
* Check Your Mobile Email, Chat Over Mobile Instant Messaging, Or Surf The Mobile Web
* Excellent Prepaid Phone Features An Account Balance Display
* Snap Pictures With The 1.3MP Camera and Send To Your Friends Via Multimedia Messaging
Compatible Rate Plans
* Device Supports Voice Plans – Yes
* Available For Purchase Without Service Plan – Yes
The Pantech Caper is available at your local Verizon mobile stores, or online through Verizon, Wirefly or CSE Wireless.