Overview
Compatible with Nextel cell phone service, the ultra-durable Motorola i530 packs all the really necessary features of a modern cell phone into the world's first weatherproof clamshell frame. This phone is so hardy, it actually meets military standard durability specs. If that's not enough, there's also Internet access, speakerphone functionality, a 600-entry phone book, voice recording, voice activation, and more.
Durability
The i530's Military Standard 810 F certification means that the phone can function normally in environments with high degrees of dust, shock, and vibration. Its hard rubber encasing and interior linings and seals all work to protect the phone’s antenna, speaker, keys, battery door, and accessory connections. The i530 also sports tough, rubberized keys designed to be both easy to use and durable in their size and resistance to accidental depression.
Calling Features
Used simply as a phone, the i530 sports a handy 4-way scroll key and two command keys for relatively easy navigation. It also includes a speakerphone function, important for the outdoor/industrial user, which has its own dedicated key. In its closed position, the i530's external screen lets you preview calls before you answer. The phone can also be set to connect to the last Direct Connect call or to a previously assigned Direct Connect contact, by pressing the PTT button. Other calling features include vibrating alert, downloadable voice activation (allowing users to speak a command or number and the phone will respond without a key being touched), recent calls list, call hold, call waiting, a 600-entry phone book, and keypad lock.
Messaging and Internet
The i530 includes basic text messaging, and its Net services include access to news, weather, entertainment, and other Mobile Net-enabled sites, as well as downloadable ring tones, and the always-handy GPS support (for non-Java services such as Mobile Locator).
Other features
The i530 also provides time/date notification, an accessory connector cover that enhances the phone's durability by protecting the bottom accessory connector from dust and debris, a headset jack for direct plug-in without an adaptor, and English, French, and Spanish language settings.
Vital Statistics
The Motorola i530 weighs 6.63 oz. including the battery, and measures 3.6 x 2.0 x 1.1 inches. The phone comes with an OEM standard Lithium Ion battery (750 mAh) rated at about 165 minutes talk time and 75 hours standby time. A travel charger is also included.
1 Super Phone. Durable, no bells and whistles
If you are looking for a phone that can withstand dropping (twice) water, and dust, this is for you. Nice grip, classy design, I have the bumblebee version in yellow and black. Vibrate option, can use DC either as walkie-talkie or more privacy is optional by pushing a button and using DC as a phone where only you hear. Six hundred entries, web access, no color screen, but no biggie on that.
Buttons solid, phone is a little larger than most phones ,but worth it . Nextel service is great.!
2 Good Phone
The i530 flip phone comes equipped with today's technological demands including speakerphone, One Touch Direct Connect, Downloadable ring tones, and enable GPS functions. It is available in both yellow and black. But had ordered it off of Nextels site. They even gave me a code that saved me $50.00. Here it is for you all to share (CL897L) case sensitive. On the shopping cart page. It is like an invoice thing. But I think it is a very good choice. You will enjoy the phone.
3 Motorola Yellow i530 and Nextel 300 w/Free Incoming Package
Gotta love the $200 rebate. Actually made $75 on the phone. That paid for my activation and first month's fees.
Phone is great. More durable than the newer i730. My wife loves the yellow color. She can find it quickly in her purse.
I called the 800 Nextel number to setup the phone once it arrived. The customer service lady was very friendly and helpful. It took only 15-20 minutes to get the phone active with a number.
I ported my home land line and was told it was going to be 4-6 weeks and they gave me a temporary number. Well everything was changed over in less than a week.
4 An Above Average Phone
I did have the i730, but i got terrible signal strength with that. So i traded down to the i530. I love this phone. I've had great signal wherever i've gone. I live in Kentucky, so i go into city area's and rural area's but i have had no problem. i love the two way radio, saves $ on the phone bill. Also the cool GPS tracker. The phonebook holds 600 #'s, i will never fill it up. The only downfalls with this phone is the battery. I use my phone all day and i have to charge it every night, if i didnt then it would die on me the next day. also no belt clip comes with this phone. other than that i would recommend this phone to everyone, just but a car charger, it will save your life. my dad and grandfather went out and got the i530 too. Save your $, dont buy the i730, get the i530
5 Awsome Phone... Can't Go Wrong!
I've been using Nextel at work and all my friends have Nextel... so why not switch? This phone caught my attention because it's very rugged. Granted it's not the smallest phone out there, but its meaty design is great for a good strong grip on the phone. The i530 yellow adds a nice finish to the phone instead of having a plain ol'e black one. In my opinion some of the downfalls to this phone are, no color screen, the menu is sorrta' small and hard to read. Very small 'function' buttons (compared to the actual buttons w/the numbers). All and all very nice, though phone.
6 If you are hard on phones, get this one.
I am a self-proclaimed klutz and have broken multiple phones in the past by dropping, sitting on or other ways. I have not had any problems with the i530 to this date. I have dropped it multiple times, once down a flight of stairs and it works every time I pick it up again. As long as the service is good in your area (...) you will not have any complaints with this phone. I have not charged it in 3 days of heavy usage and it finally is giving me low-battery warnings. If you have coworkers, friends etc with nextel and are thinking of this phone, I would recommend it to anyone.
7 Absolute worst
Nextel coverage area is horrible - at least in Northern Virginia / D.C. area. I get "no service" error messages on my cell phone several times a day even though I'm in Fairfax County. My phone won't work inside the house most of the time and forget about using it inside stores or restaurants. I hear the same complaints from other Nextel users. I bought Nextel for the Push-to-Talk feature but that's garbage too. Go with Verizon - coverage is much better and service is cheaper.
8 Totally cool phone
This phone is like really really amazing. It has so many good features it's hard to write about. The reception is great. I live in MD and I called my aunt in North Carolina with excellent reception. I have have nothing but good things to say about this phone. Super cool, super cheap, super great pick! buy it, you'll love it!
9 Great phone, good battery life, small and easy to use
Well my old 550plus from Nextel/Motorola died a tragic death. In its place I got the i530 in yellow. Great little phone.. easy to get used to .. works great, great battery life, (the 550plus was lucky to last 6 hours before battery was dead).
Great sturdy design too. Love it.
