Best and Cheap Android Phones: Casio G'zOne Commando Android Phone (Verizon Wireless)

Product Details

Product Dimensions: 5.1 x 2.6 x 0.6 inches ; 5.4 ounces
Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
ASIN: B004XDDOPI
Item model number: Commando

List Price : ~~$499.99~~
You Save : $499.98 (99%)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description
Introducing the Casio G'zOne Commando, the first G'zOne Android phone. Continuing in the rough and tough G'zOne heritage, the Commando now adds the versatility of Android for a powerful mobile experience. Rugged - with MIL-STD-810G certification - the Commando meets military standards for water, shock, and dust resistance making it perfect for any situation that life can throw at it, from the boardroom to the beach.
Rugged, with the versatility of an Android OS.
And not only is the Commando physically secure, but all of your information stored on the device is secure as well. With Exchange Active Sync you can ensure that confidential information stays that way by setting up SSL data encryption, device password policies, remote wipe options and more. Access G'zGEAR applications like the Earth Compass, Walking Counter, Adventure Training, Thermometer, and Tide Calculator that can help you to get in touch with the outdoors and fully embrace the active, adventure-driven lifestyle.
Not only physically secure, with Exchange Active Sync all your information is protected.
The Commando features G'zOne's powerful XT9 and T9 Trace text entry tools. XT9's patented modular architecture provides one powerful and flexible text entry platform for almost any mobile keyboard type: 12-key, 20-key, Qwerty, and touchscreens. XT9 also supports speech and handwriting recognition and can be used in any application where text is entered on a device such as SMS, email, calendar, notes, tasks, browser search boxes, and more. T9 Trace eliminates the need to "hunt and peck" keys on a touch screen panel by allowing you to simply "trace" letters to enter text. With T9 Trace, you can quickly and easily glide their finger or stylus from one letter to the next on a Qwerty or 12-key touch screen keypad.
Web-Access on the Nation's Largest 3G Network
The Commando makes it easy to browse the Web at 3G speeds on Verizon's large and reliable 3G network. The multi-window HTML browser lets you view full websites. Whether you're at home or a Wi-Fi hotspot, you can switch over and use wireless networking to gain access to an even faster Internet connection. Plus, your phone turns into a 3G mobile hotspot to connect up to five other Wi-Fi-enabled devices.
Vital Statistics
The Verizon G'zOne Commando by Samsung weighs 5.45 ounces and measures 5.08 x 2.58 x 0.60 inches. It runs on Digital Dual Mode (CDMA,PCS) and EV-DO Rev.A frequencies. The standard 1460mAh lithium-ion battery offers up to 450 minutes of talk time and up to 270 hours (11 days) of standby time.What's in the Box
Casio G'zOne Commando smartphone, standard lithium-ion battery, micro USB cable, AC adapter, getting started guide, 8GB micro SD card, preinstalled SIM card, warranty card.
Design ; Hardware

480 x 800 3.6" WVGA capacitive touch screen
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock
Virtual QWERTY Keyboard with XT9 and T9 Trace
8GB SD card preinstalled with support for SD cards up to 32GB
GPS (AGPS) navigation with turn-by-turn directions
3G Mobile Hotspot creates a Wi-Fi hotspot that can be shared among five Wi-Fi-capable devices
Meets Military Standards 810G for: Immersion, Rain, Shock ; Dust Resistance, Vibration, Salt Fog, Humidity, Solar Radiation, Altitude, and Low and High Temperature Storage

Camera

5 megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash
Record 720p HD video for sharing later

Multimedia

Supports popular audio formats such as MIDI, EVRC, EVRCB, AMR, MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MPEG4, and WMA
Displays JPEG, PNG, GIF87a, and GIF89a photos
Plays H.263, H.264, and MPEG4 formatted videos
Full HTML Browser with support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 provides more pages and better Web content delivered efficiently to your phone

OS ; Software

Android 2.2 operating system (Froyo) with over-the-air upgrade capability for future OS releases
Tools: Calendar, Calculator, Flashlight, Alarm Clock, World Clock, Stop Watch, Timer
Bing Search and Bing Maps
Google mobile services including Gmail, Google Talk, YouTube, Google Calendar and Google Search
Email client with push support for MS Exchange and Gmail
Verizon V CAST enables you to watch full-length TV shows plus news, sports, weather, and live entertainment video clips
G’zGear apps: Earth Compass, Walking Counter, Adventure Training, Trip Memory, Thermo-meter, Tides, Sun/Moon, Star Gazer

More Features

Speakerphone for hands-free calls
Headset: 3.5mm audio jack
English/Spanish bilingual user interface
Advanced speech recognition and visual voice mail
TTY compatible
Hearing aid compatibility: M4/T4

5 MP camera with autofocus and LED flash.
Android Operating System
The Commando runs the advanced Android operating system--OS 2.2 (aka, Froyo)--which provides a faster overall Android experience as well as greater multitasking capabilities. You'll be able to receive notifications, listen to music, and even record GPS data without keeping the application open. And it features a plethora of new enhancements, including an improved onscreen QWERTY keyboard, full push corporate e-mail, and support for Adobe Flash Player 10.1 for access to the full Web. It also offers enhanced Exchange support, with Calendar syncing, Global Address Lookup, improved security, auto-discovery, and more.
With integrated Google technology, the Commando brings one-touch access to the popular Google mobile services millions use every day, including Google Search by voice, Google Maps with Street View, GTalk instant messaging (with presence capabilities), YouTube, and Picasa. It also provides easy access to both personal and corporate e-mail, calendars, and contacts supported by Exchange Server and Gmail. And through Android Market, you'll get access to thousands of useful applications, widgets, and fun games to download and install on your phone, with many more apps being added every day.
Also Available for this Android Device

Amazon Appstore for AndroidGet a great paid app for free every day.

KindleBuy a book once and read it everywhere with our free Kindle Reading App for Android.

Amazon MP3Shop 15 million songs and stream your Cloud Drive music directly from your Android device.

IMDBFind local movie showtimes and TV listings, watch trailers, and search the world's largest source of entertainment information.

AudibleDownload audiobooks directly to your Android device, then listen wherever you go, get audiobook news, earn badges, and more.

Amazon MobileShop for millions of products, get product details, and read reviews--right from your mobile device.

Technical Details

480 x 800 3.6" WVGA capacitive touch screen
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1)
5 megapixel rear camera with autofocus and LED flash
Andoid 2.2 Operating System
What's in the Box: Verizon G'zOne Commando smartphone, standard Lithium Ion battery, micro USB cable, AC adapter, Getting Started guide, 8GB Micro SD card, preinstalled SIM card, warranty card.

Customer Reviews

I have had my Commando for several days now, and really enjoy it. I am new to android and smartphones. I have an iPad, so I have experience with Apple. I wanted something different than an iPhone. I was doing a ton of research on the latest and greatest phones. When this phone came out I was intrigued by the toughness. I hunt, fish, hike, camp, and spend a lot of time outdoors. I wanted a phone I didn't have to baby, and this is it! I have dunked it several times in water (my ice water was 40.7 degrees). I dared my friends to do the same, or purposely drop their phones....no takers....lol.
I have only downloaded a few apps. The gps, which is important to me, is spot on. The speakers are awesome! Even in the car testing the navigation, I had the volume down from max.
The screen clarity is fine. Compares to my friend's Incredible. Screen size is the same as an iPhone. As reviewed by others and on forums, the touch screen is not super sensitive or buttery smooth. The texting is a bit touchy. I downloaded a texting app that I like. I am still getting used to using swipe.
The camera, while not fantastic, meets my needs. The video is choppy if you try to pan or if things are moving fast. Maybe an upgrade will fix this?
But, for all the little quirks, I dig this phone. I am getting it dialed in for my personal likes.
If you need a tough smartphone, and don't need dual core, HDMI, front facing camera, or 8 mega pixel camera, then consider this phone. I had never even heard of the Casio G'Zone phones. This one is very cool. There are lots of videos on You Tube for g'Zone phones.
Size of the phone is fine for me. Not as svelt as iPhones or Galaxy S2, but on line with Thunderbolt, Atrix, EVO.
I highly recommend if you need a tough phone. If you want pretty, slim, and buttery smoothness, look elsewhere. Just don't get those other phones wet! Lol
Oh.... Battery... I am a moderate user. The GPS pulls on the battery pretty hard. I keep it off unless needed. I have been getting a full day off usage......12-15 hours. When the newness wears off I am sure it will go longer. I would rate it as typical for a smart phone. I will keep a charger in my car. My next purchase will be the cradle charger and a 32 gig card. I want to download my music files and some pics.

Ordered directly from verizon the first day it was available. Previous phone was gz'one type V.
Pretty happy with it so far. Two issues - phone will not charge from a PC USB port if it is off (tried quite a few different models, all Dell, desktops and laptops). I brought it to the local Verizon store and they confirmed that issue. If they get some in and they don't have that problem, I will be exchanging. Not only does it not charge, but it constantly cycles through a boot screen, which actually drains the battery.
Also, built in camera app will not turn on the flash. Installed a camera app from the app store and flash works fine.
LED seems marginally less powerful than on type-V.
I think the micro usb port might eventually be a weak spot, ie the plug can wiggle around too easy and will eventually break it. I'll get a cradle as soon as I can find one, or an inductive charger.
Battery life seems to be improving w/ each cycle, to what is now an acceptable level. Aside from those issues, and the need to rip out some junk apps (like bing...) I love this phone!