Casio G'zOne Boulder

Pronounced “jeez-won”, the Casio G'zOne Boulder comes as an update to the Verizon's well-established rugged “tough-phone”, the Casio G'zOne Type S, and is designed to stand up to use and abuse. The clamshell G'zOne Boulder is feature-loaded and highly customizable, as well as being durable beyond the scope of the average flip-phone.

Phone Dimensions

The phone is hearty in size, measuring in at 99mm x 51mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2" x 0.9") and users may appreciate the heft provided by the G'zOne Boulder's 138.9g (4.9oz) weight.

Exterior Appearance

With both silver and orange coloring available, the G'zOne Boulder gives users many device appearance choices, starting with the basics. The face of the phone features a monochrome external display enclosed by a customizable ring. The “tough-phone” concept is emphasized by the device's heavy-construction look and muted colors accented with chrome detailing.

Device Functionality

Operating on Verizon's high-speed EVDO network, users can expect the G'zOne Boulder to provide quick data transfers as well as quality call audio. Speakerphone function is included, although the device's speaker is located on the backside of the phone, which some users may find inconvenient. The Casio G'zOne Boulder also supports memory expansion via microSD, up to 8GB.

Software Inclusions

Device menus, wallpaper, and ring tones are all easily customizable using a wide range of choices in pre-set themes. Hands-free stereo Bluetooth (2.0 with A2DP (stereo)) capability is also included in the G'zOne Boulder. The phone also offers numerous text communication choices such as EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service, for sending sound) and standard MMS. Predictive text software serves to make sending messages and entering data more efficient.

Activation of advanced GPS services is available, although the Casio G'zOne Boulder comes standard with a location-enabled 911 emergency service.

Users may enjoy the media-rich aspects of the device, including Mobile web 2.0 (plus music and video on demand), V Cast Music (from Verizon), and a Media Center dedicated to storage of the user's personal photos, music, and videos.

“Rugged” Features

Marketed as a phone capable of handling abuse, the G'zOne Boulder accomplishes this feat by careful design. The interior “technology” is surrounded by protective silicon rubber, and the device's exterior features reinforced plastic coated in polyurethane. Casio boasts that the G'zOne Boulder can be dropped, submerged in water, or shaken without ill effect.

The device is designed to withstand exposure to water, including blowing rain, high humidity, and submersion for as long as 30 minutes in 1 meter deep water (with ports closed).

Camera Capabilities

The Casio G'zOne Boulder features a 1.3 MP camera that boasts a myriad of photography customization features, including a shot timer, white balance, brightness adjustment, and color effects (including negative, black and white, and sepia options). Users may appreciate the addition of an LED flash for night photography. Photo quality is acceptable, but not likely to impress. Device camera also captures and allows for playback of video.

Battery Specifications

Users can expect to receive up to 3 and a half hours of talk time and up to 2.6 days of standby on a single battery charge, although the manufacturer does caution that the use of diffeent phone settings and features may impact battery life.

G'zOne Boulder Pros

• Tough exterior and highly protected interior of device provides users with security when making calls or accessing data in less than ideal conditions
• Unique features like the electronic compass, stopwatch, and location-enabled 911 increase functionality for users with more active needs
• Device camera boasts a surprising array of customization options, including color effects and LED flash for nighttime photography
• Hands-free and “click to talk” features increase ease of communication

G'zOne Boulder Cons

• Some users may be dissatisfied with the sound quality provided by the device's backward-facing speakerphone
• The extra features such as Push to Talk are battery eaters
• A few of the more useful features (such as advanced GPS) require subscription activation

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