Ultra-tough Sonim XP3.20 Quest reaches US
updated 04:20 pm EDT, Fri August 21, 2009
Sonim XP3.20 Quest now out
The rugged XP3.20 Quest handset from Sonim has began shipping to the US, with the device's standout feature being its comprehensive warranty: Sonim offers hassle-free replacements if users manage to break it within three years. The unlocked GSM phone will work on AT&T and T-Mobile networks. It sports a 2-megapixel camera, an FM radio tuner and an MP3 player.
The rugged design means the XP3.20 Quest can be dropped from 6.5 feet onto concrete without sustaining damage, can be submerged in over three feet of water for up to 30 minutes and will operate in temperatures ranging from -5°F to 130°F. There is Internet access and e-mail support, as well as text messaging functionality. Bluetooth 2.0 is built-in, and there is a microSD card slot. A GPS sensor lets users navigate to their destinations.
The unlocked XP3.20 Quest is priced at $400 at Best Buy. [via GearLog]
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2009
3 years and 1 day?
It all sounds very impressive but a 3 year warranty is exactly that: 3 years and not a single day longer. In my experience as a consumer (and as someone who is familiar with Reliability Engineering and so called "planned obsolescence") those sorts of devices are designed to fall apart ASAP after the warranty expires.
I wonder if Sonim (and other mobile phone makers) will take back out-of-warranty phones to cover safe disposal costs? Some countries already have legislation in place to force companies to deal with waste responsibly, but until that approach becomes universal I shall remain highly skeptical of warranties that imply a certain level of ruggedness.