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Peer Review: Helio Fin debut
Helio introduced another phone this week that's designed to woo customers away from networks with more familiar names. The Helio Fin's quick gimmick description is that it's the thinnest flip phone available in the United States. The phone is made by Samsung, and its specs are similar to other current Helio models, with some new exceptions, including a 3-megapixel camera and turn-by-turn GPS directions that you can "rent" for $3 a day. Reviewers have only just started to get their impressions in, but the first wave seems to be finding that the phone, while not as innovative as Helio's Ocean, still works pretty well. Their latest thoughts on the Flip after the jump.
"I like this phone far more than the Drift or Heat. The Ocean is much fatter, but with the QWERTY and widescreen modes, it is far better at taking advantage of the beefy features like YouTube and IM. I'll call this the only non-Ocean Helio you should consider, but the Ocean remains my primary choice." , Gizmodo
"Wow… the camera! Very crisp pictures, fast shutter speed, quick upload to Flickr… [The Fin is] a logical progression from the Helio Ocean, and everything that the Ocean can do, the Fin does equally or most of the time better and faster." , The Boy Genius Report
"The Fin is HOT. I’ve been using it for about two hours, and the only skinnier thing to turn heads is Paris Hilton when she’s dressed: people think it’s not possible, but there it is." , CrunchGear
"As usual with Helio handsets the user interface is simple enough for a 2-year-old to figure out, and that’s a good thing… I don’t know very many people with a Helio handset… But [the Buddy Beacon feature] started working immediately with MapQuest Maps." , SlashGear
"If you've been looking for a reason to hook up with Helio, but were waiting for a more jeans-friendly phone, here's your chance." , PC World
"We're fans of the Helio service and its unique and quirky content offerings (everything from The Onion and PopSugar to BuddyFinder and OboPay). And as much as we were impressed with the Ocean, we found that quasi-smartphone to be a little on the bulky side. The Fin offers all the latest Helio options (minus a keyboard) in a slim, ultra-portable package." , Switched
"We're excited to see such a fully featured phone like this in such a slim package, and thankfully it's not too pricey either." , Crave
"I mean, c'mon… a phone nowadays that has a monochrome external display? especially a 200 dollar phone with a 3mp camera?" , commenter on Engadget
By EMILIO MANDEL at 5:16 PM ON 02/29/08
HELIO... Don't even try it!!!
I bought a family service (2 phones Samsung FIN) with Helio. One of the "devices" -as they push me to say- had problems with the battery since the very first day. I called Helio and they sent me a new "device" (FedEx DT 7001 7661 8119) on January 29, 2008. I sent the defective phone back (FedEx 8622 3294 2860) two days later.
After a week and meanwhile I was in a business trip in Korea, my account was suddenly canceled. From Korea I contacted Helio (Ref 080215-009550 Feb-15) and they told me that it was a system error. This error said that I have refused the "device". The system cancel the account if I buy the service online, but finally I reject the phones. This is perfect for new accounts, BUT NOT FOR A REPLACEMENT!! And,, by the way, I never rejected the replacement, I did exactly what Helio told me to do.
Back in America I phoned customer service one more time (Ref 080227-000202 Feb 27) and they told me that I have refused the "device". After 40 minutes of explanations, they apologize and confirmed me that it was a system mistake. They assured me that in two o three business day I "may" have my phone number back... or a new number!!! I spent three years ago a lot of money to let everybody know that this was my cell phone number and all my clients knew how to reach me.
On February 29, 2008 after many phone call (any one of them 45 minutes minimum), they told me that I have refused the "device". Then I have to call again after FIVE business days, and surely they won't give me the phone number what is in every business card, brochure etc.
There are many more details showing that they don't care at all about me, but it may take too more time.
I called FCC, the Attorney General, the Division of Consumer Services, BBB, everybody and the maximum I get was the promise of a light mediation. Seems like every law favors the company and none the clients.
In a few words. I lost my commercial phone number, I still do not have service and don't know when I may have it again, I am tied to a 2 year contract with one of the worst companies in the solar system , I spent the last 3 days begging Helio for a phone service, and I really feel that they can ruin my credit score as easy as I can kill a fly, even when they know clearly that it was their mistake.
I hate, hate, hate HELIO. Please, do not make my same mistake.
Emilio Mandel
By Anthony at 12:13 AM ON 10/04/08
Hey I hate Helio too man... They are so bogus I swear!
By mike at 5:44 AM ON 10/16/08
I had a helio ocean for a good year. its a great phone to have in tell it brake on you.i called helio to see if i can get it fixed.they said no cuz my warrenty has exspired 2 weeks ago. i still one more year on the contract with them. the only way they will fix my phone is if i singed a anouther 2 year contract with them.i think that is some bullshit because there contract last longer then cell phone do. i am telling every to NOT BUY A HELIO PHONE TRUST ME ON THIS.
p.s. thats my story
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mike:
I had a helio ocean for a good year. its a great phone to have in tell it brake on you.i called helio to see if i c...More »