Casio G-SHOCK -- The Phone

Chunky, ugly, plasticky and pretty nasty, really. It's Casio's new take on the cellphone, the G-Zone Type-R:



THE OFFICIAL SPEC:
On May 26th, KDDI and Okinawa Cellular Telephone Company introduced a new lineup of CDMA 1X phones. The G’zOne TYPE-R is more shock-resistant than its predecessor, the G’zOne. The phones are made by Casio, and will be on sale from the end of July. The price is expected to be comparatively higher than current CDMA 1X phones. (Of course it’s going to be more expensive, but I don’t think you need to mortgage your house.)

Development was originally expected to take 1 year, but ended up taking almost 2 years. “The G’zOne sold from February 2000 until now, so we’ve established a good fan base. However, demand has shifted from straight phones to ones that fold and have a camera. We’ve worked really hard to come up with something similar that is also durable and water-proof,” KDDI’s chief of product planning said.

This phone is tough! The G’zOne TYPE-R is a flip-phone style that is also JIS Level 7 waterproof; still working after being in 1 m of water for 30 minutes. The demo model still worked after being in water for 20 minutes. The phone features a ring of foam around the sub-display, and magnesium alloy on the main body to make it more shock-resistant.

The phone also features a 1.28 mega pixel camera, QVGA screen, and three types of navigation systems – EZ Chaku-uta, AU’s signature service, plus EZ Navigator, a digital compass, and a service that guides you to your destination.

The digital compass, 1/100 Sec. Stopwatch, and round screen are the main unique features. “Extension Mode” doesn’t turn the phone into something from Mr. Gadget, but does allow you to check email and address book – even when the battery is empty. A flashlight feature and buzzer function are also included.

The G-Zone.