Product Description Panasonic keeps cranking out worthwhile phones. One of their newer models--the Panasonic Allure--offers formidable technology for a reasonable price, making it a solid investment.
Weighing just under 3.0 ounces and measuring 5.5 by 1.6 by 0.7 inches, the ultraslim Allure is smaller and lighter than most phones. Its glossy, gun-metal gray case is streamlined, if a bit slippery. The keypad, however, is well-spaced, and the keys themselves are just the right size.
Menu options are sufficient, and three buttons handle the menu navigation. A four-way directional key helps you scroll through menu options, and two additional buttons let you select menu options as they appear. The right prompt button also provides one-touch access to your phone book. The menu choices are: Phonebook, Messages (voice and TEXTtext), Call History, Voice Commands, Tone Settings, Phone Settings (where you can tweak display, clock, answer, and language options), Security, and System Settings.
As we said, the Allure offers advanced features. The built-in speakerphone and voice-activated dialing allow you to have true hands-free conversations. And if you need to store quick reminders and such, the Allure has a voice memo recorder. You can also toggle your display color and download voice ringers for a change of pace.
The Allure offers a decent roster of call and messaging features. If offered by your service plan, it supports caller ID, call waiting, , voice mail, numeric paging, and multiparty calling. PIM functions include a 250-entry phonebook, call logs, several call timers, a clock, caluculator, and 20 ringer options (including vibrating alert). It should be noted the Allure does not have a minibrowser, but if you purchase a connector cable, it can be synced with your PC or other computing device for data swapping.
The Allure offers three basic security features: call lock, security lock, and a lock code that activates or deactivates memory and menu options. You can also delete your phone book and call logs with the touch of a couple buttons.
The Allure's lithium-ion battery is rated for up to 140 minutes' digital talk time and 200 hours' digital standby time. In our testing, the phone held a call for just over 2 hours, and it lasted for 210 hours in standby mode. Lithium-ion batteries are a lovely bonus, as they are immune to memory effect.
Overall, the Allure should appeal to people who want to save a little money without sacrificing style or performance.
--Arno Kazarian
Pros:
- Trim, weightless form factor
- Advanced features at a low price
- Admirable battery life
Cons:
- Slippery case
- Not Web enabled
