Last born of the (not so much lucky) series Az@lis, with this 288 model the European Philips tries to re-launch its presence in the difficult sector of the mobile telephony, with a model of average band that doesn't have anything to envy to the models of superior band: yes because, behind the free and easy (and cheap) strike, a very complete and rich GSM of functions is hidden.

Of compact dimensions, it measures 120 x 45 x 23 mm. (plus 20 mm. of antenna), it has a very contained weight, around 100 grams, thanks to the light lithium battery it is provided with series. The 288 model is consequently comfortable to be held in pocket but also in hand.

The first impression that we have grasping it is of a cheap cellular phone, this because, for the construction of the strike, light and very cheap plastics that confer to the 288 an aspect of a "toy" have been used. It is a pity, it would have been better to use more valuable plastics, like those of its brothers G2K or Xenium.

The keys are ample and well outdistanced, they are also in light plastics like the rest of the strike, nevertheless they respond well, and quickly, to their imparted commands. Comfortable, once get accustomed, the key of central navigation/selection, that contains the two scroll arrows, the key of confirmation (OK) and the one of cancellation (C).

The display is not very big, but is graphic, at high-resolution and very well readable, thanks also to the very useful zoom function, that allows to vary the dimensions of the characters and the graphic icons. The illumination, not very beautiful, is of orange colour, much more beautiful is the intense blue of the G2K.

The Az@lis is composed of three models, the first and cheapest one is the model 238, the second is the 268, that differentiates from the first one for the graphics of the strike and for the fact that has a lithium battery that makes it thinner and lighter, finally the 288 differentiates from the two previous models, besides for the lithium battery and for the graphics, for having in addition the Voice Memo function, the notebook/organizer function and the integrated modem.

The notebook/organizer function is equivalent to the one present on the most expensive Xenium: in practice we can fix appointments, that then will be reminded of at the right moment, it is possible besides to have a daily, weekly and monthly outlook of the appointments.
Other function, inherited by the older brothers, is the Voice Memo, that allows to store up to 17 seconds of vocal notes. Very useful function but very few the available seconds.

Rich and complete is also the short messagings of text section, where we can find the useful T9 and the possibility to attach and to send together with the messaging of text a graphic icon, chosen among the 50 available, to another compatible GSM Philips (Az@lis 238/268/288, G2K/Ozeo and Xenium 989/9@9), or it is possible to attach and to send together with the SMS a personal ringtone.

Among the other several functions then we find:
- date, time and alarm clock (it also works when the telephone is turned off);
- calculating machine and Euro converter;
- brick game (they could some insert additional ones!!!);
- 19 ringtones, plus 3 which can be personalized and downloaded or sent through SMS;
- sufficiently powerful vibration;
- the available memories for the numbers are only the ones on the SIM card, this is a limit and a defect, unfortunately, of all the GSM Philips (!!!);
- Voice Dial, to vocally recall up to 10 numbers;
- Voice Commands, to vocally select up to 15 functions, the vocal commands, as always on all the Philips, work very well;
- the keys from 1 to 9 can be programmed to quickly recall some numbers or some functions (vibration, SMS sending, and so on...) directly, which is a very comfortable function;
- log of the last 10 callings made/received/missed;
- Wap, in version 1.1, for having access to Internet (it accepts just one configuration at a time);
- setting for the data and fax transmission, which is possible with the optional kit (small cable + software).

Receipt and transmission, in the best of Philips' tradition, are on good levels, both on 900 band that on 1800 MHz band, above all the stability of the signal and the hookup of the net are appreciable. Very good is also the quality audio, thanks also to the three vocal codings HR/FR/EFR, both for the voice transmitted and for the one received.

Good is the autonomy, despite the light lithium battery in endowment is of only 550 mAhs, the 288 reaches quietly 100 hours in stand by (on 1800 MHz band) and allows up to 4 hours of conversation.

The standard endowment includes, besides the usual battery trip charger, also a double headphone, that integrates a light radio FM (of discreet quality) of very small dimensions, with the key of turning on and turning off and two for the tuning, besides a small Mute key for the callings.

Apart from the battery, compatible with just the model 268, all the other accessories are compatible with the previous models Az@lis, G2K, Savvy and Xenium. The price to the public, during the commercial launch, is of around 300.000 liras.

CONSIDER ALSO...
With additional 50.000 liras (but with 50.000 liras of pre-paid telephone traffic inclusive), you can buy the Panasonic GD92, without the useful vocal commands but with the as much useful integrated living voice, without Wap but with the direct management of the e-mails, all the same with the lithium battery, but thinner, lighter, and, above all, more elegant. Or, spending the same amount, it is possible to find the beloved 3310, heavier and with fewer different functions, but with that additional drive that characterizes all the Nokia's models.

FINAL VERDICT
Complete software, with a rich endowment of functions (almost nothing is missing), user interface and simple and intuitive graphics. The software, the functions and the user interface are practically the same as the ones of the oldest brother Xenium 9@9. Very good in receipt and transmission, as much good is the quality audio. The little attractive design and the less valuable plastics, unfortunately, diminish the so many qualities of this interesting cellular phone. Suitable and competitive price, if we also consider the endowment of series of the lithium battery and of the headphone with integrated FM radio, and if we consider that the Xenium, that in addition has only a more powerful battery, reduced dimensions and a bigger display, cost about the double.

 

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