Zipit Wireless Messenger 2
Manufacturer: Zipit Wireless, Inc. Part number: CNETZIPITZ2
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- The Zipit Wireless Messenger 2 is a great option for free mobile instant messaging.
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CNET editors' review
Zipit Wireless Messenger 2 price range: $47.95 - $49.99
- Reviewed by: Kent German
- Reviewed on: 01/02/2008
The good: The Zipit Wireless Messenger 2 has a simple design and an easy-to-use interface. It doesn't require any subscription services, and it's compatible with three instant-messaging services.
The bad: The Zipit Wireless Messenger 2's plastic skin feels a bit cheap and it had a slight tendency to freeze.
The bottom line: The Zipit Wireless Messenger 2 is a great option for free mobile instant messaging.
Unless you have a cell phone with a full alphabetic keyboard, using your handset for on-the-go instant messaging isn't very convenient. Granted, lightning fast texters won't have much of an issue, but pecking out entire conversations on a standard nine-digit keypad can be tedious for most people. And in response, some manufacturers have developed IM-specific products like the Zipit Wireless Messenger 2.
While we can't imagine that there's a huge market for mobile devices that send instant messages but don't make calls, we must admit that the Zipit is a handy, easy-to-use product. As long as you have a Wi-Fi network or hot spot, you can use your AOL, MSN, or Yahoo IM accounts to chat with your buddies. The device itself is compact and easy to use, and the response time is quick. Sure, the need for a Wi-Fi network will limit usability in some places, but once you're hooked up, you can IM as long as you like for free (the Zipit doesn't require any subscription services). And as an added bonus, you can use the Zipit to listen to streaming music or radio, and you can play music or view photos off a mini-SD card. The Zipit is $149 with service.
At 3.74 inches by 3.0 inch by 0.9 inch, the Zipit is about the size of a smartphone. That means it fits only in larger pockets, but it's still small enough to haul around with ease. And at 12.5 ounces, it won't add excessive weight to a bag or purse. We're a bit divided on its construction, however. Though the hinge has a sturdy construction, the plastic skin seems a bit flimsy.
The black and silver exterior of the Zipit has few controls. A volume rocker is located on the left spine, and a 3.5mm headset jack rests on the right spine. The charger port is on the back of the device, and the SD card slot is on the front. Inside the Zipit you'll find the 320x240-pixel, full-color display. At 2.83 inches, it's sufficient for all your messaging needs, but it's worth noting that the text size isn't changeable. On the other hand, the menu interface is easy to understand and you can change the backlight time.
The Zipit's controls are clearly labeled so we didn't have any trouble understanding their use. A four-way toggle with a central OK button is your primary tool for navigating through the menu pages and selecting options. Though it is tactile and easy to use, we noticed that the plastic material felt slightly flimsy. A "MyFriendz" control gives instant access to your IM buddy list (it could be better labeled, however) while Next and Previous keys assist you in moving backward or forward through the current application. There's also a dedicated power button, two music player keys (play and stop), a Home control, an Options button, and a shortcut for opening a menu of IM emoticons.
The tactile keyboard buttons are relatively large and are raised above the surface of the messenger. You can type by feel, and the bright backlighting makes them usable in the dark. Each alphabetic key has a secondary function, such as a number or a punctuation mark, and you can toggle back and forth using the Alt key. We also like that the space bar is long and is placed conveniently in the middle of the last row.
As mentioned earlier, the Zipit requires a Wi-Fi network to operate. When you turn it on, it searches for the strongest free network and logs on automatically. If a free network isn't available, it will then search for the strongest encrypted network. In our testing, we were logged onto a free network in just a few seconds and could start messaging away. If you prefer to choose your own Wi-Fi network, however, that option is available.
After you're connected you'll be prompted to set up your IM accounts. You can use only one service, if you'd like, or you can use all thee at once. Also, you can save your settings so you don't have to enter your username and password each time you start up. In our testing we connected to a Yahoo IM account in only a couple steps and then searched for available buddies using the aforementioned MyFriendz button. The Zipit will only show friends who are online (idle buddy names will be italics), but you can also send messages to people not in your friends list. Like on a PC, your chat window will show your entire conversation and you can toggle back and forth between conversations. When talking to someone in the same room, the response time was instantaneous, and we were alerted to new messages with a slight tone. On the downside, the Zipit froze twice during our testing, once when we disconnected it from the charger. We were able to reset it easily, but it was bothersome just the same.
We also tested the Zipit's media capabilities by listening to a couple of Internet radio stations and playing music from an SD card. Not surprisingly, the music quality was only average, but it is fine for short stints. Just keep in mind that the external speaker has weak output, so we advise using headphones. The music player (MP3 and WMA files only) has more options than we expected. In addition to playlists and shuffle and repeat modes, it also shows album art if it's available.
User reviews
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Zipit has it's perks and misses!
by trin20t on February 22, 2009
Pros: SMS,EMS,Internet Radio,Multi-protocol IM similar to computer versions,large screen,back-lit keys,MP3 player with album art,photo viewer
Cons: Can't SMS/EMS to pre-paid phones,cost money for IM/text for a year when it was free,freezing happens when listening to music and photos,server-side connection errors,3 hour battery life
Summary: I bought a Zipit early this month to pull away from the $20 a month unlimited fee that my pre-paid service charges for SMS/MMS/EMS/Webmail/IM.
I have ...Summary: I bought a Zipit early this month to pull away from the $20 a month unlimited fee that my pre-paid service charges for SMS/MMS/EMS/Webmail/IM.
I have mobile AIM and Yahoo plus email on my phones,but it costs alot to use plus requires a calling plan of the same amount,thus making the fee $45 for web,IM/email and 200 minutes!
Cheap to some but I don't need the calling minutes.
So I stopped using it,and headed to something SMS/EMS/IM only.
And that choice was the Zipit Z2.
It's for kids albeit,but adults can use it too if they want.
It looks like a small laptop to most,so that's not an issue.
And it fits in well with other messaging phones spec wise.
But the Zipit Z2 has some misses.
Just around Feb 7th,the service fell offline for two days!
From late Friday afternoon to early Monday Feb 9th, it was down!
Every connection gave an error on their end.
It was pretty annoying and I bet others saw.
Luckily the support staff(Jebecca)is pretty nice and gets to all concerns quickly.
Another issue they have is the texting/IM feature.
It is no longer free,it only lets you text people using regular cell plans not pre-paid,and it only shows the basics for IMing.
I had a time trying to text my friends on their Sidekick pre-paid plan and my mother on her pre-paid plan too!
Yet clearly it is stated on their site that texting works with over 20 suppliers!
One being Virgin Mobile,which is prepaid in all areas but the UK.
And this is the pre-paid service me and my mother used!
I could not send a text to my mothers cell or even a test message to my old cells.
It wasn't until I mentioned this to staff,that I was told, "our texting provider doesn't support pre-paid like Trac Fone and Virgin Mobile". Ha!
Also,every first IM and text sent out from your Zipit Z2 gives away advertisements that you are on a Zipit,along with the link!
It does this every time you send your first message to someone on your list.
even if you've messaged them before and close the message window.
Opening it again and resending a text or IM,brings up the annoying ad!
Zipit Wireless needs to cut this issue from their texting.
They also still are tooting their old info about free IMing and texting,and that's outdated. Many new customers are confused.
Not to mention the boxing and booklet they send out is outdated too now.
They offer a link in FAQ to the new booklet,but it too is a bad link.
Zipit Wireless needs to correct it's branding and details about texting/IM.
Other than that it's a fairly good messaging device and better than other mesaging phones and even the Sidekick,which doesn't offer fully multi-protocol IMing at once,or a back-lit keypad.
Battery life is like that of a cheap entry-level laptop. Lasting three hours at most.
The site says up to seven,but that's only if you dim the display and only IM/text at short intervals. -
great product with great customer support
by supereater14 on January 4, 2009
Pros: great customer support
Cons: can only have a few radio stations saved on it
Summary: i got this for christmas and the "c" key was defective, so i called customer support and they sent me a new one right away, and they paid the postage, ...
Summary: i got this for christmas and the "c" key was defective, so i called customer support and they sent me a new one right away, and they paid the postage, not only for the new one, but also for me to send my first one back.
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You gotta love it! But the battery life.....
by DeatH caB_for_cuTie0_o on August 17, 2008
Pros: The little logo is REALLY CUTE! I love going on aim, and texting because the plan is great and I can't on my cell phone.
Cons: The battery life at first was good, but it's been acting up lately.
Summary: I've had mine since April 13 (heard about it from Fred on youtube) it was $149.99 but it was worth it.
I love that you can go on ...Summary: I've had mine since April 13 (heard about it from Fred on youtube) it was $149.99 but it was worth it.
I love that you can go on zipitwireless.com and change the wallpaper, for holidays and colors, and that it's also a music player.
At first the only problem was, the keys, it's not much of a problem but they make a weird clacking noise when you click on the keys.
Also, whenever I'm done charging the battery, and turn it off, They next day I have to charge it again, I'm getting a new battery for it.Also every time you Text someone, it says: (sent from my zipit, zippitwireless.com) I think it's cheap advertising. -
Zipit Z2 Review
by Joseph Lagarnia on July 7, 2008
Pros: Instant and SMS Messaging, MP3 Player, miniSD Expansion
Cons: Lack of a web browser!
Summary: A Brief Review of the Zipit Z2
by Joseph Lagarnia - July 7, 2008
Introduction
The Zipit Z2 is a Linux-based Instant Messenger (IM) and Short Message Service (SMS) device ...Summary: A Brief Review of the Zipit Z2
by Joseph Lagarnia - July 7, 2008
Introduction
The Zipit Z2 is a Linux-based Instant Messenger (IM) and Short Message Service (SMS) device introduced as a low-cost means of communication. It supports AOL/AIM, MSN/LIVE and Yahoo messaging clients and has awed the IM crowd with its sleek design, portability and compound features. Now instant messaging should no longer be an uncomfortable task as hours spent on a desktop or laptop can now be enjoyed in a relaxed position. A laptop used for IM, while portable, proves to be rather inconvenient due to its weight and bulk. With the Z2 sporting a compact design and weighing less than six ounces, instant messaging has never been as fun and comfortable.
Note: For the SMS service, please check zipitwireless.com for a list of supported cellular phone carriers.
Target Market
Anyone who can't get enough of IM and parents tired of their kids' monopolization of the home PC. It's a win-win situation for both parties. And usage can be restricted with built-in Parental Controls.
Wireless Technology
The Z2 can connect to 802.11b and 802.11g Wi-Fi networks and supports WEP and WPA encryption for highlighted security. Hence, you need a 'home' wireless router to take advantage of the Z2's IM and SMS feature/s. And with WI-FI a commodity nowadays, accessible for free in most public facilities (e.g., learning institutions, workplaces, hotels, restaurants and even airports), the Z2 would make a great travel companion. You can even IM and send SMS with the Z2 worldwide, wherever a 'public' wireless network is available.
Design
A 2.9 inch colored LCD screen, QWERTY keyboard and clamshell design gives the Z2 a 'miniature-laptop' look and feel. However, most prefer handling the Z2 as they would a cell phone (entering text while holding the device). And with a bright 320x240 screen resolution LCD and large back-lit keyboard for usage in zero-illumination, it makes reading and typing a hassle-free experience.
Other Features
The Z2 has built-in speakers and a headphone jack for Internet Radio/MP3 playback and has the luxury of dual tasking- playing audio while instant messaging and 'texting' (slang for SMS). An 'optional' miniSD card (not included with purchase) installed on the miniSD slot, expands the Z2's 32MB internal memory, dependent on the miniSD's capacity, and can store hundreds of MP3 files and photos- displayable as a slideshow while playing/streaming audio. The Z2 also provides customization privileges allowing the user to change the theme, color and background.
Updates
For added convenience, the Z2 updates its firmware/software automatically upon connecting to a wireless network.
Battery Life
The Z2 is powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery (adapter included) and can run for approximately eight hours after a full charge. The unit can be operated while charged.
Price
The Z2 is now available for purchase at www.zipitwireless.com or from these online retailers (www.bestbuy.com - www.target.com ) and can be had for $49.00 plus an activation fee of $9.99/month for a whole year, or a 1-year activation fee of $109.89. Both plans include unlimited instant messaging and SMS. Upon fulfillment of the 1-year contract, instant messaging becomes totally free negating the need for a service plan. Continuation of text messaging, upon expiry of the initial 1-year contract, requires subscription to the SMS service plan at an affordable monthly or yearly rate.
Conclusion
The Z2 is a fascinating gadget with an attractive design and variety of features that somewhat justifies its price tag. Nevertheless, the lack of a web browser proves to be a major drawback for the non-IM community, more into e-mail and web browsing- and even for teens and young adults into social networking (My Space anyone?). Hopefully, Zipit Wireless releases an automatic web browser add-on for the Z2, via automatic update, in the near future.
Lack of such hinders this device from being a truly must-have.
Attention: Owners/Potential Owners of the Z2
Kindly request Zipit Wireless to provide a web browser add-on for the Z2 by filling out a form at www.zipitwireless.com/contactus.aspx?skinid=2 addressed to Marketing/Press/Sales.
Thank you. -
I totally love it!
by sftbllflash on March 15, 2008
Pros: Clear screen
Cons: have to type a little slowe than usual.
Summary: I have a Zipit 2 and it is awesome!! For 5 or 6 dollars a month you get 3000 text messages. You can im as much as you want, and ...
Summary: I have a Zipit 2 and it is awesome!! For 5 or 6 dollars a month you get 3000 text messages. You can im as much as you want, and you can put pictures on it! How cool is that! OH, don't forget about the radio. You can changes all of your setting online. The only thing is that I can't find any skins to put on the outside of it, but I am going to keep looking!
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Zipit Wireless, Inc.
- Part number: CNETZIPITZ2
- Description: The Z2 is the hottest, easiest way to stay connected with all your friends! No more worrying about tying up, or being tied to, the family computer to stay in touch. The Z2 can be used anywhere there is a wireless network - at home or at friends' houses, or at thousands of free public Wi-Fi hotspots. To IM, all you need to get started is an IM account. You can get a free account at AOL, Yahoo, or MSN. The Z2 works with all three IM platforms and lets you have multiple, simultaneous conversations with all your friends. The color screen and backlit keyboard make it easy to IM in the dark... like at night, in a closet, or underneath the bed covers. Also, the Z2 is safe and hassle-free to use! With the Z2 it's impossible to get unwanted messages from strangers. Plus you won't be bothered by all the problems of the PC. With the Z2, there's no software to load, no long boot times, and no spam or viruses to worry about.
General
- Product Type With digital player
- Width 3.7 in
- Depth 0.9 in
- Height 3 in
- Weight 12.5 oz
Cellular
- Phone Design PDA
- Caller ID Yes
- Wireless Interface IEEE 802.11b/g
- Additional Features Photo viewer, MiniSD card slot
Messaging & Data Services
- Short Messaging Service (SMS) Yes
- Internet Browser Yes
- Messaging / Data Features Text messages
Multimedia Features
- Downloadable Content Songs, Photos
GPS System
- GPS Navigation None
Connections
- Slot Provided 1 x miniSD
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Rechargeable Lithium ion battery, AC adapter, Zipit decals
Battery
- Technology - Lithium ion
Manufacturer Warranty
- Service & Support 1 year warranty
- Service & Support Details Limited warranty - Parts and labor - 1 year, Limited warranty - 6 months
Manufacturer info
- Zipit Wireless, Inc.
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Zipit Wireless, Inc. products on Shopper.com
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- Website: http://www.zipitwireless.com/
- Address:
200 North Main St., Greenville, SC 29601 - Phone: 1-866-92-ZIPIT
