Well, the new Jitterbug J isn’t quite as hip as the iPhone, but it does have a slimmer figure than it’s predecessor and a few big feature enhancements.

Customers tell us that one of their favorite new additions is the ability to port your previous cell phone number from another service to Jitterbug J. Similar to the “no contract” policy at Jitterbug, this simple feature adds to the simplicity/flexibility of the service. Those that talk while driving will also appreciate that the Jitterbug J is Bluetooth compatible. You can now use a hands-free car kit or Bluetooth compatible headset like the vast majority of other cell phones on the market. Yes, the Jitterbug Phone is moving along with the times.

Some features (like text messaging?) seem out of place with the demographic intended for this phone, but overall it’s a market leader. Beyond the phone, Jitterbug service is truly amazing. The service reps are courteous, professional, responsive and they can actually communicate in English. Jitterbug clearly has the market edge for the Senior, Hearing Impaired Market or anyone that just desires an easy-to-use cell phone without a lengthy service contract.

The first DECT 6.0 amplified phones (GE models 29111AE1 and 29115AE1) are finally out in the market and they deliver with both excellent range and sound quality. Customers can expect new, intelligent features like an amplified headset jack (2.5mm) and a vibrating ringer option. Also, a simple battery back up option is built into the base (using 4 “AAA” batteries). The volume setting was a disappointment with only 4 volume settings in the “basic” mode and 4 settings in the “amplify” mode. By contrast, the Clarity C4220/C4230 has a thumb wheel volume control that goes from “0″ to “50″. But, the range is outstanding and you can add up to 3 handsets to the base unit (4 total phones). Being able to have 4 phone handsets is a big plus for most consumers . Bottom line: The GE DECT 6.0 Amplified phones aren’t the most stylish or sleek phones on the market, but they do deliver with excellent range, great sound quality and expandable handsets. These are some of the best amplified phones on the market.

I have been using the new Clarity C4230 for several weeks now and have concluded that this is the best amplified phone I have ever tested. First and foremost, the Clarity C4230 has outstanding sound quality. Many manufacturers forget that this is the single most important feature for an amplified phone to have. In addition, the sound does not get distorted at higher volume settings. 
 

This phone is packed with features that are hard to find on an amplified phones: speakerphones (in both the base unit and handset), answering machine, amplified headset jacks (both traditional and neckloop) and a “mute” button (my favorite feature) on both the base and handset. Let’s talk more in detail about how each of these features actually work.

 
The amplification (like most high end amplified phones) is a 2 stage process. Normal volume settings range from 0 to 16; “boost” settings range from 10 to 50. Presumeably, this figures correlate to loudness in decibles. The boost setting toggles back and forth from normal amplification to louder amplification. This done so that a person with normal hearing can answer the phone without gettting blown out by the sound. A person that is hard of hearing hits the boost button for more amplification. The tone button setting has 4 different levels and provides some nice customization for low to high end frequency losses.
 
Many hearing aid wearers like using speakerphones for normal telephone conversations. If you are one of these people, you willl love the C4230. Both speakerphones have outstanding sound quality and are comparable to more expensive business conference speakerphones . Most important, the speakerphone doesn’t sound like a “tin can” for the listener. 
 

The answering machine works well and allows the screening of callers. Messages waiting are indicated on the handset main menu, a message counter on the base unit and by a slow flashing strobe light on the handset. You can listen to message on either the base unit or the handset itself. 
 
Even though this is a 5.8 GHz frequency phone, the range was very good. We were able to go up or down 1 floor and still get a strong signal.