Jitterbug J: Keeping it Simple

Last month Great Call and phone manufacturer Samsung recalled Jitterbug SPH-a110 and SPH-a120 phones (version BB14

software) sold after March 1, 2008 after it was found that they didn’t always connect to 911 when out of Jitterbug’s network. Owners of these phones can contact Jitterbug customer service, bring them to a Samsung service center or mail them in for free software upgrades using mailers that have been sent out.

The new Jitterbug J ($147 with free car charger) is slim but still has large keys, an easy-on-the-eyes 2.1-inch display and one-key access to important features like the speakerphone. The dual-band CDMA 850/1900 MHz unit supports Bluetooth 2.0 wireless devices and offers 4 hours of talk time, the company said. The 4-ounce clamshell, which has an external display that shows Caller ID information, is available in graphite or white.

The Jitterbug J is free from the 911 problem afflicting the recalled models, the company confirmed. The Jitterbug J will support MyCalendar, a new service available this summer that will allow Jitterbug users to manage their calendars by using myjitterbug.com or by calling a Jitterbug operator. A new LiveNurse service provides 24-hour access to a registered nurse.

Contract-free monthly calling plans start as low as $15 for 50 anytime minutes with 60-day rollover to a $80 plan with 1,000 anytime minutes and 500 weekend minutes.