Regular readers will no-doubt be aware of my growing love of ‘simple’ mobile phones. They supply a need for those who don’t want the all-singing, all-dancing latest generation smartphones. The Doro 780X is no exception. Beautifully simple in its design, it follows on from Doro’s other ‘dumbphone’ models. This time, the concept is taken one more step with the removal of the number keypad from the front of the unit.
Doro 780X – Perfect For The Elderly
Crystal-clear sound, ultra-simple user interface, and added safety features make the Doro 780X the perfect choice for the elderly relative. Many older people struggle with expansive menu-driven interfaces. The Doro instead offers a one-click option for three ‘favourite’ numbers.
In common with many of Doro’s range of phones, it has an ‘assistance’ button. This is pre-programmed with a number to be called in the event of emergency, or when help is required. With a built-in GPS receiver, the time and location are available to the recipient in such an event.
Having (very) elderly parents, my Dad about to hit 90 and Mum only a couple of years behind, this is exactly the type of phone they need. They definitely neither want, nor need the majority of the features available on most mainstream smartphones. They certainly don’t need the almost infinite options offered by the various App stores. Most want a mobile phone that is small, yet easy to read and use. They want a loud, clear audio and the ability to call frequently-used numbers at the single push of a button. The ease at which they can summon assistance when necessary without having to wade through menu after sub-menu is very reassuring.
Superb Battery Life
The included charging dock, that the phone simply drops into when needed, makes charging a breeze. Having up to 330 hours stand-by time and 8 hours talk time on a single charge, it won’t be a frequent task either.
For the visually-impaired, the three memory buttons at the bottom of the unit are perfect. Only one sequence that needs to be learned. That is the three names that are under A,B and C.
Competent and Attractive
Overall, the Doro 780X is a wonderful, competent, and attractive little mobile phone. It’s easy to handle, easy to charge, easy to call on and easy to hear. It’s everything that an older person probably wants in a phone. However, it has the option to connect to a remote headset via Bluetooth, or even a home wifi. This is the perfect task for the savvy grandson!
I’m not sure about either the merits or benefits of the dual-sim option though. I really don’t believe the typical and intended user of this phone will be interested in this. However I do understand the need to offer an ultra-simple unit with some of today’s technology. Many critics would no-doubt find something to mark it down on along the way. But all-in-all this is a wonderful, clever and desirable unit for those in its target market.
