Review: Casio G'zOne Ravine
I used the first G'zOne phone, the Type-V, back in 2006, and I'm sad to say the menus and interface have not changed significantly since then. You still get the same icon grid on the main menu, with the same confusing menu titles. For instance, where do you find the Web browser? It's under the "Media Center" option. But is it the "Mobile Web" or is it "Browse and Download." The former, of course, but I only learned that through trial and error. The worst part about the G'zOne Ravine's interface is that it simply is not suited to the user who is going to take this phone outdoors to the work site or on the trail. It's a Verizon Wireless multimedia feature phone interface slapped onto a rugged device.
At least you can now customize some of that main menu, but Verizon doesn't let the user go far enough. You can only change 4 out of 9 slots in the menu. You an add the useful G'zOne Gears app to the main menu, but you can't add the individual features that Gears contains. Gears is where you'll find all of the outdoors apps you need, from the compass to the pedometer, with a few eclectic options thrown in.
My biggest problem with the G'zOne Ravine's menu structure is that these features are not front and center. The G'zOne is made for people who want to use the compass and the pedometer, not people who want to use the music player and download new mobile games. I should be able to fill 7 out of 9 slots with the cool outdoor tools, and leave a slot each for the settings menu and a general app menu, where I can hide all of the junk I won't be using while I'm hiking up Mt. Monadnock.
CTIA Fall 2010
Samsung Galaxy XCover6 Pro is Rugged, Ready for Business
Sonim XP5plus Emulates Traditional Two-Way Radios
Apple Watch Goes Ultra
Sonim's Next Ultra-Rugged Smartphone is Almost Here
Casio G'zOne Ravine
