| This article is designed to provide a review | | | | dialling. |
| and comparison between the two leading kids | | | | |
| cell phones: the Firefly and the Migo from LG | | | | Pro: Firefly. With the Firefly you can limit |
| (the TicTalk will not be discussed). Designed | | | | who calls your child based on a |
| to equip consumers with the latest reviews | | | | pre-programmed list. The Migo does not offer |
| this article will provide a brief analysis | | | | this security feature so essentially junior |
| about the pros and cons regarding these two | | | | can give the number to friends and get them |
| cell phones. Let's get started.... | | | | to call. The Migo only permits 5 programmable |
| | | | outgoing call numbers while the Firefly list |
| The Firefly has been out for a while, | | | | enables 20. |
| mid-2005 exposed the Firefly plans and | | | | |
| towards Q3 of 2005 the Firefly was coming | | | | Pro: Migo. The Migo works with hearing aids. |
| onto US markets namely on the Cingular | | | | Also, the second antenna is for eventual GPS |
| network. The GSM enabled handset appealed to | | | | support, where that goes we won't know, but |
| the kid audience through parents by offering | | | | it is an additional feature on the Migo. |
| basic features on a simple phone. The added | | | | |
| 'security' appealed to parents hence the rush | | | | Con: Both phones are designed to give the |
| for other manufacturers to produce a similar | | | | bare phone essentials. However, they are |
| device. Lo and behold, LG was next inline | | | | candybar styles, which means the Firefly |
| offering their version called the Migo. The | | | | antenna is located within the phone unit and |
| LG VX 1000 Migo is a CDMA enabled handset and | | | | does not protrude out. This means cellular |
| operates on the Verizon network. | | | | frequencies are closer to the brain. The |
| | | | question now revolves around how early is too |
| This article doesn't look at the | | | | early for exposing kids to cellular |
| practicality of the devices, but compares the | | | | frequencies on a regular basis? On one hand |
| two against each other; which device should | | | | you don't want to risk your child's health, |
| you buy if you had the choice. Since both | | | | on the other hand scientific research is |
| operate on different networks this means if | | | | still inconclusive when it comes to cell |
| you're already with a carrier your choice may | | | | phone 'radiation'. The juror is still out on |
| be restricted. As stated, the Firefly | | | | this one, be your own judge regarding the |
| operates on the GSM network (T-Mobile, | | | | health impacts. The Migo's SAR rating is |
| Cingular, Rogers), and the Migo operates on | | | | 0.915 w/kg when held up to the head, below |
| the CDMA network (Verizon, Sprint, Telus? or | | | | the legal limit of 1.6 w/kg and also below |
| Bell?). The thing with GSM phones is you | | | | the Firefly's level of 1.322 w/kg. The Migo |
| could potentially purchase it 'unlocked' and | | | | antennas are outside of the phone as well. |
| activate it on any GSM network provider of | | | | |
| your choice. You cannot do the same with | | | | Conclusion: Both phones offer pretty much |
| CDMA. If you're purchasing for the first time | | | | the same features and are built in the same |
| and will choose between the two networks | | | | way. If you're on a network already and just |
| (Cingular and Verizon in the States) then the | | | | want to add a kid phone then it's Firefly for |
| rest of this review will help your decision | | | | GSM and Migo for CDMA. Simple. If you're |
| making. | | | | getting a phone on a new network then it |
| | | | seems the Firefly wins by an edge. This |
| Weighing in at a paltry 56 grams, designed | | | | article does not investigate the durability |
| to accommodate smaller hands, the Blue and | | | | of the phones because they are both so new |
| Pink Firefly measures 1.75 x 3.46 x .79, | | | | (the Migo especially), nor does it look at |
| weighs 2.12 ounces, offers up to 2.5 hours of | | | | the sound quality. Both phones are near equal |
| talk time, and up to 100 hours of standby; a | | | | in this respect, however, the Firefly seems |
| bare bones 850/1900 MHz GSM cell phone that | | | | to be built stronger and the Migo appears to |
| permits parents to limit outgoing calls to | | | | have marginally better sound in preliminary |
| certain numbers and also sports 'mom' and | | | | tests. Remember, a teen will not enjoy these |
| 'dad' buttons for quick dialling. | | | | phones for their basic nature, but your young |
| | | | child may benefit from the added security. |
| Conversely, the green Migo measures 1.77 x | | | | Firefly seems to offer more in this security |
| 3.42 x 1.07 weighs 2.4 ounces, offers 4 hours | | | | detail. So for now, points to Firefly, |
| of talk time, but unfortunately no prepaid | | | | barely.Visit DiscussWireless for consumer |
| options are available with this phone. | | | | driven support forums for all cell phone |
| Network: CDMA; High-Speed Data: 1xRTT; | | | | brands, PDA devices, and cell phone |
| remember, neither phones have Bluetooth, | | | | providers. Review your favorite cell phones |
| cameras, or any additional features common on | | | | or purchase and compare prices of cell phones |
| regular phones. The phone also shows 5 | | | | in the compare and review section. |
| buttons for quick dialling and emergency | | | | |