Casio G'zOne Brigade brings whole new level of rugged insanity to the QWERTY clamshell
We've seen some crazy phones in our day, many of them from Casio, as it turns out, but the G'zOne Brigade really pushes the envelope. It's a ruggedized, weatherproof, Push to Talk QWERTY clamshell, with some of the odder physical protrusions we've seen on a handset this decade. Unfortunately, the QWERTY keyboard, which is populated with large and very clickable keys, is arranged in possibly one of the least sensible layouts conceivable. Software-wise the handset runs the full gamut of V CAST apps and also includes a document viewer for opening Microsoft Office files and PDFs. Price and availability info will be revealed "closer to launch."





















God...it's so...ugly!
in a pretty kind of way...
Like if Frankenstein's monster had a baby with... Alicia Keys...
and named it Wesley Anthony
not gonna lie... i don't hate it
This phone looks gorgeous. I like the keyboard layout. It may not be what the intelligentsia prefer, but reviewers tend to want to be able to use a device instantly... deviate from the norm, and they find it bizarre, when really, it's a ten minute learning curve for 2 year usage device... easy to accept if you're cool with it.
Great and different.
Oh look, it's a netboo- oh snap...
Had I not already drunk the Droid kool-aid I'd be seriously considering this phone. Really like the design, looks like a pleasure to compose an SMS on.
sad but true: my next phone...
not a bad idea. Solid phone on a solid network. I do like phones that feel strong in your hand. You have the confidence of taking them anywhere. This ain't no pansy phone.
Awesome ! Easy texting for your dynamic GI-Joe !
For what it does (and being a casio) its not bad ..
its like the date you would hit but not tell anyone
your secret squirrel phone
Thus reminds me of openpandora. I would have liked clicky keys on that device but they're making way for gaming controls. I'm jealous that casio could fit in a phone.
I honestly like this form factor. seems like the internal screen could be bigger though. what os/processor does this have?
I could never get used to the space bar being between the B and V keys.
I'd rather have the space key between the B and V keys ... than not have a dedicated number row.
WANT! It matches my Casio Pathfinder Titanium GShock! :D
I've had various forms of the G'z'One for the past... well, since they first came out. For several years, I worked out side pretty much all day long, and the things survive. Gonna get a Droid now because I don't need that kind of durability anymore and want a smartphone, but I would get one of these Casios if I wasn't upgrading.
Cool. Very, Steampunk!
I like it.
That horrendous VZW user interface makes it even worse. You can bet that the device originally shipped with something way more elegant and easy to use.
it's not that bad these days... I can't believe people still use the vzw interface argument. also, just like the two clam-shell regular phones that casio has made for verizon, this was probably crafted just for the carrier as well. just like how LG makes special phones just for verizon. they actually sit down with the manufacturer and talk about how verizon will add support for the special hardware features of that specific model and it's the ONLY OS actually created for the phone.
If you can tolerate living in D.C. and being a Nationals fan then the VZ user interface should be a breeze for you to tolerate.
The crummy VZW UI won't be a problem for me much longer, since I'm getting an iPhone next week. Living in D.C. and being a Nationals fan should leave me well prepared for tolerating the crap AT&T network, though.
My G'zone boulder has broken more than any phone I've ever owned. I dropped when I was standing up and the plastic clip that held the battery in snapped off, so now I have duct tape holding the battery on. I'm sure my experience is the exception and not the norm, but it is forcing me away from the Brigade.
Thus reminds me of openpandora. I would have liked clicky keys on that device but they're making way for gaming controls. I'm jealous that casio could fit in a phone.
Did someone say P'zone? I'm hungry.
Mmmm... sounds good
This totally reminds me of the phone that was used on the anime "Eden of the East"! Great anime, but what a weird phone design!
http://www.anime4breakfast.com/blog/wp-content/88380-advancedmodel_super1.jpg
http://www.anime4breakfast.com/blog/?p=607
Noblesse Oblige
That thing is crazy. I actually really like it though! The keyboard looks great.
Can I get one with Android 2.0 built in?
I actually kind of like how it looks rugged.
Man, there's this thing on new cameras called a flash. It lights up your subject for brighter shots, so the dark edges and details of your subject aren't lost in the background.
True story.
I was just about to ask:
Were these pictures taken by Mr Blurry-Cam's cousin Mr. Afraid-of-bright-lights?
What? No Way! That's almost as amazing as this thing I head of about these new fangled monitors. Apparently there is this setting in them that lets you adjust something called brightness so you can see images the same way everyone else here is seeing them.
No BS.
If this had android I would be off T-Mobile so fast... anyone know if its possible to port Android to this?
Rugged qwerty clamshell with a somewhat big screen inside?
Count me interested.
but from the looks of it, this probably runs some weird proprietary OS with no use, apart from the built in crap.
qwert
I love this form factor. I still don't understand why Nokia never did a US 3G spec E90. Touchscreens are nice for the kids but serious work needs a Qwerty and something that won't be destroyed it I happen to put it in the same pocket as my car keys.