Motorola Renew W233 Phone, Green (T-Mobile)

By Motorola on June 24th, 2009

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Motorola Renew W233 Phone, Green (T-Mobile)

Customer Rating: Rating 3.0 out of 5

(8 Reviews)

List Price: ~~$159.99~~
3 new Offers available from $16.00

* as of Thursday September 9, 2010 02:05:07, America/Chicago

Product information Brand: Motorola
Publisher: Motorola
Category: Wireless
Release Date: October 1, 2008
Model: Renew W233

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Features

World's first mobile phone made using plastics comprised of recycled water bottles--case is 100 percent recyclable
Compatible with T-Mobile's MyFaves service--unlimited calling to your five most called contacts
Handsfree speakerphone; text and picture messaging; MP3 player; CrystalTalk technology reduces background noise
Up to 9 hours of talk time, up to 432 hours (18 days) of standby time
What's in the Box: handset, battery, charger, quick start guide, user manual

Accessories

Editorial Review

Amazon.com Product Description: Get all the communication features you expect from Motorola while reducing your carbon footprint with the Motorola Renew W233 from T-Mobile. Not only is the plastic housing of Renew made from plastics comprised of recycled water bottles and 100 percent recyclable, but it is also the world's first carbon neutral phone.

The Motorola Renew is the world's first mobile phone made using plastics comprised of recycled water bottles.

A great phone for those just looking for the basics in mobile communication, the Renew will keep you connected to your closest friends and family members with T-Mobiles myFaves (offering unlimited calls to your five most-used phone numbers) as well as via SMS text and MMS multimedia messaging. The phone also features Motorola's CrystalTalk technology to helps reduce background noise, a speakerphone for handsfree conversations, digital audio player, MicroSD memory expansion (to 2 GB), and up to 9 hours of talk time

T-Mobile Service
The Motorola Renew operates on GSM 850/1900 networks and is compatible with T-Mobile's myFaves service, which allows you to call up to five of your most common contacts--on any network, even landlines--without using any of your minutes. Learn more about myFaves from T-Mobile.

Download cool new games, HiFi Ringers (real songs by today's hottest artists), MegaTones (instrumental versions of songs), and wallpapers quickly, as well as stay connected via the Web, instant messaging, and email.

Phone Features
If your eco-conscience has been nagging you lately, the environmentally responsible Motorola Renew was designed for you. The phone made from 25 percent post consumer recycled plastics, and its plastic case is 100 percent recyclable. It's also the world's first carbon neutral phone. Through an alliance with Carbonfund.org, Motorola offsets the carbon dioxide required to manufacture, distribute and operate the phone through investments in renewable energy sources and reforestation. The phone has earned Carbonfund.org's CarbonFree Product Certification after an extensive product life-cycle assessment.

A no-frills communicator, the Renew is a great mobile voice and text/picture messaging companion.

The box packaging has been reduced by 22 percent in comparison with standard Motorola packaging. Additionally, the reduced package size and weight helps to reduce transportation emissions. Minimizing its carbon footprint through energy, transportation and material efficiencies this device does its part reduce its climate impact.

A no-frills communication partner for your on-the-go lifestyle, the candybar-style Renew has a 1.6-inch LCD screen (128 x 128 pixels, 65K colors) and a standard alpha-numeric keypad. Sitting between the keypad and display are a four-way navigator, send/end keys, two soft navigation keys, and a dedicated digital audio player key. The phone has a small amount of internal memory--enough to store 500 contact entries as well as ringtones and other information--and it can be expanded via optional MicroSD memory cards (up to 2 GB in size). The phonebook can store multiple numbers per contact entry and is compatible with ringer groups as well as photo/ringer ID. Other features include the most recent 10 dialed/received/missed phone calls, a protected USB port on the right side, and a protected headphone jack (2.5mm) on the left side.

Motorola's innovative CrystalTalk technology automatically accounts for background noise during a call and adjusts the audio quality based on ambient noise conditions to provide the optimal conversational experience. CrystalTalk also reduces the volume of the background noise picked up by the microphone during a call, making it possible to be more easily heard over the phone while in a noisy environment.

If you need text messaging capabilities, the Renew has you covered as support is built-in for sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages. T9 predictive text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built-into the unit--a plus for text messaging users.

Other features include:

GPRS data connectivity
Handsfree speakerphone
Polyphonic and MP3 ringtones
Vibrating alert
Digital audio player compatible with MP3 files
Tools: Alarm clock, calculator, calendar, voice memo
Downloadable games (Java MIDP 2.0)
Web browser (WAP 2.0/xHTML)

Vital Statistics
The Motorola Renew weighs 2.93 ounces and measures 4.37 x 1.77 x 0.58 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 9 hours of talk time, and up to 18 days of standby time. It runs on the 850/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS frequencies.

Customer Reviews

It is, indeed, a phone

by Susan (Arizona) 2010-08-30, 0 people found this review helpful

It makes phone calls. It receives phone calls. It can also send and receive text messages. It has tetris. It's easy to turn on and off. It was cheap. The case is made of recycled plastic so that's nice. I like the color of the case (green so you remember that it's an "enviro-friendly" device).

Sometimes, the phone freezes when dialing and you need to take the battery out and put it back in again to reboot it. The good folks at T-Mobile tell me this is normal. I don't believe them.

Although it says mp3 on the front panel, I was never able to get it to store music. Another reviewer figured out how to do it but you'd be better off having a separate mp3 player rather than bothering with it on this phone.

It definitely is a nice, sturdy little beast. I got it to replace a much fancier but unfortunately, more delicate phone. I've had it for over a year and the battery life seems to be diminishing. When it becomes unusable, I look forward to replacing it with a less environmentally conscious phone with some fun bells and whistles.

Buy it for 'just a phone'

by Madmallard 2010-07-14, 2 people found this review helpful

Motorolla makes a big deal that this phone is environmentally friendly; made from recycled plastics and other materials.

Truthfully, I believe them. In fact, the packaging it came in is probably the least EV friendly thing about the product.

Here you have a basic GSM phone. You can goto another website that Amazon's editors 'redacted' from my review, and that site actually has REALLY good tech details on this and any other phone. It would only make sense if they actually provided a fraction of the detail that you can get the scoop on, but their approval process on notes apparently needs better oversight. So instead I'll focus on actually using the phone here.

This phone doesn't actually support any syncing of any of its applications, like its organizer. It DOES have a microSD slot (2gb). The literature from Motorolla isn't very clear, but there are 2 drivers for this phone, both can be downloaded for free on their website. One is for 'power charging' thru USB, the other is for accessing the phone as a data device (pc only). This lets you copy music MP3s, MID, and a few other formats over to the microSD card on the drive. (You could also just use a card reader ahead of time, which I would recommend, as the phone is very slow, usb1.1 slow.)

It comes with a 2.5mm stereo earbud/handsfree headset, ac charger, sim card, and ...that's about it. You have to buy a microSD card if you want to play MP3 because the phone has no usable internal memory you can access.

Physically, it's your basic candy bar phone. Call sounds clear, reception holds pretty well. The LCD is bright and vibrant even in direct daylight, but it is very laggy (ghosting response time is probably above 100ms). The buttons are VERY firm and 'clicky'. I prefer this as it resists accidental dialing in your pocket. A standard mini-usb jack is on one side for data/charging and the 2.5mm jack on the other. The speakerphone is very loud and clear.

Software: The music player has no extra features, like eq, but the scan/seek, shuffle, play and volume are simple and responsive. It has a picture jpg viewer. It includes 2 full-version games of Sudoku and Tetris (both versions by EA) instead of crippled demo-games. The calender scheduler is easy to read, the alarm clock is straight forward...

Ask me for more details if you want, but this is a really decent 'phone-first' cell phone that has an mp3 player.

Cons discovered after 2 months of ownership:

Either I have a bad unit, or the quality of firmware programming for this phone leaves much to be desired.

1:Even if the phone is set on VIBRATE ONLY, it will still chirp a tone out when the battery reaches 'low.' Thats a majorly dumb oversite of the firmware programmer. If you want a phone to be quiet, that doesn't mean "except for the battery getting low, go ahead and make distracting noises then."

2:Battery performance very erratic. Talk time battery life is predictable, but all other uses good luck at predicting it. It will drop from full battery to one battery bar inexplicably.

3:Sometimes when powering on, the phone doesn't load the MicroSD slot, requiring a power cycle/reboot. This means it also forgets all your ringtones that are on the card.

4:When the media player finishes a song/playlist, it emits a terrible subsonic noise. I wouldn'tve noticed it if I didn't have it plugged into a big stereo when playing. It goes away when it changes menus.

5:The keyguard time-out isn't adjustable... happens too quick for me.

6:The t-9 entry method isn't selected by default, and you have to pick it EVERY time you make a new txt.

If you buy this for 'Just A Phone' you'll be ok. But all the extra features they gave it to give it some value are so buggy...

if you just want a cell phone, this is the BEST!!!!

by E. Anne Fischer 2010-07-27, 1 people found this review helpful

call clarity is exceptional and better than any I've ever had.

Prepaid with tmobile is also wonderful.

For the whole year it's cost me $40.00!!!!!

I am thrilled with the phone and the service.

Carbon Neutral Phone?

by camui_gackt_fan 2009-04-25, 15 people found this review helpful

The W233 Renew is a cute little phone with basic features. The phone came with a simple manual, battery, AC charger, and stereo headset with mic. The W233 will accept a standard MicroSD card (not included) up to 2GB for picture & MP3 storage. The MicroSD slot is located under the battery. The handset and speaker phone audio quality is surprisingly good, the CrystalTalk noise reduction feature works well. The battery life is tremendous, so you don't need to charge it all the time. Two games are included on the W233, Sudoku and Tetris. If you need a low cost phone that feels solid, the Motorola W233 Renew is just what you need. What is good for the environment is good for you too!

Fairly decent. Easy to use

by Hannah L. Williams 2009-07-23, 1 people found this review helpful

After my previous phone's screen broke last weekend, I was trying to decide whether to just get the screen fixed or whether I should check out a new phone. My warranty was up, and fixing the phone would have costed $30, but I wouldn't have had it for about 2 days. I decided to head over to T-Mobile because I had been looking at some phones online. I decided on this phone easily. While it's features are basic, it's very easy to use, and the design is very cool. I've gotten multiple compliments, and some people even said that they wanted the Renew also, but they would have to change networks. The reason I really decided to buy this was because it was cheaper than most phones, it has a sleek design, and it is environmentally friendly.
The only downside I would have to say is that it is "supposed" to have a nine hour talk time. I would have to say that it's not even close to that. While I do tend to play the games fairly often (Tetris and Sudoku are included! And they're not just lame demos), I have noticed that the battery gets low pretty quickly. I have charged it with my old Motorola charger as well as with my new one. My new one seemed to do a better job than my old one, but I'm not really that impressed with how I have to charge it every day. Oh, and the ringtones and backgrounds are pretty limited, but you could just download some I guess.
Other than that, it's a nice phone. It automatically locks when you're not using it so that it doesn't dail anyone from your pocket or purse without you knowing.

Looking For a Simple Phone? Look Elsewhere! The W233 Is More Trouble Than Its Worth!

by deal_king 2010-08-30, 0 people found this review helpful

The firmware on this phone is like something out of the 1980s. Nothing works properly. And by the time you find out, it will have already screwed up your life.

1) DO NOT get this phone if you want to store or backup your text messages or your contacts. There is no way to do so. Motorola Phone Tools is not compatible with it. And when you breathe a sigh of relief when you see an option for "Move message to SIM", you will have a heart attack when you see that the Sent Folder (Outbox) does not have any of the same options. This means that you can backup only your inbox but not your outbox or any other box for that matter.

2) Imagine having a 200 text messages and having to delete them one by one on an extremely slow phone. There is no way to select multiple texts.

3) There is no way to sync anything stored on your phone with your computer. And I do mean "ANYTHING".

4) None of the menu options are consistent- its like a 5th grader designed it. The inbox has options that the outbox doesn't have. The delete options for call histories mean different things in different menus- and you will only know when its too late.

5) The manual doesn't cover the use of 60% of the features.

6) The default message center settings are set to save text messages to the SIM, but they save to the phone instead. (Even when the SIM is empty and has tons of space). I needed to store my text messages for legal purposes. When I called Motorola, they told me that there was no way to backup text messages.

7) The volume from the handset is not bad, but when you plug in a headset at maximum volume, the volume will be very low- low enough to make you miss out on half the conversation.

8) Frequent loss of signal unrelated to provider or sim card. Phone will randomly go to "Emergency Service". You will have to turn it off and on again to get your signal back.

9) The missed calls will say that you received 8 calls but only show 2 caller ids--- which means that you don't know how many times each caller called.

10) Call histories erase and rewrite over each other, despite numerous calls from same person.

11) Excessive menu options and confirmations to delete anything- whether it be a call history, text message, contact. Imagine clicking 6 keys just to delete one message, and then having to do it for 100 different messages.

12) Phone locks the keypad too quickly and there is no way to change the settings. You will spend half your time unlocking your phone.

13) The predictive text for text messages is worse than the Nokia I had in 1995. It doesn't learn. It takes forever to insert punctuation.

CONCLUSION: Stay away. This phone will drive you absolutely bonkers. It's like they never tested it with real users.

Great basic phone - good reception, sound and battery life

by Guy Rouillier 2009-07-22, 7 people found this review helpful

Pros: I have very basic needs in a cell phone: I just talk with
co-workers. Important features to me are good reception, long battery
life and ease of use. The Renew offers all of these. I also wanted a
speakerphone. Buttons have nice tactile feedback.

Cons: My previous phone was a basic Nokia, and they do the user interface
better. Battery reserve and signal strength icons are hard to read. The
speakerphone is of marginal quality; I found it annoying after about 20
seconds. Buttons are on the small side

Summary: I've only had the Renew for a couple weeks after my previous
phone wore out. I'm getting used to it, but the major features I want
all work well. Text is easy to read, but the indicator icons (battery
and signal strength) are not very pronounced and difficult to interpret.
My previous Nokia had even lower resolution but managed to convey that
info clearly.

The Renew's green features are what prompted me to take a look. The MP3
capability is handy but I doubt I'll ever use it. Others have reported
that 8 GB microSD cards work, although only 2 GB is advertised. The web
browser is fairly useless because of the small screen.

This phone is an excellent basic cell phone, but if you are looking for
smart phone features, this phone won't fit the bill.

Nice looking phone but contacts and calender does not work as advertised

by Phillip Jones 2009-12-18, 9 people found this review helpful

This phone is small, light, nice looking and inexpensive.

The big problem with it is that Motorola Phone Tools (latest version is currently V5.24a) doesn't recognize the phone. This means that, you cannot sync your contacts or your calender to your computer, backup your contacts or transfer your old data from your previous phone.

According to the Motorola customer support message boards, the phone will never be supported by motorola phone tools, not for a technical reason, rather the functionality has been deliberately withheld. So despite what you may read on Motorola's main website, much mobile phone advertising, and review sites that claim to have tested the phone; but clearly just paraphrase the marketing materials (I'm looking at you CNET); the phone will never sync your calender or contacts with outlook and you'll never be able to backup or import your phone data.

You can transfer music to it, but there's a trick to it. You have to plug the phone into your USB port and quickly follow a prompt on the phone's screen to switch to storage mode. It then pretends to be a thumb drive.

So in conclusion, the phone is hobbled, and by Motorola's own admission, deliberately so. In my opinion, it is deeply disrespectful of Motorola to pull this bait and switch on it's customers. Shame on you, Motorola.

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