Review: Kajeet Phones

I recently introduced you to a pay-as-you-go cell phone provider aimed at kids, called Kajeet. The idea behind Kajeet is to make a cell phone that both kids and parents will like. Kids can enjoy fun things like texting, games, and ringtones, while parents will appreciate options like the “Time Manager” and the GPS phone locater.

Kajeet phones are pay-as-you-go, and you can set up a virtual “Wallet” that both the parents and child contribute to. This way, adults can set a limit on how much is spent on the phone per month, while helping their child understand money management. By having a set amount in the wallet, kids can choose how they want to use their phone to make the most of the existing balance, and make their own allowance contributions go farther. Kajeet’s motto is We believe kids are smart. They’re aiming to make a cell phone service that is practical without dumbing it down, which I think is great. (And let’s face it, kids are usually a lot more tech-savvy than we are.)

I have been testing out a Kajeet phone for the last month or so, and gotten a chance to see how it works. The model I received was the LG160, and the first thing I noticed was how it was more advanced than my own phone! This “little kid’s” phone is far from childish – it features a flip top, text messaging, speakerphone, voice-activated dialing, and more. My primary cell phone is from 2005, which is positively ancient by tech standards, but it still works; if ain’t broke, why fix it, right? Suffice to say, the LG160 is a lot more hip than what I’ve been using.

When I powered the phone up, the cheerful Kajeet mascots did a little dance on the screen as some peppy music played (I wish my phone was that cute!). I had a look through all the features, and decided to send a text message as a test. I’ve sent maybe one text message in my life, so this was exciting new territory for me! I hit the wrong button on accident and ended up sending typoed gibberish, but it was still a milestone.

My Kajeet Wallet had been pre-filled so that I could test the phone out; so, like the responsible adult that I am, I immediately spent almost all of it purchasing a ringtone. (Hey, it was the new Maroon 5 single!) You can really see where the Wallet could teach kids some valuable financial lessons, after you realize that you have five cents left to call with after buying that snazzy ringtone.

Overall, I thought the Kajeet phone was really fun, and I think there’s no doubt that kids will like it; and I also think parents will appreciate the user controls and the fact that it enables you to work with your child to make decisions regarding its usage. The only problem I encountered was that I could not get the Google Maps to open, although I tried installing and re-installing it multiple times. Then again, you heard how savvy I am with texting – it could just be that I’m too old for this phone!

If you’re interested in learning more about Kajeet phones, check out this post or visit Kajeet.com.