Design
The i325 IS is candybar phone on steroids, built extra-tough for construction and utilities industry users. In fact, it conforms to military standard 810F for blowing rain, humidity, and salt fog. That means it's designed to withstand exposure to rain, sleet, and snow. The rubber encasing, interior linings and seals protect the phone's long whip antenna, speakerphone, keys, battery door, and accessory connections against water intrusion.

And what does the "IS" stand for in this phone's name? It means that the phone is rated "Intrinsically Safe." More specifically, it has been approved by FM Approvals and The Canadian Standards Association as intrinsically safe for use in Classes I, II, III, Division 1, Groups C, D, E, F, and G. It's also suitable for Class I, Division 2, Groups A, B, C, and D when used with the included Motorola IS battery.

The phone sports a 96 x 64 TFT color display. The speakerphone unit resides on the rear of the phone, while the trademark Direct Connect and menu scrolling functions can be controlled from the side of the phone. The phone's control pad also features a four-way button that can control most of the phone's functions. There's also a 2.5-millimeter headset jack for connecting a hands-free headset.

Calling Features
The i325 IS's built-in address book can store up to 600 contacts for quick and easy management of phone numbers and email addresses. The phone comes with built-in polyphonic ringtones plus a vibrating alert. Voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names, while a built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. A "Surveillance Mode" profile setting allows you to change user settings to eliminate vibrate, screen backlighting, or sound. The mode must be used with a headset or an earpiece accessory. Meanwhile, you can access recent sent and received calls for quick call return or number storage via the recent calls list. And if you have an emergency, the i325 IS's GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911.

One of the key features of any Nextel phone is support for Nextel's Direct Connect walkie-talkie technology. The i325 IS fully supports the service, which allows for one-touch conversations with anyone else on a Nextel phone, or with entire groups of Direct Connect users. It's like a having a CB radio with enough range to cover all of North America, Canada, and Latin America.

With the i325 IS's powerful Direct Talk function you can also communicate in walkie-talkie mode when you're not even connected to the network. The system works anywhere, anytime between compatible phones within a range of up to 6 miles (range will vary based on terrain and conditions). Direct Talk provides a reliable back-up communications tool in times of emergency, network outage, or when traveling to remote areas not under Nextel coverage such as hiking, cruise vacations or inside buildings. And last but not least, the i325 IS features a walkie-talkie private speaker button. This switches from the external speaker to the earpiece for private conversations or to minimize disruptions in quiet environments.

The 325 IS also features an emergency group call button, which is usable by public sector employees only. With the easy-to-find orange button you gain priority and preemptive access to network resources during times of heavy congestion. When you initiate an emergency group call, other calls are preempted to allow the emergency call to go through. All members of the talk group receive priority treatment for the duration of the call.

Messaging, Internet, and Tools
Text messaging is supported by the 325 IS, and T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users. Getting on the Internet anywhere is easy with the i325 IS, as well. Nextel's optional wireless data packages allow you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. Nextel Online also features games, ringtones, realtime news and sports updates, virtual address books, and more-- all delivered to your Nextel phone.

The i325 IS is packed with a number of Java games and applications. Plus, it's compatible with Nextel's full range of mobile GPS software and services. For instance, you can choose TeleNav for audible GPS-based driving directions or Mobile Locator, which allows you to view and monitor employee locations in real-time, either singly or within a group, on a zoomable online map (Nextel GPS services require a subscription).

The phone also features a voice recorder that lets you capture memos or phone conversations for future playback of phone numbers, tasks, or driving directions. Of course, the caller must notify other party of any call recording!