Customer Reviews

Celio REDFLY C8N

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

If you have a compatible smartphone, this is the handiest accessory you can have. In a package of less than 2 pounds and measuring 6 x 9 x 1 inches, you have the logical extension for your smartphone, giving you a very sharp 8 inch screen, a suprisingly usable keyboard, two USB slots that can be used to hold flash drives.

You connect your smartphone via a USB cable or Bluetooth and you have everything you need to do your business. Essentially, you've just tied a dumb terminal to your smartphone. There's no software to load, no settings to fiddle with, no hassles or problems.

Your smartphone screen is now on the 8" Redfly screen. Instead of the miniscule keyboard on your smartphone, you use the surprisingly capable Redfly keyboard. (I'm not sure of how they did it, but the less-than-full-size Redfly keyboard doesn't feel cramped to my large hands.)Connectivity and application software are supplied by your smartphone.

Quite frankly, the Redfly allows you to go without your laptop on many occasions. You can use Windows Mobile Office or pick up one of several office-like applications that are more powerful. Adobe Acrobat Reader (or a third party programs) allows you to readPDF files comfortably. You can browse with your smartphone's install of Internet Explorer, Opera, Skyfire or other browser.

It is a pure hoot to use this two pound wonder. You can throw it into a small bag and carry it everywhere. The idea of harnessing the power of your smartphone, leveraging its connectivity, built-in computing power and applications. Plug in a flash drive, which are now available in 64GB capacities, and there's little in the way of typical productivity work you can't get done.

The rechargeable battery will last 8 - 9 hours on a charge and recharge your smartphone over a USB connection.

Are there drawbacks? Yes. You are limited to the capabilities of your smartphone, so viewing online Flash movies will most likely be out of the question and your smartphone processor may not be anywhwere near as speedy as you would like when you are banging out a long memo. The battery is not removable: there are people who need even more than 8 or so hours on a charge. The power adapter does not have foldable prongs which makes it unnecessarily difficult to pack in a carrying bag.

Beyond that, the Redfly comes close to being an act of technological brilliance. It takes advantage of the increasing power of smartphones and makes them more usable, without making the technology more complex. Nice move!

My review, by the way, is based on the C8 model, which is the same as the C8N except for the plug-in video import capability.

Jerry

What can I say about the RedFly. This is a ingenious product. It makes so much sense to harness the power of a smartphone and display it on a nice big screen with a full size keyboard for input.

The great thing about it is that you dont have to buy any software. You don't have to worry about loosing data or having hard disks crash. You don't have to worry about viruses or keeping anit virus software up to date. You don't have to worry about fire walls. You always have a good fast free Internet connection (though your smartphone). You always have your data with you (in your phone) even when you don't have your Redfly with you.

This thing is real well made. Its built like a tank and has better build quality than my Dell laptop. The battery life is incredible and it keeps my smartphone battery topped off at the same time. It takes about 1 second to boot up (try that on your netbook). The bluetooth connection is instant, fast, and stable.

I could go on and on but I think you get the idea. Lately I have been enjoying watching movies through my ipod touch on the Redfly big screen. Very slick!

Bottom line is that you have a good smartphone there is no reason anymore to carry a big heavy, expensive laptop. Get a Redfly and lighten your load!

I have been looking for a (reliable) way of getting a larger screen and keyboard for my Windows mobile phone for a LONG time. Celio delivers here with a very well thought out device with great customer service! (take advantage of the complimentary 15 min overview).

Being a network admin requires near 24x7 access to the network. Not having to lug my laptop around wherever I go (and much cheaper than paying for cellular modem card) is wonderful!

this is a very well made and thought out product. it is perfect for the traveler or even someone who doesnt travel but doesnt want to lug a laptop around with them. I use it for taking notes in college classes and it's amazing battery life is very handy. very handy and thoughtfully designed product.

This is a clever concept, badly executed. I purchased the Mobile Companion for use with my Blackberry Tour, one of the BB models specifically listed as compatible. Not so. The screen resolution was terrible (and not adjustable). More seriously, when using the web browser, the Companion's cursor was not usable. My suspicion is that the device was designed for use with Apple I-Phones and then adapted for the Blackberry, based on the instruction manual, which devotes far more space to addressing I-Phone issues and features than to the Blackberry. If you decide to try the Mobile Companion with your Blackberry purchase it from Amazon.com even if it is a bit more expensive than from BlackberrySource.com. Amazon.com will refund your money if the device doesn't work properly with your Blackberry; Blackberry Source will deduct a 10% restocking if you return it for a refund.

NOT SO FAST. The Redfly Companion my not work as expected depending on your security settings. Most companies are moving to a more secure mode of connectivity with their pone products. This means your Smart Phone Bluetooth setting cannot be set to "Discoverable" mode. Therefore, the Redfly paring is a one-way street not allowing the phone to discover it like other Bluetooth accessories. Because of this you cannot pair your Redfly to work un-tethered. Most inconvenient. However, if you don't mind having your phone hooked up with the USB cable, go for it.

Ordered Redfly C8N expedited to show to project team. Box arrived - Fedex container was sealed but internal box was opened - unit had no power supply, no instructions, no registration, plastic not sealed, obviously one somebody returned and didn't bother to put the pieces back in. Called their "help" number, it says open from 8 to 6 Mountain Standard Time. Was a few minutes after 6 MST - but it still switched me to customer service and said wait on the line. Did that for 15 minutes and gave up. That a returned unit could get mixed up with new outbound product says there's one workbench with new boxes right next to another workbench with returns, right next to the family car...! Crap!