JCB ProTalk Toughphone deals & review

The Pro-Talk is the top-end answer to JCB’s budget Tradesman Toughphone, the world's first-ever floating cellphone. It may not be cutting-edge in the connectivity stakes, but it will survive rough treatment, is easy to use and gives dependable call quality.

The chunky handset is crafted to fit the hand or pocket, sitting at 126 x 60 x 22 mm. The Pro-Talk is guaranteed to be water and dustproof, and comes in JCB's distinctive gold-and-black coloured casing. The compact 2.2" display will probably not win any awards for style, but is very clear and readable. The resistive touchscreen may seem less responsive than rivals, but it purposely increases functionality outdoors and in bad weather.

The capacity for dual SIM means an end to carrying two phones, or continuously changing SIM cards. The capacity for SIM-specific ringtones means instant recognition as to whether a call is business or personal. The 8-channel two-way radio is clearly another nod to the tradesman's market, reducing the need to carry more devices in the toolbelt.

A standard GPS allows for basic navigation outdoors, and a nice touch for the out-doorsman is the inclusion of a wind-up charger. You need never be without power, even in the most remote locations. The 2MP camera takes reasonable photos, and the LED flash doubles as a torch for unlit rooms or when night falls.

Call signal is consistently reliable, as there are far fewer conflicting antennae compared to other smartphones. Of course, this is because the Pro-Talk has neither Wi-Fi nor 3G capabilities. The Pro-Talk relies on Bluetooth and GPRS for connectivity, and this makes for comparatively simplistic internet experience. Accordingly, the reduced drain on power resources enhances an already superb battery life, allowing the Pro-Talk to last well into a second day with frequent usage.

The virtual keyboard and keypad are a little small, meaning people with larger fingers may have to jab at them with a pen. This potentially hampers text-messaging. As a smartphone, the Pro-Talk is fairly basic with a less-than-sophisticated navigation system, and only basic connectivity. Entertainment options are tellingly few with the “Games” mysteriously located in the “Business Zone”, and limited to Tetris and Magic Sushi; but then as we’ve noted, this is no-nonsense territory.

As the name Pro-Talk suggests, it is geared primarily towards reliability and making calls (remember when phones used to be about that?), on top of being able to withstand some harsh treatment. The phone is definitely aimed at the construction tradesman or outdoorsman who needs to maintain communication while in an environment without sockets and Wi-Fi hotspots.

The other JCB Toughphones, most notably the Tradesman, provide similarly robust but cheaper alternatives. The Tradesman may not have dual SIM capability or the two-way radio capabilities, but can withstand rough treatment at very affordable prices. For those who covet more connectivity, there's the similarly chunky Samsung Solid range, featuring the Immerse, which is 3G, dust-proof, and water-resistant for half an hour's immersion. Then for those who want the more complete smartphone aesthetic, the Motorola Defy+ looks smart but acts tough, offering a large touchscreen that is still dust-proof and water-resistant.