Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've been looking for Smartphone for the last year but there was not folder Smartphones until this one on Verizon network, and I really didn't want any other form factor. I considered switching to Cingular when 3125 was released but reviews weren't that good and I really didn't want to leave Verizon. So when PN-820 was released I decide to give it a try.
At this time I've been using this phone for 2 weeks and I am keeping it. My rating for this phone is 4 out of 5.
The most important factor for me is how the phone performs it's main function - making and receiving calls. If I were not satisfied in this area I wouldn't keep it. I can report that this phone performs great. Good sound quality, loud enough, no dropped calls, good signal strength. Battery life is satisfactory considering this is a smartphone.
It is a little bit larger than I would prefer, especially considering external antenna stub. If antenna was internal the size would be almost perfect.
Don't be in a hurry to get extended battery unless you are a heavy user. I don't talk much on the phone but tinker with its features and standard battery easily lasts for 2 days. If you work with computers I would recommend getting extra data cable to charge it at work via USB port.
Using this phone as a smartphone:
The amount of applications for it is endless, the customization is limitless. Great gadget!
T9 works great for occasional emailing. For heavy emailing you definitely need something with full keyboard or touch screen and on-screen keyboard.
Internet browsing is surprisingly usable but you should prefer websites geared towards the mobile devices. Also you may want to try Opera browser
Entering user names, passwords and URLs gets annoying fast :D
Unless you are on unlimited data plan watch out for data usage! It can get expensive really fast.
I tried using this phone for navigation with Mapopolis and compared it with Mapopolis running on my Axim x51v PDA. Let me just says that I am not getting rid of my PDA. Program performs almost the same on both devices but larger screen on Axim and touch screen make it much more convenient. Basically, for any planned long distance driving I will keep using Axim, for anything else PN-820 is good enough, especially for walking. Works great with GPSlim 240 BT GPS.
Skype works fairly good, but you can only hear the other party on the speaker. Again, WATCH OUT FOR DATA USAGE!
Voice command work great for me, but apparently not so good via BT headset - I don't have BT headset and can't comment.
Things I don't like about this phone:
1) Almost useless external display. It's not on all the time, only lights up for the event or when you press the button. The reason is most likely power consumption, but why couldn't they make it black-and-white so that it doesn't need permanent backlight and can stay on all the time? I don't care for camera preview on this display.
2) In the bright sunlight it's somewhat difficult to see the display (internal and external)
3) Proprietary connector - why not just use mini-USB? The reason is obvious - to make ridiculous profit on accessories, but I don't have to like it.
4) Keypad back light times out too quickly and there is no way to change it.
5) Alarms/Message notifications only ring once. I was really surprised by this. Admittedly it seems to be a "feature" of all smartphones, but it doesn't make sense to me. There is third party software to fix that.
6) It seems that camera lags about 2 seconds, but I personally don't care about the camera at all.
7) I wish Verizon offered the version of this phone without the camera - I would prefer smaller size, better battery life and reduced complexity.
8) Antenna stub makes it somewhat large than I prefer. I carry my phone in the pocket and this size is already pushing it. If I didn't want a smartphone I would never consider the phone of this size.
9) There is no note taking application built in.
Update: It is now November 2008 and I still use this phone. It is very stable - I never have to reboot it.
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Verizon PN-820 Phone (Verizon Wireless, Phone Only, No Service)The Verizon PN-820 gives you smartphone functionality with the elegance and convenience of a flip-style design. With the PN-820, you can send email, browse the Internet, and play tunes/videos with the included Microsoft Windows Media Player. In addition, you can sync important information with your PC via the supported Wireless Sync or ActiveSync protocols. Other features include a miniSD card slot, Advanced Voice Command and EV-DO BroadbandAccess Connect capabilities, Bluetooth technology, and a 1.3-megapixel camera with flash. Simply put, the PN-820 offers complete mobile freedom in a small, yet powerful smartphone, and is the perfect complement to Verizon Wireless service.
Design Under the hood, the PN-820 features the Windows Mobile for Smartphones version 5.0 operating system--a powerful OS for a seemingly low-profile clamshell device. Flip open the phone, and you'll find a large 240 x 320 color display and support for a whopping 65,000 colors. A generous, full-color 1.07-inch full-color supplementary screen on the outside of the handset can display incoming call information, battery life, signal strength, graphics, photos, and more. The built-in 1.3-megapixel camera lens is housed just above the outside display. Most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's backlit control pad, while volume keys can be found on the left and camera/voice keys on the right. The PN-820 also features a MiniSD slot for expandable memory. Bluetooth support for handsfree devices is also included, while the built-in stub antenna ensures crystal clear calling. Lastly, USB data connectivity is built right into the phone.
Calling and Smartphone FeaturesThe PN-820's calling and Windows Mobile smartphone functions are designed to provide an integrated, seamless experience. As a phone, the PN-820 features all the functionality folks expect from a cell phone, including a handsfree speakerphone, polyphonic ringtones, and picture caller ID. Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile combines email, calendar, contacts, tasks, and notes into a single application that seamlessly integrates with the PN-820's phone functions. Meanwhile, headsets, car kits and other wireless peripherals can also be paired with the unit via Bluetooth.
Staying productive on the road is made possible by the Microsoft Office Mobile suite, which includes Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint Mobile. The included File Explorer application makes it easy to browse the files on your PN-820.
Messaging and InternetThe really big news about the PN-820 is that it supports Verizon's BroadbandAccess high speed wireless data service, allowing you to get DSL speeds wherever you have broadband data coverage. And what can you do with all that speed? Surf the Web faster than ever before using the bundled Internet Explorer application, or log into Pocket MSN and check your Hotmail, use MSN Messenger, or browse the MSN Mobile portal. Robust SMS and MMS functionality is built into the Windows Mobile interface, too.
One of the most important tools bundled with the PN-820 is Microsoft ActiveSync, which allows you to quickly synchronize your device's tasks, calendars, email, and contacts with your desktop. You also get Exchange ActiveSync, an application that lets you synchronize data with an Exchange server. Syncing can be done wirelessly via Bluetooth.
A generous toolset ships with the PN-820's Windows software. Pocket Outlook includes to-do lists while pocket versions of Word and Excel are included so you can review documents on the go. A calculator, an alarm clock, and a voice memo recorder round out the tools package. Lastly, if needed, the PN-820 can be used as a modem for laptops and PDAs, giving you Internet access whenever, and wherever
Imaging and EntertainmentAnother great feature of the PN-820 is that it supports Windows Media playback right out of the box. With Windows Media Player 10, users can play video and audio content in a variety of formats, even purchased music from "Plays For Sure" supporting stores. Save your songs to a memory card with a capacity that's right for you. You can even pause to take a call without missing a beat.
The PN-820's built-in camera has an integrated flash and the ability to take 1.3-megapixel stills. While the camera is great for taking stills, it can also function as a camcorder, allowing you to capture video to the unit's memory. An integrated media application organizes your captured photos and videos.
And last, but certainly not least, the PN-820 keeps the fun going when you've got some downtime with great gaming ability.
Suggested Service OptionsTo get the most from the PN-820, you'll need to choose two additional service features on top of a voice plan. First, consider a Verizon BroadbandAccess plan, which also includes lower-speed data access in areas where broadband service is not available. If you are a frequent SMS or MMS messaging user, it's a good idea to get an Unlimited IN messaging plan to avoid pay-per-message charges.
EV-DO Wireless Broadband Coverage Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.
Vital Statistics The Verizon PN-820 weighs 3.92 ounces and measures 3.84 x 2.03 x .78 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.33 hours of digital talk time, and up to 6 days of digital standby time. It runs on the CDMA 850/CDMA 1900 frequencies, as well as the EV-DO and 1xRTT data frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.Note: The PN-820 supports the Wireless Headset and Handsfree Bluetooth Profiles. It does not support all Bluetooth Object Transfer (OBEX) Profiles.
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