Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I'm ranking this 4 stars against the other phones that verizon has to offer. So the only reason it is 4 stars, its the only pocket pc available from them currently. A Samsung i730 is due out -soon- whatever that means.. but i couldnt wait.
The good:
+Touch screen phone buttons
+Large vibrant color screen
+Battery life is great (for me), I noticed someone wrote a review mentioning battery life was bad. That is true if you have Bluetooth on all the time.
+Slide out QWERTY keypad that lights up for visability
+Microsoft Operating System, and limited versions of Outlook, Excel, Word, Internet Explorer
+Ability to write on the screen anywhere with stylus and have it recognize handwriting
+SD Memory port
+Bluetooth
+A decent Digital Camera built in
+Ability to get POP3 or IMAP email (unlike proprietary palm or blackberry)
+Plays mp3's and media with media player 9
+Terminal services
The Bads:
-Internet Explorer revision is 4.0 and it is locked by default so i cant install an update.
-Cant seem to install software easily or the phone is completely locked from putting anything non verizion on it.
-Handwriting recognition is fair at best. It seems to recognize cursive better than manuscript. I've tried to customize the letter menu to how i write, but after spending a hour doing so, it worked worse than it did with defaults.
-Cant use MP3 ringtones, must be .mid or .wav (what were they thinkin on .wav??? if you cant do mp3)
-Bluetooth kills battery life
-No 802.11x wireless
-Screen Scratches fairly easy
The Ugly:
--Had it lock up a couple times where i couldnt do anything and had to pull the battery.
--Earpiece on phone is not very loud
--Ringers are not hardly noticible in volumeIf there were any other options pocket pc wise on Verizon, I would definately look in to them. But this is the only thing they have and its better than blackberry and palm, even with its problems. I love the email abilities of this phone, and the scheduling is great, plus you can link up to your PC and sync them.
I can live with the various glitches here and there, but the ringer and earpiece volume is something they didnt think through so well. A speakerphone would have also been nice. The phone does have some great portable features in excel, word and the browser isnt too bad. Its fairly quick browsing internet considering its using the standard phone network. But the browser does limit you to what kinds of sites you can go to because of its 4.0 revision.
One thing I thought was pretty nifty is the terminal services or remote desktop client thats built in. I was able to log in on one of my web servers and poke around.
This phone definately has some good features and some irritating qualities. So until Verizon releases the Samsung pocket pc, I have to rate this the best phone they offer.
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Audiovox XV6600 PDA Phone (Verizon Wireless)Powered by the Windows Mobile 2003 operating system and with support for corporate email accounts, the XV6600 is designed for maximum efficiency, wherever you are. A full color display slides down to reveal an integrated QWERTY keypad, while integrated Bluetooth keeps you on the cutting edge of connectivity. It's the ultimate power tool for mobile professionals.
Design The XV6600 follows the standard form factor of the latest Pocket PC devices, with one major addition; as mentioned, a sliding QWERTY keyboard is hidden below the screen. A generous, 240 x 320 full-color touchscreen display dominates the face of the unit. Just below the display is a five-way selection button that allows you to navigate and control the Windows Mobile interface. Meanwhile, shortcut buttons positioned both above and below the screen offer quick access to your Outlook calendar, contacts, messaging, Internet Explorer and more. Alternatively, the device can be directly controlled with an included stylus that slides out of the rear of the XV6600's case.
Under the hood, the XV6600 sports a 400 Mhz Intel PXA263 CPU with 128 MB of RAM and 64 MB of embedded flash memory storage. The unit's SD IO memory slot supports additional flash-based memory so you can expand available storage. The Windows Mobile 2003 Pocket PC operating system is completely touchscreen-enabled and features advanced handwriting recognition that is compatible with all of the device's applications. There's a standard stereo 2.5mm headset jack, while USB data and charging is handled by the XV6600's docking ports on the bottom of the device.
Calling Features Many of the XV6600's calling features are integrated with the Windows Mobile operating system. For instance, the included Pocket Outlook software features a contacts list that is cleverly integrated with the phone's dialing functions. Meanwhile, the phone's handwriting recognition software can be used to dial numbers and enter contact information. The XV6600's built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Polyphonic ringtones are available, as is a vibrating alert. Caller ID and call waiting are also supported. Lastly, the XV6600's Bluetooth connectivity makes it easy to sync the unit with a wide range of handsfree, wireless headsets and car kits.
Messaging, Internet and Tools The XV6600 is designed as a complete mobile office solution, so Internet and messaging capabilities are robust. The unit comes packed with pocket versions of Outlook, Internet Explorer and MSN Messenger. In addition to keeping track of contacts, Pocket Outlook features integrated calendar and email functions. Microsoft's ActiveSync software keeps the device synced with all of your PC's Outlook information (via USB, IR, or Bluetooth connection). Users who want Internet connectivity on the road with their laptop or PDA can tap the XV6600's wireless modem capabilities (Verizon Broadband Access data plan charges apply). Verizon's next generation EV-DO broadband wireless network is compatible with the unit, meaning you can tap into blistering Internet speeds in areas where EV-DO coverage is provided (see below). Meanwhile, the unit fully supports basic text messaging, as well as multimedia messaging (MMS).
A generous toolset ships with the XV6600's Windows Mobile 2003 software. Pocket Outlook includes to-do lists while pocket versions of Word and Excel are included so you can review and edit documents on the go. A calculator, alarm clock and voice memo recorder round out the tools package.
Entertainment The XV6600 delivers the ultimate music experience. You can store MP3 files and easily exchange them with your PC or stream them from the internet. The included Windows Media Player application can also play videos for even more mobile entertainment. The XV6600's wallpapers and screensavers can be customized to suit your tastes. Windows Mobile and Java-based games are also supported.
EV-DO Wireless Broadband CoverageLearn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered. View EV-DO demonstration.
Vital Statistics The Audiovox XV6600 weighs 6.8 ounces and measures 4.9 x 2.7 x .7 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.6 hours of digital talk time, and up to 144 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
What's in the Box XV6600 handset, USB Sync Station, lithium-ion battery, headset, spare stylus, travel charger, 22-pin DC jack converter, carry case, user manual, quick start guide, companion CD.
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