Verizon Cell Phone recommendation

[VTGreg]

I've had my LG for over two years now and am ready for a new phone. I'm looking at the Motorola V265 and the LG VX7000 (I need a tri-mode phone). Has anyone had any experiences with either of these phones?

Any other suggestions? My requirements for the phone are tri-mode, flip phone with an outside display. Bluetooth would be a nice to have, but is not a show stopper if the phone isn't solid.

I'm not looking to spend anything on the phone after rebates and the $100 credit, but am willing to spend a little for a good phone.

[Cubsfan]

I thought the VX7000 was all Digital?

I have the VX6100, and I'm quite satisfied with it. Camera sucks, but I think they all pretty much do.

[SmokeyDP]

The VX7000 is ONLY digital. The Verizon phones with bluetooth are all digital. The E815 is the hottest phone out right now and sports a GREAT battery life. But its only digital. If you want one that still has analog then go with the VX6100.

[VTGreg]

Sorry about that, I meant the VX6100. The Motorola V265 is Tri-mode and has bluetooth capabilities though.

[Itsme]

I'm in the same boat. On Monday I can get a new phone since my 2 years are up. It looks like they are pushing the Motorola V265. I real some months ago about Motoroal getting ready for its first low cost phone...this must be it.

I looked arouind the web and read various user reports. All seem to say (1) it feels cheap...plastic, and (2) the qualtiy of the camera is very poor.

I wish they had a good deal on the Razor...sounds like it's really good.

I've always had Motorola phones...for the past 10 years. I wonder if it is time to try Samsung, or others. LG always looked low end to me.

[AlpineJay]

I have the E815 and so far love it. You can actually hack the BT to uncripple it and to enable OBEX. Free ringtones and getting pictures off of your phone!

I think on a non-PDA level, the E815 could very well be the best VZW phone that can be had at a reasonable price. I'd at least give it a hard look.

Also check out www.howardforums.com for more info. They have an extensive community that you can get a lot out of.

[Itsme]

I did a google search on the E815...the first one up was this....

Motorola E815 Cell Phone
Verizon Wireless and Motorola Launch New V Cast Powerhouse - The Motorola E815

Capture, View and Experience Life's Moments Quickly and Easily

Verizon Wireless, the nation's leader in wireless broadband services, and Motorola, Inc. (NYSE: MOT), a global leader in wireless communications, today announce the availability of the Motorola E815 consumer handset. The latest addition to the V CAST lineup, the Motorola E815 delivers Verizon Wireless' hot V CAST wireless broadband multimedia service and a host of other cutting-edge features -- such as a 1.3 mega pixel camera and embedded Bluetooth technology for hands-free communication

The Motorola E815 takes on-the-go entertainment to a new level with Verizon Wireless' V CAST multimedia service which enables consumers in the V CAST service area to access short video content on-demand, including current news, weather, sports and entertainment programming. With V CAST and the Motorola E815, Verizon Wireless customers can also download and enjoy 3D games and music videos, view concert performances from favorite artists and short programs designed specifically for mobile phones, and experience other compelling video content.

The Motorola E815's impressive photo, video and music options, coupled with capabilities to access Verizon Wireless' leading wireless broadband multimedia service makes the Motorola E815 a fully loaded handset offering customers the latest in technology:

Features and Specifications

1.3 Mega Pixel camera with flash, 4X digital zoom control, 5 and 10 second self timer, four resolution settings (120 x 160, 240 x 320, 480 x 640, 1024 x 1280)
Bluetooth Wireless Technology -- Supports headset and hands-free profiles and allows phonebook/datebook synchronization with compatible PCs with optional Verizon Wireless Office Kit or Motorola Mobile Phone
Tools kit (does not support OBEX Profiles, including transfer of games, ring tones, picture and video messages)
V CAST- and Get It Now-enabled -- Allows customers to use on-demand video services and download and play advanced 3D games; Get It Now offers a library of more than 500 downloads including ring tones, games, messaging options and more
Mobile Web 2.0 capable - browse the latest news, weather, sports scores and more
PIX Messaging-, TXT Messaging- and EMS Messaging-capable
Memory Expansion Slot
Datebook, calculator, alarm clock and contact directory that stores up to 1000 contacts
Advanced speech recognition
Polyphonic ringer and sound capability
Built-in speakerphone
TTY and TDD enabled for the hearing impaired
All Digital
1XRTT & EV-DO high speed data capable
Dimensions: 3.69" x 1.89" x 1.01"
2.2" 176 x 220 internal screen up to 262K colors
1.3" 96 x 64 external color display up to 4K colors
Weight: 4.6 ounces (with standard battery)
Up to 280 minutes usage time or up to 280 hours standby time

The Motorola E815 retails for $99.99 after a $50 rebate and two-year customer agreement and is available in select Verizon Wireless Communications stores, including those in Circuit City, and select Best Buy and select RadioShack stores nationwide. For more information on Verizon Wireless products and services, visit a Verizon Wireless Communications Store, call 1-800-2 JOIN IN or go to www.verizonwireless.com . For additional information on Motorola products, please visit www.hellomoto.com.

Pro Review:
Mobiledia.com Reviews the Motorola E815 and they write -"Americans love clamshells. Nokia and Sony Ericsson have dabbled in folding design, but are far better known for block form factors; often struggling with the trade-off between keeping the size small while fitting a large screen. For the majority of flip phone enthusiasts, many converted in the late 90s with the introduction of the StarTac, there's no substitute for a Motorola clamshell..."

[ramazank2]

If you want a good phone you need to kick verizon....

[Itsme]

I'm confused on price.

I have the plan that gets me a new phone every 2 years, or a $100 credit towwards a more expensive phone.

On the Verizon web site it shows the various VZW capable phones, with a price. Is that the price I have to pay, meaning it already has taken the $100 credit? Or, can I take the $100 credit off that price?

For instance, the E815 is shown as $99. Is that free to me, or do I pay the $99?

[bachviet]

I'm confused on price.

I have the plan that gets me a new phone every 2 years, or a $100 credit towwards a more expensive phone.

On the Verizon web site it shows the various VZW capable phones, with a price. Is that the price I have to pay, meaning it already has taken the $100 credit? Or, can I take the $100 credit off that price?

For instance, the E815 is shown as $99. Is that free to me, or do I pay the $99?
You pay $99. That's the price after $100 credit.

[DJjeff1080]

I have a LG 6100 too. It works fine, but I need to get a new phone as I am giving mine to my sister. I have been looking at the specs for that one as well as the motorola 815 that everyone is talking about. Anyone have any opinions or experience with the LG 8100?

ramazank2- Most of us know that Verizon phones are inferior, but it is a tradeoff for the great reception.

[AlpineJay]

8100 is the most anticipated phone at the VZW section of HoFo. The jury's split on the E815 and the 8100 but most feel that a direct comparison is not fair because Motorola geared that phone towards a different audience - 8100 definitely has more features and bells and whistles.

It's widely known that Motorola phones do the best with Verizon Wireless in terms of radio. I can say that I am a witness to this whole thing, because the difference in signal reception between my old VX6000 (LG) and the E815 - which I now own and have hacked to unlock Bluetooth :P is huge. I get signals in areas where the LG have had issues. This is mainly between NJ and MA and the states in between.

The all-digital aspect of the phone so far has not hurt the signal in the areas I've been. VZW has very little analog coverage that is getting phased out so I believe that is not really a big issue - unless you consistently go to areas where you get an analog signal, then it may be a big issue for you.

[SmokeyDP]

I heard the E815 has much better battery life also.

[ramazank2]

ramazank2- Most of us know that Verizon phones are inferior, but it is a tradeoff for the great reception.

Think what you want. I have no reception problems with my kickass phone on tmobile service. And I can use it practically anywhere in the world. Just pop in a prepaid SIM.

http://www.mobile-phones-uk.org.uk/nokia-6170.htm

[DJjeff1080]

The prepaid sim card thing is great. I just got back from a summer in europe and I had to borrow a friends unlocked t-mobile phone so I would have a phone there.

I spend a lot of time in rural areas for wakeboarding and off road driving. I will have reception 3x as often as my gsm friends. The only company that comes close when we are 20 miles from a small city in the middle of nowhere is sprint. If I just spent time in a major city, T-mobile would be at the top of my list. Good phones for a fair price.

[Itsme]

I got a great deal today. I emntioned that my two years were up, so I went to my local Verizon store to get a new phone for me and for the wife.

I got an E815 for me, and 265 for my wife. Plus, they gave me the $50 package of case, earphones, and car charger for me, and the similar $50 package for my wife. One month of free V CAST trial....all this for $60. I think what they gave me was the business price, even though I don't work...am retired.

[DJjeff1080]

Itsme-What store did you go to? When I went to my local verizon wireless store they quoted me $99 with a 2 year contract plus full price for all of the accessories. In the past I have been able to have some flexibility, but not today.

[AlpineJay]

I just hacked my E815 successfully to have OBEX Bluetooth enabled, along with the read/write/copy functions between the phone and the TF card. In short, I can now throw all the ringtones as I want onto my phone without paying 25 cents a pop through VZW - same with pictures!

Those interested please PM for more info.

[Itsme]

Itsme-What store did you go to? When I went to my local verizon wireless store they quoted me $99 with a 2 year contract plus full price for all of the accessories. In the past I have been able to have some flexibility, but not today.

Sorry for the delay in replying. I went to the Verison store in Carmel Mountain Ranch in San Diego.

I think the key to getting it under $99 was telling them I was a "business user."

[ski]

Is the E815 the same as the V710 but quad band? Maybe I'm thinking of something else.

[SmokeyDP]

The E815 is a completely different phone with more advanced features

[gear02]

I ordered mine from amazon since it's only a 1 year contract and it's free after rebates. But they still haven't shipped my order :(

[guiseppewv]

You can order the E815 from Motorola for free after rebates too. :)

[DaFunkyUnit]

I wish they had a good deal on the Razor...sounds like it's really good.

well, Verizon doesnt have the Motorola Razr... yet. Rumor has it that it will be available around December.