Yes, yes, the LG 9800 is indeed a
thing of beauty…but I just don’t think that I can get past the “form factor.” Having the phone keys on the outside of the phone - unprotected - is just weird now, after having experienced the joy of the clam-shell style flip-phones for the last couple of years. And the 9800 is, quite plainly, a bit bulky. So. Did a little more research and found what I think is the ideal phone: the
LG VX-8100. Like the 9800, it sports the Mobile Web 2.0, which is what I’m really after with my next phone; it also has a 1.3 mp camera, an MP3 player with stereo speakers, a mini-SD slot, and the other
standard features. I don’t need the full QWERTY keyboard of the 9800; my T9 skillz are adequate for phone-based texting. The only thing that I’ll miss with the 9800 is the slightly larger screen. So the 8100 is likely my present to myself this holiday season, and the price is right: free (with on-line discount and New Every Two discount). Unless, of course, you good folks have any cautionary tales or horror stories about the 8100…?
December 6th, 2005 at 1:17 pm
You may ask if they fixed the bluetooth issues. When I looked at this last spring it was not working with other BT products.(made it useless with my PDA)
December 6th, 2005 at 1:23 pm
I can’t fathom owning a non-GMS phone. I love being able to switch to whatever phone or PDA suits my fancy/destination/activity/outfit for the day!
December 6th, 2005 at 6:12 pm
At the Verizon store, the sign next to the phone proclaims all of the virtues of BT, so I assume (!) that they’ve “unlocked” the BT capabilities…
December 6th, 2005 at 11:36 pm
Ask…the sign could be the original…CellularPlus had a sign like that but when I asked it was nothing but a headache for the employee who owned one. Have you checked the rating online for that phone?
December 7th, 2005 at 12:57 am
According to several of the reviews I’ve read, the BT issue is now resolved…and most of the reviews from users give the phone between 3.5 and 5 stars (on a 1-5 scale), so it looks quite promising.
December 7th, 2005 at 9:29 pm
As your friendly neighborhood Verizon manager, I’ll settle the issue — the BT issue has long since been solved, it’s a Bad Ass phone, the 8100 is a helluva’ lot more user friendly than the 9800, but if you really want my opinion go with the Samsung 970 or wait a few more days and get the RAZR. The Samsung is kinda’ pricey cuz it’s brand new but it has the same software as the 8100 so very easy to use, a better camera and better video features, and all sorts of other fun stuff. Of course, I also think everyone should own the Samsung i730 PDA so what do I know…
December 7th, 2005 at 9:44 pm
Amber, you saved the day - thanks for the timely tips!
December 7th, 2005 at 11:34 pm
Did u say RAZR?!! Woo Hoo!!
I’m gettin’ that one!
:)
December 7th, 2005 at 11:40 pm
Amber- is V cast coming to GF? (LOL)
December 9th, 2005 at 11:08 pm
OK Dave, I got the 8100 today. The BT issue I had with it does exist. I still love the phone!
*dances around keyboard*
December 13th, 2005 at 2:11 am
Sorry kids, no V Cast for awhile… It’s overpriced anyway… ;o)
December 13th, 2005 at 4:03 am
using the web 2.0 costs! holy cow…we have choosen to not use the phones much this first month cuz it is going to HURT!
LOL the cost of cool!