|
| Verizon XV-6800 Smartphone (Verizon Wireless) | 
 enlarge
| Brand: HTC
Category: Wireless
Buy New: $299.99
New (2) from $299.99
Avg. Customer Rating:  13 reviews
Sales Rank: 9991
Color: Blue
Media: Wireless Phone
Battery Type: Lithium Ion
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0
Dimensions (in): 0 x 0 x 0
Model: XV-6800
UPC: 044476802386
EAN: 0044476802386
ASIN: B0011FQR96
Release Date: December 18, 2007
Shipping: Eligible for Super Saver Shipping
Promotion: Data not available Terms and Conditions
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
|
| Customer Reviews:
 Great Replacement for my Sidekick February 6, 2008
11 out of 11 found this review helpful
I needed to move from T-Mobile over to Verizon, which was a painful thing for me as I've owned a Sidekick since the first color ones came out. I was up to a Sidekick 3, and did not even give that up when my husband offered an iPhone because I didn't want a virtual keyboard. I use my phone as an email device and a web browser first, a phone second.
Being able to browse the web without going through Danger's servers first, and seeing an IE view of the internet is a wonderful thing. I can't tell you enough how happy it makes me to be able to just go directly to a website. I can see things on sites that used to be filtered.
I am still getting used to the keypad, but it's not as bad as some of the other Verizon phones (the LG ENV for one). I'm not sure I follow the complaints in some of the other reviews about the touch keypad. The punctuation is clearly available without having to go into the numbers. Now on the real keyboard, that's an issue, but I'm getting used to it.
I have also had no problems making calls, but remember, I'm comparing this to a Sidekick, and that was a crappy phone. I think you do lose something when you have a PDA phone, and that's when bluetooth headsets shine. If you talk on the phone a lot, I would suggest you get a dedicated clamshell phone as I have yet to fine ANY PDA phone that Excels (and that includes Treo, Blackberry and iPhone).
 5-Star PDA + 3-Star Phone February 5, 2008
37 out of 37 found this review helpful
You can find a great phone or a great PDA, but combine them and even the best smartphone will fall short in some respect. Understanding which tradeoffs fit your profile is the key. You will appreciate the XV-6800 if you: 1.) Have ever been called a nerd; 2.) value an endlessly customizable productivity and entertainment gadget; and, 3.) can live with okay-not-great phone functionality. On the other hand, if you are a power phone user (and/or prefer a simple interface to one with exposed complexity), you may find a simpler cell phone a better choice.
A WORD ABOUT THICKNESS
There's a widely-accepted myth that phones with slide-out keyboards are thick because of, well, the keyboard. It's not true. Like cell phone screens, they're wafer-thin: It's the battery (typically located beneath the keys) that's to blame. Because consumers comparison shop for long talk/standby time and power-draining features (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth), hefty batteries are a necessary evil.
The XV-6800 is a case in point. At about the size of an elongated Altoids tin, and weighing 5.8 ounces, it is objectively neither large nor heavy. Yet at 1.2 ounces per cubic inch of volume, pick it up and "solid" comes to mind. It's like the old trick question, "Which weighs more: a pound of feathers, or a pound of iron?" Anyway, something to keep in mind about weight and form factor.
AS A CELL PHONE
Strictly as a cell phone, the XV-6800 is competent. Reception is good, especially given the internal antenna. Voice quality is okay; speakerphone volume could be better. Power phone users may prefer a device with real (not graphical) keys; getting the keypad screen back on to input numbers or navigate phone trees is often an extra step. After the voice speed dial function kept popping up for no apparent reason, I disabled it.
SCREEN
The QVGA (320x240 pixel) touch screen is bright (adjustable in 10 increments), with good contrast, and rich color. At 2.8 inches, there's less "screen door" effect than with larger QVGA screens. Web pages render well, and even the tiny text found on non-mobile optimized web pages is quite readable.
KEYBOARD
About a second after the back-lit QWERTY keyboard clicks open, the screen switches from portrait to landscape viewing mode. Keystrokes offer positive tactile feedback and a muted click to let you know you typed a letter. After a couple of minutes getting used to the function key, you will find yourself thumb-typing away. If you simply can't deal with tiny keyboards, you can always summon the familiar graphical keyboard and hunt-and-peck using the stow-away collapsible stylus.
OPERATING SYSTEM & SOFTWARE
The phone ships with Windows Mobile 6.0 operating system (OS) and Windows Mobile 6 Professional. The OS is stable and seems more crash-free than previous versions, and is helped by the device's abundant memory. Included are pleasantly usable mobile versions of Adobe Reader, Excel, Word (intuitive, with lots of formatting options), and PowerPoint. The Internet Explorer Mobile browser works well (there is a handy launch button top right on front), with websites downloading quickly where the Verizon EV/DO data network is available.
Before considering this device a laptop replacement, though, see if creating spreadsheets and composing documents on a 2.8-inch screen is an appealing idea for you. I don't mind it, but if you are moving toward reading glasses and large text, you may be happier knowing they're there to read email attachments.
RANDOM SETUP TIP
After extensive troubleshooting and re-installs, the device was still not recognized by my PC. Here's what worked: Start > Settings > Connections tab > USB to PC. I then un-checked "Enable advanced network functionality." If it doesn't do the trick, you can re-enable it and move on.
CAMERA
The two megapixel (1600 x 1200) camera takes pretty good pictures. The many edge-of-screen icons suggest daunting complexity, but they are actually an advantage because you won't have to navigate through pages of menus just to check settings. There is slight shutter delay (this is won't replace a serious camera), but for a smartphone, it's better than you would expect. One other note: What looks like an exposed lens is actually a clear and fairly hard lens cover. It is slightly recessed and seems unlikely to scratch.
CONCLUSION
Overall, the XV-6800 is a powerful, flexible, configurable device that will be more rewarding for a tech-savvy user than for someone who thinks of it as "a cell phone with extras."
great phone - don't believe the nay-sayers February 2, 2008
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
OK this is my fourth smartphone -- first I had the audiovox (HTC Typhoon), then the i730, and finally a Q -- so I consider myself somewhat experienced with smartphones.
This smarphone is a real gem in my opinion.
Small and comfortable in hand or pocket it is a good size.
Connectivity is the biggest plus on this little guy - I can connect to Wi-Fi at home while still being connected to the verizon cell phone signal - a big plus for me as the i730 would shut off the phone function when the Wi-Fi was engaged. I'd bet the i760 which I nearly got does the same thing. This ability to surf the web for free at home w/o missing a phone call is great for anyone like me who doesn't get the data plan.
Apps are easily loaded - I've got sbp pocket plus running on there and it improves the interface nicely and also supports finger scrolling (ha iphone users take that!)
Only cons I see are;
1. the stylus is too small (but hey I've got finger scrolling so I don't need it!)
2. it could use a little less plastic and more aluminum to give it a more solid feel
Review based on previous reviews February 2, 2008
16 out of 16 found this review helpful
I own this phone and judging from what the other reviewers state, I would never have even tried it. However many items reviewed as negative were either based on their knowledge of pda-phones or the Windows mobile operating system, (which is standard on most all phones of this style) and several things I read were not accurate. I previously owned the X6700,which this phone replaced and have found it to be a great improvement, especially with the internet connection speed over Verizon's network as well as more memory and faster response time for programs. Windows Mobile 6 is also more stable and necessary resets are a thing of the past with this phone. WIFI may also be turned off and on with this phone saving battery life yet allowing me to connect to my home and office network at will.
Note that there is a learning curve that is needed to operate the phone as it is unlike a regular cell phone, but this should be expected as you can do so much more with the xv6800. For the sake of clarity, will list features I would like to respond to that other reviewers felt negatively to.
Voice dial: Yes it is useless but Voicecommand by microsoft is a wonderful program that will fit the bill, (the voice recognition is great)Not free but there are lots of freeware for windows mobile.
Onscreen Keyboard: While I don't use it that often, this came with windows mobile, not the phone. Resco Keyboard is inexpensive as a replacement and looks just like a standard keyboard with the shift functions etc. just like a standard keyboard.
WIFI: This phone will connect with ANY wifi network successfully after being configured. I have used it in the airport, home and office to connect to the internet and other computers. Very handy! I suspect the previous reviewer did not set up the wifi correctly and this is where the problem originated they complained about.
Verizon Network. Network speed really depends on where you are. At home I have gotten 450 to 600kps but I live in the only area of town that does not have evdo! At work I have gotten 1500kbs which is better than my dsl at home! I do have the unlimited data plan but if you do not want to use it and do not want the phone to auto connect check out forums like pdageeks and there are easy ways to disable it permanently.
Email: Verizon supplied direct push software can check your personal or business email as often as every 10 minutes depending on how you configure it, but be prepared to take a hit on battery life for frequent checks. It works quite well but my only compaint here is that the filter for junk email doesn't screen well enough for the amount I still recieve. Luckily I have it go to my 4gb data card that has enough room so I only have to delete it every few days.
Battery life: I have seen complaints about battery life but I personally have had no problems. With light use, I have gone for three days between charges but as with most pda phones, nightly charging is recommended and that is what I try to do. I have not tested, but have listened to music continously on a 4 1/2 hour car trip via the headset and still had well over 50% battery available that night when I plugged it in.
Bluetooth: I have a stereo bluetooth earpiece that I use in the car and at home as it has a second removable earpiece to use when listening to music. Works fantastic and I don't have to deal with cords but music sounds wonderfull! (plantronics) However when I am not using it, I turn the bluetooth off if I think about it, to save battery life especially if I will not be at home to charge the phone. A button on the right side of the phone brings up the comm manager with one push making it easy to do. I also use this unit as a GPS with a mini bluetooth unit from deluo (less than $80) So this phone does double duty in the car and is just as good as my old tomtom! without any charges for service.
Camera: The camera is definately much better in clarity and brightness in comparison to the 6700 but don't expect it to replace anything but another camera phone. It shouldn't be expected to compare with a real camera though in my opinion.
In conclusion,I am extremely happy with this phone. When I first began using windows moble, there is a learning curve, but once I felt comfortable with it, would never think of going back to palm based systems. Almost anything you want can be customized. For the reviewer who didn't like the number of menus need to access a certain function, all buttons can be remapped to run a program or a function easily and many replacements for features such as keyboard or voice software are replaceable although not all are free.
My initial problem with the phone was with the volume, I had problems hearing callers even at full volume, almost sent it back until I found an easy and free fix at the phone forums. The only other issue I am aware of is the alarm function failing to wake up to phone while charging for those who use it as their morning alarm, there is a fix for this on the forums as well but I have not tried it since I don't need the function.
Verizon does offer a 15 day free test drive where you can return the phone without penalty even if you just don't like it and want something else so there is little risk of getting stuck with something you don't want.
 Advertised WIFI Connectivity of NO Use January 25, 2008
12 out of 25 found this review helpful
This review focuses on one heavily promoted aspect of this phone and one which was a major part of my decision to buy - WIFI connectivity. I have found very little useful information about the phone's WIFI capability except confusion and false data on internet review sites. Many questions have been asked by the phone's owners and potential owners, but I have found no tangible, positive information showing that the phone can connect to the internet via WIFI. Thus this review.
Verizon advertises that the XV6800 phone has WIFI connectivity. Using WIFI, you should be able to connect to the Internet using MS Mobile's Internet Explorer and connect to email via Outlook without paying the monthly data access fee that Verizon charges for this type of phone (approximately $45/month). Their advertising does not say that you can do these things. It simply states that the phone has WIFI. I opted out of Verizon's data access plan with the idea that I would use WIFI only. After all, Verizon's advertisements do claim the phone has "WIFI connectivity" - with the clear implication that you can use the connection productively! And true enough it does have WIFI. But I found out that once connected to WIFI, you cannot do anything with the connection. It's sort of like driving down a dead-end street. It gets you no where.
All of the many professional reviews of the XV6800 phone I have read on many websites promote the wonders of the WIFI connectivity. But I highly doubt that any of these reviewers actually tried to do anything with the WIFI connection or investigated the WIFI features in depth. The XV6800's configuration options do not provide for using WIFI to connect to the Internet via Internet Explorer or to email via Outlook.
As an aside and for comparison, I bought my wife an Apple iTouch MP3 player for Christmas. The iTouch has WIFI connectivity too. And it connected to our wireless network with no effort and no problems -- automatically. And it accesses the Internet via WIFI with no problems. Not so with the XV6800.
Yes, the phone recognized our network and connected to it. But from there it was all downhill. Outlook on this phone does not allow any other service provider than the Verizon Wireless network. This is not WIFI! It is the wireless data network they want you to pay $45/month for (or possibly even much more if you connect to their data network and you don't have a data plan). There is simply no option to use WIFI with Outlook. In fact, there was no option period. The Verizon Wireless Network is the only "option". It does not allow configuration of WIFI as a source for email.
It also does not allow WIFI as a source for internet connectivity. Thus, the WIFI connection is useless. There is no option for WIFI. And when I tried some other option, it always tried to dial the Verizon Network anyway.
These are good things to know if you are planning to use WIFI and WIFI is a major part of your purchase decision as it was mine. In that case I suggest you research this aspect thoroughly! I should have done that rather than buy the phone and then have to return it.
I suggest going to a Verizon store and have them SHOW you how WIFI works and that it works. Advertising WIFI connectivity certainly implies that you can do the typical things WIFI provides such as internet connectivity, email connectivity (via the internet), etc. And you shouldn't have to be a rocket scientist to do it. The Apple iTouch is an example. It works. The Verizon XV6800 does not.
As a result of my findings, my XV6800 phone is being returned to Verizon and they have a very unhappy customer.
This review is based on my hands-on experience with the phone. I hope it has been helpful to you.
|
|
|
Copyright
©
2006 Adminpal LLC | |
