Amazon.com Product Description

Star Wars fans rejoice! You can now get your z500a phone that comes preloaded with exclusive Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith content. Included are a C-3PO voice tone, TIE Fighter sound effect tone, Classic Trilogy Heroes exclusive graphic, Darth Maul graphic, demo version of downloadable game: Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, and a video clip of the AT-AT Approach scene--plus, you get access to download even more.

Incredible style meets powerful substance in this clamshell from Sony-Ericsson. With dual screens, a VGA camera with video capabilities and support for high-speed EDGE data networks, the z500a is a serious next-generation phone. It's the perfect handset for folks who want to get all the latest wireless goodies in one chic package.

Design
Sony-Ericsson's reputation for cutting edge design has been brought into the clamshell arena with the z500a. There's a 128 x 160 display housed under the cover while the outside sports a supplementary 96 x 32 color display that can display time, call information, battery and signal strength, and more. The VGA (640 x 480) camera is housed on the front cover as well. The z500a uses an internal antenna-- nothing to snag or break off-- and a five-way button just above the dial pad is used to control most of the phone's menus and features. Up/down buttons on the left side of the phone can be used for quick volume control and menu navigation. USB data and charging ports, as well as a headset port, are located on the phone's bottom edge. And because the z500a's front and rear faceplates are changeable with Sony-Ericsson Style-Up covers, you can dress it up to suit your style.

Exclusive Darth Maul graphic.

Exclusive Classic Trilogy graphic.

Calling Features
The z500a's phone book can hold up to 510 contacts with multiple entries per contact. A call list remembers your most recent missed, received and dialed calls. The z500a's voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names. The phone also features a speakerphone for easy, hands-free talking. In addition to a vibrating alert, the phone supports polyphonic ringtones as well as MP3 ringers, allowing you to use portions of your favorite songs to alert you to incoming calls. There's even a bundled application that lets you mix your own ringtones with up to 16 tracks. Meanwhile, more ringtones can be downloaded from Cingular's MEdia wireless web service. Picture caller ID lets you assign a photo to specific callers. Similarly, a ringer ID lets you assign ringtones to callers. Lastly, the phone supports Cingular's "Fast Forward" call forwarding device, which enables you to effortlessly forward your wireless calls to your land line phone.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The z500a has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun. AOL Instant Messenger is also included and the phone ships with a built-in email client (Cingular messaging charges apply). The email client is preconfigured for accounts from some of the most popular ISPs, including Bellsouth.net, SBC Yahoo, and Earthlink.

Getting on the Internet is easy with the z500a. It supports the GPRS protocol, as well as the new, high speed EDGE data protocol. When used with a Cingular data plan and the phone's USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs. There's also a built-in web browser for MEdia downloads and mobile web browsing. Cingular's MEdia service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the z500a including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar, and an alarm clock with a timer and stopwatch. Sony Ericsson Sync Station software lets you synchronize your Microsoft Outlook calendar, contacts, notes and tasks with your z500a.

Imaging and Entertainment
The z500a was designed for serious fun. The built-in VGA camera captures stills and video to the phone's 6MB of internal memory. Video capture length is only limited by the amount of available storage memory and the phone supports playback of both MP3 audio and MPEG4 video files. Picture effects and custom screensavers, backgrounds, and themes can be set up to fit your personality.

Java support is built into the z500a, making it a powerful gaming companion for both online and offline games. Games are downloadable via the MEdia service or you can use the handset's USB data connection to load more games and files onto the phone.

Vital Statistics
The Sony-Ericsson z500a weighs 3.88 ounces and measures 3.66 x 1.93 x 0.94 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 10 hours of digital talk time, and up to 10 days of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS 850/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Sony-Ericsson z500a handset, lithium-ion battery, travel charger, user's manual, application software.

--Faceplate and screen images are simulated and enhanced.
All STAR WARS property (c)2005 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization. ... Read more

Features

• Special Star Wars edition includes ring tones, graphics and interactive software from Star Wars Episode III - "Revenge of the Sith"
• Integrated VGA still and video camera with zoom and brightness control
• Video and picture Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) capable, Mobile Instant Messaging using AOL® Instant MessengerTM
• Polyphonic speaker and downloadable ringtones, supertones, and full-audio (MP3) ringtones
• High-resolution, full-color display (65k internal display and 4K external display)

Reviews (7)

Not satisfied - May be my expection was high
Bad things about the phone:

1) Key pad - As the keys are not elevated from the flat surface, it is very difficult to press the keys. Mainly when I use the calling cards to call, where I need to dial the pin no and telephone numbers, many times the keys are not getting pressed properly and I need to cancel and make the call again. Many times It is very disguisting.

2) As per the sony erricson web site, it has stand by backup of 300 hours. But after charging for the whole night (it shows full), if I use the phone for around 2 hours talk time, the battery will drain out in 3 days. This is one of the main feature made me to buy this instrument. (May be the battery I have is not good)

I have used this phone only for calling and text messaging.

Good things about this phone.

1) Is a good looking phone
2) Has good sound quality

If you seek poor quality, this is for you
I purchased this phone to replace my outdated TDMA/AT&T Wireless Nokia phone, after using the Z500A for about a week I returned it. Here is what was wrong with this phone:

1. It felt extra-cheap. I felt like if I dropped it, it could break easily. Plus, I like keeping my cell phone in my pocket rather than on a belt clip -- and excessive lint found its way INSIDE THE SCREEN within THREE (3) DAYS... (It took about 2 years for that to happen on my other phone)

2. The battery life is very poor; expect very frequent recharges required.

3. The reception was awful. I had to leave my house to get a signal OUTSIDE of my home (i haven't had to do that with any other phone)

4. It's bulky. Compared to my new phone (which I highly recommend a Samsung x427M) this thing feels like a roll of quarters in your pocket. It's big, bulky and heavy.

The only reason I'm giving this thing 1 Star is for its few multimedia features. You can assign certain ringtones to certain people or record your own ringtone via voice memo. Plus it has a speakerphone -- which I found to actually be necessary when placing calls because the volume at just a standard level is very poor.

Great Phone
This is the best phone I've ever had.I've had a few Nokias in the past that didn't do anything special.The camera is convenient (espescially in places where you aren't supposed to bring cameras).The Sony Ericsson organizer is sort of like a PalmPilot and very easy to use.The special feature like AIM, e-mail, and internet access are also very convenient.My favorite features are the available MobiTV and the MapQuest subscription.The phone just has so many convenitent feature, most of them I thought I would never use, but now I don't know how I lived without them!

fancy phone, games, EDGE, with one goal, rip you off
Bad things about the phone:
1) Bad camera quality
2) calling card feature under T610 (T616) was removed. Compared to the programmable 1-touch calling card call, you have to dial phone card access number, pin code, international destination (011+xxxxxxxxxxxx). It's stupid for SONY Ericsson to do that.Maybe under the instruction of Cingular, so that you can use their pricy international long-distance.
3) Speaker has to be activated during conversation. Two button-presses are needed. Inconvenient.
4) Cingular would not unlock the phone for you, period!
5) Downloading a MP3 ringtone costs $2.5, plus 3 cents per Bytes Internet for data transfer. They ripped me off $7.6 for using the freaking fast EDGE Internet for downloading a $2.5 ringtone, plus tax.
6) As the first flip phone from SE, it looks stylish, but at closer look, it doesn't look better or solid than other flip phones in the market. Everything is plastic and no metal feel.

Good things about the phone:
1) Compared to other phones in the market, this one has a long battery life.
2) Clear voice quality.
3) Relatively faster compared to some advanced models, i.e. Nokia 6600.

Conclusion:

I go for Nokia 6600 with T-Mobile. T-Mobile unlocks a phone for you "free" (nothing is actually free in this country) every 90 days. 6600 is not a flip phone, a little bit slow, but very solid in everything. Cingular will attract you with the largest library of fancy phones with 2 years contract on Amazon and later on rip you off with different ways, ringtones, games, EDGE data transfer, etc. That's the way they do business and survive, unfortunately. Since you have to go to the "black market" to unlock the phone, untill you sell or unlock the phone, you are stucked with Cingular.

Okay phone, if you don't care for accessories
We spent a lot of time trying to decide between this phone and the Motorola V551. We went with this one because of the extra Cingular rebates.Overall, this is an okay phone.It has a lot of extra media features with it.But we've had a hard time trying to get headsets and other accessories for it. Sony Ericsson's collection is very small compared to Motorola's library OEM of headsets, holsters, and other stuff.

We also found it a little uncomforatable to use at times.The buttons are very flush with the phone.So, they can be difficult to punch at times.Response to typing is delayed considerably. That's bad if you're fast phone typist (I'm not, but my brother is).

In the end I give it two stars.Good for general use, and the free Star Wars tickets.If I'd have to do it over again, I get the Motorola v551. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Star Wars fans rejoice! You can now get your exclusive s710a phone that comes preloaded with Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith content. Included are a C-3PO voice tone, TIE Fighter sound effect tone, Classic Trilogy Heroes exclusive graphic, Darth Maul graphic, demo version of downloadable game: Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, and a video clip of the AT-AT Approach scene--plus, you get access to download even more.

Just when you thought Sony Ericsson phones couldn't get any cooler, the s710a comes along, sporting an elegant, rotating design, support for high speed data networks, and a powerful integrated camera. Add these to a jumbo screen, Bluetooth, and support for expandable memory, and you've got one serious contender in the race to deliver the coolest of the cool in the high-end phone category.

Design
The s710a's swiveling design means that the keypad is only revealed when you need it. Because of this design, the phone more resembles a digital camera, with a massive 240 x 320 display on one side and a pronounced camera system on the other. There's even a grip on the back for holding the phone sideways when capturing photos. The camera unit, which is protected by a lens cover, features 1280 x 960 resolution (1.3 megapixel), as well as an LED flash. Meanwhile, a five-way directional button on the front of the device controls most of the phone's menus and features. A Memory Stick DUO slot is provided on the right side for easy memory expansion, and the phone ships with a 32 MB card included. In addition to USB and Bluetooth connectivity, the s710a also has an infrared receiver for data synchronization.

Exclusive Darth Maul graphic.

Exclusive Classic Trilogy graphic.

Calling Features
The s710a's phone book can hold up to 510 contacts with multiple entries per contact. A call list remembers your most recent missed, received and dialed calls. The phone's voice activated dialing makes calling up to 50 of your contacts as easy as saying their names, while the built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Polyphonic ringtones are included and there's even a bundled application that lets you mix your own ringtones with up to 16 tracks. Picture caller ID lets you assign a photo to specific callers. Similarly, a ringer ID lets you assign ringtones to callers. For those times you want to keep things discreet, there's a vibrate ringer mode.

Because the s710a is Bluetooth-enabled, you can use a variety of headsets and handsfree kits for total wireless freedom when you're on the go.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
If you're looking for a mobile office partner, the s710a has you covered. Support is built in for sending and receiving pictures, text, graphics, sound and video via SMS or MMS messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in still and video camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging possibilities. Instant messaging is also supported and the phone ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP protocols (Cingular messaging charges apply). Cingular has generously pre-configured email account settings for BellSouth, SBC, and Earthlink. There's also a built-in Web browser for MEdia downloads and mobile web browsing. Cingular's MEdia service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

Getting on the Internet is easy with the s710a, as it supports the GPRS protocol, as well as the new, high speed EDGE data protocol. When used with a Cingular data plan and the phone's Bluetooth or USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs. Enjoy broadband speeds in EDGE-enabled service areas.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the s710a, including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar and an alarm clock. Use the s710a's Bluetooth capability to set up a wireless link with a Bluetooth accessory or connect to a computer or hand-held device to exchange and synchronize data. The phone also supports the SyncML PC synchronization standard. This means the phone can be used with the included Sony Ericsson Sync Station software, which lets you synchronize your Microsoft Outlook calendar, contacts, notes and tasks with your s710a.

Click the image to get a closer look at the s710a's features.

Imaging and Entertainment
As mentioned, the phone sports a powerful 1.3 megapixel camera and flash. The camera also features an 8x zoom capability, as well as support for video capture. You can capture as much video as you like, as long as there is available memory.

The s710a is a powerful gaming companion, too, with support for enhanced, Java-based 3D gaming. The phone comes preloaded with several games and more are downloadable from both Sony Ericsson and Cingular's MEdia service. Lastly, the s710a has a nifty MP3 player, so you can load up your memory card and listen to tunes while you're on the go.

Vital Statistics
The Sony Ericsson s710a weighs 4.83 ounces and measures 4.23 x 1.93 x .96 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7 hours of digital talk time, and up to 300 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
s710a handset, lithium-ion battery, travel charger, user's manual, application software.

--Faceplate and screen images are simulated and enhanced.
All STAR WARS property (c)2005 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved. Used Under Authorization. ... Read more

Features

• Special Star Wars edition includes ring tones, graphics and interactive software from Star Wars Episode III - "Revenge of the Sith"
• The S710a 1.3 megapixel camera gives you the perfect picture
• 1.9” 262K color-screen for picture satisfaction and easy-to-read messages.
• The S710a also has a cool MP3 player
• Bluetooth™ technology allows you to connect without wires

Reviews (3)

Style with substance
Pros (in the order of importance):
- Brilliant screen. Among the very best out there.
- Beautifully designed user interface.
- Stylish. Looks like a phone Darth Vader would use (yeah I know, a lame Star Wars pun).
- Excellent connectivity options with world class Bluetooth implementation.
- Lots of memory (32 MB internal and includes 32 MB MemoryStick DUO) and expandable, too.
- Strong RF reception and good audio quality.
- Class 10 EDGE and GPRS for speedier Internet access.
- Excellent theme support with tons of excellent themes you can download.
- Great Java support, including Java 3D.

Cons (in the order of importance):
- Measuring 0.96" in thickness, it won't comfortably fit into your pocket (especially your shirt).
- Menu navigation is a bit slow.
- Not a quad-band phone (no 900 MHz GSM).
- Battery life is just decent (lasts about 2 days of typical use, less than a day if you play with it heavily).
- Loud alert sounds, particularly camera shutter.
- Speakerphone volume is a bit low.
- Despite hooplas surrounding its CCD 1.3 mega pixel camera, it will not replace your digital camera.
- Ultimately, swivel keypad area is a novelty.
- Does not support MemoryStick DUO Pro (limited to 128 MB MemoryStick DUO).
- Expensive considering it is not a smartphone.
- Slow HTML rendering (WAP is very good, however).

Like many Sony products, Sony Ericsson S710a leaves strong first impression. It is extremely slick, with metal-like black chassis with substantial feel. I am not a fan of black electronic devices, but this I approve. Everything feels substantial and high quality, to swivel action (it requires a bit of force and cannot easily be done with one hand) and opening the camera lens cover. Turn it on and stunning LCD will greet you. It has 240 by 320 LCD with 262,144 colors on 2.3" screen, which translates to whopping 174 pixels per inch. Everything looks super sharp with paper-like clarity.

Beauty is not skin deep. User interface is equally slick, with sharp and highly readable text and very colorful icon graphics. Navigating the menu is a bit slow from time-to-time due to fancy animation.

My S710a is Star Wars edition, which adds 1 Star Wars theme, 2 Star Wars wallpapers, 2 Star Wars ring tones, Star Wars game demo, Star Wars video clip, and 2 Star Wars movie tickets. Apart from movie tickets and Star Wars theme (default wallpaper looks rather cheesy however), remaining Star Wars contents will please only Star Wars aficionados, if at that. They are not very well thought of in my opinion.

None of these bells and whistles matter if S710a does not work well as a phone which it does. While not quite at the level of Nokia 6230 or 6620 in terms of RF reception, S710a is excellent at holding on to the signal. In fact, it is currently ranked 3rd on Cingular's list of best performing phones. Both inbound and outbound audio are very good, as long as you don't accidentally block tiny microphone hole with your finger. Speakerphone is full-duplex and works well, but it requires an extra button press after the call is connected. I found the speakerphone volume to be a bit on the low side.

Contacts management has been Sony Ericsson's strong point. On S710a, each contact can have 5 phone numbers, email address, web site, photo, custom ring tone, title, company, full mailing address, and miscellaneous information. My only quibbles are 510 contact storage space (sufficient for my purpose, but given the phone's spacious 32 MB internal memory, it should be larger) and first-letter only contact search.

S710a is mainly touted for CCD camera feature. In fact, the phone looks more like camera than phone. Just about every camera phones are equipped with mediocre low-end CMOS camera, which draws less power and occupies less space but takes lousy pictures. S710a is distinguished by CCD camera that dedicated digital cameras typically use. Unfortunately, S710a's camera is not as good as dedicated digital cameras. Even at 1280 by 960 resolution (1.3 mega pixels), photos have fuzzy look to it. Although photos come out far sharper and more colorful than most camera phones, you won't mistake them for dedicated digital camera photos. Also bothersome is bluish cast. It is as if tungsten lighting is permanently engaged. Still, the camera is more than adequate for casual use, and it even includes flash light. The camera is also capable of recording video clips, at maximum of 176 by 144 QCIF resolution.

S710a has an excellent multimedia support, compatible with polyphonic MIDI (40 chords), MP3, WAV, and MPEG-4 AAC audio formats; and MPEG-4 3GPP video format. While it is missing a play list management feature, it includes few nice surprises such as a 5-band graphics equalizer. Video playback is limited to 176 by 144, which is a shame given its gorgeous 240 by 320 screen. S710a includes a decent pair of stereo earphones.

S710a supports Bluetooth 1.1, which is not the latest, but it supports wider range of Bluetooth profiles than most cell phones. It connects very quickly with Bluetooth headsets and syncs and integrates beautifully on Mac. On Mac, it will integrate with Address Book (dial and SMS), sync address book and calendar via iSync, act as a GPRS/EDGE dial-up modem, exchange files wirelessly (music, photos, games, Java applications, and video clips), and can act as a mouse and computer remote control (e.g., controlling PowerPoint/Keynote slide). It works well with Windows XP Service Pack 2 as well, with good file exchange support and syncing with Outlook with included software. Via Bluetooth, I have uploaded 5 games and a Mac OS X Tiger theme that I created with included Theme Creator software. Speaking of themes, wallpaper, screensaver, and ring tones (supports both MIDI and MP3) can be fully customized, too.

All in all, S710a is a very cool phone. It may be a bit large for some and perhaps too expensive. And some may be dismayed by lack of smart phone features. However, the screen is simply stunning, with beautifully rendered user interface, works great with Mac OS X, and it works well as a phone.

When!?
I don't understand what the deal is with this phone. It's not available in most zipcodes I type in and when I called in to see why it wasn't I didn't get a straight answer. I don't know what Amazon's relationship is with Cingular but it's been very inconvenient for me lately. I've been trying to get a new phone for a while but there's always something on this site that stops me from ordering! And I still don't know why Amazon and Cingular haven't come to an agreement as to why you can't port your number over. I really think they should think of something with it being a LAW and all! Flex your muscles Amazon! Stop holding their products otherwise! This is getting rediculous!!

i'm just OK with it
PROs:
the phone looks and feels great!
the audio quality is the best!
the pic quality is great for a camera phone!!!

CONs:
sometimes, the keys don't respond very fast.
the keytone function doesn't work well. it beeps sometimes, and doesn't some other time. i called and got a replacement, but the second one does the same thing! then i found out, when it does beep, the sound is kinda loud and annoying. so that function doesn't really matter!

but i wonder if it's only the Star Wars edition does that or all of them.

anyway, i'm OK with it, as long as it doesn't have any other probs! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Just when you thought Sony Ericsson phones couldn't get any cooler, the s710a comes along, sporting an elegant, rotating design, support for high speed data networks, and a powerful integrated camera. Add these to a jumbo screen, Bluetooth, and support for expandable memory, and you've got one serious contender in the race to deliver the coolest of the cool in the high-end phone category.

Design

Click the image to get a closer look at the s710a'sfeatures.

The s710a's swiveling design means that the keypad is only revealed when you need it. Because of this design, the phone more resembles a digital camera, with a massive 240 x 320 display on one side and a pronounced camera system on the other. There's even a grip on the back for holding the phone sideways when capturing photos. The camera unit, which is protected by a lens cover, features 1280 x 960 resolution (1.3 megapixel), as well as an LED flash. Meanwhile, a five-way directional button on the front of the device controls most of the phone's menus and features. A Memory Stick DUO slot is provided on the right side for easy memory expansion, and the phone ships with a 32 MB card included. In addition to USB and Bluetooth connectivity, the s710a also has an infrared receiver for data synchronization.

Calling Features
The s710a's phone book can hold up to 510 contacts with multiple entries per contact. A call list remembers your most recent missed, received and dialed calls. The phone's voice activated dialing makes calling up to 50 of your contacts as easy as saying their names, while the built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Polyphonic ringtones are included and there's even a bundled application that lets you mix your own ringtones with up to 16 tracks. Picture caller ID lets you assign a photo to specific callers. Similarly, a ringer ID lets you assign ringtones to callers. For those times you want to keep things discreet, there's a vibrate ringer mode.

It's a 1.3 megapixel camera!

No, wait, it's a media viewer with a massive 2.3-inch screen.

Oh my gosh! It's also a phone!

Because the s710a is Bluetooth-enabled, you can use a variety of headsets and handsfree kits for total wireless freedom when you're on the go.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
If you're looking for a mobile office partner, the s710a has you covered. Support is built in for sending and receiving pictures, text, graphics, sound and video via SMS or MMS messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in still and video camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging possibilities. Instant messaging is also supported and the phone ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP protocols (Cingular messaging charges apply). Cingular has generously pre-configured email account settings for BellSouth, SBC, and Earthlink. There's also a built-in Web browser for MEdia downloads and mobile web browsing. Cingular's MEdia service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

Getting on the Internet is easy with the s710a, as it supports the GPRS protocol, as well as the new, high speed EDGE data protocol. When used with a Cingular data plan and the phone's Bluetooth or USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs. Enjoy broadband speeds in EDGE-enabled service areas.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the s710a, including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar and an alarm clock. Use the s710a's Bluetooth capability to set up a wireless link with a Bluetooth accessory or connect to a computer or hand-held device to exchange and synchronize data. The phone also supports the SyncML PC synchronization standard. This means the phone can be used with the included Sony Ericsson Sync Station software, which lets you synchronize your Microsoft Outlook calendar, contacts, notes and tasks with your s710a.

Imaging and Entertainment
As mentioned, the phone sports a powerful 1.3 megapixel camera and flash. The camera also features an 8x zoom capability, as well as support for video capture. You can capture as much video as you like, as long as there is available memory.

The s710a is a powerful gaming companion, too, with support for enhanced, Java-based 3D gaming. The phone comes preloaded with several games and more are downloadable from both Sony Ericsson and Cingular's MEdia service. Lastly, the s710a has a nifty MP3 player, so you can load up your memory card and listen to tunes while you're on the go.

Vital Statistics
The Sony Ericsson s710a weighs 4.83 ounces and measures 4.23 x 1.93 x .96 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7 hours of digital talk time, and up to 300 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
s710a handset, lithium-ion battery, travel charger, user's manual, application software. ... Read more

Features

• Unique swivel design with oversized, 2.3-inch 262,000 color display
• Buit-in 1.3 megapixel VGA camera with 8X zoom and video recording
• Supports POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP-based email clients
• Integrated MP3 player
• Integrated Bluetooth technology

Reviews (16)

Expensive, though very capable phone.
First off, the screen is downright gorgeous.I picked up this phone about 4 days ago after I jumped ship with T-Mobile, and decided to give Cingular a try.All my friends and family members use Cingular so a two-year contract doesn't really bother me.I payed $300 and will recieve a $100 via mail-in rebate.The price was on point considering my old phone, a Motorola V300, cost me $250 and didn't have half the features of this phone.

This phone is not perfect though.Off the bat I noticed that the UI was unresponsive at times.It's pretty annoying but it's acceptable.Another gripe I have is with Sony about it's proprietary storage medium.I have a PSP and recently purchased a 512 MB Memory Stick PRO Duo.I thought, because they are the same form factor, that I could interchange the PRO Duo with the Duo used in the S710a but no.I'm relagated to 128 MB maximum storage capacity so the mp3 functionality of the phone, for me, has been reduced.All the other features: Bluetooth, camera, etc all work fine but don't expect to purchase a case that will protect your investment.Because of it's unique swivel design, the only cases available for the phone are enclosed cases.If I have a phone that's better than all of my friends, I want to show it off, not hide it in a case!!

As far as the service with Cingular, it's been decent.My signal is a lot greater that it ever was with T-mobile and the girl that helped me set up my account was hot!!Props to Cingular for hiring such fine girls.

If you want a stylish phone that will turn even the heads of Sprint employees, then buy this phone.If you want an everyday run of the mill phone go spend your money elsewhere.

Good phone but..
You all know about the slowness of the menus.. this plagued my old sony ericsson t300 too.. its a good phone, full of features, very nice screen (thou a bit darker than i expected) however whats up with that hold button/slide?? I have never seen that in another phone and i think its a stupid stupid design.. more often than not my thumb just slides over it, its not grippy enough.. and the games are all demos?? wow so cheap of you sony..

UPDATE: The hold is released either by the hold slide/button or pressing *, unlock.. so its not that bad :)

Not all that
This phone looks great, menus are easy to use, and its got a wonderful display.That aside, the performance of the phone is not what it should be for the price.Others have noted sluggish menus.This is the second s710a I've owned, the first sent back for technical reasons, and the menu speed is horrible.The phone will lock up for up to 20 seconds, and then finally release...performing the 3 or 4 functions you pressed while it was frozen.Its unresponsive for a $400 phone.Secondly, sound quality on the phone is fine if you get the microphone in just the right spot, but if you try to cradle the phone in your shoulder and talk, no one will be able to hear you.Overall, the phone is a huge disappointment...from sound quality to responsiveness, they should have done better for the price.

Dream phone since I got it for $40
This is my dream phone.I love the gigantic screen, the swivel and Bluetooth.I've had it for a month now, and I still can't believe how cool the video recorder is.It takes really good pictures and the speakerphone and mp3 player sound great.Plus, I was surprised it came with a USB memory stick reader and it wasn't an additional accessory I had to purchase.The only problems are that it's a bit bulky and the price of course is EXCESSIVE.If I wasn't able to get it for $40, I wouldn't have been able to get this great phone.If you want to find out how you can get it for $40 as well(...)

Best Phone Ever
This is one the best phone that I have owned so far.The screen is unmatched and the speaker is loud and clear.Reception is comparable with Nokia which are known for the best reception in GSM.I like this phone a lot.Menu speed doesn't bother me and I am sure that a firmware release will remedy this.If you have used Nokia, Motorola, or any other GSM phone, do your self a favor and step up to this phone.It will blow everything else in the water.Swivel design is great and the camera really shines for a camera phone.Plenty of on-board memory and you can use Memory Stick Duo cards up to 128MB each if you need more space for pictures and MP3s.A lot of built in functions like calendar, timer, stop watch, notes, etc.Themes can be downloaded to make the phone look unique.There are plenty of free themes available at Zedge online.All you have to do is register for free.You can them transfer them to your phone wirelessly if you have a Bluetooth adapter.Sony Ericsson phones are known for their fully functional and excellent Bluetooth.Apple Macs and Sony Ericsson phones were made for each other in the Bluetooth world. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Simply put, the Siemens SX66 does it all. A full color display slides down to reveal an integrated QWERTY keypad, while integrated "wi-fi" and Bluetooth keep you on the cutting edge of connectivity. Powered by the Windows Mobile 2003 operating system and with support for corporate email accounts, this device is designed for maximum efficiency, wherever you are. It's the ultimate power tool for mobile professionals.

Design

Click the image to get a closer look at the SX66's features. View the rear of the unit in detail here.

The SX66 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 SX66's case.

Under the hood, the SX66 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 SX66's docking ports on the bottom of the device.

Calling Features
Many of the SX66'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 SX66'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 SX66'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 SX66 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, wi-fi, or Bluetooth connection). Users who want Internet connectivity on the road with their laptop or PDA can tap the SX66's wireless modem capabilities (Cingular data plan charges apply). An included Cingular Xpress Mail Suite provides real-time access to your corporate and personal email (with optional Cingular Xpress Mail service). Meanwhile, the unit fully supports basic text messaging, as well as multimedia messaging (MMS).

A generous toolset ships with the SX66'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 SX66 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 SX66's wallpapers and screensavers can be customized to suit your tastes. Windows Mobile and Java-based games are also supported.

Vital Statistics
The Siemens SX66 weighs 7.41 ounces and measures 4.92 x 2.83 x .75 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours of digital talk time, and up to 168 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM 800/GSM 900/GSM 1800/GSM 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
SX66 handset, USB Sync Station, li-ion Battery, headset, spare stylus, travel charger, 22-pin DC jack converter, carry case, user manual, quick start guide, companion CD ... Read more

Features

• High performance 32-bit Intel PXA263 CPU, 400 MHz with up to 64 MB flash ROM, 128 MB RAM
• Unique slider design, QWERTY keyboard
• Connectivity provided by WiFi (802.11b), Bluetooth®, USB, and wireless data transfer via infrared interface (IrDA)
• Cingular Xpress Mail Suite provides real-time access to your corporate and personal email
• SD IO capable SD/MMC slot

Reviews (8)

Great PDA - Phone sound issues
I recently migrated to this phone from a Treo 600 that had a mountain biking accident :-)

The SX66 (HTC is the ODM, "Blue Angel" is the model) is better than the Treo 600 in the following respects:
* More stable - No hung phones/frozen unit in 3 weeks of operation
* Better sound quality for other party - had lots of complaints regarding Treo 600
* WiFi - can't say enough about how handy this is
* Synchronization with Outlook actually works better than Palm Desktop/Hotsync.
* I can sync remotely with ActiveSync - this is also very handy
* Screen quality is better (roughly on par with Treo 650).No backlighting/sunlight visibility problems, either
* Speakerphone is louder and clearer than Treo.I actually use speakerphone mode a lot just to hear other party in noisy environments.
* Keyboard is more intuitive - keys are better placed.Also a slight negative - keyboard must be slid out for use and back when not in use (it's clunky to leave it out).
* Mic imparts less road noise in a car.When using my Treo in a car the other party complained bitterly and often hung up.No such problem with the SX66.


Negatives
* Sound volume is just too low - very hard to hear anyone in a car unless in speakerphone mode
* I haven't tried Bluetooth yet due to all the complaints I've read about.However, my phone did have the latest Bluetooth stack from Siemens (v1.1 Bluetooth), and I'll keep track of interfering signals such as 2.5GHz phones and 802.11b/g.
* Selecting phone number to call out is "clicky" - takes extra steps compared to Treo unless you leave the keyboard in the "deployed" position.The Microsoft Voice Dialing software ($39 or so) eliminates this hassle, but only works with wired headsets or direct speaking.Still, a big improvement over the extra clicking.
* GPRS and WiFi don't always come up in the order I would like, and switching between them is a little bit clicky (lots of steps).You can configure the phone to get around this, but that takes a fair bit of Windows Mobile expertise or RTFM.

Conclusion:
If sound quality/volume were better, this would be an outstanding phone.4-band lets me use it anywhere (I'll unlock this before trips to Asia), and I have all my contacts, all the time, and can sync from anywhere.If I can get Bluetooth to work properly with good volume control, I'll revise my rating to 5/5.

Siemens does not offer upgrades and drops support for phones
I owned the SX56.When it first came out, it was installed with Windows 2002.Months later all manufacturers offered the upgrade to Windows 2003.Most things you do with a Pocket PC phone require the latest version of Windows.Siemens pulled support for Windows 2003 while still selling the SX56.Now my PDA/phone is basically a big, square cell phone.You can do less and less with a Windows 2002 phone every day.
The bottom line is, Siemens has no honor and cannot be trusted.If you call support, they say "We don't offer support for Windows 2003, can I help you with anything else?"If you press them on the issue, they hang up the phone.It's unbelievable.

PDA is great - Phone quality is poor
Aside from locking up and needing rebooting twice in 2 months the PDA is fine, however the voice quality incoming and outgoing is less than quality... I am going back to my digital cell and keeping the PDA

Good for business use, not that great for consumers
The Siemens SX66 is a WIndows CE based Smartphone designed mostly for business usage.For Consumer purposes it is a bit of an overkill and is not particularly optimized for some entertainment purposes.

This review is written mostly with Business usage in mind (I use it with a Goodlink e-mail client) I also include some consumer comments at the end.

Screen and Input modes.
The SX66 includes a large screen that can fit more elements than other smaller screen phones.This is particularly useful to browse through e-mails.It gives you a choice of typing via a qwerty keyboard or through a virtual keyboard and your stylus.It includes many programmable keys that are mapped to many Windows applications, such as Explorer, e-mail, calendaring, tasks and phone answer and hang up.

Other useful tools: for talking you can use it as any phone talking, or use its wired headset (included) or use its speakerphone mode.It also has a built in camera and a built in voice recorder.

Business Applications
As many other Windows CE handhels (PDAs or smartphones) you can find many applications both for business as well as for consumer purposes.Coupled with an e-mail business client software (e.g. Goodlink) you can have Blackberry-like functionality as your e-mails, meetings and other corporate e-mail items can be pushed into your handheld via GPRS or WiFi. One nice thing about the SX66 vs. Blackberry is that the SX66 with the right software can open most MS Office attachments (and you can even modify some of them).

Using this phone for business apps (e-mail, calendar, et al) this phone is a great tool.Its large screen and its keyboard options allow for great e-mail reading and for composing short e-mails (or SMS messages).For large e-mails, honestly, your notebook is a much better tool.

Battery Usage / Power Options
Battery duration is good but not great for regular phone usgae, it will typically last for one day.If you use it heavily for e-mail or for PDA apps (e.g. taking notes) its battery life greatly diminishes to less than one day.There are many packages in the market so you can charge it in the middle of the day via USB, USB cradle, car charger or regular power adapters.The nice thing in any of them is that it charges really quickly. so can be back to full charge in less than 1 hr.

Networking options
The networking options are many and very useful.It can operate on quad-band GSM (it operates in most countries), it can hook to GPRS, WiFI and Bluetooth networks.It also has infrared connectivity to connect to other portable devices.GPRS is available in most GSM cellular networks, and it will give you pretty much ubiquitous access but at somehow slow speeds (it is good for e-mail clients, as they typically push text into the handhels), for faster access use WiFi and connect is the same networks you connect on your notebook.

Consumer usage
- Not as good performing video.I have tried a couple of times to play home videos (e.g. 30 sec shots taken with my camera) and it has basically stalled and taken long to recover.
- Not as good performing games, its video performance makes it unpractical.
- Built in camera lacks the quality and is below some lower cost phones.

PROS
- Large screen, larger than most phones in the market.
- Variety of input modes.
- Variety of tools.
- Pre-programmed buttons allow quick access to most useful functions.
- Variety of Wireless networks to connect to.
- Good-sized memory included, can be increased greatly using an SD-Card.

CONS
- Battery life is limited.Needs midday recharging if you use PDA or e-mail heavily trough the day.
- Included camera has very limited resolution, pictures come out with a lot of noise and its colors are not that great.
- Lack of EDGE networks support.
- A bit heavy and large format, you need to use its carrying case.
- Video playing is very poor.Don't even bother trying.

Good, PDA, OK phone
on the whole, I really like my SX66.The reception I get with Cingular (even after the takeover) is not quite what I got with my old AT&T phone, so I believe this is due to the phone itself.

For talking on, the quality is certainly acceptable, but by no means the best cell phone I've ever had.A hands free device is a good thing to have since the phone itself is rather bulky.

That brings us to the downsides:

* The included hands free microphone/headset broke within a month.
* The bluetooth headset I bought (Jabra BT250) has generates a pretty consistent amount of static if the phone is more than a foot or two from the headset.

Everything is functional, and because of the data capabilities I have to say I like the phone and wouldn't trade it in for another, but it'd be a definite 5 star device if they could iron out the bluetooth static issue. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

This small wonder packs lots of Smartphone power into a small package that can provide all your mobile office needs. Loaded with Microsoft Smartphone software, the handset features mobile versions of all the essential Microsoft applications you depend on, including Pocket Outlook, Pocket Internet Explorer and Windows Media Player. What's more, the software is designed to sync seamlessly with email, contacts and calendar information on your PC.

Click the image to get a closer look at the i600's features.

Design
The i600 follows the traditional clamshell form factor with an external antenna located on the top right edge of the phone. The large, 176 x 220 screen with 65,000 colors dominates inside of the cover. A smaller monochrome LCD screen, which displays incoming calls, current time, battery life, signal strength and other information is located on the outside of the cover. A five-way selection button allows you to navigate and control the Windows Mobile interface and there are also up/down buttons on the left side of the device for easy access to basic controls. A standard 2.5mm headset jack is placed just above these controls. An SD/MMC memory expansion card slot is housed on the right side of the unit. The infrared data port is housed on the top of the unit, while a universal charger/USB data port is present on the bottom.

Calling Features
The i600 has all the latest calling features folks have come to expect. The built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. The call log makes it easy to retrieve the last 50 incoming, 50 outgoing and 50 missed calls. Vibrate modes and custom polyphonic ringtones can also be set to your preferences so you know who is calling without having to look at the LCD. Ringtones can be assigned to specific callers so you don't have to look at the phone to know who's calling. The i600 alsofeatures speaker-independent voice recognition, which allows any user to dial a number by speaking the name of a contact from a phone book, or by speaking the digits of a phone number. GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911. The included Pocket Outlook software features a contacts list that is cleverly integrated with the phone's dialing functions.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
Designed as a complete solution for people who want to bring their office with them, the i600 comes packed with pocket versions of Outlook and Internet Explorer. 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 or IR connection). Users who want Internet connectivity on the road with their laptop or PDA can tap the i600's wireless modem capabilities (Verizon data plan charges apply). The phone also supports Verizon's "wireless sync" technology, which enables i600 users to sync data (calendars, contacts and email) with their Internet-connected desktop PC while they're on the road.

You can use the i600's built in Internet Explorer browser for Verizon Mobile Web downloads and browsing. Verizon's optional Mobile Web package allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. You can check your e-mail, trade stocks online, compare prices while shopping, access flight information, get movie listings and find directions to the theater. Traditional text messaging is also supported by the phone. T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

Verizon's Get It Now wireless download service is also fully compatible with the i600. This pay-per-download service features application downloads, games and productivity tools. You can also personalize your handset with ringtone downloads using the Get It Now service.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the i600 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a to-do list, and an alarm clock.

Imaging and Entertainment
The inclusion of Windows Media on the i600 means that you can use the handset as a video or MP3 player. The amount of music and video you can store is only limited by the unit's memory, and the included stereo headset is designed for multimedia enjoyment. Personalize your i600 with customizable wallpapers and home screens. If you're into mobile gaming, the i600 supports those, too. As mentioned, many games are downloadable via the Get It Now service.

Vital Statistics
The Samsung i600 weighs 5.0 ounces and measures 3.54 x 2.1 x .92 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 250 minutes of digital talk time, and up to 240 hours of digital standby time. It runs on theCDMA 800/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Samsung i600 handset, standard lithium-ion battery (900 mAh), extended lithium-ion Battery (1700 mAh), hands-free stereo headset, leather case, sync cradle/charger, user guide, hand strap. ... Read more

Features

• Powerful 200MHz Processor w/ 32MB RAM
• Runs Microsoft Smartphone operating system
• Includes Pocket Outlook, Windows Media Player, and Internet Explorer plus ability to sync directly with your desktop.
• Internal and external LCD display with time/date and caller ID
• Voice-activated and predictive dialing

Reviews (5)

Best Phone I've Ever Used
If you're looking to unshackle yourself from carrying a mobile phone and PDA and don't want to replace them with a brick, then this is your phone.I've been using the phone for about a year and love using the calendaring, email, contacts and tasks that make this phone so functional.

Synchronizing with my PC is as easy as putting the phone into the included USB cradle -- Immediately all my contact, calendar and task information is synch'd.Using Verizon Wireless' Mobile Synch service, my e-mail is delivered directly to my phone in addition to my desktop PC.I can easily reply to e-mail by recording a .wav file that gets attached to the e-mail message and sent to the recipient without ever having to type a letter.

Microsoft's ActiveSync software makes storing documents, spreadsheets, even .pdf files easy and convenient.There are many third party software programs that are also available for the SmartPhone 2003 platform adding to the phones productivity.

Reception and clarity is better than any other phone I've used.One handed operation is simple and part of my everyday use.Turning on silent mode is done with just three key strokes.My advice is that you not waste anytime with the standard battery, but upgrade to the extended battery at the outset.I get two full days worth of usage -- on average -- using the extended battery.

The iPaq and Treo type phones have great features as well, but I don't want to have to carry around something that big and clunky.I love my i600.

I love this phone
I like the small size of this pda phone.I use Microsoft software all the time so it only made sense to get a pda phone that works off of the same platform.I used to have a cell phone and a sony clie pda.It was annoying carrying both around.I sold my clie and upgraded my cellphone with Verizon.It is definitely worth the money.

Poor design means many lost calls
Good concept, but so many problems. For example - if you are on a call, it is nearly impossible to pick up another or to put the person you are talking to on hold; when you open the shell to answer a call, if you so much as touch the buttons on the side of the phone (and it is nearly impossible not to), you won't be able to pick up the call. I am unable to pick up approximately 30% of all of my incoming calls and that is simply unacceptable - and I know it is not a problem handset because they have replaced it once and other people I know with it have the same complaints. A total waste of money.

WOW- what a phone.....
Being in sales, I'm one of the few damned to spend eternity on a cell phone. I'm a certified road warrior. In the past 5 months I've owned a total of 5 cell phones. the v600 from motorola, a few nokias, heck I even tried the N-Gage to entertain myself in the airports. So I am very demanding when it comes to phones. Most importantly, I want a phone that's a good phone.

The i600 blew me away. It continues to blow me away. the microsoft OS is perfect, it sychs with Outlook, and lotus notes via intellisynch software. It keeps scads of contacts, and has an option slot for the SD Memory cards.

If you;ve used an ipaq, or a CE based PDA and liked it, you'll love this phone. Best of all the phone comes with the important things. A spare extended battery, and a charging docking station that lets you charge not only the phone but the spare battery also.

Very well thought out phone, with function, and performance in mind. You cannot go wrong with this one.

Good if you want a phone w/ pda functionality
I initially bought the treo 600.But, I returned it to Verizon after a week because I couldnt get used to the form factor (In my opinion, the treo's ridiculous tiny buttons are a pain, and I am not a fan of devices that require use of a stylus).

The Samsung seems to be a phone that has added features of a pda and NOT a pda that has added features of a phone.I think this is the primary reason I like it so much more than the treo.

I had zero problems syncing with MS Outlook on my laptop when I used the cable.I had to monkey around a little to get the wireless IR sync to work, but eventually figured it out and it works BEAUTIFULLY!I have been waiting a long time for a PHONE (not a PDA) that can by easily sync'd with Outlook for calendar and contacts.This phone does that.I dont plan to sync e-mail with this phone at the time, but I understand that can be done also.This phone solves my most critical need - to have my updated calendar and contacts while I am out of the office.I also like the fact that the MS Windows Mobile O/S is intuitive and very easy to use.Overall, I am happy with the phone.

Cons - Expensive, does not include a camera (doesnt bother me too much, but it seems that it should at this price), a bit slow to "boot-up", internet performance is not as good as my 18 month-old LG from Verizon, small and poorly lit secondary lcd display, the phone needs a simple, hard-plastic belt holster (I'm not a huge fan of the bulky leather carrying case). ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

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.

Click the image to see the XV6600 in action, or take a closer look at the phone's features: page one - page two.

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 Coverage
Covering over 75 million people in 30 markets:
Atlanta, Austin, Baltimore, Boston, Chicago, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dallas, Dayton, Houston, Jacksonville, Kansas City, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Madison, Miami, Milwaukee, New Haven/Hartford, New Orleans, New York, Orlando, Philadelphia, Phoenix, Pittsburgh, Providence, San Diego, Tampa, W. Palm Beach, and Washington, DC.

Expanding markets in 2005

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. ... Read more

Features

• Fast Intel Dalhart 400 MHz Processor with 64MB ROM / 128MB RAM of internal memory with a large 2.1 inc x 2.8 inch 64K color TFT LCD Touch-Screen
• Increase your productivity with Windows Mobile 2003 Software for Pocket PC - Includes Pocket versions of Microsoft Office Applications like Word, Excel, Outlook, Calendar and more
• Take pictures while on the go with built in camera and flash
• Talk wirelessly with built-in Bluetooth or handsfree with the built-in Speakerphone
• Save and store all of your images and files with a removable SD Card Slot

Reviews (14)

Bluetooth?
I'm looking to see if anyone has any possible advice or suggestions on a Bluetooth headset? I currently have tried the Motorola HS820 & Motorola HS850 (while the volume sounds perfect to whoever you are calling, you can't really hear anything on both of these). Do Not Buy Motorola Bluetooth Headsets for this phone! I have tried the Jabra 250 which gives you perfect sound due to the eargel being inserted in your ear. However, you almost have to keep the phone and the headset right in front of each other to prevent static. Can anyone help me? I was thinking of going with Plantronics or Sony Ericson. Any Advice or suggestions?

Features good - battery bad!
As a network admin, I was asked to provide 15 of the bosses and administrators with smart phones.After much investigation, we settled on the Audiovox xv6600.We've been using them for two months now and the results have been mixed...

The good -

Wireless sync works great with Exchange server and does provide a nearly real time connection to the office and critical data from Exchange. The internet (which goes full broadband in about 4 days in my area) is also a very useful function.The ability to read Word and Excel docs has been well received.Finally, the bluetooth function is useful but buggy.

The Bad -

The battery on every single one of these units will not make it through the 8 hour work day - even if the unit is never removed from it's pouch and used.In fact, about 7 of them will not make it past 2.5 hours!The functions are great, but when the unit is unuseable due to poor battery performance, you have to question it's value. Incidentally, Audiovox still has no enhanced battery available.

Additionally, my users have to perform resets (sticking the stylus in the reset hole) at least once a day as the phone function 'hangs'.Sometimes the unit times out while trying to dial out (even with a full signal).The unit will then not receive or send calls at all until you reset it.This problem is probably more attributable to the phone software operating on a Microsoft based operating system or possibly due to the wireless sync function.

Finally, the Bluetooth wireless headsets are great while they are working.In fact, mine works great on my regular (nonsmart) phone.But the xv6600 often needs the headset to be reinstalled or randomly chooses not to allow it to answer calls.But I attribute that to the burden of the Microsoft operating system it resides on.A challenge my nonsmart phone does not need to overcome.

Finally -

The xv6600 is a good idea, but it has a lot of bugs and creates a ton of support tickets for us.All in all, I'd be satisfied with it if the battery could just last all day.The other issues are ones that Windows users get used to after a while and learn to live with (freeze ups, nonreponsive programs, etc).

Great phone, great PDA
I've had my Verizon VX 6600 for about three weeks now, and I am thoroughly satisfied with it.
Since many issues are covered in other reviews, I'll just jaunt some quick thoughts.
Battery life: I have absolutely no complaint in this area, and I was actually really impressed of how long it could stay up when I've actually been using the data, calling and PDA features quite a lot. Considering the quality of the colour screen, this is all the more impressive. I move about quite a bit and get stationed in different places on the way, so I've always expected to be charging my cell on and off as much as possible. The extremely compact charger which comes with the phone makes this a breeze, unlike some of those entry-range LXs from Verizon, which have a huge bulky charger. Moreover, the battery seems to handle partiel charges very well so far.
Sync-wise, things are as smooth as can be. I'm also using a Mac, and when I bought the phone I was told that I couldn't sync with a Mac, but all you need is to do the initial physical sync with a PC, and then you can sync online with any computer (I'm pretty sure there's a way to physically sync with a Mac, but with online sync I haven't even needed to look for it). Automatic sync also means you get a data backup and don't risk losing data (I'm duplicating on a card just in case, but I haven't needed to access it to retrieve anything so far).
The sound is great, much better once again than on the Verizon LX phones. I'm not convinced that the Motorola Bluetooth headset that I'm using is the best, but the hands-free kit which comes with the phone, though wired, gives excellent sound quality (and in both ears, so even you're very hard of hearing you should have no difficulties with it).
The apps are great, though I've switched to Apple for my laptop, Pocket Windows is still really useful and Office-compatible.
The only thing I still need to get and which they should include in the package is a transparent cover for the screen -it hasn't been damaged at all so far despite bad treatment, but I'm a bit worried it'll eventually get scratched if not protected adequately.

Best of the bunch so far...
As head of IT for my company I was subjected to the brutal testing of all the new "convergence" devices. We needed something that combined the features of a Blackberry with a camera (If only RIM would make one!!!).After going through 5 or 6 devices, I thought for sure the technology just wasn't there yet.When I got the Audiovox I felt I finally found something ready for primetime.The camera is good - not great - but good enough for what we needed it for (punchlisting damages and relaying that info via email) and better than the other devices I tested.The phone is by far the loudest of all of them.I can actually hear the caller.Throw in a Motorola bluetooth earbud and you're really in business.Again, I'd love more volume, but this is very acceptable.The Microsoft Active Sync works!If your organization is running Exchange 2003 w/ Mobile Services make sure you install SP1 for Exchange2K3!It fixes a bunch of bugs with Mobile Services.Although not as fast as my Blackberry server, I get my emails within 3-4 minutes.
The battery life is not the best, but that seems to be a characteristic of all the Pocket PCs.As most people know, Blackberries will run for days - this thing needs to be charged every night!There are some tweaks to help conserve power...turn off the IR and the Bluetooth if you're not using it.And save critical info to a card using the backup utility - it avoids a lot of anguish if you're out-of-town and need to restore all your settings should you "forget" to charge it one night.And the "slide-out" keyboard is very functional.
I gave it 5 stars only because I found it to be the best of similar devices, although there are certainly still some areas that could use improvement (especially battery life).But if you need the functionality and can't wait for the technology to improve, this is the device to go with!! (They even have a Citrix client for it!!)

Poor Battery Life on XV6600
I'm returning my XV6600 today.As a PDA, it has plenty of nice features...Pocket PC is great, and the compatibility with Windows applications is nice.HOWEVER, as a primary phone, it leaves a lot to be desired.The battery life is awful.I charged it to full capacity, and less than 10 hours later, it was at 33% only from a few phone calls.I wish I would have read these reviews before making such a pricy purchase! ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

Camera phone meets Windows Mobile PDA in Samsung's CDMA-based incarnation of the Pocket PC platform, the i700. The phone includes pocket versions of all the Windows software you need to keep working on the go-- Pocket Word, Pocket Excel, Pocket Outlook, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player and Microsoft Reader. It's a total mobile office solution with advanced calling features and powerful PDA functionality.

Click the image to get a closer look at the i700's features.

Design
The i700 follows the standard form factor of the latest Pocket PC devices. A large, 240 x 320, 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. Alternatively, the device can be directly controlled with an included stylus that slides out of the i700's case. The Windows Mobile for Smartphones 2002 operating system is completely touchscreen-enabled and features advanced handwriting recognition that is compatible with all of the device's applications. The VGA (640 x 480) camera unit on top of the device features a unique rotating head-- great for getting self portraits. Adjacent to the camera are the external antenna and the infrared data port. The rear of the i700 houses the speakerphone unit, just above the battery door. There's a standard 2.5mm headset jack, while USB data and charging is handled by the i700's docking ports on the bottom of the device. A slot for MultiMediaCard (MMC) and Secure Digital (SD) cards is placed on the left side of the unit. The i700 ships with 64 MB of internal memory, which is expandable via the memory card slot. The device features a 300MHz Intel StrongArm processor.

Calling Features
The i700's built-in speakerphone with support for 3-way conference calling makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Nine ringtones are available, as is a vibrating alert. The i700 also features speaker-independent voice recognition, which allows any user to dial a number by speaking the name of a contact from a phone book, or by speaking the digits of a phone number. Caller ID lets you see who's calling and GPS location technology pinpoints your exact location when you dial 911. The included Pocket Outlook software features a contacts list that is cleverly integrated with the phone's dialing functions.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The i700 is designed as a complete solution for people who want to bring their office with them. The unit comes packed with pocket versions of Outlook and Internet Explorer. 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 or IR connection). Users who want Internet connectivity on the road with their laptop or PDA can tap the i700's wireless modem capabilities (Verizon data plan charges apply). The phone also supports Verizon's "wireless sync" technology, which enables i700 users to sync data (calendars, contacts and email) with their Internet-connected desktop PC while they're on the road.

You can use the i700's built-in Internet Explorer browser for Verizon Mobile Web downloads and browsing. Verizon's optional Mobile Web package allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. You can check your e-mail, trade stocks online, compare prices while shopping, access flight information, get movie listings and find directions to the theater. Traditional text messaging is also supported by the phone. T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

For complete functionality on the go, the i700 includes pocket versions of Microsoft Word and Excel. Open, view and edit documents and spreadsheets right on your handheld, then send them to associates. A number of additional handy software tools are bundled with the i700 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a to-do list, and an alarm clock. Microsoft's Reader application, which allows you to read eBooks on your i700, is also included.

Imaging and Entertainment
The i700 can view and send images and graphics in JPEG, GIF, BMP and PNG formats. The included camera features resolution and quality settings, white balance, exposure settings, a timer, thumbnail and slide show views, and a picture zoom. The inclusion of Windows Media on the i700 means that you can use the handset as an MP3 player. The amount of music you can store is only limited by the unit's memory, and the included stereo headset is designed for music enjoyment. Personalize your i700 with customizable wallpapers and home screens. If you're into mobile gaming, the i700 supports Pocket PC-compatible games.

Vital Statistics
The Samsung i700 weighs 6.9 ounces and measures 5.2 x 2.8 x .8 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 250 minutes of digital talk time, and up to 240 hours of digital standby time. It runs on theCDMA 800/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Samsung i700 handset, standard battery, extended battery, desktop charger (sync cradle), travel charger, leather portfolio, 2 styli, stereo headset, companion software CD. ... Read more

Features

• Mobile versions of Microsoft applications
• Built-in digital camera with rotating camera lens, multiple resolution and quality settings
• Breakthrough voice recognition software
• 9 ring tones plus vibrating alert and speakerphone
• Image Support - JPEG, GIF, BMP, PNG

Reviews (9)

Pathetic as a phone
If you want to use this primarily as a phone, do not buy it! The voice quality is poor and it is difficult to use. It has no keypad, only a touch screen, so you cannot dial it while driving, walking, etc. You cannot see the screen in daylight. It is too big to fit into a shirt pocket, so you end up carrying it around in your hand.

Now the worst part - apparently Samsung does not understand the concept of non-volatile memory. On 2 occasions my battery has run down, and both times the phone dumped all of it's memory. Contrast this to my old Nokia phone that I have not used or charged in a year - it still has all of it's memory contents.

The PDA functions are difficult to use and master, and there is no manual to help. I have colleagues that have had their e-mail connections dissapear for no reason. There are intermittemt problems sending e-mail to addresses outside of my company's domain. The MS Office functions are worthless, since you have to constantly manipulate the screen - you cannot rescale the image on the screen. The web access is 10 times worse than dial-up.

In short, stay far, far away from this phone - look at a Treo or a Blackberry if you want a Smart Phone.

best pda,phone ever
i am a gadget freak...and believe me i had my share of the latest phones and pdas including the dell x50v.now i can toss the man bag which i used to carry the dell 700m laptop, axim x50v pda and the lg 3mega pixel camera phone.i never realized the how versetile this thing was until i used the samsung i700 for 4 months.now i can't be without it.1st of all its top quality stuff...i even dropped it several times and its still functioning.its probably the most user friendly pda or phone u can buy.and the batt life is exceptional..for an all in one unit.its just an amazing machine and the display is clear and bright..even better than my axim with 16mb graphics card.i wish i had known about this unit earlier.now my beloved dell axim and the lg phone will retire.hope ebay can find them a good home.i will hold on to this for years...thank u samsung.

Best phone/camer/ voice recorder/ date book I ever had!
This phone rocks!I have had it for about a year now.I have never had a problem with it.The sync works like a dream so it saves me from carrying a pda, pager, and separate phone.Now I have them all in one good-looking package.Don't wait, get one today!

Excellent
I've had mine for over a year now and it has been outstanding.
PDA - I wouldn't know what to do without it. Synchronizing is not a problem and I even have desktop themes that changes from every 30 seconds to daily and it can handle it. Organizing is a breeze due to operational ease of the calendar and contacts.
Internet - we moved cross country and used the internet for weather and hotel lookup. It was incredible and it still is.
Email - it comes handy since we took a lot of pictures during our trip, even in the Sequoia National Park. Just take a picture and send.
Phone - I use it everyday with and without the earphones. Conversations are crystal clear even on a cloudy day. I even used it during the hurricanes that came through Florida. No problem.
Durability - I have dropped this PDA/phone a few times and it's still working. I even have the scratches to prove it.
Summary - It was a Valentine's Day gift from my husband and it has been very helpful. I don't have to go walking around with a phone, PDA, and or laptop. I intend to take good care of it so it will last a while because I am not rich and can't afford to buy one everytime I can't figure out how to work it. Thanks Samsung.

Okay PDA, Non-working phone
The PDA part of the i700 worked fine and synchronization was relatively easy.However, the phone part only worked for about two months.First the speaker quit, then the microphone, and finally the headset part.Since I bought it primarily for the phone, it did not meet my standards for usage.A co-worker experienced similar problems having gone through 3 phones in six months, all due to the phone not working. ... Read more

Amazon.com Product Description

With support for Virgin Mobile's "VirginXL" wireless content services, a VGA camera with flash, dual displays and a speakerphone, the 8910 Flasher V7 is a great mobile companion. Get the most out of your Virgin Mobile service with this powerful phone.

Design
The phone features a traditional clamshell design with a 128 x 160 TFT color display with 65,000 colors. The rear of the flip-up cover houses a camera that can snap shots at 640 x 480 resolution, also known as VGA resolution. There's also a small 95 x 64 secondary black and white LCD display on the back of the cover that displays incoming call information, network signal strength and more. Most camera features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's control pad. Meanwhile, the top right side of the unit houses an extendable antenna while data and charging ports are housed on the unit's bottom edge.

Calling Features
The Flasher V7 has all the latest calling features folks have come to expect. The phone comes with built-in Virgin Mobile "superphonic" ringtones plus a vibrating alert. Superphonic ringtones feature real music tracks and more are available via Virgin Mobile's VirginXL service. Ringtones can be assigned to specific callers so you don't have to look at the phone to know who's calling. The built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear and voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names. There's also a built-in address book that can store up to 300 contacts for quick and easy management of phone numbers and email addresses.

Messaging and Internet
The Flasher V7 covers the messaging basics with support for sending and receiving text and picture messages. T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

The phone fully supports Virgin Mobile's enhanced wireless content service, VirginXL. Use the pay