UPDATE: Audiovox 8900 review (long, wait make that very long)

[connifer]

just in case no one is yet tired of the 8900 comments/reviews, i thought i'd submit mine.

I bought the 8900 on Dec 30th, and I am very pleased with this phone. I go through phones very frequently and often complain that phones are getting worse and worse in terms of their basic phone functionality (while excellent at doing things that are just unnecessary). I didn't buy this phone for the camera - I bought it because I thought it was the best phone offering that Verizon had that was tri-mode. I have taken about 10 pictures with the camera, and I haven't sent them to anyone - they are just on my phone locally and I change the wallpaper from time to time with the pictures I've taken. The resolution is passable, but nothing to write home about.

Shimo has been right on with his review that started this thread. The only things I'd have to comment on or add to his review are:

Build quality: It's no v60 (what phone is, really, in terms of solid build quality?), but I am actually quite pleased with the build of the 8900. It is about the same or better than the VX4400 - which I thought also nudged a bit when you pushed it against your ear. The 8900 has a little rubber piece that prevents you from pushing it too far, which is a nice touch. Also, when I tap against any part of the phone with my nail, it feels solid - which the 4400 didn't. The finish of the 8900 feels like lacquer which is difficult to scratch - the matte metallic (but plastic) finish of the 4400 was easy to scratch without any effort at all.

Size: It is also noticeably slimmer than the 4400. I like that. In general, the whole size of the phone is perfect. Not too big, not too small.

Nice unexpected feature discoveries (the ones that haven't been covered, i think/hope):

-I like that when the ringer is on (i.e. not on etiquette mode) and you have the phone flipped open, it rings softly - and not the normal setting - because the assumption is that when the phone is open, you don't need to listen the ringer at high volume. Nice.

-I like the camera strap accessory that makes your phone seem like a camera - oh wait, it is a camera. But seriously, I like it. It doesn't stand out that much, and I can just pull it out of my bag by the strap, which sticks out just a little bit out of my bag, rather than having to hunt for it. And if I keep it on my wrist, then I won't drop the phone (i almost did twice).

I share the same sentiments of all the gripes, like the super-lame toggling between the 'Verizon Wireless' banner and the date/time on the front LCD. I have the no longer available Southwest-12 plan (not America's Choice, this was pre-AC), and it still toggles. Grrrr.

It would have been nice to have fewer key strokes to get to a saved number when you are in the text message menu. It seems like once you get to 'send a new text mesg' it is designed to be much easier to enter the phone number manually, rather than get to a saved contact. Silliness.

I sure wish the missed call gave a reminder beep too...

In any case, I'm 98% sure that I won't be returning this phone. That is saying a lot considering that I have a reputation at work and among friends as being such an impossibly picky gadget freak...people usually will ask me "so what phone are you carrying these days?" I am worried that there could be problems down the road, as with most first edition phones that Verizon puts out. I had the t720 for all of 3 days before returning it. But I have a good feeling about this one after putting it through the 130-point inspection. Let's hope for the best!

-connie

[CWick]

A female that likes gadgets....Connie, I love you.

[Tony E!]

Originally posted by: CWick
A female that likes gadgets....Connie, I love you.

"love is in the air"................lol[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[Tony E!]

Originally posted by: jbroses
I'm new here, but have read the reviews and they've been great. I got the 8900 the day it came out, and was slightly disappointed at the time. Since, I have returned it and used my dissatisfaction to get a great deal out of VZW if I sign another contract. So I've tried to get the phone again, but none of the stores in Boston are selling it! I'm looking into getting it online.

My questions are:

I've heard that 8900s bought in S. California DON'T have the "Verizon Wireless" displayed on the outer LCD every couple seconds. I have an opportunity to have a friend buy me one out there and send it to me. It might be worth it, but I'd appreciate any info anyone might have.

Secondly, steelerfan, you hinted that you've found a way to get ringtones without paying through Get it now. I had used Pixplace, but didn't see anything for ringers. Any info would be appreciated!

Thanks!

Jbroses replied to your PM but yours is turned off.

[COBRASVT]

Just thought I'd add that my local VZ store said that they sent all their 8900's back for a reburn. They are supposed to have them back by Friday.

We'll see...

I just activated my Panasonic GU87 on the AT&T network, but can't stand the limitations of GSM only.

So I'm switching to Verizon for the added coverage and camera phone. I really love the camera optino and I hope they are decent pics.

[Tony E!]

Originally posted by: COBRASVT
Just thought I'd add that my local VZ store said that they sent all their 8900's back for a reburn. They are supposed to have them back by Friday.

We'll see...

I just activated my Panasonic GU87 on the AT&T network, but can't stand the limitations of GSM only.

So I'm switching to Verizon for the added coverage and camera phone. I really love the camera optino and I hope they are decent pics.

I use a TDMA v60i with ATT, total junk.
a camera phone for $59.99 is great price.
good luck and welcome aboard.

[CWick]

Originally posted by: Tony E

I use a TDMA v60i with ATT, total junk.
a camera phone for $59.99 is great price.
good luck and welcome aboard.

The VX-6000 for 59.99? Shows 149.00
- 70 rebate online.

[Tony E!]

Originally posted by: CWick

The VX-6000 for 59.99? Shows 149.00
- 70 rebate online.

wake up Cwick this is the Audiovox forum, therefore we are talking about the 8900.........lol[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
just teasing homie.

[CWick]

Sorry.....my new phone envy is making me delirious.

[Tony E!]

well it's back to it's original price of $169.99 for a two year contract as you previously read in the other thread, wonder if after having it for $59.99 and having it re-called, S/W issues, people will be willing to pay this price again.

[shimo]

I'm sure that 99.5% of Verizon users probably don't even know the price ever changed. I mean people who actually research about cell phones and followed the problems and prices of the audi 8900 on web are very small.

I'm sure that those people who walk into the store and want to buy a camera phone, $169.99 - $70 looks like a great price....little do they know [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

[Tony E!]

Originally posted by: shimo
I'm sure that 99.5% of Verizon users probably don't even know the price ever changed. I mean people who actually research about cell phones and followed the problems and prices of the audi 8900 on web are very small.

I'm sure that those people who walk into the store and want to buy a camera phone, $169.99 - $70 looks like a great price....little do they know [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

true, good point.

[NYCDru]

Originally posted by: Tony E

true, good point.

Man, It never even got a chance to change price in NY. It was released and 6 days later it was pulled and we haven't seen it since.

[COBRASVT]

Well...not sure about pricing, but the rep told me that the phones are clear and on the way back to the store. She said that they should be ready for sale on Monday.

She is putting one aside for me since she says that they are almost all spoken for already. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

Hopefully, I'll join the group on Monday.

[shimo]

So Cobrasvt,

How do you like the Audi 8900 so far? What are your observations and pros/cons with the phone?

[COBRASVT]

Originally posted by: shimo
So Cobrasvt,

How do you like the Audi 8900 so far? What are your observations and pros/cons with the phone?

Well...my two biggest gripes are:

1. You can't close the flip with the speaker phone on. I did find that if you have the ear piece in and the speaker on, you can close the flip, pull the ear piece out and the speaker will continue to function. Makes me think that it's possible to somehow program it to stay on when the flip is closed.

2. The camera quality in low light is sooooo horrible it's not funny. I have the Panasonic GU87 and it's camera is so superior I can't even describe it. I should post pics of the same shot with each, but I don't have the data cable yet for the 8900. The GU has IR so I just beam the pics instantly when taken, but these will have to wait. I might picture mail a couple .... just to show how much poorer the quality is.

There are a lot of things that I like about it and am trying to talk myself into keeping, but just not sure. I really wanted a camera phone...that's the hole reason I started looking into new service...because the camera phones with AT&T are GSM only and the coverage is bad.

I also have some additional gripes that I think are directly related to Verizon screwing with the software. The inabililty to have the any key answer function and changing the lettering on the opening screen.

I do need to address what I like, but I just don't feel like it right now...the camera is really bothering me.

[shimo]

Originally posted by: COBRASVT

Well...my two biggest gripes are:

1. You can't close the flip with the speaker phone on. I did find that if you have the ear piece in and the speaker on, you can close the flip, pull the ear piece out and the speaker will continue to function. Makes me think that it's possible to somehow program it to stay on when the flip is closed.

2. The camera quality in low light is sooooo horrible it's not funny. I have the Panasonic GU87 and it's camera is so superior I can't even describe it. I should post pics of the same shot with each, but I don't have the data cable yet for the 8900. The GU has IR so I just beam the pics instantly when taken, but these will have to wait. I might picture mail a couple .... just to show how much poorer the quality is.

There are a lot of things that I like about it and am trying to talk myself into keeping, but just not sure. I really wanted a camera phone...that's the hole reason I started looking into new service...because the camera phones with AT&T are GSM only and the coverage is bad.

I also have some additional gripes that I think are directly related to Verizon screwing with the software. The inabililty to have the any key answer function and changing the lettering on the opening screen.

I do need to address what I like, but I just don't feel like it right now...the camera is really bothering me.

Cobrasvt,

I completely agree with you. Unless there is sufficient light, pictures from the camera are horrible. You can adjust the brightness of the pictures by hitting the control stick left or right. This might help a little. I've taken some decent pictures of my car and my co worker's Aprilia motorcycle.

Also what earpiece do you have? How do you like the earpiece functionality and quality? Good finding on the speakerphone function. I'm pretty sure your finding with using the speakerphone closed is an unintentional mistake by Audi or Verizon.

[COBRASVT]

Originally posted by: shimo

Cobrasvt,

I completely agree with you. Unless there is sufficient light, pictures from the camera are horrible. You can adjust the brightness of the pictures by hitting the control stick left or right. This might help a little. I've taken some decent pictures of my car and my co worker's Aprilia motorcycle.

Also what ear piece do you have? How do you like the ear piece functionality and quality? Good finding on the speaker-phone function. I'm pretty sure your finding with using the speaker-phone closed is an unintentional mistake by Audi or Verizon.

Agreed...if the lighting is great, the pics are really good....and maybe most camera phones are the same, but the GU87 is far far superior at this time. With that camera technology in this phone, I'd be in heaven and could overlook all the other quirks without a problem

I use an ear piece by body glove similar to this one http://store.iphonepcs.com/hsuniv-abp.html. It's small, sticks to my head and doesn't have a long boom mike...I really like it.

I can't wait for the day when bluetooth is prevalent and we don't have to worry about cords.

[connifer]

hey shimo (or anyone on this thread) -

have you experienced the phone randomly restarting itself? it happens about every 3 days for me, usually in the morning. i know it's restarting because i recognize that retarded jingle that plays every time you turn the phone on. today, it just happened again, with nothing to provoke it. i hardly ever turn my phone off, so it always kind of startles me when it happens because it's so loud when it happens.

just wondering if you or others are experiencing this problem... i wouldn't call it a tragic flaw - i could totally live with it, but i want to know if i'm alone with this problem.