From V60i to ??? Need help with new phone purchase

[Sondra]

I'm in need of a phone upgrade... I've been happily using my V60i for a few years. Here's my shortlist of requirements:

- Flip phone (I like the small size)
- External caller ID (visible when phone is closed)
- User interface that doesn't require a PhD in programming
- Camera is NOT necessary
- Good sound quality (voice) AND good signal coverage

I have been looking at the Audiovox 8600, especially since I can get it for $29 at RadioShack, but I would always prefer a Motorola. But I am open to help and suggestions, THANKS in advance for any feedback you can provide!! Sondra in Connecticut

[Jodi]

Originally Posted by Sondra

I'm in need of a phone upgrade... I've been happily using my V60i for a few years. Here's my shortlist of requirements:

- Flip phone (I like the small size)
- External caller ID (visible when phone is closed)
- User interface that doesn't require a PhD in programming
- Camera is NOT necessary
- Good sound quality (voice) AND good signal coverage

I have been looking at the Audiovox 8600, especially since I can get it for $29 at RadioShack, but I would always prefer a Motorola. But I am open to help and suggestions, THANKS in advance for any feedback you can provide!! Sondra in Connecticut

I recently gave up my v60i as well...I was really reluctant to leave behind my Motorola after all the great use I got out of it...

You may want to consider the Samsung a670. It's all digital though (unlike the tri-mode of v60i), so if you found your v60i went to analog in your area, then this won't be the phone for you....other than that...

The a670 has the external view flip, easy user interface (similar to the v60i), it does have a camera phone (but consider it a perk), and GREAT sound quality/reception...I would recommend the a650 as it's tri-mode and no camera, but there's no external view, which I agree, is essential...

Good luck!

[Sondra]

Thanks, Jodi, I will look into whether or not I need analog... remind me, with the V60I, is analog when the upside down black triangle appears? I know this seems lame but I am not sure how to know if I was in analog mode much or not!

(and if I wasn't, I will certainly look into the A670... I agree the camera is a perk that I can "live with" lol.

[Jodi]

Originally Posted by Sondra

Thanks, Jodi, I will look into whether or not I need analog... remind me, with the V60I, is analog when the upside down black triangle appears? I know this seems lame but I am not sure how to know if I was in analog mode much or not!

(and if I wasn't, I will certainly look into the A670... I agree the camera is a perk that I can "live with" lol.

The triangle (if I remember correctly) is when you're in roaming...usually, on the v60i a "D" inside a box would show up on your screen...this is digital mode. When the "D" disappeared, then you were in analog, but still could hold onto a call...if your calls always had the "D", then you probably don't need a tri-mode, but you can always talk to a VZW dealer and see what they say...

Good luck!

[Sondra]

Update: I am now leaning away from the AV 8600 because it purportedly is not very user friendly. Plus it is a bit thicker than other phones (even though it is pretty small in length/width).

However, I am now keen on the AV 8900. Does anyone here know whether it is more user-friendly than the 8600? Also, does it have an external LCD display (caller ID when closed)?

While I still like the Samsung 670, my only concern is its lack of tri-mode. Is there an easy way for me to determine where in my area(s) analog would be necessary, if at all?

So anyway, the AV 8900 and the SS A670 are my two narrowed down choices. Oy, I can't wait til I just choose something and like it!

[Jrapp]

Originally Posted by Sondra

Thanks, Jodi, I will look into whether or not I need analog... remind me, with the V60I, is analog when the upside down black triangle appears? I know this seems lame but I am not sure how to know if I was in analog mode much or not!

(and if I wasn't, I will certainly look into the A670... I agree the camera is a perk that I can "live with" lol.

If you're in analog, you get an A in box instead of a D in a box on the screen. Use your V60i for a week or so more and periodically look at the screen to see if you regularly get the A in a box, if not, you don't necessarily need a tri-mode phone. Personally, I'm not fond of Audiovox phones. Seem poorly made to me (family members have had the 8600, POS in my opinion).

[Sondra]

"Personally, I'm not fond of Audiovox phones. Seem poorly made to me (family members have had the 8600, POS in my opinion)."

Jrapp - then can you suggest another phone that meets my criteria by any chance? Thanks in advance

[Jodi]

Originally Posted by Sondra

"Personally, I'm not fond of Audiovox phones. Seem poorly made to me (family members have had the 8600, POS in my opinion)."

Jrapp - then can you suggest another phone that meets my criteria by any chance? Thanks in advance

The Samsung a650 is tri-mode..the only drawback is it doesn't have the external display,but it is a flip and works very similarly to the a670...

[twopiece]

Other than the Samsung A650/A670 and LG VX6000/7000, Motorola doesn't really have a good flip right now. People may say that the V710 is a good phone but I consider the V60i far better without the bells and whistles.

[Jrapp]

Originally Posted by Sondra

Jrapp - then can you suggest another phone that meets my criteria by any chance? Thanks in advance

I have had a V60, in one form or another, since they were introduced (V60c then V60i now V60s) For me, and I know a lot of people are tired of them, but the V60 series still is the best PHONE out there. And here's why.

The voice quality, both coming and going, is the closest to a landline. Absolutely crystal clear. I had a brand new Sammy A530s for a few weeks, and while it was louder, the quality was not even close. It was good, just not close to V60

The V60 is metal, stands up incredibly well

The V60 has a dediacated voice key, ON THE OUTSIDE OF THE PHONE. Can someone explain to me the logic behind putting a voice key on the key pad, where you have to LOOK AT THE PHONE to use it? Isn't the point of voice dial to dial without looking at the phone?

The V60 has analog. Yes, I hardly ever use it, but its nice to know its there.

The V60 has a smartkey. It accesses features, changes ring styles, executes key presses/beeps. The smartkey is now almost indispensible for me.

The V60s has the absolutely best speakerphone, (save Nextel, which is otherwise crap). I can use it in my car at 65 mph with the radio on.

Yes, I am aware that there is no color screen. Which is a nice feature but hardly necessary, its a phone, not a television. And there is no camera, but I can't take a camera into a Courthouse anyway, so I would never buy a phone with a camera. By the way, I believe this is a trend, where camera phones will be outlawed in more places.

So I, personally, would go with a V60s. If you want to get out of the V60 models, I'd go with the samsung A530s. Size is exceptionally small. It's a flip. It's color. Earpiece volume is LOUD (though you have to find optimal position on your ear). Voice recognition is excellent, much better than Motorola, but the voice key is on the key pad. It also has Whisper mode, which is a GREAT feature, you can talk softly but the phone amplifies your voice so you sound normal on the other end. They're getting phased out (I think) so they're dirt cheap. The only thing missing is analog. I doubt you need it but you don't say your location so I can't be sure.

In the end, this is really just a personal decision. There are things I prefer about Motorola that Samsung does not have. But Sammys are quality phones. Best idea, use your trial period to see if you like the sammys.

Good luck.

[Sondra]

The 650 is definitely out because of the no external screen. That is a must!

Jrapp: I commend and totally agree with your opinions about the V60 series! I have had, and loved, this phone for a long time and today I was finally thinking, why do I really need to change?!?! Thanks for the extra validation of this thinking! I don't care about color screen either, like you. Nor a camera. I DO however want to have the analog capability because I know I'll be pissed if and when I can't get it with another phone in certain areas. So I guess that the A530s is out too!

About the newest V60 phones though: I am aware that there is one or more newer models that have TERRIBLE battery life. That is a deal breaker. Is there a model like mine (V60i) with similar decent batter life? Or should I look for a new V60i to replace my current one?

Thanks again for any help you provide out there. Great site!

[Sondra]

Let me add real quickly to my last reply: I am also now thinking of buying a smart phone/personal organizer combo. That I can wait for so I can do the necessary comparisons and due diligence. Of course, I'd keep my small V60 or whatever I get -- and also get a PDA/phone. Which I'd like to work w/Verizon!! Are there any that do? Isn't there something new on the horizon too (Verizon capable)????

[Jrapp]

Originally Posted by Sondra

About the newest V60 phones though: I am aware that there is one or more newer models that have TERRIBLE battery life. That is a deal breaker. Is there a model like mine (V60i) with similar decent batter life? Or should I look for a new V60i to replace my current one? !

I disagree with most people's assessment of the V60s battery life. If I'm in a strong digital area (away from my desk, on vacation for example), I can get 2 or 2.5 days with moderate usage. Although it will never touch the V60i b/c of the speakerphone.