I give this phone a rating of 4 for design and features, and a zero for usability. When a phone's reception is so weak that it doesn't pick up a signal in some areas of downtown DC, it has a problem. Much to my dismay, I had to return it after only 48 hours, as it became evident that I wouldn't be able to talk from many of the places I frequent, so I replaced it with the much-less-sexy Nokia 6610, which will tide me over until my dream phone comes along.
I LOVED the display, the joystick action, the keypad back-lighting, and the nice, solid feel of the phone. The size and shape were exactly what I was looking for: something no larger than a compact powder case. The display, although sometimes hard to see in the sunlight, was most attractive. The camera resolution isn't as good as on my old Sprint Sanyo 5300, but it does the basic job. I loved the picture ID on incoming text messages as well as phone calls.
PROS:
- Overall design and construction: metal case, nice, solid feel
- Features such as Picture Message ID, voice dialing, phone directory options.
- Built-in camera makes it a fun accessory as well as a portable communications tool.
- Beautiful MMS and SMS interface
CONS:
- EXTREMELY POOR reception.
- EXTREMELY POOR reception (oh, sorry, I repeat myself)
- Proprietary headset plug. When will manufacturers learn to equip all their handsets with mini jacks, which are far less fragile and a lot easier to replace?
- Poor visibility in bright sunlight.
If this phone had an antenna as good as my Nokia 6610, it would be indeed the PERFECT phone.
