Audiovox CDM-9500 (Verizon Wireless)
Pricing not available
CNET Editors' Review
The good: Color screen; external LCD; works on 1xRTT networks; can download apps and games; built-in speakerphone.
The bad: Some unnecessary security features; lackluster battery life.
The bottom line: With its color display and built-in speakerphone, the CDM-9500 is a nice addition to Verizon's lineup, but it falls short on battery life.
![]() The 9500 is a tad too big for a pocket. | |
The 9500 is a tad too big for a pocket. | |
The five-way navigational mouse button, while useful for wading through menus, takes a bit of digital dexterity. We kept accidentally touching the center Select key when we wanted to move through the menu choices and vice versa. The navigation buttons double as earpiece/speakerphone volume controls. For this feature, we would have preferred separate switches on the side of the unit. As it is, you must move the handset from your face during a call to adjust the volume.
Menu maneuvers: There's an array of buttons for accessing the phone's features. | |
The phone is 1xRTT compatible, so you can browse the wireless Web at relatively high data rates (about 56Kbps). The CDM-9500 is also BREW and J2ME (Java) enabled, so you can download applications, ring tones, wallpaper, and games (which will come in handy with the color screen) via the Get It Now menu selection. We were able to deck out the phone with a Lord of the Rings tone and background, though we should mention that it took a couple of attempts to successfully add the former.
One thing that we weren't thrilled with was the fact that you have to enter your security code to access such basic functions as erasing the call-history log or resetting the timers. It's nice to know that certain functions are unavailable to unauthorized users, but this is taking security a bit too far.
Compact and portable: The charger won't take up a lot of room in a suitcase or a bag. | |
We matched the rated 1.5 hours of talk time and beat the rated 100 hours of standby time by 12 hours. Nonetheless, this is fairly weak when compared to other color mobiles, such as LG's VX4400 and Motorola's T720, both of which provide at least 2 hours of talk time. Hide Review
User Reviews
See all user reviewsMost recent user reviews
Showing 3 of 68 reviews
"As long as you don't mind charging daily it's a great phone" By
Pros: Excellent sound clarity, good features, some I don't use but are nice just in case, ringtones and wallpaper are good as well as plenty of phonebook storage.
Cons: Battery dies after about 30 hours of standby on a full charge. Talk time from a full charge is about 1 1/2 hours.
"I'M MORE THAN IMPRESSED" By
Pros: A lot of bang for the buck!! I've had one of these since December 2002. If you want small and compact phone you'll have to look elsewhere, well you have to look elsewhere anyway cause this phone is discontinued, it's bigger than most. In fact, I purcha
Cons: Accessories, namely cases, are difficult to find. You'll have to find one of those cellular knock off shops or go to eBay if you want a 9500 specific case. Otherwise you'll have to settle for a standard pouch. Ahh the battery life, well I have seen bet
Where to Buy
Pricing not available
