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"LG VX9800, It Gets Better With Time! 9 Bars!"
on by SHIVA_Pros Read my list of pros below.
Cons Read my list of tweaks below.
Summary It's surprising me how many so-called "reviewers" post their thoughts on a brand new phone after only a few hours of ownership. For many users coming from regular flip phones, the LG 9800 is overkill. That in some ways reflects a few of the negative reviews this truly amazing phone is unfairly receiving. Most of the negative posts I have read about the 9800 are by uninformed users, who are unfamiliar with this phone's multitude of features. Also it is my understanding that the competing brands often post negative remarks to bring down a new phone's overall ratings.
The LG VX9800 is a rockstar, a near-PDA in a compact package. It can deliver most things to most people, but you won't be able to appreciate the phone fully during your first few couple of days of ownership.
I ordered the 9800 the first morning it became available on VZW's web site, on Tuesday, September 27, 05. It was delivered to me via FedEx two days later. It has taken me this long to write a review because I wanted to get to know the phone well and share my actual experience. Initially I had a few issues, which I assumed to be bugs and later on learned that it was my own lack of understanding of 9800's capabilities.
I don't want to repeat what most people have already said about this phone, but here are my highlights of some of the outstanding features of the 9800:
> The internal screen is amazingly brilliant, almost HD like.
> The sound quality is phenomenon; you can hear your conversation in almost any noisy environment.
> You can set different images for internal and external screens, including video clips.
> The reception is quite good. In NYC I am in either full bars, or 3 out of 4 bars.
> Speakerphone works.
> The keypad, once you get used to it, is well spaced and very easy to use, much better than PDA's that are tiny and too close together.
> 9800 has HTML browsing capacities. It will browse any web site, will show you any thumbnail image, and allow you to click on links. You can browse the web using Mobile Web 2.
> When in EVDO coverage area the web browsing is done in broadband speed. Outside of EVDO, 9800 automatically switches to 1X at dialup speed.
> Palm's T650 PDA is inferior to the 9800 because it lacks EVDO capabilities.
> Samsung i730 ($600) is superior but at double the price, but lacks camera and features a very small pad.
> The Voice Alert feature simply rocks. I don't need fancy ring tones, the Voice Alert announces my calls by either their phone number, or their names if in my contact list. It's very convenient. Also when in public I set my 9800 on vibrate, nobody likes to hear other people's obnoxiously loud and stupid ring tones in public anyway.
> The Voice Commend allows you to use the phone by simply speaking to it. For example, you can say "digit dial" then you say the number, 9800 confirms back the number and dials it for you. Or you can say, "voice mail" or "missed calls." You get the picture.
> I also don't need fancy wallpaper either; I photograph my own with the 9800 and use it. I have a short video clip (shot with the 9800) on the external screen (plays full screen) and a large selection of images I took at a recent Concours d'Elegance Auto Show in NYC that I use on the internal screen.
Here is a list of some tweaks I've found very helpful on my 9800:
1- You can edit the Voice Mail speed dial number. Click on OK/Messaging/Left Soft Key/All Msg/Voice Mail #.
2- You can alter the font size in Yahoo Mail while using Mobile Web 2. Go to Yahoo Mail, click on "Yahoo," scroll down, click on "Make Font Larger."
3- You can browse the web freely. From time to time an "insufficient memory" warning comes up, just hit OK and continue your browsing no need to worry about it.
4- You can remove the Verizon Wireless banner (unlike some other LGs). Go to Settings and Tools/Display/Banner/ERI Banner.
5- You can place a larger digital clock on the internal screen and a large analog clock on the external. I have analog clocks on both screens.
6- 9800 has a self-portrait feature. When in camera mode, use right soft key and click on options/LCD Dual Mode.
7- You don't need to turn the camera on by using the external button and hold down for 2 seconds, neither are you limited by pressing the external button for additional 2 seconds to use the video mode. Simply click on OK/Get It Now/Get Pix & Flix/Take Pix or Take Flix.
8- There is an option to kill the "Power on/off Sound," but if you do that you may initially lose sound to the internal speakers until at least one call has been made. So, keep the Power on/off Sound to On to avoid this.
As you may tell, I am very happy with this phone. However if you only need a flip phone and are happy with using T9 and like to keep your phone budget at around a $100, that's fine, just don't bash this phone because it is overkill for your needs and out of your budget.
LG VX9800 simply Rocks!Updated
On my third week of using the 9800, I'd like to add a couple of more pointers about interesting features of this phone.
1- You can view your video clips full screen. When playing, just hit the up navigation keys.
2- There is even an easier way to start the camera and the video mode. Press left on the navigation keys, select Take Pix or Take Flix.
3- You can set the phone in Keyguard On mode, by pressing and holding the # on the external keys.
Enjoy the phone...
SUpdated
I'm into my 7th week of using the VX9800. So far not a glitch, not a reboot, coming from Motorola phones this is surprisingly hassle-free.
More pointers and these are just single-button quick-access features:
When the phone is closed:
> Pressing * for 3 seconds turns vibrate on or off.
> Pressing # for 3 seconds turns keygurad on.
> Pressing the "3" will turn the camera Flash on or off.
When ths phone is open:
> Pressing the Z will turn the vibrate on or off.
> Pressing the X will lock the phone. Stand ard unlock code is the last 4 digits of your number, or you can set your own.
> Pressing "F" will turn Camera Flash on or off.
Also the Cnet professional reviewer has a few mistakes in his comments on this phone. That's understandable since they look at so many phones and never actually live with one for too long to understand the nuances. Here are some corrections to his comments:
1- You never need to use the external camera button. Never. See above in how to start camera/video with the navigation keys and taking pics or running video using the OK button.
2- This phone has Text to Speech and not the other way around.
3- The UI fonts aren't adjustable in size.
4- The toggle switch or the navigation keys aren't user-defined.
5- Users have been able to establish connections to corporate servers for e-mail use.
6- You can only send the lower resolution video clips through the Pix-Message.
7- This phone is dualband and not triband. EVDO is not a band.
Cheers, SUpdated
The phone has worked flawlessly in the past 9-10 weeks of ownership. I have actually dropped it I think 3 times already, but it doesn't even have a scratch on it. It's solid, When you hold it in your hands you feel how well made it is.
The web browsing works, but there are times that I wish I had a larger screen for web surfing. But you know, larger screen means larger phone and larger phone means a pain in the butt to carry. So, this is ultimately a good compromise.
Anyhow, just to wrap, nearly 10 months of zero issues.
SUpdated
Hi, Most of your questions can easily be answered by visiting the LG VX9800/V on phonescoop.com. Most in the industry visit this site for info.
http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/p_forum.php?p=704Updated
Hi Guys, My phone's flawless performance record is broken. It had been working really well since I bought it in September and for the past week it has been:
- Losing calls multiple times after only a few seconds.
- Interrupting me during typing text messages by popping up warning messages.
- Automatically attempting to redial the last number, out of the blue.
- Automatically and out of the blue, bringing up my call list, or my message list or a random warning window.
Verizon initially upgraded the software to Version 2, that didn't help, so they kindly swapped the phone for me... So, all should be well again... SUpdated
Hi Guys, It turned out that it was the phone that was being naughty, the phone was working fine and as solid as ever, my Plantronic headset was acting up and causing the phone to misbehave.
How do I know this? When I brought the new phone home and connected it to the headset, it started behaving exactly as the old phone. When I swapped headset the problem went away.
That's another plus to the LG. Basically 8 months of no issues... SUpdated
The phone was OK, it wasn't the phone, it was the headset...Updated
Coming from Motorola phones for several years, I'm amazed at the reliability of this LG phone. It simply works, without even a hiccup after all these months. The 9900 is out of course, but I don't see any reason to "upgrade," since it's basically the same phone but a little lighter and thinner. My new-every-two is up in June, I'll consider my next phone then. I may get a PDA or not, haven't fully decided yet.
By the way, the MP3 player has a great sound. I just recently started using it.
Thank you for all your positive comments. Much appreciated. Happy Holidays. S -
"well worth the money. here are some tips and uploaders."
on by lexdavisboxerPros qwerty keyboard, long life battery, ok camera, does not get all that warm when talking on it, large inside color screen.
Cons Verizon really lacks with the content. Some games, ring tones and wallpapers, but nothing great. Many applications cost per month.
Summary in all i am happy with this phone. i am disappointed with the lack of verizon content though. many applications if not all of them cost a per month rate which is not cool. once i learn how to upload my own wallpapers and ringtones, then this phone will be perfect. other then the content this phone is great. smaller then what people have said. the phone is a bit thicker but that is understandable. large 262,144 color screen inside. here is the full stats from phonescoop.com http://www.phonescoop.com/phones/phone.php?p=704
here is a few verizon uploaders.
http://scripts.datadink.net/demo11/index.php
http://www.funformobile.com/
here is a full helpful listing of tips for your vx9800
http://howardforums.com/showthread.php?t=806831
sprintusers.com and howardforums.com are the best places to look for info on this phone and verizon's services all around.
enjoy!Updated
i also purchased a VX9800 data cable off of Ebay and it came with two CD's.
this is what they claim the CD's have on them.
* Applications
* USB Drivers
* 10,000 Ringtone
* 4,000 Wallpapers
* Get it Now Games (not for all models)
* Instructions (not for all models)
so if this is true, then there will be more content to add to your 9800. you can always upload wallpapers and ring tones to your phone by using an uploader to send the content to your phone. or you can use a data cable.Updated
The CD's I ordered off of Ebay only have Java on them. after looking forever trying to find BREW content, I have come to understand there is none. BREW venders make most of the money with sales, so there is no free BREW.
I give up! I am taking the phone back tomorrow and am ending my service. I guess I will try Sprint PCS out.
sorry forks if I got your hopes up... There is no way around BREW... -
"Where to start??? Verizon all around is horrible when compared!"
onPros The phone itself is ok. Nice look and shape with a keyobard.
Cons VCast cost too much for limited channels. VCast can not be used off of Verizon's EV-DO network. VX9800 has no web true web browser, just WAP. No Java, just Verizon BREW content.
Summary First off I know every Verizon lover is going to go off on me for placing this review, but I have the right to place a valid review.
I left Sprint so I could try out this phone and service. I was told by two Verizon reps at a Verizon store that I could use VCast even when off of the EV-DO network, just like Sprint has it set up. But after I signed up with Verizon, that story changed. You can not use VCast off of the EV-DO network. So for most of the USA, you can not use VCast features at all! Just the basic, boring WAP 2.0. Verizon is slick because they make you think you can access the whole web from VCast, which is false. You have to buy a Smart-Device like a Treo or Samsung PDA and pay $44.99 for unlimited data. Or you can buy the combo Voice/Data package and get the unlimited data for ONLY $40 A MONTH! That is four times as high as Sprint's $10 Visions access, and more then twice the price of Sprint's $15 EV-DO Power Visions access "Which can be used ON AND OFF of Sprint's EV-DO network, with any phone Sprint sells"!
With Sprint you can use any Java based browser to access ANY web site on the WWW. With most of Verizon's phones they have just a basic WAP 2.0 browser, and others that have something better, are still limited to basically nothing. Java is used on almost every single cell phone on the planet! BREW is only used by a small handful of carriers because they can force their customers to buy their content.
On to the voice. I signed up for the America's choice, which is basically the same thing has Sprint's Fair & Flex, Free &Clear, and Free incoming plan when it comes to their coverage. I was given 450 minutes for $39.99, while Sprint has the 400 for $34.99. both are pretty good until I talked with Sprint and they gave me 1000 anytime minutes, free PCS-to-PCS, Free PCS-to-Nextel, free roaming, nights starting at 7:00PM for free, for $40 a month!! Verizon does not even have plans like that for their retention customers! I asked!
Both services sound exactly the same, and work in the same places of the US. But Verizon did drop three calls on me when I was calling their tech support. But I don't fault them for that.
While Verizon has some nice phones that I want, they are turned into overpriced voice only phones. The browsers are limited, the data is limited, the content is limited. I left on my tenth day of the trial. I could not stand it anymore! Paying more for some of the same things. And paying for content like VCast that only works in EV-DO areas, which is what, like a small percentage of the US? After trying to find that one sweet spot, which came down to the voice, Sprint still won be back. The free roaming uses Verizon's network and I get to keep my Sprint data access prices!!! So I get the best of all worlds!
Verizon just makes no logical sense to me. Not one bit.
So go ahead and make fun of me. Say that Verizon charges more for service because of their network. Hey, what ever helps you sleep at night! Paying more for Verizon when I get the same, and more from Sprint for less. after this whole thing, I am now with Sprint for the rest of my life!!!
The only good thing that came out of this, was Sprint giving me a better plan. Other then that, Verizon failed to show me anything special.Updated
When I say Verizon charges $44.99 for "PDA and Smart-Device" data, I am talking about just that. I own a Sprint A900 and PPC 6700. I pay $10 for for my A900's Visions data access, and $15 for the PPC 6700's EV-DO PDA data access. Verizon charges $44.99 for this very same access. It is really that simple. -
"a GREAT PDA-like phone, that is NOT a PDA"
on by hometheaterhookupPros **************, too much to list
Cons could of put a bigger screen inside
Summary This phone has got everyones EYES zoning in on this COOL gadget. What i most like about this phone. It acts like a PDA without the PDA size, and PDA hardware that always freezes and crashes. I have had both a TREO 600 and Blackberry 7750. Both always crashed and froze and i always had to reboot. "AND" you need the $45 data plan package from Veerizon in oder to receive emails and text. That's pricey. The LG VX 9800 acts like a normal phone, normal size, great feel. Uses same text plan as NON PDA phones. So far i am LOVING IT. Superb resolution on internal screen. That guy that gave this phone a, "1", is totally deranged, and probably works for another cell phone company. Consumer Report has given Verizon the best service, signal, non drop calls, and cust. service than any other service provider. I should know, i have lived in all 4 corners of the USA, and have been to 41 of the 50 states. Dude, doesn't know what he his talking about. There is always a NEW phone that is better and badder coming out every month. This is a good solid choice.
-
"STOP HATING!! Give credit where it is due.Try repairing it before you bash!"
on by lovinthelegs72Pros The best phone I have ever used! Good amount of built in memory and can be used with a memory card. Very well made by LG. I love seeing the Verizon logo on my phones! VCast capable.
Cons You will need to do research inorder to max out the usefulness of the phone.
Summary At first I was bothered by some of the features of the phone. But I was able to bypass a lot of the bull to make the phone work perfectly. check out to get help
howardforums.com to get help with this phone.
Once you get past a lot of the lockouts and things, you will find the phone to be ten times better.
I just hate reading people posting 1, 2, 3, and 4 for no other reason that they did not bother trying read through the forums to repair the problems on their own.
So please people, try to correct the problems first before you put down a perfectly good phone.
LG VX9800 user reviews (Verizon Wireless)
Results 1-5 of 182
Results 1-5 of 182
Where to Buy
As Reviewed: $299.99
Check manufacturer's site for availability
Set price alert
Quick Specifications
- Service provider Verizon Wireless
- Cellular technology CDMA2000 1X
- Talk time Up to 255 min
- Weight 5.2 oz
- Sensor resolution 1.3 megapixels
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