Get ready to parent at 4G speed
-
stars
"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
- 53 replies to this review
-
This has to be one of the best cell phone reviews on c-net with all the follow ups and everything.<br>So, Shiva, how is the phone now? or what do have now?
-
Sometimes I post through reviews here and wonder if people actually read them. This is an EXCELLENT review...covering nearly every question I had about the product in a short and to the point review. The updates really helped a lot and provided a long-term review...which helps to resolve any potential bugs. GREAT WORK!
-
What's Java, and can u get games like counter strike? Where do u also get the mini sd... When you connect to the computer, can u download games like counter strike? Please message anyone who can help me Please thank you im in need of your help thank you. <img border="0" src="http://www.cnet.com/i/mb/emoticons/happy.gif" alt=":)"> THANKS
-
I am thinking of switching from Sprint to Verizon, but I'm not in love with any current Verizon phones. I'm considering the Motorola RZR V3M, Motorola Q, the LG Chocolate and this LG phone. I just don't understand why it's still so expensive? What are your thoughts Shiva?<br><br>THanks<br>PW
-
I would like to just thank Shiva, who ever you are, for taking all the time you spent in giving your opinion and tips on the VX9800. I hope you are still happy. I am seriously looking at this phone and might buy it today. Thank you very much.
-
Thanks you very much for taking the time to update your review. I've had this phone for about 9 months and I still learned some cool tricks I could do.<br>Thanks again.
-
I had this phone for a week or so before returning it. I couldn't stand the external screen being on all night while charging as it's very bright. The sales clerk asked if I couldn't just turn the phone off and said that would take care of it. Well, I wouldn't have a cell phone if it weren't important for people to reach me at any time and they can't if it's turned off.<br><br>Also, I am used to being able to glance at my flip phone and see the date/time on the mini screen on front anytime. With this phone, the exterior screen goes completely blank and I can't see the time unless I activate the screen somehow. is there a work around for this?<br><br>I loved the phone otherwise, but didn't want to be stuck in a 2 year contract with it in case a newer model came out that addressed these problems.
-
I love my vx9800. It's got everything. Certainly, it took a while to learn how to use, even for a technical person like myself. But once you get it all synched up, especially using BitPim (www.bitpim.org), and know how to add MP3s it's pretty sweet. However, I wouldn't recommend it for non-technical users since I did have to go through some pretty technical stuff to get the MP3s on there without buying Verizon's Music package. But all in all, it's been a great phone.
-
I love my vx9800. It's got everything. Certainly, it took a while to learn how to use, even for a technical person like myself. But once you get it all synched up, especially using BitPim (www.bitpim.org), and know how to add MP3s it's pretty sweet. However, I wouldn't recommend it for non-technical users since I did have to go through some pretty technical stuff to get the MP3s on there without buying Verizon's Music package. But all in all, it's been a great phone.
-
Shiva ... You win the award for best & most-thorough CNet user review I've ever seen. Great job!<br><br>I took special interest in this phone and your review after seeing it at my local Verizon store. I don't need all the services and capabilities provided by higher-priced Blackberry-type devices, but I'm just a bit tired of carrying a phone AND a PDA and the VX9800's keyboard really caught my eye.<br><br>However, my initial research seems to indicate that this phone is not considered a PDA. To get to my point, when they make a nice-looking phone like this with a PDA capability AND a decent keyboard, I'll be getting in line to get it.<br><br>Thanks again for the great, super review.<br><br>Tony
-
I am debating about buying this phone today and your comments really really helped. Thank you so much
-
shiva, <br><br>great review, my old phone broke and cant wait to purchace this phone and try all of the features you explain.<br><br>one more thing... my friend has the razr v3c for verizon wireless and his phone has the ablity to record a type of voice note and set it as a ringtone. on the razr you go to the menu where you would select a ringtone and you have the option to "record new ringtone" or somthing like that either at the top or at the bottom.<br><br>if you could let me know that would be fabulous.<br><br>hope you are still in the comment replying buissiness, you should get a job with cnet<br><br>thanks for the info<br>benjamin
-
can neone please inform me on what kind of equpiment i need for this phone?<br>what is the minimum requirement?<br>thank you
-
i have a question for the backlight. when you open the phone and you have the big screen, are those keys backlighted and what color? thank you and email me at xmaggot4life@yahoo.com thanks.
-
I just bought the phone and I agree that it is the perfect phone-PDA hybrid. Everything is of superior quality and the functions are virtually endless. My only negative is it could have a bigger screen like my wife's RAZR.
-
This has been one of the best reviews I have seen for any product ever. It convinced me to purchase the unit.<br><br>Besides that, a bit of info.<br><br>This phone is similar to the LG VX-8100 (which I own and love). The operating system, the mp3 player, video support, etc. I checked the software schematics and such and was over joyed.
-
Hi Shiva,<br><br>Heard all about the phone except the mp3 functions. Do you know if it is campatiable with Mac computers? If not I am still interested to hear your opinion on the mp3 player.<br><br>Thanks, <br>Crooked Halo
-
After looking all around the internet I have found no way to upload any BREW content. None of them are free, and most companies do not make BREW versions of their Java applications.<br>This is a big disapointment to me... I really wanted to love this phone and service but I can't. You should keep this in mind before you lock into anything with Verizon.. I am going to leave them tomorrow for Sprint PCS. It was a good run while it lasted...
-
Shiva,<br>You've obviously spent plenty of time with this phone. I've been draw to it's form factor and am very interested in finding out more about it. Unfortunately, the sales reps I've worked with have been less then steller. So, I've got two questions for you that are rather specific. I always find myself wanting to search for (business) contacts by company rather then name, quite possibily because I am always forgetting names. Does the VX9800 give you that capability? What's your experience been with syncing up with Outlook? Any problems? Love to get your insight
-
I've had mine just about a month now and am still learning all about it's features. One thing I noticed was the camera takes blurry pics if you're not holding the phone perfectly still.
-
does this phone have a web broswer, that goes to any website like other verizon smart phones?
-
does this phone have a web broswer, that goes to any website like other verizon smart phones?
-
does this phone have a web broswer, that goes to any website like other verizon smart phones?
-
does this phone have a web broswer, that goes to any website like other verizon smart phones?
-
. there are have been many user complaints from lg8100 users saying that they only get 2 bars- how does the lgvx9800 compare<br>2. can synchronize with outlook contacts and schedule- if so how- <br>3. can you transfer pictures to your pc via bluetooth or a cable without uisng the verizon wireless services and paying extra
-
I'm purchasing a mini sd card for my cellphone & mp3 player. Are they all the same? The deals on the internet seem to be much better than in stores.
-
i was just wandering if there was a way to have full screen wallpaper on the front screen and the main screen?
-
Hi, Shiva. Great review! I have this phone as well, and I was wondering if you are familiar with this issue:<br><br>In the user manual, it says that pressing and holding the # key puts the phone in lock mode, where you need a pssword to unlock it. But for me, that only turns on the keyguard. To lock the phone, I have to hold down the x key on the keyboard. Is the manual wrong or am I crazy?
-
do you need a scanDisk in order to put stuff on your phone or can you just buy a usb cable. <br><br>and hoe does BitPim work to convert mp3s to ringtones?
-
this review has been most helpful yet..... but something that caught my eye..is the broswer.....wheater it works well or not...and my question is can it work with normal web pages such as *myspace.com, ebay.com, ect.*<br>....also i would also like to know which would be the better buy this phone or a sidekick 2
-
if you use AOL IM on the phone do you have to pay for the time you are using the IM service? I see that Verizon has 5, 10, 15 minute add on web deals. Which one lets you use AOL IM without subtracting your airtime.
-
Hey, thanks for the fantastic, first hand info on this device. I have been juggling between the new Blackberry, the Treo and this phone. This review made things a little less challenging. Still, I am a little concerned that the web browser is effective, after reading all the negative comments about its limitations...<br><br>SDW
-
I posted a few minutes ago about How the pricing for instant messaging works. I was wondering the same with the internet. Does browsing the internet take up air time? or is it unlimited with a certain package?<br>If you also dont mind me asking what packages and perks do you suggest going with when getting a plan with verizon? Your review has helped me so much with making a decision on a phone. Thank you in advanced <img border="0" src="http://www.cnet.com/i/mb/emoticons/happy.gif" alt=":)">
-
A dumb question I'm sure..unfortunately im not too firmiliar with verizon.. but instant messaging is included in the internet right? It doesnt work as text messaging where you have a certain amount you can use, and then have to pay if you go over or does it?
-
Love the voice recognition, speaker, and talking caller ID but if I cant get mp3 to work and with clarity, its going back... tooo bulky! <br>I have a 256mb mini-<br>1st copied from ITunes and it worked but was garbled <br>2nd formatted from phone and recopied-"No songs found in memory card"<br>I tried renaming extentions and shorting,<br>Coping to the root, to diff locals, and conversions and now I'm just lost. This is the only thing making up for the size. Might as well go Razr and an Ipod.
-
Love the voice recognition, speaker, and talking caller ID but if I cant get mp3 to work and with clarity, its going back... too bulky! <br>I have a 256mb mini-<br>1st copied from ITunes and it worked but was garbled <br>2nd formatted from phone and recopied-"No songs found in memory card"<br>I tried renaming extentions and shorting,<br>Coping to the root, to diff locals, and conversions and now I'm just lost. This is the only thing making up for the size. Might as well go Razr and an Ipod. Thanks
-
does this phone come with instant messaging
-
Sometimes its easier to send texts with one hand, like when your driving, though technically you can get a ticket for that too. Can the V text using t9 when its closed? And why isnt there an fm stereo?
-
Shiva,<br>I am considering upgrading my LG VX6000 to the 9800 based on your comments, and I wondered if the browser supports https.<br>I would like to get my company email via secure web https access.<br>Thank you,<br>stevef18<br>steve.fuhrer@gmail.com
-
I heard that the email function on this phone is different than on blackberry's. "push" vs. "pull". Totally confusing. Do you get notified when email comes in or not?
-
Has anyone turned the phone off and had it not turn back on? It freezes at the verizon wireless welcome screen
-
I just want to let you guys know that there is a way to make VX9800 a "Portable video player." All you need to do is put "mp4" format movie files to the SD card. Put them in My Flix. After putting mp4 files in MY Flix, you can play the moive by going to Get It Now -> Get Pix & FLIX -> My Flix. <br>It is that easy. I tried it with all of my PSP movie files and they all worked great. VX8100 also supports mp4 movie files.
-
i thought you could just put them on your miniSD card as .MP3s, and you could just use them as ringtones that way.<br><br>is that wrong or am i doing something wrong?
-
(1) In my old LG (VX6100) i could record music ith the voice memo tool and set it as a ring tone...i have not found a way to do this with the 9800. Is there a way?<br><br>(2) In the 6100 i could take pictures and it would ask me if i wanted them to 'fit to screen' so it would fill the whole screen, i have not found a way to do this with the 9800. Is there a way?<br><br>(3) Extural Screen stays on while charging..anyway to turn it off?<br><br>(4) I have ordered a mini SD card but it has not come yet, when i load mp3's on it, can they be set as ringtones? or am i forced to be ripped off $2.99 for each one from verizon.<br><br>(5)I know this is a new phone, but the game selection is very small. only 3-4 in each catagory at most.<br><br><br>Any help would be very helpfull, thanks.
-
Thank you, I just purchased this phone and was a bit heesitant since I am use to small phones.. I can't wait to do all your tips... thank you, thank you
-
Thank you for taking the time to do an in-depth, quality study and review of this phone. I use the i730, but would like for it to have the 9800 form factor.
-
I am just wondering if the keyboard can be used with the scheduler/calendar function? I read a review of a previous model and it cannot. I am hoping that has changed with this model. Thanks for the helpful reviews.
-
i just had a queston for anyone willing to comment or send me an email/IM to heniale@yahoo.com or XCrunner1600m. I didnt know where else to ask and i'm buying the phone online b/c verizon is no where near me. Ok...<br><br>I've looked all over the internet and I dont see a picture or anything that explains the usb port. So when I read the instruction manual and find out where that is am I able to tranfer MP3's to the phone from my computer? Or do I need to buy them and send them to my phone all the time? I dont see anything on the UBS port except that it has one. thanks. =)
-
Does it synch with an outlook calendar???<br>Thanks
-
Being deaf, I must resort to pagers that have full qwerty keyboards and powerful messaging features. A year ago, I found that phone. The T-Mobile Sidekick 2 was perfect: it had a top-of-the-line form factor, extreme internet, and perfect messaging features (actually, this has been out on the Sidekick 1 since 2001).<br><br>After a few months of using the phone, the major problems began to surface: horrible reception, no T-Zone access (oh come on!! this is the most popular phone from T-Mobile with the best downloading service not available?), and no internal customization features (no themes, wallpaper, etc.). Oh yeah, and the ringtones sound like they're mono.<br><br>With this new phone, I will have the best reception, and all the stuff I need in it, as well as being able to use it with one hand while walking my dog. I don't care about the rumors of how fat it is; my cousin has the MotoRevolution (similar to this phone, I think that's what it's called, the A620). It is not that fat really, and it is definitely not as big and heavy as the Sidekick. <br><br>I also want to show my friends at Gallaudet and MSSD this phone when I visit them. A lot of them think that the MotoQ will be an better phone, but something tells me that it won't have AIM, nor will it come out for a LONG while.
Write a Review
Check coverage in your area 
%20user%20review%20and%20rating%20-%20CNET%20Reviews&srcUrl=http://reviews.cnet.com/cell-phones/lg-vx9800-verizon-wireless/4864-6454_7-31518211.html&x_breadcrumb=8900:3488:3504:6454&x_arw_bkts=MAD:high_wireless_switcher){kind=small}