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Full user review
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3.5 stars
"great entry level phone for basic calls"
Pros: decent battery life, compact design quick access features, other features
Cons: black and white & small screen, monotone ringtones, headphone connection is same place where AC power is plugged in
Summary: there's a quick access button to toggle sound modes (full, vibration only, or nothing), can set quick access buttons for utilities like calculator and alarm clock, set speed dial numbers, and has true vibration + audio mode simultaneously (as opposed phones these days, it's vibrate first half of the ring, THEN you hear the audio ringtone).
This phone came with a decent set of games and ringtones. For some, that's meager, but for me, it was enough, as all I wanted was a basic phone that can make clear calls, log IDs, etc. just fine. The games aren't that bad, but are few in number and you can't really add extras. No biggie. I didn't need any extra wallpapers, ringtones, games, and other features anyways. For games, PIMs, and other features, my PDA will suffice. The small B&W screen was good enough for my use, but keep in mind that i didn't do any text messaging nor web browsing at all with this phone.
I have used a Motorola V66 and V188 (T-mobil) since this Siemens a56. While the latter 2 phones are still basic phones with better feature set, I still miss many of the quick access features and such that I took for granted on the a56. If you you want a phone that just makes calls and has a bunch of convenient keystrokes... this will work well. If you also do alot of web browsing, text messaging, and games, then this phone probably isn't for you. If you want features like multimedia, digicam, fancy ringtones, voice dial, speakerphone, etc., then definately find another phone.
I have upgraded my phone features to between entry and mid level phone and gotten used to voice dialing, speakerphone, and external screen, but if i had to return to this phone, i can't say I would really mind. It was a great experience.Updated
One thing that did annoy me about this phone was the earbuds. Other than not being included (but this was back in late '03), the earbuds shared the same connector as the charger, so it was one or the other. The convenience of hands free conversations or steady stream of power to prolong your talk time if your battery got dangerously low? I had to make this choice a few times. Unfortunately, the lost productivity or need to wait till recharge wasn't life shattering, but still annoying none of the less.
Balloon Shooter and Stack Attack were nice for B&W games. Options like backlight always on and vibration are small but but nice choices to have. The games are basic old school arcade like games where you keep on playing for the high score until you die. Again, I have a seperate PDA with much better color games, but I have came back to these 2 titles from time to time just to see if I could beat my old high score. THAT killed off some time easily. It also did a number on my eyesight, as the small screen, despite being backlit, was did hurt my eyes for prolong playing periods. I'm sure the fact that these games have some good replay value will at least make it a serviceable supplemental gaming device, especially given you can't add any other games to it.
