jondsheline
11-09-2005, 05:36 PM
I was using a Sanyo 8100 for my Sprint PCS service, and had very few complaints (I always seemed to be charging it, the keypad was a very dim green, and the voice quality was less than thrilling). But since I'm usually a make-do kind of guy, I dealt with it.
That changed in Feb. '05 when I saw the Consumer Reports rating on cell phones, providers, and service ratings. The review said the Samsung MM A700 was best for Sprint PCS service. It was several months before I could justify spending that much on a new cell phone, but I made the switch when I renewed my contract. I was able to wrangle a $75 discount and a $50 service credit for turning in my 8100 (I didn't know anyone did that).
Now for the the review. The size is terrific. cell phones keep getting smaller, so it's great to have a flip phone that has a substantial size.
The bright, clear screen and finger-friendly keypad make it easier to use the little extras like the unlimited web access (included with Vision packs). I'm impressed with the speed, too. my old 8100 took forever to get online!
I guess my favorite thing is the sound quality and signal strength. I work in a bar with no windows, surrounded by other buildings, and I always have a signal. And I can hear everything clearly, even my friends who have crummy cell phones.
My only issues are software related. The scheduler doesn't have an option for daily, weekly, and annual events, nor does it have a "no start time" option for events like holidays, birthdays, and other special days that don't begin at a specific time.
There's also the fact that without a signal, you can't check the time. It seems the phone is completely dependent on signal for time and has no interior timekeeping capability. This is a mild hindrance for someone who rides the subway in Chicago
And lastly, using all my extras tends to run down the battery, but I won't complain about this, since I can always get the extended life battery.
All in all, this phone is the best. unfortunately, I don't know where you can get one now. Sprint has stopped offering this particular model (at least on the Sprint/Nextel website). and that merger may have something to do with it.
That changed in Feb. '05 when I saw the Consumer Reports rating on cell phones, providers, and service ratings. The review said the Samsung MM A700 was best for Sprint PCS service. It was several months before I could justify spending that much on a new cell phone, but I made the switch when I renewed my contract. I was able to wrangle a $75 discount and a $50 service credit for turning in my 8100 (I didn't know anyone did that).
Now for the the review. The size is terrific. cell phones keep getting smaller, so it's great to have a flip phone that has a substantial size.
The bright, clear screen and finger-friendly keypad make it easier to use the little extras like the unlimited web access (included with Vision packs). I'm impressed with the speed, too. my old 8100 took forever to get online!
I guess my favorite thing is the sound quality and signal strength. I work in a bar with no windows, surrounded by other buildings, and I always have a signal. And I can hear everything clearly, even my friends who have crummy cell phones.
My only issues are software related. The scheduler doesn't have an option for daily, weekly, and annual events, nor does it have a "no start time" option for events like holidays, birthdays, and other special days that don't begin at a specific time.
There's also the fact that without a signal, you can't check the time. It seems the phone is completely dependent on signal for time and has no interior timekeeping capability. This is a mild hindrance for someone who rides the subway in Chicago
And lastly, using all my extras tends to run down the battery, but I won't complain about this, since I can always get the extended life battery.
All in all, this phone is the best. unfortunately, I don't know where you can get one now. Sprint has stopped offering this particular model (at least on the Sprint/Nextel website). and that merger may have something to do with it.