Motorola V710
Average Ratings
I'm happy with 710 on Telus
Well I've been trying to decide on a new phone for a while. I finally got the 710, even after reading the bad reviews here :)
First off, I don't care about the camera, if there was an equivalent model without a camera, I'd probably get it. A phone camera is never going to be as good as even the low-end point&shoot digicams. That said, the camera does indeed suck. :) I'm sure there are phones out there with better cameras.
So far, it's great. Reception is better than my v.60 which was good, and as good or better than my 7868.
The sales droids in 4 different stores said that the data kit (phonetools and a USB cable) doesn't work with the 710.
They also said that the 710 bluetooth works with the headset only, no data.
I called "BS!" purchased the USB kit anyway, and guess what? It works fine, and works with Bluetooth too! No you can't transfer pictures and ringtones (but you can with the Transflash card, as long as Telus doesn't pull a Verizon, and disable that) but you can sync contacts, schedules, and (most important to me) I can use the 710 as a modem and dial in to a PPP internet account, or to my client's computers when I need to.
Both with the cable, OR bluetooth!
The other feature I really wanted was good voice recognition, and the 710 has it!
No training required. Enter the name in the contacts, and the VR will recognise it. (I haven't tried any obscure foriegn names yet)
And you can "digit dial" just say the numbers. Say a name that has multiple entries (like work or home) and it'll ask which one.
Pros:
Excellent reception
Bluetooth!
Speakerphone is very good
Voice recognition is astoundingly good!
Antenna seems robust (I was constantly breaking them on the v.60)
Great screen, bright, clear.
Cons:
A bit large (I'm used to the v60)
Has a "sweet spot" you have to move the phone around on your ear a bit to find it.
Phonetools software is slower than I expected
Transflash card a bit difficult to insert.
great
this phone is really good once u get the hang of it. it is loud, decent camera and the speaker works great. but if anything test the phone before u buy it. but this phone is really a good phone so consider it if ur looking
710 Rock Solid
I purchased it the day it arrived in the local Verizon Store, 8/11/04, Atlanta GA. I had a VX6000 which I enjoyed. The 710 first off is tri-mode, both digital frequencies & analog, which makes the digital recievers more sensitive in weak reception areas like the mountains of NC. Hands down is THE best phone in America 4 reception. I have tested numerous phones. Unless U have a ST Satellite phone! Anyway, I talk ALOT, 4000 plus minutes & the battery is dead in a day, so I got a car charger & extended battery. Lasts into very late the 2nd day. The phone book is customizable. You can have it where it lists name/number, or just the names. Then u can determine whether 2 have all contacts 4 one person listed, or just the main. U can configure 6 buttons 2 anything u want 2 access menu options. People on here are complaining about the camera quality. It can be graining, and the VX7000 "LOOKS" better on the phone. I say again...ON THE PHONE!! When you send them to a email address theres a BIG difference. Thats where the quality of the "phontograph" shows. Some phones have a higher resolution screen which shows the picture to be clearer, ex. VX7000 LG. The Video feature is the best. Im out partying, with friends and its capture the moment time! Forget pics, most of the time. The video is alot better for remembering what you did last night! Get a jump drive and memory card, and transfering to the computer for storage is a snap. Bluetooth- I love the Bluetooth headset! Best thing ever, The 810 model has outstanding battery life. I was dissapointed that I cant communicate with other friends with bluetooth devices. Dumb idea Verizon! But as far as my computer, it doesnt have bluetooth anyway. But sharing with other bluetooth phones would be great. There is a reward on the internet at nuclearelephant.com for anyone looking to do some "seem hacking" & altering the phone to make the bluetooth come alive! It will happen. Overall, best phone I have used ever, even with rare glitches.
Solid performer
This is a great phone, but shame on you Motorola for bending to the will of Verizon and disabling some of the Bluetooth functionality. No big deal though, just pop the transflash card into your computer and add whatever media you like. I use the Moto HS-810 headset and it works great, you can also use your bt enabled laptop as a headset. I love the size of the phone, it is very easy to handle and still slimmer then other phones like the 9900... Great for a front pocket.
The camera is what it is, a camera PHONE. Use it in sunlight and you will be pleased, otherwise don't bother. The MP3 player is acceptable with playlists and seek/scan capabilities. Use a $22 memory card and store 2-3 albums worth of songs on each, also pick up the stereo Motorola headphones. Get It Now is so evil I feel like a hypocrite for saying this, but download Ms. PacMan, you will not be sorry.
I highly recommend this phone for its outstanding reception, phone related BT functionality, MP3 player and overall quality.
Goodbye T720/T730 hello v710
This phone is best phone that I have owned. I have had both the t720 and the t730, I was not happy with all the problems that these phones have had. The v710 is chock full of features that t720/730 do not have, for example:
Speakerphone - works fabulous
Reception - experience a lot less dropped calls than with the t720/730
Blue tooth capability - personally I just want it for the wireless headset and to sync to my PDA
Customizable internal display which is also a nice size compared to the t720/730, wish they external display was customizable
Camera - it's ok, but prefer to use my Kodak DX4330 for pictures
Love the voice dialing and voice command feature, do not have to train my voice for certain numbers
MP3 playability
Overall this is a cool phone!! Word to those who are having problems with some of the features: READ THE MANUAL, you will be glad that you did.
Play with the phone...
Being a wireless retailer, I fortunately have the ability to try phones as they come in to stock. The Motorola V710 by no means is the best phone made, but it is quite rewarding to own, if you play with it a bit. I realize as customers, nobody wants to read instructions, or play with the products. They want to buy it, and then use it for what they want, right off the bat. Well, if we lived in a perfect world, then it would be that way. For instance, one gripe I keep reading about this phone over, and over again, is that you can only see 3 contacts at a time when in the contacts menu. Well, if you play with it enough, you would figure out that you can change the way the contacts are listed, by eliminating the thumbnails for pictures, and like magic, you will be able to see up to 8 contacts on the screen at one time. Wow, what a revelation! Being in retail, I sometimes believe it doesn't pay to sell the average person good stuff.
On to the phone...
If you play with it enough, you will realize that the phone has many excellent features. I have already assigned most of my contacts an MP3 ringtone, and composed them all myself, using the transflash card. Oh, I'm sorry, most of you who purchased this phone, probably failed to purchase the cool accessories exploit the features of this phone. Anyone can have so much fun with this phone, if they gave it a chance. Yes, Verizon Wireless has crippled its ability to function 100%, mainly in the bluetooth functionality, but there are ways around some of their crippling effects. Never again am I investing in downloading a ringer from "get it now."
PROS:
Fun to use
Excellent sound
Excellent speakerphone
RECEPTION is top notch!
Looks cool
CONS:
Camera, DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE FOR THE CAMERA
Side buttons too small
Occasionally locks up
Bottom portion of phone creeks when pressed on. (I've tried them all, they all do it.)
V710 Beats Audiovox CDM9900
I thought the V710 was a pretty decent phone until I read all the negative reviews here. I have always liked Audivox products, so I ordered the highly acclaimed CDM9900 - what a disappointment. It would lose signal in places where no other phone would lose signal. I have tried two different 9900's and the results are the same - poor reception. The V710 is much more solid.
I understand the Bluetooth limitations and the poor picture quality. But first, and foremost, I need a PHONE that I can depend on. The V710 has served me well so far.
I'm Very Happy With This Phone
I followed the hype on this forum for some time before the phone came out. Then waited till I read some real reviews, and finally bought the phone 2 weeks ago. I was using a T720 prior to this and actually was happy with it, but wanted Bluetooth for hands free in my car. So got the Motorola Car Kit at the same time and finally got it installed on 10/21. I could not be happier with it. Of course as someone pointed out, it's a phone. The camera is good for a snap shot. When I want real digital pictures I use my Olympus.
Pros
Good reception and sound. I don't have any of the low volume issues that I have read here.
The Bluetooth car hands free works flawlessly. If you use your phone in the car a lot like I do, you're really going to like this. The V710 voice dialing works great.
Battery life. I've been surprised just how long the phone goes on a change. Much better then my T720 and I had the extended length battery on that phone.
Cons
The battery saver feature is not well documented. I never could figure how to wake it up, so just turned it off. Battery still goes a long time.
Camera: What can I say, it's really a toy.
Bluetooth: Yep, would be nice if it had more capability, but arterially, I bought a phone and the Bluetooth works great with my Motorola Hands Free Car kit.
Hard to go wrong if you are a Verizon customer as this is the only Bluetoth phone they have, and it's a good one!
BEST PHONE I'VE OWNED SO FAR!!!
THIS PHONE IS THE BEST PHONE I'VE OWNED SO FAR AND I'VE OWNED SOME. I HAVE USED WIRELESS SERVICE SINCE 1984, AND HAVE USED MOTOROLA PHONES EXCLUSIVELY. THIS PHONE HAS ALL THE GREAT FEATURES IN A PHONE YOU NEED: GREAT SIGNAL, SPEAKERS ARE CLEAR & LOUD, EXCELLENT DISPLAY, LITTLE OR NO REPAIR WORK NEEDED TO IT, MY BLUETOOTH WORKS GREAT, MEMORY CARD HOLDS ALL MY SONGS & RINGTONES. I CURRENTLY WORK FOR A WIRELESS COMPANY & HAVE HAD THIS V710 FOR OVER A YEAR & ONLY 3 CAME BACK, 1 WAS DROPPED IN WATER, AND 2 JUST NEEDED THE SOFTWARE RELOADED, AND THEY'RE FINE. NO HANDSET IS PERFECT, BUT THIS COMES AS CLOSE AS POSSIBLE, MY ONLY CONS ON THIS ARE: CAMERA ISN'T AS GOOD AS I EXPECTED BUT STILL TAKES GOOD PICS, AND THE BATTERY DRAINS REALLY QUICK WITH ALL THE FEATURES SO BUY THE EXTENDED BATTERY, AND ALL HANDSETS COME WITH A 1-YR MANUFACTURE'S WARRANTY, SO IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM(HINT-HINT)TAKE IT BACK FOR REPAIR OR REPLACEMENT, IT'S THAT SIMPLE, DON'T JUST CONDEMN IT BECAUSE YOU HAD A BAD SITUATION. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS HANDSET, IT'S SELLS OUT & WE CAN'T KEEP IT IN STOCK, IN SIMPLE TERMS - BUY IT!!!
NOT TO SHABBY
This phone I would say is overall a great phone. Below are listed a few pros and cons:
Pros:
Loud ringers
Great reception
Loud speakerphone
Great screen clarity
Cons:
Phone is way to BIG.
Screens lock up sometimes
Vibration is not intense, barely even feel it when someone calls you.
Again the size, LOL
Battery stinks
The only thing that I'd like to see with this phone is make it smaller.
JUST 7 LETTERS FOR NEXT TIME: SMALLER PHONE, this is 2005, not 1998. This phone is honestly bigger than the first cell phones that came out. Almost bigger than my head when flipped out. I'm trading it in for the V65p, much much smaller.
