Cambridge SoundWorks MovieWorks Satellite (Pair), Charcoal

Cambridge SoundWorks MovieWorks Satellite (Pair), Charcoal

Cambridge SoundWorks MovieWorks Satellite (Pair), Charcoal
Manufacturer: Cambridge SoundWorks
Product Type: CE

Average customer rating: 3.0

SMARTphone? Really?
Not bad
Good phone
phone/software needs some big fixes
So-so

Verizon PN-820 Smartphone (Verizon Wireless)

Manufacturer: Verizon Wireless
Product Group: Wireless
Binding: Wireless Phone
ASIN: B000NK2QO0
2007-02-16

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Amazon.com Product Description

The Verizon PN-820 gives you smartphone functionality with the elegance and convenience of a flip-style design. With the PN-820, you can send email, browse the Internet, and play tunes/videos with the included Microsoft Windows Media Player. In addition, you can sync important information with your PC via the supported Wireless Sync or ActiveSync protocols. Other features include a miniSD card slot, Advanced Voice Command and EV-DO BroadbandAccess Connect capabilities, Bluetooth technology, and a 1.3-megapixel camera with flash. Simply put, the PN-820 offers complete mobile freedom in a small, yet powerful smartphone, and is the perfect complement to Verizon Wireless service.

<table align=right width=250 cellpadding=10> <tr> <td> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/wireless/detail-page/B000NK2QO0-1.jpg" border=1 align=top>

<small><b>The PN-820 puts your office in your pocket. Take a product tour (requires Flash). You can also view an in-depth product guide (requires Flash).</b> <small></td></tr></table> <table align=left width=150 cellpadding=10> <tr> <td> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/wireless/detail-page/B000NK2QO0-2.jpg" border=0 align=top>

<small><b>The easy-to-use Windows Mobile 5.0 interface.</b> <small></td></tr> <tr> <td> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/wireless/detail-page/B000NK2QO0-3.jpg" border=0 align=top>

<small><b>Firing off emails with attachments is a snap.</b> <small></td></tr> <tr> <td> <img src="http://images.amazon.com/images/G/01/wireless/detail-page/B000NK2QO0-4.jpg" border=0 align=top>

<small><b>Take and view pictures with ease.</b> <small></td></tr> </table> <B>Design</B>
Under the hood, the PN-820 features the Windows Mobile for Smartphones version 5.0 operating system--a powerful OS for a seemingly low-profile clamshell device. Flip open the phone, and you'll find a large 240 x 320 color display and support for a whopping 65,000 colors. A generous, full-color 1.07-inch full-color supplementary screen on the outside of the handset can display incoming call information, battery life, signal strength, graphics, photos, and more. The built-in 1.3-megapixel camera lens is housed just above the outside display. Most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's backlit control pad, while volume keys can be found on the left and camera/voice keys on the right. The PN-820 also features a MiniSD slot for expandable memory. Bluetooth support for handsfree devices is also included, while the built-in stub antenna ensures crystal clear calling. Lastly, USB data connectivity is built right into the phone.

<B>Calling and Smartphone Features</B>
The PN-820's calling and Windows Mobile smartphone functions are designed to provide an integrated, seamless experience. As a phone, the PN-820 features all the functionality folks expect from a cell phone, including a handsfree speakerphone, polyphonic ringtones, and picture caller ID. Microsoft Office Outlook Mobile combines email, calendar, contacts, tasks, and notes into a single application that seamlessly integrates with the PN-820's phone functions. Meanwhile, headsets, car kits and other wireless peripherals can also be paired with the unit via Bluetooth.

Staying productive on the road is made possible by the Microsoft Office Mobile suite, which includes Word Mobile, Excel Mobile, and PowerPoint Mobile. The included File Explorer application makes it easy to browse the files on your PN-820.

<B>Messaging and Internet</B>
The really big news about the PN-820 is that it supports Verizon's BroadbandAccess high speed wireless data service, allowing you to get DSL speeds wherever you have broadband data coverage. And what can you do with all that speed? Surf the Web faster than ever before using the bundled Internet Explorer application, or log into Pocket MSN and check your Hotmail, use MSN Messenger, or browse the MSN Mobile portal. Robust SMS and MMS functionality is built into the Windows Mobile interface, too.

One of the most important tools bundled with the PN-820 is Microsoft ActiveSync, which allows you to quickly synchronize your device's tasks, calendars, email, and contacts with your desktop. You also get Exchange ActiveSync, an application that lets you synchronize data with an Exchange server. Syncing can be done wirelessly via Bluetooth.

A generous toolset ships with the PN-820's Windows software. Pocket Outlook includes to-do lists while pocket versions of Word and Excel are included so you can review documents on the go. A calculator, an alarm clock, and a voice memo recorder round out the tools package. Lastly, if needed, the PN-820 can be used as a modem for laptops and PDAs, giving you Internet access whenever, and wherever

<B>Imaging and Entertainment</B>
Another great feature of the PN-820 is that it supports Windows Media playback right out of the box. With Windows Media Player 10, users can play video and audio content in a variety of formats, even purchased music from "Plays For Sure" supporting stores. Save your songs to a memory card with a capacity that's right for you. You can even pause to take a call without missing a beat.

The PN-820's built-in camera has an integrated flash and the ability to take 1.3-megapixel stills. While the camera is great for taking stills, it can also function as a camcorder, allowing you to capture video to the unit's memory. An integrated media application organizes your captured photos and videos.

And last, but certainly not least, the PN-820 keeps the fun going when you've got some downtime with great gaming ability.

<B>Suggested Service Options</B>
To get the most from the PN-820, you'll need to choose two additional service features on top of a voice plan. First, consider a Verizon BroadbandAccess plan, which also includes lower-speed data access in areas where broadband service is not available. If you are a frequent SMS or MMS messaging user, it's a good idea to get an Unlimited IN messaging plan to avoid pay-per-message charges.

<b>EV-DO Wireless Broadband Coverage</b>
Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.

<B>Vital Statistics</B>
The Verizon PN-820 weighs 3.92 ounces and measures 3.84 x 2.03 x .78 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.33 hours of digital talk time, and up to 6 days of digital standby time. It runs on the CDMA 850/CDMA 1900 frequencies, as well as the EV-DO and 1xRTT data frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty. <small>Note: The PN-820 supports the Wireless Headset and Handsfree Bluetooth Profiles. It does not support all Bluetooth Object Transfer (OBEX) Profiles.</small>

Customer Reviews:

SMARTphone? Really?.......2007-05-26

I've had this phone now for three months and am really disappointed. My previous Verizon phone was a Motorola E815, and I have an N75 with Cingular that's also a Smartphone. I got it as it's the only clamshell smartphone Verizon offers, and the only clamshell they offer that can stream video.

Pros:

Small, lightweight, especially compared to other WM5 phones.
Streams video well provided a MS stream is available.
Only WM5 clamshell currently available from a US carrier.

Cons:

Bluetooth headset support is HORRIBLE! The phone supports voice dialing/command, but you have to speak in to the phone. MS has some lame excuse about why voice command isn't supported from a BT headset- although every other phone I've had/have it works fine. Basically, forget hands-free from BT.

Audio quality is really bad. Crackles and pops constantly. I'm using it the same place I used the E815, and audio was fine.

Build quality - the phone "feels" a little on the cheap side.

The phone doesn't come with any "normal" ringtones - not even a "beep beep". It has 5 or 6 cheezy techo-y ringtones, but nothing really "business-like"

When you answer a call via BT, the ringtone continues to play over the first 2 or 3 seconds of your phone conversation.

The speakerphone quality is so bad it's almost unusable.

The phone's UA Profile and browser headers are wrong. The phone reports a bad URL for it's wap profile and also reports that it's screen is 176x220 (it's acutally 240x320). Even Verizon's own wap site displays wrong on the phone.

Verizon says if you use the phone to stream video, you're violating the TOS and they will cancel your account. This isn't on the TOS you sign when you get the phone, it's on their website and in the info the send you later. HOWEVER, Verizon's own PN-820 homepage has streaming video on it- so accessing content on their own homepage for their phone will put you in violation of their TOS.

Not bad.......2007-05-11

I have just had the phone for a week so far. I bought it for the Outlook calendar sync capability and it performs this function well (after some complications linking it with my computer at work - but had great support from a Verizon rep who walked me throught set-up). I like having the reminders for things I need to do.
I love being able to transfer pics from my computer to the phone.
The camera is not bad for a camera phone. But I agree with a previous reviewer about the lag time between the click and capturing the image. It is easy to blur the pics.
The size and weight are perfect -- for a smart phone - much better than the "brick" style phones.
It seems to have an endless variety of settings, but as a consequence you have multiple screens to do simple things - switching to vibrate mode or to change the ring volume takes at least 3 steps - why not let you switch these by using the earpiece volume control on the side of the phone.
I don't like having my cell phone play cutsy songs when it rings, I was surprised to find that this phone does not even give rings or beeps as an option - the only choices are the songs!
I would recommend it, although if there were other choices for clamshell style smartphones I would want to compare to see if another manufacturer could overcome some of the shortcomings, but since it is the only show in town, it is not bad.

Good phone.......2007-04-22

I've been looking for Smartphone for the last year but there was not folder Smartphones until this one on Verizon network, and I really didn't want any other form factor. I considered switching to Cingular when 3125 was released but reviews weren't that good and I really didn't want to leave Verizon. So when PN-820 was released I decide to give it a try.

At this time I've been using this phone for 2 weeks and I am keeping it. My rating for this phone is 4 out of 5.

The most important factor for me is how the phone performs it's main function - making and receiving calls. If I were not satisfied in this area I wouldn't keep it. I can report that this phone performs great. Good sound quality, loud enough, no dropped calls, good signal strength. Battery life is satisfactory considering this is a smartphone.

It is a little bit larger than I would prefer, especially considering external antenna stub. If antenna was internal the size would be almost perfect.

Don't be in a hurry to get extended battery unless you are a heavy user. I don't talk much on the phone but tinker with its features and standard battery easily lasts for 2 days. If you work with computers I would recommend getting extra data cable to charge it at work via USB port.

Using this phone as a smartphone:

The amount of applications for it is endless, the customization is limitless. Great gadget!

T9 works great for occasional emailing. For heavy emailing you definitely need something with full keyboard or touch screen and on-screen keyboard.

Internet browsing is surprisingly usable but you should prefer websites geared towards the mobile devices. Also you may want to try Opera browser

Entering user names, passwords and URLs gets annoying fast :D

Unless you are on unlimited data plan watch out for data usage! It can get expensive really fast.

I tried using this phone for navigation with Mapopolis and compared it with Mapopolis running on my Axim x51v PDA. Let me just says that I am not getting rid of my PDA. Program performs almost the same on both devices but larger screen on Axim and touch screen make it much more convenient. Basically, for any planned long distance driving I will keep using Axim, for anything else PN-820 is good enough, especially for walking. Works great with GPSlim 240 BT GPS.

Skype works fairly good, but you can only hear the other party on the speaker. Again, WATCH OUT FOR DATA USAGE!

Voice command work great for me, but apparently not so good via BT headset - I don't have BT headset and can't comment.

Things I don't like about this phone:

1) Almost useless external display. It's not on all the time, only lights up for the event or when you press the button. The reason is most likely power consumption, but why couldn't they make it black-and-white so that it doesn't need permanent backlight and can stay on all the time? I don't care for camera preview on this display.

2) In the bright sunlight it's somewhat difficult to see the display (internal and external)

3) Proprietary connector - why not just use mini-USB? The reason is obvious - to make ridiculous profit on accessories, but I don't have to like it.

4) Keypad back light times out too quickly and there is no way to change it.

5) Alarms/Message notifications only ring once. I was really surprised by this. Admittedly it seems to be a "feature" of all smartphones, but it doesn't make sense to me. There is third party software to fix that.

6) It seems that camera lags about 2 seconds, but I personally don't care about the camera at all.

7) I wish Verizon offered the version of this phone without the camera - I would prefer smaller size, better battery life and reduced complexity.

8) Antenna stub makes it somewhat large than I prefer. I carry my phone in the pocket and this size is already pushing it. If I didn't want a smartphone I would never consider the phone of this size.

9) There is no note taking application built in.

phone/software needs some big fixes.......2007-04-07

I really want to like this phone, but there are too many nuisances/bugs that make for an unpleasureable experience. I am pretty sure I will return it to Verizon. I have been long waiting for a compact phone that has full featured contacts and calendar so that I can sync to Microsoft outlook. All the other PDA's that are out there are too bulky. So when I saw this unit I was like... "ahh finally". Anyway, I read some reviews on this site before I bought the phone, and was psyched at what was being said... However, after using this phone for a few weeks, I wonder if the previous reviewers were a little star stuck initially. So here are my issues....

CONS-

-No ability to adjust keypad light time. It times out waaay too quickly.

- The extremely thin Battery that came with this phone only lasts 1/2 a day!! the specs on this battery are inaccurate. I average about 10 text messages a day, and 5 short phone calls. This is unacceptable!!

-When the phone shuts down because of the battery being low, it looses the current date and time and defaults to 2006 until I hook it up and synchronize to my old WINXP desktop via the supplied USB cable. Not good!!

-No software support for VISTA via "SYNC CENTER". My new HP laptop came with VISTA, and MICROSOFT replaced "activesync" with "sync center". Activesync is not supported in VISTA. What to do now??

-Software menus are not organized well... it takes too many steps to access some frequently used features. UTSTAR which wrote the software for Pantech, needs to go back to the drawing board here and focus on usability. I loved the way my old LG phones operating system was designed!! Hey UTSTAR!! How about a "focus group" or some "beta testers"???

- Ringer is not very loud. Calls are easily missed.

- The camera is basically unusable!! If you snap a photo, the image that is frozen on the screen, is not the one that is saved!! The image that is captured is about two seconds delayed. Why is this??

- I wanted to get stereo Bluetooth headset to use it as a MP3 player, but a lot of reviewers seem to have problems getting Bluetooth to work with this unit. Oh, well...

PROS-

-nice looking
- bright screen
-compact size

So-so.......2007-03-31

Since it's a "smartphone," I expect some of the more basic features to be better than they are here. Compared to my simple old camera phone, the old Qualcomm was better.

1. The buttons don't always respond when you press them - particularly if you want to cancel an action or end a call.

2. There's no menu shortcuts from the main screen to access features.

3. As someone else pointed out, there can be multiple steps for what should be simple tasks.

4. The camera is SLOW - if you or the subject moves at all AFTER you snap the pic, 2 seconds later you'll get a blurry photo. (Not good if you want a photo of your pet on your phone.)

5. If you don't fully back out or exit a setting, the phone 'jumps' to that setting the next time you access that feature. Good sometimes, annoying most times.

6. The front LCD doesn't continue to display when the phone is closed; you'll have to press one of the buttons on the side to see the date and time.

7. The keypad buttons are not rubberized at all so they can be slippery.

8. The accessibility feature is very helpful, but isn't applied to all screens.

And this is all before you get to the fancier stuff. I paid $50 for it and so far I think that's fair.

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