Compact, Easy to Use - Audiovox CDM8900 - Verizon Get it NOW Camera Phone
Written: Apr 29 '04 (Updated Apr 30 '04)
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Pros: Compact, Easy to Navigate Menus, Clarity, Reception, Phone Book
Cons: Limited (Included) Ring Tones
The Bottom Line: Audiovox CDM8900 is a compact flip phone that is easy to program and use. The reception is good and the features work as stated.
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| Lisa_J's Full Review: Audiovox CDM8900 Cell Phone |
Recently it was evident that our current calling plan wasn't the best option for our family unit. We were satisfied with the service received from Verizon Wireless but knew that changes needed to occur. After browsing the online site and speaking to a representative, we decided to visit a nearby storefront. This proved to be the best option because the sales representative was able to work better deals than those available online (we were told this was due to the fact that we were existing customers in good standing). After discussing our needs in comparison to plans available, we signed up for the National in-Networking plan and selected three new phones.
Previously I used a Nokia 5185I and a Qualcomm 2760. As is typical with electronics, technology has advanced and it was quickly evident that our gear was, well, obsolete. A friend of my daughters had pointed out that my Qualcomm was bigger than their house phone. I wanted a petite (yet sizable enough to use) flip phone. Although camera capability wasn't mandatory I (secretly) wanted it. It was important to me that the phone has tri-mode capability because there are times when we travel through analog service zones. After discussing my cellular needs, the representative recommended the Audiovox CDM8900. The listed retail price far surpassed the $70. sale price that the rep quoted to me. After redeeming a $70. rebate, my cost for the phone was $0. Or was it? This **deal** included signing a two-year agreement with Verizon. However considering that we have been satisfied with Verizon (for years) I was comfortable doing this. Plus I can change minutes or plan, I just have to stay with Verizon for two-years or pay a $175. penalty. The Audiovox CDM8900 is a CDMA2000 Tri Mode Color Display Phone with Camera.
Overall I am pleased with the Audiovox CDM8900 and recommend it. I feel that this phone is easy to use; it didn't take me long to figure it out and program it. This phone is compact enough to carry in a pocket or purse. I am impressed with the clarity of reception and can quickly adjust the volume via a button on the side of the phone. The LCD screen is sharp and the camera is simplistic to use. I like the blue back lighting on the keypad, making it easy to dial in dark or dim areas. Considering how restricted the phonebook was in my old phones, I really appreciate the options offered in this one. I have customized ring tones for certain contacts, allowing me to quickly know if I need to answer the phone (for example if I am waiting for a call from my daughter) or if I can finish the task at hand. For a small fee I can add games (Tetris cost $5.99 for unlimited use). The battery charges quickly and offers acceptable usage time. It took me a little while to get used to the display indicators, but I appreciate them (signal strength, roaming, service indicator, message, digital mode, battery, mute, silent, emergency call, voice memo, etiquette, schedule, ring mode, dormant, fax only, data only, GPS Icon, 1X, scratch pad, unread web messages, UP browser…). The 'ettiquite mode' is simple to activate/deactivate. Also I like the blue lights that flash when it rings (circular, located on both sides of the phone).
A minor complaint I maintain is with regard to the ring tone selections. There are five bell tones, ten music tones; I wish more (or different ones) were included. However you can obtain more via use of Verizon's Get It Now service. Also I feel that it is important that you don't purchase this phone thinking you are obtaining a digital camera. While the camera feature is nice, it doesn't hook up to your computer nor does it take good nighttime photos. Also, although the speaker phone capability works it isn't always clear.
Details
The primary color on the Audiovox CDM8900 is silver. This phone measures 3 ½" (4 ½" including antenna receptacle or 7 ½" when antenna is extended) x 2" x 1" when closed and 6" x 2" x ½"-1" when opened. It is compact enough to fit into my pants pocket or to wear in the included belt-clip. Although it is small, it is still comfortable for use; the earpiece and mouth piece offer a good span and the shape is comfortable for me to hold. Unlike the Nokia 5185I or Qualcomm 2760 that I used to own or the Nokia 3589i and Kyocera KX414 that my husband and daughter currently own, this phone does not allow me to sandwich it between my head and shoulder while attempting to free my hands to talk. However hands-free conversations are easily achieved when using a headset – albeit a separate purchase.
Function keys and the primary navigation key are located at the top of the primary surface, send | clear | end buttons are next, followed by the alpha-numerical keypad. I am pleased with button placement. It is my opinion that the menus are easy to navigate making it simple for me to customize this phone. I appreciate the phonebook capabilities. Whereas my old phone allowed one phone number per contact, the Audiovox CDM8900 allows me to enter the contact name, select a group, and enter the mobile, home, office, pager, fax, e-mail, wireless address, ringer, msg. ringer, graphic, and memo. I have a different ring tone for certain contacts (some selections are individualized (my husband and daughter), some are group set (work contacts & dance team)). Rather then bore you with the details of the multiple ways I have customized my phone, I will summarize by saying that the phone book capabilities are one of my favorite features.
The camera lens is located beside the antenna and earphone/microphone jack (all are on the top end of the phone). There is a camera operation key on the side of the phone or you can operate it via the primary navigation key. The up and down keys allow you to change pix size (640x480, 320x240, or 160x120) and the left/right keys allow you to change brightness. I have successfully taken pictures indoors and outdoors but please note that there is no flash, so the camera doesn't take good nighttime pix. Also you need to realize that there is a .25 per photo send charge. This feature has allowed me to share a few pictures with family friends that otherwise wouldn't have been captured. So I am overall pleased that this phone has this feature.
Certain features require use of Verizon's Get It Now service. I have utilized this service to add a couple games and browse ring tones. Charges for this service vary, depending on the application. This service is easy to navigate/use and the connection speed/download time is impressive. I am not able to comment with regard to the text messaging feature due to the fact that I haven't used it. However a close friend has this phone and claims that text messaging is simple and efficient to utilize.
There are multiple features on this phone. I suggest visiting:
http://www.audiovox.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10001&storeId=10001&productId=12840&langId=-1
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Included With Purchase:
Audiovox CDM8900
Lithium Ion Battery
AC Charger
Belt Clip
Wrist Strap
User Manual
Quick Reference Guide
Welcome CD
Features:
Weight: 3.5 Ounces
Standby Time - Up to 212 hours
Usage Time - Up to 193 minutes
Tri Mode Operation: 800 AMPS/800 CDMA/1900 PCS
CDMA2000 1X Capable
Built-in 300K Pixels Camera
Downloadable Ringers, Games and Images
Web Browsing Capable
Photo Album
Data Capable
TTY Capable
Voice Activated Dialing
2-Way Speakerphone
2-Way Text Messaging
Phonebook with 300 Entries
Blue Keypad Backlighting
Dual Displays - Inner TFT Display with 65K Color
System Dependent
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Family Affair
Kyocera KX414
Nokia 3589i
Other Phones
Nokia 5185i
Qualcomm 2760
Verizon Mobile Phone Service in Seattle/Tacoma/Everett
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Thank you for reading!
©2004 Lisa_J
Recommended:
Yes
Recommended for: World Travelers - Works Anywhere and Everywhere!
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Epinions.com ID:
Lisa_J
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Location: Pacific Northwest - Washington State
Reviews written: 1010
Trusted by: 668 members
About Me:
Mom of two wonderfully spirited daughters. Childcare Director. Spectator fan of dance.
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