Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I was in the market for a new phone, and I had the following list of desires:
+ Tetherable wireless modem.
+ Ruggedized
+ Uses the same USB interface as my wife's and son's phones
I first ordered a different ruggedized VZW phone, because it was advertised with more features and was well reviewed. The problem was, the other brand of phone did not come with a USB cable, nor was one available. While I was searching around for the cable online, I tried out the extra features, such as the thermometer- it was off by 4 to 6 degrees Farenheit, making it pretty useless. The LED flashlight was nice, but not nicer than being able to surf the WEB surfside.
So, I exchanged it for this much less glitzy Motorola Barrage. I have already used it to get my email and upload documents far from any available Wi-Fi hot spots (cool!) and it has come in handy when I am in the shower and I get an important phone call (like from my wife). It also uses the same cord as the other cell phones in the family, which is great on trips.
It has some other surprisingly useful features. For example, I can make a call without looking at the phone because it pronounces the names of my contacts as I scroll through the list. Also, it is actually very useful to know who is calling without having to put down whatever I am carrying to look at the cell phone display. The voice recognition, e.g., "Call... John... Mobile," actually work on this phone for me and that is a first.
I already have several great digital cameras, so I always thought having a camera phone was sort of stupid. But the other day I bought something at the lumber store that didn't have a sticker. No problem, I just snapped a picture of the display tag, and the cashier keyed the SKU right in.
I put one of those 4 GB micro SD cards into the phone for $11 so I can transfer files back and forth from the phone to my laptop, or to other computers. That's when one gewfy 'feature' of the phone showed up. When you first plug it in to the USB cable, you get to choose between "Media Sync Mode" and "Modem Mode." Choosing "Media Sync" gives you the option to either download music, or NOT. "Not" mode does nothing... nada... Zippo... except to charge the battery. If you want to transfer files or photos, you have to go into "Tools" and select "USB Mass Storage." But even *that* is gewfy, because there are two menu items that have the phrase 'USB'. To transfer files, you want the one that results from, "MENU, Settings & Tools, 2. Tools, 8. USB Mass Storage," and *not* "MENU, Settings & Tools, 9. USB Mode." Pretty stinkin' ridiculous, eh?
The bluetooth pairing thingie works, but I can't get used to making or answering calls on a headset. Plus, people who walk around in public talking to themselves seem icky to me. I might get a car adapter someday, and I am confident this phone will work with it.
Other than that one weird menu glitch, I really, really like this phone.
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Motorola Barrage V860 Phone (Verizon Wireless)Certified to withstand extreme temperatures, dust shock, and more, the Motorola Barrage for Verizon Wireless is built to military specifications (Mil-Spec 810F) and is designed to be submersible for up to 30 minutes in one meter of water. It's ideal for highly mobile and active users who want access to Verizon's always-on Push to Talk service. You'll stay on course thanks to the VZ Navigator GPS turn-by-turn direction service, and be able to track employees and colleagues with the Verizon Wireless Field Force Manager service. And using the Verizon Wireless 3G EV-DO data network, you can download music via the V Cast Music with Rhapsody service and watch streaming video with the V CAST Video on Demand service. See more details on optional Verizon Wireless services below.
The extremely durable Motorola Barrage includes a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder with video capture capabilities, and you can send snapped images of job sites, shopping trips or nightlife excursions via mobile email or MMS messaging. It's also compatible with text and popular instant messaging services. Other features include Bluetooth 2.1 connectivity for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, memory expansion via optional microSD cards (up to 16 GB), voice commands, speakerphone, dual speakers, personal organizer tools, and up to 6.4 hours of talk time.
The Verizon Wireless Push to Talk service leverages EV-DO Rev. A technology, which provides customers with fast two-way, walkie talkie-style communication with one person or a group of people. In addition to the simplicity of one number, national coast-to-coast coverage and no hidden charges or fees, this service also offers Presence Information, which shows you who is "on" and available to receive a Push to Talk call.
Key Features
Fast 3G connectivity thanks to the reliable Verizon Wireless EV-DO, Rev A network
Meets or exceeds Military Specifications 810F standards for blowing rain, humidity, solar radiation, high and low temperature, blowing dust, salt fog, altitude, shock, vibration, and transit drop
Push to Talk capability enables you to quickly connect with one or multiple team members at the same time with just a push of a button. Connect on the Verizon Wireless nationwide broadband network, and get expanded coverage across the United States within the National Enhanced Services Rate and Coverage Area.
Place group calls: Hold conversations with as many as 50 total participants.
Check team member status with Presence: See who is available for a Push to Talk call.
Manage contacts for the entire company online: Add, delete and assign contacts, create groups and more.
Use one number, one device: Make and receive voice calls without needing a second device or phone number.
GPS navigation capabilities via VZ Navigator service
Clamshell phone with internal 2.2-inch display (176 x 220 pixels, 262K color depth)
External 1.66-inch color display displays current time, battery life, signal strength, and incoming calls. Also includes external music playback controls.
2-megapixel camera/camcorder (Learn more)
Digital audio player for MP3, WMA, and unprotected AAC/AAC+ formats. Sync music from your PC to the phone and create and manage playlists right on the device.
Bluetooth connectivity (version 2.1) includes profiles for communication headset, hands-free car kits, and the A2DP Bluetooth profile--enabling you to wirelessly stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones or speaker dock. And with dial-up networking capabilities, you can access the Verizon Wireless Mobile Broadband Connect service to use your phone as a modem. (Learn more)
Memory expansion via microSD card slot with support for optional cards up to 16 GB.
Full messaging capabilities including SMS, MMS, Mobile IM, and Mobile Email
Voice command capabilities
Dual speakers for high quality audio to cut through noise
Speakerphone
Organizer tools including calendar with scheduler, alarm, notepad, calculator, stopwatch, world clock
Airplane mode allows you to listen to music while the cellular connectivity is turned off
Waterproof when submerged in up to one meter of water for up to 30 minutes
Phone book with up to 1000 entries with multiple contacts
2.5mm headset jack
Bilingual Interface: English/Español
TTY compatible
Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4/T3
Vital Statistics The Motorola Barrage weighs 4.2 ounces and measures 3.78 x 2.09 x 0.96 inches. Its 1170 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.4 hours of talk time, and up to 534 hours (22+ days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as EV-DO, Rev A 3G frequencies.
What's in the Box Motorola Barrage handset, rechargeable battery, wall/USB charger, quick start guide, user manual
Verizon Wireless Services
VZ Navigator Capable: With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps.
Family Locator: Securely locate your family members' locations from your Verizon Wireless device or the web. The locate feature provides you with the information you need to stay aware and stay in touch, including detailed location information and the address of your family members displayed on an interactive map and the option to receive turn-by-turn driving directions to your family member's location using VZ Navigator. You can also receive updates when your family members leave or arrive at locations that you define such as school, soccer practice or home, with monitored locations set up within a 1/4-, 1/2- or a 1-mile radius.
V CAST Music with Rhapsody: Access this exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks and for MTV Networks, which delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. For a monthly fee (billed on your Verizon Wireless bill), you can load and reload your subscription songs from your PC to your V CAST Music with Rhapsody phone as often as you want, and take your music on the go.
On PCs running the Windows XP or higher operating system, you can also browse, preview and purchase music using the V CAST Music with Rhapsody software, which is available as a free download from the V CAST Music with Rhapsody download website. Additional subscription charges applicable.
V CAST Video on Demand: This optional service enables you to watch full-length TV shows plus news, sports, weather and live entertainment video clips. It features more than 100 full-length programs from leading broadcast and cable networks, ranging from highly-rated drama and comedy series to reality programs and children's programming. V CAST Video on Demand also delivers live sporting events, including NHL hockey games and an upcoming slate of college football games
The service offers unlimited viewing of Basic Videos and the ESPN MVP channel. You can choose from 14 categories, including Entertainment, Kids, Music, Sports, Comedy, News, Pop Culture, Information, Women, Latino, Home & Leisure, Multicultural, Cutting Edge, and Hollywood. Additional subscription charges applicable.
Mobile Broadband Connect: Use your smartphone as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable--or open a Bluetooth connection--enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. The Mobile Broadband Connect tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check email, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with Mobile Broadband Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices.
Field Force Manager: Combining a powerful Web-based application with a handset application, the Field Force Manager service provides visibility and control for all of your mobile workers. It's a turnkey wireless-solutions package that breaks new ground in resource tracking and management. It is composed of three solution modules:
Location and Tracking uses rich, detailed mapping to show the location and location history of field workers; provides location information when users clock in and out; shows where they are when they accept and complete jobs; creates an audit trail to validate job information for customers; and generates turn-by-turn driving directions.
Electronic Timecard gives employees an automated way to capture their time, and gives employers the ability to export this information into many current payroll systems for processing.
Job Dispatch provides an automated way to manage customer service requests, dispatch field personnel, and track job progress through completion.
Learn More
2-Megapixel Camera/CamcorderSnap photos and videos on the go with this phone's built-in still camera and video camcorder, which features:
Resolution adjustment: 1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240, Picture ID
Video capture and playback
Dedicated camera/camcorder key
Self timer: off, 3, 5, 10 seconds
Brightness adjustment
White balance: auto, sunny, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent, darkness
Color effects: normal, antique, black and white, and negative
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