julius

Having used both a clamshell and soapbar phone, I like the clamshell better these days. Flipping the phone open with your finger (I use my thumb) becomes automatic and you don't have to lock/unlock your keys to prevent accidental dialing.

I would recommend the Samsung SCH-a930; the keypad is wonderful for texting and the screen is bright and clear. It also plays mp3s and has a 1280 camera phone. Volume level of the ringtone and conversation is very loud. It has exterior speakerphone and mp3 player controls.

Downsides are that you have to convert the mp3 to wma and it won't upload/play music through Bluetooth, or something. Camera lacks a zoom. Exterior display is impossible to read in daylight without squinting closely. I don't think you can set your own mp3s as ringtones (need to buy them through Verizon, yuck), but I haven't tried. The vibrate mode is pretty weak.

Other than that, I think it's a brilliant phone. I don't use the screwy features like VCAST or mp3 playing; my phone is for communicating with other people, and it's brilliant at it.

As for long distance relationships ... I made my gf switch phone companies. And then I made her move out here.

doaner

You can set your ringtones for verizon you just need to know how but as for bluetooth transfer it is prohibited by Verizon services.. external memory is required..

meth

that phone is so pimp!

only thing is it is a little large, heavy and call quality from when i used it. i ended up with the w810i myself.

tyson, why not just get a 2nd phone from verizon at their lowest rate. how much is the ETF? how much is the cheap verizon plan? just use it as your batphone.

S2Koupe

ok i just went to circuit city and tried out the chocolate phone.

i was absolutely DISGUSTED with it.

that heat sensitive input function is horrible. yes i know there is some sensitivity adjustment, but i couldnt even get to it or navigate any part of the settings without going to some other function i didnt want to. horrible. i never would have thought i could possibly get frustrated with a phone... im sure it works for some. but its not worth my time to learn how to use it. i want at least some tactile feel.

however, that new KRZR is much nicer now that they narrowed the profile. but its still $50 after rebates, as opposed to getting $25 BACK for the nokia. and it IS a flip phone...

NFRS2kSi

i use to own nokia 5190 in 98.. & it was awesome. the color cover is replaced to your own style and it comes w/ BIGG ASS button. CON was the phone plan & phone $$$.. i believe i purchase mine @ $300 w/ $200 rebate. $120/month for 2000 min weekdays and 1000 min weekends @ pacbell.

s2kologist

is the a990 good? i want a phone with a good camera. is there any better camera phnoes comming out soon? iam thinking of switching form cingular to verizon. cingular has sucked the last few months.

doaner

Its whatever works for you man.. the last few months for cingular was hell for us too... ITs been testing back and forth for 3g capability which is set forth to launch in early january... but a taste of HSPDA was damn well worth it