vB Easy Archive - Virgin Mobile Slice: Reivew(with pics!!)

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Virgin Mobile Slice: Reivew(with pics!!)
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Posted by: AgeNt B

The UTStarcom Virgin Mobile Slice

The UTStarcom PCS1400 or "Slice" is an untra think, untra sleek, and untra cool basic phone. It does not include most feature that many phones these days come with, such as a camera, bluetooth, and an MP3 player, but this little phone still does pack a punch and catch an eye.

Forum Factor: The Slice is an ultra slim and small candy-bar style phone. Its design is very similar to that of the Motorola SLVR. It sports a Black Magnesium "like" keypad which shines nicely in the light and is hip looking. It is very similar to the popular Razr and Slvr keypad, which is a plus for the phones price.

Features: The Slice has a suprisengly High reslution, normal sized Lcd display. The images come up very clear and colorful. A nice feature also is that it has a lot of intergrated memory. It has pleanty of space to hold all of your ringtones, games, and wallpapers. So far I have downloaded 1 Wallpaper 1 ringtone, and 4 games, and the memory bar isnt 1/8th filled. The Slice also supports Virgin XL and Superphonic(MP3) ringones. The ringtones that the phone comes with are absolute garbadge, and you will NEED to download a new one. The ringtone I downloaded from Virgin "Crazy" By Gnarles Barkley sounds very good. The quality of the speaker seems to be pretty high. The soung sounds very clear and loud. The Slice also has a Speakerphone, screensavers, and a wide selectoin of games

Price: My Slice cost me $49.99 at radioshack. The phone is very genereously priced for its range of feature and size. I would pick one up fast before they go up in price, which will probably happen anytime soon.

Overall: The slice is a great phone at a great price. I would reccomend purchase.

pics....

Posted by: sharkbait88

wow, great review and beautiful pics

could i post a review too ?

Posted by: jammis

Anyone is welcome to post a review it would be nice to have different reviews so people who want to buy the phone can compare and contrast the reviewers views. Feel free to. I bought the slice myself and love it, its such a sleek sexy little phone.

Posted by: dd78749

Quote:

Originally Posted by AgeNt B

Price: My Slice cost me $49.99 at radioshack. The phone is very genereously priced for its range of feature and size. I would pick one up fast before they go up in price, which will probably happen anytime soon.

Why would the price go up? The Slice debuted with a price point of $49.99 ($49.97 at Wal-Mart) so the only way the price can go is down (as in a sale or closeout).

Microeconomics dictate that if you increase a price beyond a price point, sales volume decreases by an amount more than proportional to the price increase, thus causing demand to fall disproportionally to the additional revenue generated resulting in total revenue decrease.

So, in other words, ain't gonna happen....

Posted by: AgeNt B

yea sure post your review. Like the above poster said, its better for those whom are internested to get from different scourses.

and for the price change, I just thought it might because it is so inexpensive and its so small. These days a phone that small generally costs a lot more

Posted by: backdown00

Quote:

Originally Posted by dd78749

microeconomics also dictates that if a price has not met its equilibirum, it can fluctuate up or down, so if the item is under priced, they could raise the price and reep a profit even if they lose a few buyers, it will be made up for in the price hike, it can go either way, Don't try to sound smart cause you know economics... lol j/k

Posted by: FreakyX

Thanks for the great review and pics AgeNt B!

The Slice looks like a great phone. I plan on picking one up very soon!

Posted by: dd78749

Quote:

Originally Posted by backdown00

Aha, an economist!

That is true. The equilibrium price can change with supply or demand curves but we're not talking about a good with a price elasticity of demand that is inelastic. We're talking about the Slice!

There are too many close substitutes in wireless handsets and people are used to paying a certain amount for those said goods such that I just can't see the price point increase. Let's be honest here. Can you really foresee any instance in which the Slice would increase in price? More importantly, do you think Wal-Mart would allow it?

There may be a VERY few wireless handsets in points of disequilibrium but none are prepackaged and hanging on racks in Wal-Mart!

Posted by: duke8113

In my area (West Central Florida), I got my Slice at Target for $49.99.

Yesterday, I had to run to several others Targets to look for something. I happend to look at the Slice on display at those stores. I noticed at 2 of those 3 other Targets, the Slice was $69.99 and not $49.99.

That seemed unusual. I thought prices would be standard. Especially in stores all in the same metro area.

Posted by: sharkbait88

ok, heres my take
the slice is a very barebones phone. it doesnt have many of the regular features of expensive phones like bluetooth or microsd capability, but it does what it is able to do very well.
display:
the display is a 65k color screen. it is very nice, clear and vibrant and doesn't have any problems displaying text etc. the size is a little smaller than that of the oystr, but it is still a pretty good size (about 6-7 lines) and isnt too hard on the eyes. you can change the greeting, and you have a few options for the time setting, dual time zone, regular standard time, and a nice clock in the center.

form factor: this is, in my opinion, the slice's forte. it is about 1/2 inch thick and has an elongated body to accomodate for the keypad, fourway toggle and screen. it is very light and has a durable feel to it. the body is made of thick plastic and it is bolted together with rubber like ?screws/bolts? it also has a serial port on the bottom, which may or may not be available for data transfer (hopefully in the near future, some one can find out) and there is a 6 hole speaker in the back near the top where the sounds emit from. the ear piece is a small thin slit at the top of the lcd. there is also a small light at the top left corner that flashes when a call is coming in etc. there is a volume rocker on the side (very useful!).
the phone itself feels very good to hold. it doesn't cramp up your hand and fits well to the ear. it may take a little bit of getting used to for the keypad since it is so small. larger hands may have a slight problem with the keypad, but for me (female teen) its just fine.

sound:
the ringtones are both polyphonic and superphonic. the ringtones sound very clear (not stereo quality, but clear) and distinct. the sound at max is very loud for those who prefer loud ringtones. the vibrate function is not obnoxiously loud, but loud enough so that the holder can hear. you can also mute the vmobile tune that comes on when the phone turns on.

user interface:
the user interface is actually the original utstarcom menu, but incorporating virgin mobile's new graphics set. this does include the "rooster" that appears when someone is calling. the menu is pretty easy to use, but there is no way to change the theme of the menu scheme. you can either view it in grid or list. the contacts options have a search option built in the minute u access the contacts menu.

i only put the basics on, but if you have questions please ask!

Posted by: prepaiduser

Just thought I mention the call quality. The phone only has 3 settings for earpiece volume: low, med, and hi which are sufficient. The sound is a little hollow sounding and harsh but it IS a low end phone. In comparison to other VM phones, I would say some of the Kyocera models have the most crisp and clear sound (though they tend to have white noise). The Snapper voice quality is not as good (some harshness and crackling at higher volumes), but is little better than the Slice.

Posted by: fmoritz

Can someone tell me if the Slice has voice dialing? Also how does its web surfing compare with Oystr? For example the resolution accessing Google mail and other websites? Aside from the small form, what, if any, advantages does it have over the Oystr?

Posted by: sharkbait88

yes it does have voice dialing.
i dont know about the comparison between the oyster, but when i used it, it was average for phone web access.

Posted by: haydeno

howz smsin.i have v5 and its a b&&&& this a good texter iyo

Posted by: sharkbait88

well, after getting used to the keypad, its pretty good.
if you have big hands, probably not though

Posted by: PC1492

Quote:

Originally Posted by fmoritz

Can someone tell me if the Slice has voice dialing? Also how does its web surfing compare with Oystr? For example the resolution accessing Google mail and other websites? Aside from the small form, what, if any, advantages does it have over the Oystr?

I had the Oystr, and the screen is about the same size. Texting is hard at first, but you get used to it very quickly. The Oystr's UI is very laggy, and the Slice's is almost instantaneous. Shell out the extra $20 for the Slice, you won't regret a thing.

Posted by: iansltx

Ech. I just got the Slice, just to review (don't need another phone right now...have too many minutes to burn on my current phones) and I don't like it really. Dunno but it impressed me as being a cheapie phone. Maybe it's just the UI...dunno...check out my blog for the review....

Posted by: PC1492

Quote:

Originally Posted by iansltx

Ech. I just got the Slice, just to review (don't need another phone right now...have too many minutes to burn on my current phones) and I don't like it really. Dunno but it impressed me as being a cheapie phone. Maybe it's just the UI...dunno...check out my blog for the review....

The UI of the Slice doesn't really bother me compared to the Oystr's horrid UI

Posted by: Lil Talker

Didn't like the Slice as well as my Nokia 2128i which is a sibing, nearly a twin, to the Shorty. Slice was even thinner than I imagined. But a bit wider and longer.

Posted by: Lil Talker

Ok this was the 1st Virgin phone I've ever really considered (and did solely for the thinness). So a more in depth review (compared to my Nokia) following further playing...

Plusses:

1) Very thin, even more so than expected

2) Virgin extra services and features such as auto top up, tones and stuff.

3) Sprint signal surprisingly similar to my Verizon thus far

4) Cool blue keyboard backlight

5) A little more 21st century

Minuses:

1) Longer and wider than my 2128i and I presume than the Shorty as well.

2) The keys aren't smaller than my Nokie's. But because they are more flush and not as raised, it is very easy to hit the wrong key or scroll button. Very easy. Maybe though that has something to do with the size of my hands. Though I had never considered mine all that unreasonably lg or anything.

3) Limited ringtones with it

4) Operation a bit more complex than my basically vanilla Nokia. But not difficult to get used to even for an old middle aged fogie like me.

5) Though the screen is larger, it is more difficult for me see the signal bars. Chalk that up I suppose to (see # 3 above).

6) VM is a bit more pricey for my use than Page Plus.

7) The sound isn't quite as loud as with my Nokia even @ the loudest setting. Speakerphone on both seems good though.

8) No VM roaming should the need ever arise.

Posted by: FreakyX

Just picked up a Slice for $20 at Radio Shack's BF sale. Finally my K7 can retire.

I'm loving the Slice very much. The form factor is amazing. The screen looks great and I like the menus.

The only negatives I have are the included wallpapers and ringtones are lame. So I'll have to buy some new ones from VM. But otherwise, great phone!

Posted by: gudel

I picked up the last one from Radio Shack too

I'm looking for a leather case. Anyone?

Posted by: sharkbait88

the only ones u can get would probably be on ebay.

Posted by: Dave McFly

hi, first time poster here

I too just got a Slice at the black friday sale, and had it activated later that morning. I LOVE this phone, i can finally get rid of my last prepaid phone, a Verizion Impulse (friggin dollar a day whether it was used or not

) LG VX3200. I can't wait to get an updated ringer and maybe a different wallpaper in the future. I too am gonna need a case for this phone, maybe one thats made for the Motorola Slvr?

Posted by: gudel

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave McFly

hi, first time poster here

) LG VX3200. I can't wait to get an updated ringer and maybe a different wallpaper in the future. I too am gonna need a case for this phone, maybe one thats made for the Motorola Slvr?

I just bought a craftsman pouch for this. seems to work. it's not snug fit, but it will have to work for this.

Posted by: FreakyX

These cases look cool.

www.howardchui.com/barthinsizes.html

I like the one for $8.99 but it's sold out. Anyone buy from this place before?

Posted by: mmiller2002

Can anyone compare the Slice's menu & user interface with the K9? I want to give my wife one of the 2 $20 Slices I got, but she is an (cute) old dog that doesn't want to learn new tricks. I think that the slice's shape is better for her purse, but she'll be hesitant about having to learn a new menu.

Posted by: MistaRaddical

I'm about to go jump on this $20 deal, but before I go can anyone tell me if the Slice has a stopwatch?!?!?! Thanks.

Posted by: Dave McFly

yes it does

Posted by: MistaRaddical

Ah thank you! Hate that about my Sidekick.

Posted by: mmiller2002

I gave my wife the Slice at Christmas and she likes it so far (probably only used it twice since then though).

Since I bought 2 of them at $20, I've been playng with hers to see if the second one will be good for me. So far my only real concern is the small, flush buttons.

Any man-fingered users here with a Slice? Have you been able to get used ot it? I use text messaging somewhat with my 2 teen daughters and don't want to get too frustrated with the thing.

Thanks

Posted by: davidbanner

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmiller2002

Any man-fingered users here with a Slice?

i text a whole lot, and my 'man fingers' got used to the buttons in about a week, it's slow going at first though...haha

Posted by: Lil Talker

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave McFly

i can finally get rid of my last prepaid phone, a Verizion Impulse (friggin dollar a day whether it was used or not

) LG VX3200.

You could have activated the Inpulse on Page Plus as long as the ESN was released. (I believe VZ holds the ESN for the 1st 6 mos.) Same coverage as VZ Inpulse with only a $2.50 minimum (half V Mbl's) and no dollar a day.

Posted by: MountainBikerMark

I got one for my son for Christmas. its his first phone. he absolutely LOVES it
paid just under $50 and am not disapointed at all. I like it, especially for a cheap phone. it does exactly what I want in a phone, makes a dependable call, sends and recieves text messages.
too bad I am sooo hooked on all my bluetooth,mp3 player and stuff or I would get one for myself and drop my contract