Questions about N75, V3xx, and CU500v

Originally Posted by ALCingularUser

OK, it's about a month until I make the move back to AT&T, and I'm trying to choose a phone. My two finalists are the V3xx and the N75, so I have a few questions about them. I'll also ask about the CU500v at the end of my post. So, here goes.

V3xx
1. The phone is supposed to have great RF, and the build quality seems solid. I'm very careful with my phones, but is this model as sturdy as it seems? In another thread, someone said that a sales rep told her that the phone doesn't handle drops as well as other models. Was he BS'ing her?
2. Has Moto finally gotten simultaneous vibe and ring working on their handsets? I'm guessing yes, but I'd like to confirm that it works correctly.
3. The UI looks pretty similar to the V551. Have there been any improvements to the UI, especially the phonebook? I know it doesn't lag at all, but how about being able to change text size, easily do multiple numbers per name without Motos old, terrible UI, etc.?
4. One of the issues with some Motos around the time of the V551 was audio that could drop out occasionally. How is the V3xx's audio quality in that respect?
5. I have heard that Java apps can be loaded onto the phone. Is this easily done, or are we talking about having to hack the phone?

Originally Posted by ALCingularUser

N75
1. I haven't gotten to hold this phone. How's the build quality compared to the V3xx?
2. In the initial N75 release thread, some people complained of batteries that got very hot, while others didn't notice this. Was this found to be a bad batch or defect, and has it been addressed?
3. Can anyone compare this phone's RF to the V3xx? I've seen some conflicting reports on how they stack up. Any comments would be welcome.
4. I've heard that S60 phones are very customizable. Can the N75 be set to display real alpha tags, enable network scanning/selection, or do any other neat network tricks, and can this be done without modding the phone extensively?
5. I know that this phone only has UMTS and not HSDPA. Is this something that a firmware update can change, or is it a hardware issue? And if it can be changed, does anyone think that Nokia will ever release such an update?

Originally Posted by ALCingularUser

Thanks for all the great info! On the V3xx, let's say I use the SD card to load the installer. Once it's installed, can I delete the installer from the card to reclaim space, or will it want to run the app from there after installation?

Yeah, I've seen Nokias in the past where signal bounced up and down. My 3595 would do that. Never had a problem with it, though.

With the V3xx, all I've seen in person is the gunmetal version. How's the platinum one look, if you've seen it? I like the pictures I've seen, but does it look "professional"? I know that's a matter of personal taste, but I'd like to know what others think. And am I the only one who thinks the gold one looks awful? I just can't imagine carrying around a shiny gold phone.

Again, thanks for the info. If anyone else wants to chime in, feel free.

Originally Posted by SprintNewbie

Well, i never had the v3xx, but i do have the N75 and Razrv3r, so I'll try to give you a comparison of these two, but obviously can't say anything about the UI and reception and stuff on the v3xx.

1. The build quality on the v3r is very solid and i expect the v3xx to be the same. The phone doesn't fell hallowed out, it feels like a solid peice of metal and the hinge snaps back and has no give, this one thing i really like about the RAZR line. The plastic cover of the inside screen though seems a little thin. The vibrate is also a little weak and ringtones can be muffle if the RAZR sitting on it back.
2. the v3r has a ring and vibe fuction as well as the vibe then ring, and is an older model, so i don't see why the v3xx wouldn't.
3. can't comment
4. can't comment
5. again the v3r you can do that quite easily, just download in the media net browser and your all set, so the v3xx being a higher model with more horsepower should be able to do the same.

on the N75

1. The build quality is pretty good, but in my opinion not as good as the RAZR. The phone is a combination of plastic and rubberized plastic. It doesn't seem to be as tightly compact as the RAZR either, and the battery cover gives a creeking sound if you squeeze too hard. as for the hinge, many people complain about how it feels it could break off, i think its more just that the hinge on the N75 is a little more flexible and has a little more give than the RAZR when open, but is just as strong. The earpiece is also very load and clear, and the ringtones just have a certain punch to them as well, and the the speaker phone is fantastic. The outside buttons for the camera and media player are also very convienient.
2. don't know if it was a bad batch or what, but i have had no problems with mine.
3. While I can't compare it to the v3xx, the N75 does have great reception, best of any phone I've owned. One of the job sites I have been to recently what at a resturant, and in the back kitchen with my wifes RAZR and my Blackjack we had no bars, could make or recieve calls, and would switch to no service, but with my N75 I had 4 out of 6 bars avaible and able to make and recieve calls no problem.
4. While I haven't gotten deep into any modding or what ever on my N75, I have been able to reorganize all my menu's to just the way I like it. Meaning if you want your display options to be in the main menu instead of in the settings menu, you can move it no problem. I've also downloaded some cool themes. I'm a symbian rookie, but so far, I'm a fan.
5. I'm not sure if it can or not. The treo was upgrade through a firmware update to support HSDPA, so I don't see why not, but other say it can't. I do know there is an update in the works. Supposably its to add an at&t theme, add stereo bluetooth, and fix the camera, wich takes very grainy photos unless its noon and your outside.

I love my N75, it does everything a smart phone can, but is very easy to handle and customize. The reception is top notch, sound quality is excelent on both the earpiece and the outside stereo speakers, the screen is amazing, the built in nokia browser is very nice, the new opera mini 4 works flawlessly on it, and you only need the media max plans with it, Cingular considers it a normal phone and not smart phone.

Originally Posted by k2stingray

Walkguru,
What about the v3xx makes it better in your opinion? I've been spoiled by 6230 & looking long time for replacement. cu500 feature set is perfect. Pop-port was 1 thing I truly loathed about 6230 - headphone jack on cu500 is really good.

Primary phone needs: 1) functions well as phone like 6230 (great RF, holds calls, good speaker phone, etc.); 2) music player support (2.5mm jack a MAJOR plus, flt mode, good sound quality thru spkr and head phones). Don't give a rats behind about camera, internet access, video, etc.

Based on needs above does v3xx still come out on top?