Verizon Announces Audiovox XV-6600 Pocket PC Phone

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.vzw.com/news/2004/12/pr2004-12-16.html' target='_blank'>http://news.vzw.com/news/2004/12/pr2004-12-16.html</a><br /><br /></div>Verizon has finally released their first 1xEV-DO-capable handheld -- their version of the HTC Harrier, the XV-6600. The unit is identical to Sprint's except for the fact that it ships with 1xEV-DO support right out of the box. It's running WM2k3SE with 128MB of RAM and Bluetooth; although the CDMA version doesn't have WiFi, if you're in EV-DO coverage you should expect something like 300kbps-500kbps bandwidth. :D<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20041216-VerizonXV6600.jpg" /><br /><br />Walt Mossberg over at the WSJ gives it a quick look and <a href="http://ptech.wsj.com/archive/ptech-20041216.html">confirms</a> it does indeed perform at that speed. Note that the unit is only available from business channels for now and seems to be the cameraless version; consumer availability (presumably with a camera?) will be in January 2005. The price is $549.99 with a 2-year contract.

[SteveHoward999]

Hmmm - give it a VGA screen, Triband GSM (for international travel) a 600MHz ++ chip and, provided I can use a Bluetooth headset with it to avoid getting a greasy ear print on my PDA screen, I'll be right there in the queue for one.

[JMountford]

I Tried TO tell Janak Over a week ago that this device was out. It has been for over two weeks now. By the way I was able to get this device for one of my customers. He brought it in after it arrived it is a really nice device at a good size.

You can get it through the consumer channel if you have the order placed for you by some one that knows how.

[marcm]

*Sigh*
I would consider getting a smartphone or PPC Phone if Rogers didn't charge $25 CAN a month for 3 MB of data...8O These phones are so nice... :)

[spinerep]

Does anyone know if verizon cripled bluetooth like they did on the V710?

[Paragon]

*Sigh*
I would consider getting a smartphone or PPC Phone if Rogers didn't charge $25 CAN a month for 3 MB of data...8O These phones are so nice... :)

Try Fido. They have an unlimited data plan for $50.00...yeah, yeah, it's still a lot I know, but it's half what Rogers charge. And now that they are one Fido folk can roam on Rogers network. It's the best on the two Canadian worlds, cheaper data, and wider coverage.

Dave

[ctmagnus]

*Sigh*
I would consider getting a smartphone or PPC Phone if Rogers didn't charge $25 CAN a month for 3 MB of data...8O These phones are so nice... :)

I've got 2MB for $12, $.01/KB over which equates to $22 for 3MB. You need to change your plan. ;)

[ctmagnus]

And now that they are one Fido folk can roam on Rogers network. It's the best on the two Canadian worlds, cheaper data, and wider coverage.

I roamed onto a MCell network last time I was in Calgary. (The new Ikea appears to be half Rogers, half Fido.) I figured that was new.

Hopefully I'll be able to switch to Fido soon. I went with a monthly plan on Rogers explicitly for this purpose. However, V0A 1H0 still indicates no coverage on Fido's coverage lookup (http://www.fido.ca/portal/en/packages/canadaCover.shtml). :(

[Paragon]

I roamed onto a MCell network last time I was in Calgary. (The new Ikea appears to be half Rogers, half Fido.)
:(

I think that's due to the size of it. :lol:

[Janak Parekh]

I Tried TO tell Janak Over a week ago that this device was out.
Yeah, I see we got your submission, but we already had posted on the Audiovox, so it was a matter of time of waiting for Verizon's official announcement. But thanks.

--janak

[fivepetpalace]

Is that keyboard removeable ? Will this work on any of Verizons Digital networks ?

[Priusphoner]

Anyone tried using the Audiovox 6600 to connect via Bluetooth to a Prius?

[Stephen Beesley]

Is that keyboard removeable?

Nope, but it does slide back into the device. So you only have to bother with it when you need it.

[DarrenS]

There is a discussion going on over at pdaPhoneHome.com where people have gotten the VX6600 for $399.00!!!

[http://pdaphonehome.com/forums/showthread.php?... (http://pdaphonehome.com/forums/showthread.php?s=06303d1502a9bb472083693d4169f7e1&amp;threadid=38558&amp;perpage=20&amp;pagenumber=1)]

[JMountford]

I know for the Fact that we have not hobbled the Bluetooth in the the device to the extent that the Motorola V710 is (I own that phone). The 6600 has quite a few profiles on it.

[q-live]

god i am praying that when they release the camara version that they will put wi fi in it..... if they do then GOOD BYE TMOBILE AND HELLO VERIZON...... dam i want some verizon coverage :)

[mattsmith0622]

What's the difference in screen quality between this Verizon release and the Siemens branded version being offered by Cingular? The Verizon release says it's a QVGA screen, but what does that mean?

[Janak Parekh]

god i am praying that when they release the camara version that they will put wi fi in it.....
You've been praying that for a while. ;)

Simple fact: it won't. Both the cameraless and camera version are the HTC Harrier, which by design does not have WiFi. You can get a WiFi SDIO card if you like, or you may find that 1xEV-DO coverage is enough... or you'll have to wait for another device altogether.

--janak

[Janak Parekh]

What's the difference in screen quality between this Verizon release and the Siemens branded version being offered by Cingular? The Verizon release says it's a QVGA screen, but what does that mean?
I haven't held the unit, but I'd expect the screens to be identical as they're being manufactured by the same OEM. To be precise, it's a 240x320 screen that's prone to yellowing at an angle a la the iPAQ 1940 and 4150. That's really the one negative I've heard about these units. :|

--janak

[Janak Parekh]

There is a discussion going on over at pdaPhoneHome.com where people have gotten the VX6600 for $399.00!!!
8O 8O 8O Man... I should have waited for this unit. :P

--janak

[mattsmith0622]

I decided to do a little bit of investigating, so I went to my local VZW retail store in Irvine, CA today to see the unit first-hand. I can tell you that the screen on the Verizon harrier is worlds better than the screen on the Cingular branded version. I placed my Cingular unit up next to the Verizon unit, and there was simply no comparison. I bought the Verizon unit on the spot, and my Cingular unit is going back in about an hour (after less than 2 days of service).

[Janak Parekh]

I can tell you that the screen on the Verizon harrier is worlds better than the screen on the Cingular branded version. I placed my Cingular unit up next to the Verizon unit, and there was simply no comparison. I bought the Verizon unit on the spot, and my Cingular unit is going back in about an hour (after less than 2 days of service).
Cool! :) I happily stand corrected. I really have no idea why HTC is using the inferior screen on the Blue Angel then. And it makes it even more clear that I should have waited for this device.

Oh well, I'll skip this generation and wait for the next. There isn't EVDO coverage out by my suburb, anyway. Yet.

--janak

[JMountford]

The screen on the devices from Verizon are beautiful. I can tell ya from personal experience. If you are in the Midwest and want the device let me know. PM me or email. I can help you out as I am a Verizon Sales Specialist. Pricing for the Midwest area is 549.99. NE2 discounts can be used and there may be another discount available for signing up for an unlimited data plan. Again let me know. These devices are going very quickly. They are very nice great quality. The keyboard is easier to use than a Treo. And the size is simply awesome.

[q-live]

god i am praying that when they release the camara version that they will put wi fi in it.....
You've been praying that for a while. ;)

Simple fact: it won't. Both the cameraless and camera version are the HTC Harrier, which by design does not have WiFi. You can get a WiFi SDIO card if you like, or you may find that 1xEV-DO coverage is enough... or you'll have to wait for another device altogether.

--janak


I know I know..... but hell.... if i believe long enough it might happen :lol: :wink: if not hopefully the mpx will come out for verizon VERY VERY SOON and i will be happy again. :)

PS.... Are u sure cingular version has a worst screen then verizon?????/ how can that be???? also how is sprint version compared to verizon????