Audiovox Thera - $99 At Verizon Wireless

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.verizonwireless.com/zip/plsql/vzw_zip.zip?p_alias=internet_exclusive' target='_blank'>http://www.verizonwireless.com/zip/...ernet_exclusive</a><br /><br /></div>While the Samsung i700, in my opinion, comes close to being the <a href="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/articles.php?action=expand,20748">ultimate CDMA Pocket PC Phone</a>, it's not cheap -- $599 with two-year contract, to be precise. 8O And since Verizon doesn't let Amazon or other companies resell their product, discounts aren't readily available. If that's out of your budget, and you need Verizon coverage, there's an alternative -- the Audiovox Thera.<br /><br /><img src="http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/images/web/2003/parekh-20031209-AudiovoxThera.gif" /><br /><br />It's not a mind-blowing Pocket PC -- in fact, it's a Pocket PC 2002 device (no planned upgrade to WM2003), with a 206MHz StrongARM processor and a reflective display -- and mediocre battery life. However, it <i>is</i> currently selling for $99 from Verizon with a contract, which is very cheap. (I don't know if it requires a 2-year contract for that price, or if a 1-year contract is enough.)

[csterns]

To me these devices are worthless without BT. I'm itching for the release of the XDA II (may have model info wrong) that has BT in it. If I'm going to carry something that big around as a phone I sure as heck want a wireless headset connection especially with something this expensive. I can't tell you how many times I've had the ear plug plugged into my ear and stepped out of the car only to have my cell phone following behind me clunking away on the ground like a new puppy on a leash. Not cool. 8)

[Jason Dunn]

To me these devices are worthless without BT. I'm itching for the release of the XDA II (may have model info wrong) that has BT in it.

Chris...psst:

http://estore.shopplex.com/app/storefront.aspx?cat_id=290&inv_id=31112230446767&modid=30214092059015&aid=5

;-)

[ShivShanks]

However, it is currently selling for $99 from Verizon with a contract, which is very cheap. (I don't know if it requires a 2-year contract for that price, or if a 1-year contract is enough.)

I just checked. Its with a 2 year contract. With a one year contract its $149 plus a $35 activation fee which is only waived for the 2 year contract. So it comes to actually $184. Now this phone is pretty much useless for voice what with the 8 hour! standby time. So you'd use it for data only. The data plan is $39 for 20 MB per month. All in all I still think its not worth it for the money with the 1 year plan. It has absolutely pathetic battery life. Now if you are okay with a 2 year plan then maybe it might make sense. But I would wait for the next years crop of WM2003 PPC PDAs instead.

[adamz]

@Chris.. also check:
http://www.phones4devs.com/index.asp

$100 off if you use the discount code:
modaco4067212377

[fletch]

I would suggest that maybe these ETENs are a better GSM alternative

[yawanag]

$100 off if you use the discount code:
modaco4067212377

I'm grinning with glee as I watch the price drop and the discount offers. I'll let you guys know when I'm ready to pounce. :lol:

[arnage2]

it isnt a phone edition device. THe phone features would suck without it.

[csterns]

Jason psst: I'd like to see one of the Cell carriers offer this cause I'm not sure I want to fork out that kind of money. But, hey, I just upgraded my Tablet PC after 3 months so anything is possible.

[mmerino]

does that ppc phone has sdio on it? according to the owners manual that i downloaded (verizon's and/or sprint pcs' thera/toshiba 2032 models) states that it may be possible to use SD / SDIO devices. if this is the case then can i use sdio bluetooth or wifi?