Verizon's new XV6600 Phone Edition device sports a slide-down thumb keyboard and supports Verizon's high-speed EVDO network.
[Editor's note: The review is based on one originally published on the DavesIPAQ Web site (http://davesipaq.com/articles/Verizon_XV6600_Reviews.html). Our thanks to David Ciccone for allowing us to publish an edited version of the review.]
Verizon XV6600
I recently read a news announcement on pdaPhoneHome.com that got me excited. It said that Cingular, Sprint, and Verizon were going to carry branded version of the "Blue Angel," the hot new Windows Mobile Phone Edition device from the Taiwanese manufacturer HTC.
The relationship between HTC and the Windows Mobile end user is a little complicated. HTC designs and manufacturers devices for Siemens, Audiovox, HP, and other companies. These companies may market the device directly to the end user, but in the case of Pocket PCs with phone capability, they usually work out a deal with a wireless carrier and have the carrier market and support the device. In the case of this device, Sprint and Cingular will market the Siemens version of the Blue Angel-the SX66. Verizon will market the Audiovox version-the XV6600. Other than the branding, these are nearly identical devices. However, there is one important difference. Verizon's XV6600 supports Verizon's new EVDO data network. That was a deciding factor for me so I took the plunge and joined Verizon.
Verizon BroadbandAccess based on EVDO
Verizon Wireless BroadbandAccess is one of the fastest, fully mobile wireless Internet data solutions available. Based on the EVDO (Evolution-Data Optimized) standard for CDMA phone networks, it will increase data rates for CDMA phones to as high as 2 megabits per second. Typical speeds are more on the order of 400-700 kbps-still plenty fast. Currently Verizon is offering BroadbandAccess service in the US to more than 75 million people in 35 cities, plus 24 major airports. Verizon plans to expand service in the US to 150 million people by the end of 2005. For more information on BroadbandAccess, visit Verizon's Web site (http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/mobileoptions/broadband/index.jsp).
The Verizon XV6600 is capable of accessing Verizon's BroadbandAccess data network as well as the slower but more widely available NationalAccess network. The XV6600 is priced at $549 with a two year contract and $599 with a one year contract. The plans are decent but not as cheap as some of Verizon's competitors. As I mentioned, however, the big deciding factor for me was the BroadbandAccess service bundled with the XV6600 for only $44.95 per month. If you want data speeds similar to Wi-Fi, (and even home broadband Internet connections like DSL and cable), the XV6600's BroadbandAccess is definitely for you!
Tip: Using XV660 as an EVDO modem for a laptop PC
The $44.95 BroadbandAccess plan is available for the XV6600 but not for laptop PCs. If you want BroadbandAccess for your laptop, you'll have to purchase an EVDO card and pay $79.95 a month for the service. Verizon does not support using the XV6600 as a wireless modem for another device. However, instructions on how to do it and the necessary software are available online from independent sources such as www.myehud.com/xv6600/index.html.
What's in the box?
The Verizon XV6600 is powered by a 400MHZ Intel PXA263 processor and is equipped with 128MB of RAM and 64 MB of flash ROM. It incorporates digital 800/1900 MHz CDMA phone technology, as well as IrDA and Bluetooth wireless capability. It has a clear 3.5" diagonal QVGA 64K color transflective touch screen and an SDIO-compatible expansion slot that allows you to add storage memory and peripheral devices. Sorry, no Wi-Fi. But with BroadbandAccess speeds up to 750kps and beyond, you don't need it in the coverage areas, and if you want to add it, you've got the expansion slot. Versions of the XV6600 with or without an integrated digital camera are available. I tested the one without a camera.
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