Audiovox CDM9900 Phone (Verizon Wireless)

With an ultra-high-resolution main display, a color outer display, a camera with flash and video capture capability, 6.5 MB of internal memory, and a speakerphone, the CDM-9900 is a powerful mobile companion. For those looking for high-end features, this Verizon phone delivers.

Design
The phone features a traditional clamshell design with a very large 240 x 320 color display with 260,000 colors. The rear of the flip-up cover houses a camera that can snap shots at 640 x 480 resolution, also known as VGA resolution. There's also a secondary color LCD display on the back of the cover that displays incoming call information, picture IDs, network signal strength and more. Most camera features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's control pad. Meanwhile, the top left side of the unit houses an extendable antenna while a charging port is housed on the unit's bottom edge. A 2.5mm headset jack is also provided, as is a USB-compatible data port.

Calling Features
The 9900 has all the latest calling features folks have come to expect. The built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names. There's also a built-in address book that can store up to 300 contacts for quick and easy management of phone numbers and email addresses. Perhaps most importantly for users in rural areas, the 9900 is a tri-mode phone, meaning it can operate on Verizon's digital networks, as well as analog networks that serve many outlying areas.

Messaging and Internet
The 9900 also covers all your messaging needs with support for sending and receiving text and picture messages. T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

Getting on the Internet anywhere is easy with the 9900. Verizon's optional Mobile Web package allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. You can check your e-mail, trade stocks online, compare prices while shopping, access flight information, get movie listings and find directions to the theater.

Verizon's Get It Now wireless download service is also fully compatible with the 9900. This pay-per-download service features application downloads, games and productivity tools. You can also personalize your handset with ringtone downloads and digital photo-sharing tools using the Get It Now service.

Imaging and Entertainment
Plenty of good times are built right into this handset. Its VGA camera makes it easier than ever to snap good pictures and share them with friends via picture messaging. The camera also supports video capture of clips up to 15 seconds in length. Polyphonic ringtones are included with the phone and there are plenty more to be had using Verizon's Get It Now service.

Vital Statistics
The Audiovox CDM-9900 weighs 4.09 ounces and measures 3.66 x 1.89 x 0.95 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.33 hours of digital talk time, and up to 380 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the AMPS 800/CDMA 800/CDMA 1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Audiovox CDM-9900 handset, lithium-ion battery, AC charger, user's manual.

1 Nice design, great battery life, but..........
I actually give this phone 2.6 stars, so I figured I would give it the benefit of the doubt and round it up to 3. It feels good and solid and has the right amount of weight without being bulky. The display screen is big and bright. During calls, the phone needs to be PRECISELY placed by the ear in order to hear the party on the other end. Major issue for me. Nice to have a speakerphone, but it must be held close like a walkie-talkie to hear, even in the quietest conditions. This sort of defeats the whole hands-free thing. With the exception of being all the way in the back of Walmart near the camping supplies, the black hole of cell phone reception, I always get at least 2 bars of signal. The menu functions are o.k. (at best) and can be a bit confusing; starting in one application and being directed to another. The battery life is excellent. I can go for almost 4 full days of consistent use before needing to charge the unit. The battery door is weak and flimsy, and prone to opening without meaning to, and the battery will likely pop out if the cover comes off. This model phone should have been designed with a battery pack that just fits the back of the phone without a cover, like most LG phones. To sum things up:

Pros:
1. Bright, crisp display
2. Excellent battery life
3. Good reception
4. Good solid feel
5. Speakerphone (see Cons as well)

Cons:
1. No Bluetooth
2. Requires precise ear placement
3. Menu confusing
4. Speakerphone sound quality
5. Battery door
6. Not a lot of accessories available
7. No PC connectivity or FTP without expensive Verizon
software.

I hoped this helped.