Motorola V180 Phone - Next Generation (AT&T)

Billed as an entry-level phone, the Motorola v180 is actually a feature rich black beauty with quad-band global coverage capability. Instant messaging, MP3 ringtones, dual displays, USB connectivity and gaming support are all here-- a significant step up from entry level phones of the past. It's the perfect companion to AT&T Wireless service.

Design
The phone features a sleek clamshell design with a large 128 x 128 color display with 65,000 colors. The outside cover of the handset sports a supplementary 96 x 32 monochrome display that can display time, call information, battery and signal strength, and more. A stub antenna is placed on the top right side of the unit. Up and down buttons for volume control are placed on the left side. Most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's control pad. A USB-capable data port is housed on the unit's top edge. There's a standard jack to accept universal hands-free headsets on the bottom of the handset, next to the phone's charging port. Face plates are available so you can create the look you're after on the phone's outer casing.

Calling Features
The V180 supports polyphonic ringtones as well as MP3 ringers, allowing you to use portions of your favorite songs to alert you to incoming calls. You can also assign pictures and ringers to your most common callers. A number of ringtones come preloaded on the phone and more ringtones can be downloaded from AT&T's mMode service. There's even an included application, MotoMixer, that enables you to mix your own ringtones.

Speed dialing, which allows you to call pre-programmed numbers with one button is built in, as is a vibrating alert. A 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.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
The V180 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging and Internet connectivity. The phone features support for ICQ, AOL and Yahoo! instant messaging applications (AT&T messaging charges apply). There's also a built-in web browser for mMode downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T's mMode service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get sports scores, download games and ringtones, and more. Traditional text messaging, as well as picture and sound messaging are also supported by the phone. iTap 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.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the V180 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a notepad, a calendar and an alarm clock.

Imaging and Entertainment
The V180's USB connectivity can be used to transfer pictures, sounds and graphics to the phone's memory from your PC. Screensavers, themes and wallpapers can be set to your tastes. The V180 is Java enabled, meaning it supports games and application downloads written on the Java platform. The phone ships with a single game, Bejeweled, and additional games are available via the mMode service.

Vital Statistics
The V180 weighs 3.26 ounces and measures 3.43 x 1.75 x .91 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5.83 hours of digital talk time, and up to 275 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Motorola V180 handset, lithium-ion battery, power supply/charger, user's manual.

1 I'm happy
This is my third cell phone and 3 weeks into using it I'd say it's the best one I've had. My main complaint about phones this size is that the number keys are too small, but I've not had a problem with this one.

The only thing that I would change is the manual (some of the instructions are a little on the brief side) and the address book (seems to sort by first name, and not last name).

Overall, a decent phone.

2 Battery life claims are no where near true
I have 2 of these (and got one replaced). All 3 have HORRIBLE battery life. I have to recharge every day and a half, after only 20 mins of talk time in that day and a half, and the rest stand by. 7 hours talk and 14 days standby is a huge lie. I could see recharging every 3 days with modest use, but this is pathetic.

If my batteries are bad and others are fine, it is weird since all 3 of mine are like that.

Be aware.

3 This is a great compact basic phone.
I got two V505 and one V180 from AT&T corporate store for free with family calling plan. So far, I am impressed with this little phone.

Pro:
-Good Battery life. It has lasted over 1 week under modest use.
-Speaker phone. It's pretty clear and loud.
-Size. It's compact, easy to hold and nice keypad.
-Quad band.
-Reception is pretty strong and clear.
-Mini USB port. I can use my Canon camara's cable to connect to PC using Motorola software.
-Price(Free or make money depends on contract)

Con:
-Screen could be better or bigger. But it's not too bad for a basic phone.
-No blue tooth
-Address book could be better.

Overall, this is a great phone if you are just looking for a good no frill phone.