camera phones

I decided to upgrade my sprint phone to the Samsung VM-A680. I liked the size and all of the functions. However, within the week of owning it, I noted some issues. First off, it was SLOW to access the web. Not only was it slow, but most of the time it said it could not access and asked me to try again. It would do this 4/5ths of the time.
In addition, the phone's reception isn't what it should be. Granted the phone would constantly indicate 3-4 bars. It was technically getting good reception. However, I would hear a good deal of static and "blips" on a phone call, and my friend said I sounded like I was talking under water.
After 1 week of owning this phone, I took it back to the store and got the Toshiba VM4050 instead. I hope this phone is better!! But so far the Toshiba accesses the web a lot quicker.... in fact is a lot quicker to perform most functions, like exiting the web, and setting up the camera. And my friend said I sounded better on the phone. Perhaps in a week I'll write a review for the Toshiba.
Good luck!

I've had this phone for about three weeks after trying comparable Sanyo and LG phones from both Sprint and Verizon. I love it and am keeping this model (the Samsung slide phone is not available at this time), I do think the cons, some noted in other reviews, are notable enough to deduce a star.

+++++Pros:
Raised button keypad- unlike all new samsungs the buttons are raised, not flush, so it is much easier to dial without looking, trust me this was the breaking point on one Sanyo.

Camera Flash and Zoom - These features alone trump the LG models. There's only digital zoom, it is a phone afterall, it is up to 10x and the pic quality is suprisingly good. You can take pics or movies of yourself easily with the phone closed using the CallerID/Clock/Mirror screen.

Reception/Sound Quality- Despite all sales reps' advice this phone has reception quality as good as the Sanyo in notoriously dead places, and callers have mentioned how clearly they can hear me (now).

Sprint PCS Vision vs. Get It Now - Verizon customers seem to be in a cult trying to get you to join so they can call you for free. Ok sometimes they have better service but for an extra $5 a month you can roam on any network so you're set there (believe me I live in the middle of nowhere; this phone works). Verizon Wireless' website is frequently in need of updating, and their Get it Now service is much more difficult and expensive than PCS Vision. Downloading ringers, games, screensavers, everything is easier and more affordable with PCS Vision.

Ringer - I find it plenty loud enough, there's the light and vibration as backups, or those straps so popular in Japan that light up also work now with Sprint and this phone. The sound is decent enough that you can download a song (or make your own with xingtone) and recognize it easily, if not necessarily appreciate the sound quality for a phone ringer, its great.

Mirror - this is actually really brilliant for checking your eyes, teeth or lips for anything, one at a time.

-----Cons:
Lens Placement- The camera/video lens is very close to the hinge and I frequently find myself smudging it or getting my finger or phone strap in the shot.

Phone Book- Very poor navigation, searching. most cons discussed in other reviews, but really it is difficult to work with in general. Every entry counts toward the 300 max, so a contact's cell, work, home and email are 4. The speed dial entry is for only the one number you assign for a particular person, you can't easily access the entire entry from the speed dial number.

Antenna - Bends easily, beware if you do need to pull it out.

Display - Although it is nice to have 2 crisp color screens and a mirror, I miss being able to read in well lit areas without needing the phone active. You can't just glance over for the time, you have to push a button and let everything light up.

I just bought this phone. I think it's got really cool features. without a leather cover it can fit into your pocket easily. The camera takes good pictures for a phone!

After you hang up the phone the outside screen turns into a mirror ...kinda cool..useless but cute

Navigation is rather easy after you get used to it. All the buttons are labeled...rather then symbols.

You can even take a self portait ...while the phone is closed.

I was not all that familar with the downloadable stuff they have but it seems that's additional fees just to make sure you know.

Can hold I think about 200 or 300 numbers (looked at soo many) and you can set the entry number as a speed dial which I love.
Or just dial the lasts 4 digits of a number.
Your phone book lists, entry#, Work, mobile , pager, fax, no label, speed dial (set to only one of the numbers), email, url, group, default ringer, birthday,and an image if you choose to have one.
Also has cool voice activated features. I programed the phone with my dads number. then using this feature I say dad and knows to dial him. unlike the old phones where you must program your voice. it's a smart phone.

there are ok ringers. nothing to great..but again it's only a phone.

Video and camara takes decent pics...and has fun frames that are fun to play with.

Over all I am happy with my purchase.