Moto E815 on Alltel or LG 8300 or 8600 on VZW?

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I love the smell of rain

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I'm stuck and going back and forth here. Where I live, coverage is exactly the same and EVDO coverage is exactly the same, so neither wins the battle here. No other CDMA or GSM carriers can compare to these two where I live.

I plan on getting a family plan, either 900 mins plus myCircle with Alltel or 700 mins w/ VZW. It doesn't really make a huge difference because we do fine with with 700, and at least of the few of the MyCircle numbers we'd add would have been VZW wireless numbers which would be unlimited IN calling. Alltel gets a slight edge here just because the extra minutes are there if we need them, but we don't anticipate needing 900. These plans are the same price.

1) On Alltel I'm considering the Moto E815. I'm not fond of the phone selection they have this is the only one I really like. It has a history of greatness... great RF, build quality, features, reliable, holding up if it gets dropped or something... just overall a great phone. One concern is it's size as it's rather large, and another is its age. It's age is a concern for one reason, is that it's an older phone and still $130 before a $50 MIR. That's a lot for an older phone. One of its pluses is that it has a standard heaphone jack, but unfortunately, no stereo bluetooth.

2) I've been eyballing the LG8600 with VZW since I learned of its release, and from the folks who have it so far, its gotten great reviews and very few problems reported. It's got a great form factor, looks great, mp3 player, and enough features for me. I know VZW cripples bluetooth, but the only thing I need for BT is a headset and strereo headphones, which I believe this phone does allow. I can get this online for $130 or instore for $180 and $50 MIR=$130

3) With VZW there is also the the LG 8300, which to me, looks pretty nice in the gunmetal gray color. It certainly is bulkier and bigger, but one of the problems I have with my razr is finding a decent holster that's easy to pop the phone in/out when I have calls or put it back in. This phone seems to have all featues I'd want as well, including mp3 player and the acceptance of 2gig microSD cards with the recent software upgrade. This phone is intriguing because of the price... at least at walmart, is either $40 or $50 with a new contract for new customers. That really is a great price for the features. It appears to be a very solid phone all the way around, just not the newest or slimmest.

All 3 phones are great options, and I'm considering the service and plans a draw. Although not a requirement, BT headphones would be nice to use at the gym, but wired would be acceptable. I understand I'd need an adaptor for the 8300, not sure about the 8600. I like the outside controls probably better mp3 players in the LGs. I think the LG's will pull adequate signal as a family member has an 8100 and has no problems. I'm not hugely concerned about the VZW UI as I don't mind it, and the 8600 has different flash UIs, at least 3 and the possibility of more being available from GetItNow. But I may run into a similar problem of finding a nice and adquate case/holster for the 8600 as it's thin and therefore more fragile and subject to damage.

The best deal seems to be the 8300, but the 8600 adds some improvements and new features. The E815 is older but is as reliable, safe, and has the quality and build of a Toyota.

I wold use my phone to make/receive calls, I'd like to personalize/add some wallpapers, load ringtones, I do very little texting, might use web every now and then and if I decide I can add the $5 mobile web w/ VZW or $5.99 with Alltel, won't need VCast or Alltel's Axcess package, hope to use this as an mp3 player so I don't need a separate one, and be able to sync with some type of software on my computer for calendar and contacts. It doesn't have to be Outlook and can be motorola, LG, or 3rd party bitpim or something else, as long as I can create contacts with multiple numbers and emails and have a calendar with appointments and recurring events such as birthdays/anniversaries. The wife doesn't care what phone she gets as long as it makes/places calls, and she'd like to use it as an mp3 player for the gym too, but would probably used wired headphones. Any syncing or transfering of files and stuff would be done with either bitpim/usb or memory card.

Oh wise HOFO members, what are your thoughts?
 
you wrote too much...lol
Sounds like the LG8600 is really the best phone for you. I have learned that if you are not happy with the features then the phone gets really bothersome and useless fast. If you like the features of the 8600, then its sounds like its the best phone for your needs.
 
It does sound to me like you have thoroughly done your homework and know exactly what you are getting yourself into. So it would be very difficult for many people to add to your knowledge base. I think what it comes down to is just making the decision on what information you have. Obviously there's probably nobody out there that has been able to personally use all 3 phones for any prolonged length of time so you might have all the knowledge that is currently obtainable on the phones.

But I will try to point out a few other things that you might not have considered. Regarded the carriers, try to think not only about your current calling habits but future calling habits over the next to years. If you anticipate them to change remember that Verizon will extend your contract. This is why they must offer NE2, while Alltel will not extend your contract, and this is why they just offer a discounted phone with a new 2 yr commitment.

Focusing in specifically on the phone, as you know, I only have personal experience with the Motorola E815, and I know you have researched the phone well so there's probably not much more I can add. But if the price of the E815 is that much of a detractor, considering ordering from letstalk.com where the phone is free after rebates. This might swing you financial opinion of the best deal if you can get 2 E815's for free after waiting a couple months for the rebates. For most people, I would not recommend letstalk.com, but this is because it is a nightmare to get a refund from a discounted 3rd part site from what I've heard. But you know exactly what you're getting into and you've done your homework so I don't think it is something you should worry about. It's something to consider no matter which phone you end up going with But the E815 is bluetooth capable, just not stereo BT from what I understand.

After reading your posts it sounds like here's what it boils down to in simplest forms if I've understood it right:
LG 8600: Newest and sleekest with all the features you want. $130
LG 8300: Not as new or as sleek with all the features you want. $99
Moto E815: Oldest option but still with all the features you want. $79/$0 on lt

This breakdown will hopefully simplify things for you. But there is one little asterisk beside the E815. If your predominant complaint is its age, with Alltel, the E815 is a newer phone that sells very well and has the most features. It just launched with Alltel at the end of May/early June and still sells very well. I would expect Alltel to carry this phone until Motorola releases and updated model so it's very conceivable that Alltel will continue to carry it through 2007. As for the size of the phone, does it really matter? You mentioned that increased size is a good thing for the 8300 but not for the E815. Because of your wording, I think it's mainly an observation on your part and not something that will really make a difference in which phone you want.

Also, except for a few die-hards in the LG forum, the vast majority of cell phone users that have tried both brands agree that Motorola produces a better cell phone with better call quality, reception, and durability. As I mentioned before, my E815 has suffered a number of drops. The designs (internal and external) from the manufacturers comes in part from patented technology that Moto and LG use respectively. IMO, with the occasional lemon coming from either provider, Moto consistently produces the better phone, probably from a better internal design and construction material. I've not used either LG model specifically, but I would bet if given the chance to try both phones, the Motorola would still hold an advantage in call quality, reception in fringe areas, and statistically it would be less likely to malfunction through the duration of a 2 yr contract. Remember that when Verizon announced that they would no longer carry the E815, a number of people on HoFo very soon went to a VZW store to pick up one of the last remaining phones. Generally people that do try the E815 swear by it, and I think you've seen that on the forums while you've been here. I am not trying to detract from either LG model, but I do think that if you are ruling the E815 out because of age, you would be missing out on a great phone that I truly don't think LG can beat and still has all the features of a newer model while being a relatively new Alltel offering.

Ultimately, it is your decision and I'm not sure what else I have to add. I've tried both and agree as many others that the E815 is the best phone I've ever had. But if it doesn't suit your taste and the more reliable build and call quality of the Motorola doesn't make up the difference, you might be more happy with a more fashionable phone. After all, you and your wife will have to carry it around for 2 yrs. Also don't forget to rule out economics, would it be worth paying $260 for 2 8600s when you could get 2 E815s for free? I guess it's really a personal choice that is determined by how much you are willing and able to spend on fashion. But in the most general terms, those that try to stay up to date with the latest technology will always be behind after a few months. But it is also something that must suit your tastes over the next 2 yrs and I think you have very valid reasons for going with either phone.

In retrospect, I guess most of my post is just trying to give you an outsider's look at your opinion and another perspective. Perhaps I mentioned something in a way that made more sense to you and cleared up your confusion. But I doubt you will find anybody that factually knows anymore about all 3 models and how they compare than you already know.

Good luck with your decision and I truly hope it works out best for you and your family so that you're able to get the plan you want, coverage you need, and the phone that suits your taste.
 
Thanks for the reply. The only problem is that I am VERY hesitant to do business with Lets Talk... both because they only have 7 days and like you said, it can be a big pain dealing with them. I guess the only thing left to do is consider what I want, what my wife wants, and how much we're willing to spend. The 8600 should be hitting stores today, hopefully when I get home from work today, we'll head to both the alltel and verizon stores to play with all three phones. Perhaps there will be something in one of them that we just really like or really dont' like that we may notice in person. I hope this happens so makes the decision easier.

If by chance, someone has used both the E815, and the 8300 or used the 8300 and just upgraded to the 8600, or used the E815 on either Alltel or VZW (I think it was the last phone to not have the UI, correct?) and upgraded to the 8300 or 8600 I'd appreciate your opinions as well.

Thanks for the perspectives ghostchild, both here and in the Alltel forum.
 
No problem, I just hope you end up with something that you're happy with and that works well for you. It's always exciting to get a new release, but that doesn't always mean it's necessarily a better phone that lives up to all the hype. As with any new toy, the lust will wear off a few months into it with any phone and in 2 yrs. any model you get now will be considered out of date.

I also just found this: http://cgi.ebay.com/Motorola-Leather-Case-OEM-Swivel-Clip-V710-E815-VL71001_W0QQitemZ230052124310QQihZ013QQcategoryZ35198QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

It's an eBay description of the best E815 carrying case if you go in that direction, since it's eBay I'm not sure how long the link will be valid. It's not listed on the Alltel website and it was originally released for the V710 but it's a perfect fit and gives the E815 a ton of style points and protection! I have it on mine and it really looks a lot more stylish. The belt clip can be removed so the case can be left on the phone. It should also help to keep dust out and cushion the blow of a drop. I got it from the Alltel store for $25 but you can get one on eBay for less, just don't get fooled and get a cheap ripoff. You want item # VL71001 or MCSSM07. Take a gander if you do check the phone out at the store.
 
Thanks, that looks like a nice case. I can see the concerns some have had with the new LG, and even the Chocolate which still looks like a pretty nice phone. I played with the new LG, the choc, the 8300 in the Verizon store, and then went to the alltel store but they closed an hour before I thought they did and we got there 10 minutes before they closed. the power to the phones was turned off so the charger didn't work... and the battery was dead so the phone wouldn't turn on. All I got to do was hold it and open/close it. It's a little big but if I like I'll certainly give it a shot b/c I had a concern about the chocolate and all the reviews, the 8300 is a little bulky but a little smaller than the E815, and the LG was nice, but didn't blow me out of the water like I was hoping. Great screens/displays though. I hope this weekend I play with an E815 actually turned on!
 
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