Dave,
here is the scoop. Motorola released a batch of V551s that are defective. I had one where the battery would only last two days WITHOUT even using the phone. I found out from a Cingular rep (not supposed to tell me) about the phones. Call 1-800-801-1101 and tell them you phone is defective and get another phone. I am guessing that the phones are new. They have a one year warranty from Motorola