Which Phone? 8300? 8600? KRZR? Other?

I want to get a phone with Verizon. I've never had Verizon, and I haven't gotten a phone in years, so I'm catching up on all the info.

These are some features I'm looking for in a phone:

• Make my own ringtones (and not too painless transfer)
• Camera (2 mp would be nice, but I think that's not going to happen)
• Smallish or Thin (I only carry the phone in my pants pocket)
• Picture Caller ID on the external display
• Flip/Clam design prefered (slider acceptable too)
• MP3 player would be nice (but only if I can transfer over mp3's I already own)
• Bluetooth headset for calls (and music, mono is okay though)
• Outlook or iCal calendar syncing would be nice (but very optional)

I've mostly been looking at the LG vx8300, vx8600, and the KRZR. Will those do what I'm looking for? Anything else I should be looking at?

Thanks for your help.

(Edit) More info on my mp3 usage: I mostly wouldn't be listening to music, but actually recorded conference calls (about 100mb mp3's). So not having to convert them to a different format would be nice, and if possible, being able to fast forward to different points very fast.

The 8600 takes mp3's and has a slot for a 2GB card.

Camera is 1.3MP and it's low-light performance is shakey.

Of course you can create your own ringtones. It's not much more difficult than ripping an MP3 file. Search forum for how to load them.

You would need STEREO BLUETOOTH HEADSET to get the conference files unless you just wanted to play them out on the phone speaker...the mp3 files do NOT play on a mono BT headset.

- it's plenty thin
- $15 VCast gives you UNLIMITED internet. GMail not directly supported, but you can load it as one of your favorites (forward your office/home email to a gmail account) There are mail sync programs but you have to pay extra.

8300 has many of the same features, including mp3 playback and 2GB (max.) microSD card slot.

There's no doubt the VX8300 is sturdier, but it's not as sleek and slim.

The speakerphones aren't great on either one of 'em. (In other words, you can't use it in a car although it does work in an office environment.)

The 8600's proprietary data/charger/earphones port is a pain...especially for earphones. You really want Bluetooth.

I have never owned the Motorola, so I'll leave it to others to advise on that one.

Thanks for the input. I'm pretty close to pulling the trigger on the 8600. Is it hit or miss with which stereo bluetooth headphones will work with it, or do they all work?

I'm holding off until I actually get to try some of these out. I've got an inexpensive (Motorola HS850) BT headset that works fine for phone calls but it won't let you listen to your MP3's on that.

Motorola is coming out with a new stereo set that looks promising...the S9.

For now, I'm using the headset that came with the Music Essentials Kit, but I definitely want to go BlueTooth at some point.

Hmm...i think u posted the same thing in Howard Forums...lol

well anyway to answer ur post:

8300 and 8600 are pretty mucht he same thing except the 8600 is sleeker and has a flash UI....

whatever u do stay away from the KRZR....It is soooo hard to get ringtones on there....No flash UI, cant trun the Mp3 player without opening the phone and navigating through the menus...

If u want a 2mp camera i suggest the enV...Its overall a GReat Phone

I did since I was kind of in a rush for answers. I ordered the 8600, and I'll report back with my thoughts after I get it.

Great! Im sure ur gunna be more than happy with it

The Lg 8600 is the way to go. The best phone I ever had.


Eric

But do you think someone that hasn't bought a phone in a couple years would easily get used to the buttons and the navigation?

I upgraded from the lg 8000 which has big buttons. I did get use to the 8600.

Eric

I just receieved the 8600 and I'll tell you it perfect for your needs.

• For the ringotnes I suggest bitpim because its so simple to crop a MP3 you already own in a program like audacity and put it in teh ringers folder in bitpim.

• You can also load up outlook calendars in bitpim and sync them to the 8600. I'm not sure ow this works since I'm home for spring break at my parents and don't have my pc with my calendar but it has a nice calendar setup in bitpim

• All you other needs are covered with the 8600. Like some have said it really is a cool phone.

The functions supported in bitpim is why I chose this phone. The 8300 has some functions but not near as many as the 8600. The phone is just nice and clean looking. The button light up white and the verizon labels are white so it really is a lseek and clean phone. You won't reget the choice!

BTW pm if you need help with bitpim.

In all honesty, the 8600's keypad IS a problem. It takes a lot of care to hit the right keys...something you never thought about with a 7000 or 8300.

On the other hand, you've got:

-Bluetooth
-Mp3 files up to 2GB (with a separate card purchase)
-High speed internet
-sleek design

The 8600 isn't for everyone, I suppose. But when you discover that a 2GB music player is $120 it offers a nice option.

You WILL like the size of it...you just may have a more difficult time adjusting to the size/style of the keypad.

Hi Reader I have to agree with you on the buttons. I upgraded from the LG 8000 which I just loved and that had big buttons. It was hard to give it up . I did keep in the family though as I gave it to my son . Anyway I did get use to the 8600's buttons. I am so happy I did upgrade. I received the piece to hook up to my cars radio and I play the music on it. It just has so many options. I am glad I went with this one compared to the chocolate or 8300.


Eric