Those of you who
already own Sprint's version of the HTC Apache, the
Audiovox UT Starcomm
PPC-6700, will no doubt feel a bit smug when
reading how PC Mag suggests that Verizon's crippled version of this WM5 smartphone "should send power users
running to Sprint." Besides its black facade, the XV6700 is mostly identical to the PPC-6700 (416MHz Intel XScale,
64MB RAM/ 128MB flash ROM, EV-DO, WiFi, Bluetooth, 1.3 megapixel cam, QVGA display), but two key Verizon-specific
differences should make you think twice before choosing this handset. First, unlike Sprint, Verizon does not allow the
phone to utilize WiFi and cellular at the same time, meaning that you actually have to switch off the cellular radio if
you're at a hotspot, and thus can't receive calls while pulling data packets. Not that you'll be pulling many of those
packets in the first place -- Verizon charges more for 10MB of EV-DO usage ($25) than Sprint charges for unlimited
transfers($15) -- and forget about Bluetooth DUN, because the big V doesn't offer a modem plan for this model.
Update: Make sure to check out the comments for a not-condoned-by-us workaround that promises to
thwart Verizon's nefarious anti-WiFi agenda.
posted March 3rd 2006 8:45AM
I agree that disabling the phone functionality while using WiFi was a bone headed thing for Verizon to do but don't let that stop you from buying the phone. There is a Registry Hack that will re-enable this funcionality.
1) Download PHM Regedit (search google for "phm regedit download")
2) start phm regedit go to HKEY LOCAL MACHINE>SERVICES>WirelessMGR
3) Edit the key called mutexflag change the value from 1 to 0
4) accept the changes close the program set you phone down and WAIT 15 minutes.
5) reset phone by pushing the reset button on the bottom
Now you can turn wifi and phone on at same time
This worked great for me!
PLEASE NOTE: making changes to the Registry can cause problems if you accidentally remove or change something you shouldn't, so always backup your Registry before you make any changes.
Yeah, I don't mention those kinds of hacks in my reviews because they're not suited to the mainstream PC Mag audience. But sharp Engadget readers will know the truth is out there, even if the truth risks totally hosing your Pocket PC with a bad line of code.
Just one more symptom of Verizon's "stick-it-to-the-customer" attitude when it comes to disbling functionality that the phones already possess. Their motivation is usually to ensure that the customer is forced to shell out as much money as possible. And despite the recent decision by Verizon to allow users of EV-DO capable phones to use them to connect their laptops (no big deal here, since the only thing missing is the PC card for the laptop that would enable the same thing) - Verizon's policy in this regard seems to be getting worse. For example, my 2 year old LG VX4400 accepts uploads of ringtones and wallpapers, etc via cable and BitPim. But my friend's new Motorola Razr V3C has been crippled by Verizon so that even with a cable and the Verizon mobile software, no ringtones or pictures can be uploaded to or download from the phone. That MUST be done via their GetItNow paid service. Verizon will continue this as long as the public perceives them to have the best coverage. Can't blame them for looking out for their shareholders by maximizing profit, but I can blame them for soaking their customers.
I use to be a Verizon customer. I was all smug with the realization I was using CDMA not TDMA or GSM. But that smugness disappeared when I had to deal with the worthless customer service.
Yes, I realize that no one offers perfect customer service, but the way they were treating me on something they screwed up really bothered me. So guess what I take my business elsewhere...
I hate you Verizon, can you hear me now? I hate you.
Boooo to you Sascha for not at least ALUDING to the fact that there are simple workarounds to enabling the "features" that Verizon disabled..... I'd imagine that the majority of the PC Mag audience is just as sharp as the Engadget crowd and deserved a better assessment than you provided. I could understand bashing Verizon for their pricing structure, but the XV-6700 is just as Capable of the PPC-6700. I'm currently taking FULL advantage of the same features that my Sprint counterparts are enjoying and my Pocket PC is not hosed. In addition, I enjoy EVDO service in more locations than my Sprint counterparts so I rarely NEED to use Wi-Fi anyway. I think the Verizon XV-6700 deserves another more informative review from you.
How are these two different from the T-Blo MDA and Cingular 8125?
There's been a debate around PC Mag about mentioning the hacking. But because it violates your terms of service, risks hosing your machine, is forbidden by the carriers, etc. we've decided to go the "high road" and only talk about using the products as described on the label. I don't want to advise people to violate their TOS and have them blame me for when Verizon comes down on their heads. That view may change in the future, though - it's an evolving conversation.
#6 - It's a different reference design. I like the 6700s more; I think they're more powerful. Most notably, the 6700s use a 416 Mhz Intel processor where the T-Mobile/Cingular machines use a 195 Mhz TI OMAP processor, and the 6700s have EV-DO where the T-Mobile/Cingular machines have the slower EDGE networking.
Does anyone know if you can install the Flash Player for PPC on this device?
I understand PC Mags standpoint, and not wanting the blame for people violating their TOS or crashing their device. While understanding this, I also think it could be noted, "while it is not recommended, there are registry hacks available to allow full functionality of the phone". When I say full functionality I mean it, the bluetooth DUN hack can be done by enabling the W Modem funtion. All hacks can be found on howard forums!
Additionally, though I dont agree with Verizon disabling features, I sure dont want to be on Sprints network. When you are at CES and you have to constantly borrow a co-worker your phone because their sprint phone doesnt get service, it tends to get a little annoying. Their is a reason Sprints service is cheaper.
The point I am trying to make is simple. Dont let this article sway you. The xv 6700 is just as capable as the PPC 6700 if you have 30 mins and half a brain! You wont have to borrow your friends phone either, because you will have service!
One of the main reasons for me keeping my XV-6700 Verizon over Sprints version is Wireless Sync from VZW. I don't know that any of the others T-Mobile, Cingular or Sprint include this functionality with their PDA's which allows me to be much more connected and hence productive.
The one hand operation comment is voided by a simple install of voice command which goes one step further.
As always we always want more speed, higher res display and camera and cheaper, but overall excellent phone that will pay for itself much faster than any other I've owned.
I have to agree with Rich on this. The Wireless Sync from VZW is a great addition. It allows for true Push email, Calendar, and Tasks in both directions which I never could get to work correctly with my i-Mate PDA2K on T-Mobile. Also, MS Voice Command was the first application I installed on my VX-6700. I can't imagine using another PPC phone without it. I never have to dial with more than one hand even if I don't have the number in my contact list.
I agree with Sascha Segan on this. you guys are absolutely oblivious to the fact that you guys are phone geeks. My friend lamented with me the other day on why people aren't using push email to pocket PC phones...he is a geek.
Also, in regards to EV-DO service, SPCS has less POPs than VZW's EV-DO, but actually covers more metro areas than VZW does at this point.
In the end, I can still make a phone call on my SPCS anywhere I go as long as there's VZW service...SPCS customers roam on it for free (though I rarely use it)
The real problem with Verizon is their arrogance. People complain a lot, but they simply ignor the complaints like they have no competition. I've been a loyal customer for years, but as soon as the V3i make an apperance at Cingular, i'm bolting. I love the Verizon network, but i've had it with their take what we give you and like it attitude. They cripple their phones, force a crappy interface on you and their rate plans aren't exactly the creme of the crop out there either. 7:00 start times are a very compelling reason to make a switch.
Can you save pictures to memory card and transfer files onto you computer?
I would like to remind you guys that some people who have the apachie are alltel customers. While their ev-do is almost not existant they do have the best version of the phone. You must remenber that alltel has the largest coverage area by square miles and most of it supports 1x which is fast as edge. At least I am getting 125Kb per second. In conclusion I just want to say that if you are going to compare phone company just remenber that alltel has it to and they roam off of both sprint and verizon.
I got this phone a few days before the official release date (chewed out the manager just right) and love it to death. I moved from the T-Mobile H6315 iPAQ to this. EVDO is awesome.
Also... yeah. HowardForums.com. Great stuff.
I have USB and Bluetooth DUN enabled and have used it some. One of the advantages of the VZ phone is that they preload less crap than Sprint does. No matter, I cleared my extended ROM and have some regular software installed on it.
Wireless Sync IS great. I love it. I never liked Blackberries, and this works so much better.
Best setup is to setup a 'puter at home with Wireless Sync for push email, ORB Streaming media (www.orb.com) which lets me watch movies just about anywhere from my computer, Avvenu (www.avvenu.com) whcih lets me download files, and GoToMyPC (www.gotomypc.com) which lets me remote control the PC. Yeah, I'm a geek.
The Apache is faster than the Wizard (MDA and 8125) as far as EVDO goes (Which smacks EDGE) and the processor. For most tasks the the xScale (Apache) and OMAP
(Wizard) processors are close, but the Apache lets you run Skype stutter free. My mom's calling Mexico with my phone right now, using Skype.
Video playback and such are pretty similar though.
EVDO and Skype... that settles it for me.
I just received a new XV-6700 and it appears that Verizon has removed the mutexflag reference in the registry. So much for that....
Del [17], are you suggesting that this now comes enabled by default, or can no longer be enabled at all?
Well?
I wrote Verizon over a week ago asking if there were any plans to enabled the ability to use Wi-Fi and the receive phone calls simultaneously on the VX6700, and if they would be changing their TOS to allow the use of the phone as a modem for laptops.
I got a reply stating that there were no plans to change. This is unbelievable, as I've read so many complaints on these two issues, so it seems that Verizon isn't willing to listen to their customer's feedback, which has been very loud and clear. I expect more technology magazines that review this phone will tear them apart on these issues as well.
What great marketing -- for the competition that is!
Why does my vx6700 battery die so fast? Is anybody has same problem?
Depending on what type of phone you have most batteries gain memory. Meaning when you charge a phone, wait until its completely dead before you charge it again, then charge it completely. If u are charging it halfway then using it, it starts to think its fully charged when it isnt and will die fast. Another thing never talk on the phone while its charging, in fact you should turn off the phone completely when charging. I used to work at a cell phone shop.By now you may need a new battery.
check this site http;//www.cellphonebar.com
"freeshipping" is the coupon code for freeshipping.
Well Verizon finally released the much anticipated update for the XV6700 and it by default now allows the wifi and phone function at the same time and fixes many other little things. All I can say is I love mine EVDO is awesome and fast!!! I cant wait for its replacement to come out and see how it could be any better. Vzw might cripple their phones but prices, coverage, and support top out over everyone! As far as the hacks go I can see not posting them in the review but thats what we are here for to leave comments letting people know how they can do what they want to really do on their phones.
hello. i am thinking about buying this phone, and i was just curious... do u HAVE to purchase verizon's data plan? can i use the wi fi feature without using their data plan? to me it seems nuts that i would have to pay for internet twice.
Many I wish I would have come accross this site before I made a committment.
Some of you are saying there are fixes to all of Verizon's problems but the only direction is the PHM Regedit from Tony at the top. Could one of you kind souls who has made the changes with no problems also point the way to voice dial and especially phone-as-a-modem?
Beware I bricked my phone
Andrew Hillman
Current relaeases of the phone have been mostly 'un-crippled. For example: My verixon xv6700, could connect wi-fi AND receive/talk on a call at the same time.
Even using the cellular, you would still receive the call, but the data surfing gets paused.
Overall, I have been very happy with my phone (even though I feel silly calling it just a phone)
My Verizon xv6700 freezes numerous times during a week. I have to soft reset the PDA to unfreeze it. Cannot answer phone in lock mode. I had this device replaced 3 times in the last year. My third replacement is acting up after 6 weeks of use. Features are great if phone works.
I've had this phone for 18 months. When it works its great, but I have to soft reset it all the time. It is the most annoying phone I've ever used... after soft reset the password takes seconds to enter each digit (sometimes). The software takes off and drains the battery in a few hours (active sync I believe is the problem). The memory card is not recognized randomly, requiring a soft reset to recognize. The bluetooth randomly stops. When it works its ok, but it is so annoying and Verizon so expensive, my next phone when my contract is up (March) will be with Sprint.