The VX8100 features a
traditional clamshell design with a very large 176 x 220 color display and
support for a whopping 262,000 colors--plenty of room for V CAST content.
As mentioned, memory is expandable via a MiniSD slot. A generous,
full-color 128 x 128 supplementary display on the outside of the cover
displays incoming call information, battery life, signal strength,
graphics, photos, and more. Most of the phone's features and on-screen
menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's backlit
control pad. The VX8100 also features a standard jack to accept universal
hands-free headsets, and up/down keys are located on the left side of the
unit. The 1.3-megapixel camera unit is housed on the rear of the unit.
Music playback control keys are also located here. USB data connectivity
is available via an adapter cable that plugs into the bottom of the phone.
Calling Features
The VX8100's built-in address book can store up to 500 contacts for quick
and easy management of phone numbers and e-mail addresses. Meanwhile, a
speed dialing feature allows you to dial up to 99 numbers virtually
instantaneously. The phone comes with built-in polyphonic ringtones plus a
vibrating alert, and more ringtones can be downloaded via Verizon's Get It
Now service. Ringtones can be assigned to specific callers so you don't
have to look at the phone to know who's calling, or you can match pictures
with callers to identify them. The VX8100's voice recognition software
supports voice commands from any user, not just a preprogrammed user's
voice. Lastly, the VX8100's GPS location technology pinpoints your exact
location when you dial 911.
Messaging, Internet, and Tools
With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, the VX8100 is fully
compatible with Verizon's V CAST service. With V CAST, you can download
and stream high-quality video. Need news and weather? Get the latest
Accuweather forecast delivered right to your handset, or stream CNN news
headlines. ESPN sports updates, entertainment news from E!, and even
Sesame Street content for kids are all available. V CAST also serves as a
portal for enhanced 3D games. Have more fun with a new breed of realistic
games.
With support for sending and receiving
text, picture, and video messages, the VX8100 has all the bases covered
when it comes to messaging. T9 text entry, which is a technology that
makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built
in to the unit--a plus for mobile e-mail and text messaging users.
Getting on the Internet anywhere is easy
with the VX8100. Verizon's Mobile Web package allows you to read and send
e-mails, exchange instant messages, and view your favorite Web content on
your phone. You can check your e-mail, trade stocks online, compare prices
while shopping, access flight information, get movie listings, and find
directions to the theater. Verizon's Get It Now wireless download service
is also fully compatible with the VX8100. This pay-per-download service
features application downloads, games, and productivity tools. You can
also personalize your handset with ringtone downloads using the Get It Now
service.
The VX8100 ships with a number of handy
tools, including a calendar, a voice memo application, an alarm clock, and
a calculator. Use the VX8100's Bluetooth capability to set up a wireless
link with a Bluetooth headset accessory, or connect to a computer or
hand-held device to exchange and synchronize data.
Imaging and Entertainment
While the VX8100 is a great platform for watching V CAST video content, it
can also capture video that can be shared with your friends and associates
via video messaging. The video unit records in MPEG4 format and can
capture clips up to 15 seconds in length. Of course, you can use the
camera to capture still pictures, too. In addition to megapixel resolution
(1280 x 960), the camera features an LED flash, macro and night modes, a
self-timer, and brightness and white balance controls.
The VX8100 supports V Cast 3D games, as
well as other 2D-based games, which are available from Verizon's Get It
Now service. You can also customize the phone's wallpapers and screen
savers to give your VX8100 a look that suits your style. And if music is
your thing, the VX8100 also has a built-in MP3 player (requires free
software upgrade from Verizon).
