Internet

The VX8360 routes users to VCAST music and videos, email and instant messaging, the latest news by category and the rest of the Internet via Dashboard with Mobile Web 2.0 -- a Verizon Internet service that connects to the Web and features a menu with stories by category, from hard news and entertainment to sports and weather.

When out of the Dashboard service area, users can connect to the Web with Wi-Fi. Data is sent with high-speed EV-DO, which means quicker wireless speeds with or without a hot spot. The VX8360 can also automatically send news updates that fit interests.

Internet access is often speedy and reliable with the VX8360. Users had few complaints about the phone's Internet features, although seeing emails, news updates and Web sites can be a bit difficult on a two-inch screen. Those with problems seeing small print might want to upgrade to a touch-screen smartphone with a larger screen.

Storage

With just 44MB of memory built-in, the VX8360 isn't a powerhouse of storage. Taking advantage of extras, from the ability to sync with a computer's song library to downloading videos or taking a boatload of pictures, will require extra space. The purchase of a microSD memory card can provide up to 8GB of extra storage. But even without a memory card, the phone has room for a thousand contact entries and 540 quick messages.

Some smartphones have nearly twice as much memory as the VX8360 and some comparable phones, like the LG enV2 have about 50 percent more storage capacity. Anyone planning to store a lot on this phone will want to invest in a memory card or keep shopping.

Connectivity

The VX8360 can play host to a variety of Bluetooth accessories, all sold apart from the phone package. The device supports the following Bluetooth profiles: headset, hands-free, dial-up networking, advanced audio distribution, phone book access, basic printing, object push for vCard and vCalendar, file transfer and basic imaging. Users can save up to 20 Bluetooth 2.1+enhanced data rate pairings.

The VX8360 can sync music (or more, for a price) with a personal computer via a USB port. Song files can be sent to and from the phone or a computer. The USB chord is sold separately.

Wi-Fi and Dashboard with Mobile Web 2.0 offer access to the Internet across the globe, and an extra Wi-Fi sync option that shares information between a PC and the phone wirelessly is available.

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