Messaging

VX8700 users can do more than just enjoy the media downloaded to their phone, with text, picture and video messaging capabilities. Web-based instant messaging and e-mail can also be accessed with the phone.

The large keys on this handset make it more workable for people with larger hands, although those who tend to dial by touch might have a difficult time since the keypad is completely flat with only a thin separation between the keys. Overall, the keys were convenient for quick typing.

Length is a strong point for the VX8700 when it comes to text messages, with a limit of up to 1,064 characters. Video messages can be sent with clips of up to 30 seconds.

Entertainment

Verizon Wireless offers several services to fill the VX8700 with the multimedia for which it was designed. With VCAST, users can download or stream video of news, sports and entertainment, or download the latest 3D games. Full-length songs can also be downloaded with the service, or personal music collections can be transferred from the phone using a removable microSD card.

Playlists from Windows Media Player can be synced to the phone, which could be a cheaper option if users can purchase tracks for less than the $1.99 at VCAST. This does require purchasing accessories not included with the phone, but could ultimately pay for itself. This handset also features an Advanced Audio Distribution Profile, which allows users to listen to music with a Bluetooth stereo headset.

As mentioned earlier, Verizon Wireless' VZ Navigator service also allows the phone to be used as a GPS device. Features of the service include voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, local searches of almost 14 million points of interest and detailed color maps that can be quickly panned and zoomed.

Verizon Wireless' Get It Now also offers wallpaper graphics and ring tones to customize the phone, and users can set their personal photos and video as wallpaper.

Internet

The VX8700 connects to the EV-DO (Evolution-Data Optimized) network for high-speed data connectivity of around 300 to 500 kbps, making it easy for users to download multimedia from the Verizon Wireless' VCAST network.

With Mobile Web 2.0, VX8700 users can track down information from the latest world news to local weather, to updates of the stock market. It is also possible to access MSN, Hotmail, Yahoo!, and America Online e-mail accounts. Verizon Wireless offers the service for an additional monthly access charge, plus airtime and other applicable charges.

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