[JBracy]

I'm in the market for a new cell phone, and can't decide! I'm on Cingular and both the SE s710a and the Moto RAZR are $199 w/ 2yr contract. I love the design of the RAZR, but like the feature set of the 710. Since 2000 I've had all Ericsson and SonyEricsson phones starting with a t39m then a T68i and T637. So I'm leaning towards the s710a, and have a few questions:

1) Is anyone familiar with both phones, that can give a qualified comparison?
2) Will accessories for my T637 work with the s710 (Chargers, handsfree kits, etc have been the same since the t39m)? Batteries?
3) Is the s710 just too big? I haven't actually seen a real one, just the fake ones in the store, which are not the same weight or feel.
4) Anything else I should know before making a decision?

Thanks,

Jason

[Severed Hand of Skywalker]

The 710 is a big awkward monster. The SE 750 is much better.

The OS on the RAZR's OS isn't that great though.

So for these 2 models: Motorola - small hardware
Sony - Good OS

[His Dudeness]

The SE s710a is NOT a big monstor. The OS on the Sony is much better, has a MUCH better camera, a memory card slot... I've heard that the razr keypad keeps breaking because it is so thin.

I have the s710a and I love it. Best cell phone I've ever had.

[Eug Wanker]

Hehe. Maybe MacNN deserves a phone forum.

Re: S710. I guess it's a matter of taste, but I'm not a huge fan of it either. It's a camera first, and a phone second. And it's pretty big.

[His Dudeness]

It's only a bit longer than my index finger...

[gyc]

I'd pick the s710 over the RAZR. It's a superior phone IMHO in all respects except for thinness. Motorola generally makes crap phones IMHO. My last one kept freezing up all the time.

[Eug Wanker]

Originally Posted by His Dudeness

It's only a bit longer than my index finger...

Your index finger is 4 inches long? Big hands.

Originally Posted by gyc

I'd pick the s710 over the RAZR. It's a superior phone IMHO in all respects except for thinness. Motorola generally makes crap phones IMHO. My last one kept freezing up all the time.

Yeah, despite my reservations about the S710, given the choice between it and the Razr, I'd take the S710.

[MindFad]

I've been considering a RAZR V3. I wish I could find the black one somewhere for a decent price. (Anyone know of some good online places to buy cheap unlocked phones?) I also thought about a S710a, but it is a bit pricey, and a bit big (saw someone at an Apple Store with one). Only thing I don't like about the RAZR is its supposed lesser battery life and no video recording option. But I don't really care about recording videos, and I don't mind recharging the phone every couple of days. And it looks very nice. I actually like Moto's interface, despite the lack of theme-ing. Decisions, decisions.... Life is filled with such useless decisions.

[Spook E]

I've got a razr and love it, never had the issue with keypad breaking or any other problem, but the OS is a bit clunky at times, but who gives a f**k its a phone not a computer.

the messaging also takes a little getting used to and theres no software for the mac that lets you hack motorola phones

[Severed Hand of Skywalker]

Originally Posted by His Dudeness

The SE s710a is NOT a big monstor.

Dude, I was in love with the 710 before I actually held one and heard of the 750.

The 710 is THICK. More importantly it is not a slider phone but a switchblade phone. Using it is very awkward as if you view it closed and then open the device you have to twist it around because the screen is now upside down.

Also it has its strange form because it is supposed to be a camera first, the sad thing is the 750 which is now shipping has a better camera in a MUCH smaller form factor.

[Link]

I like the razr, its design isn't the best in the world IMHO, but it's still a damn nice clamshell, plus it's phone first, toy second.

[Severed Hand of Skywalker]

Originally Posted by Link

I like the razr, its design isn't the best in the world IMHO, but it's still a damn nice clamshell, plus it's phone first, toy second.

I thought so also when I saw pictures of it, when I saw it in person it was mostly cheap plastic and not metal. The OS also sucked.

[Eug Wanker]

Originally Posted by Spook E

I've got a razr and love it, never had the issue with keypad breaking or any other problem, but the OS is a bit clunky at times, but who gives a f**k its a phone not a computer.

the messaging also takes a little getting used to and theres no software for the mac that lets you hack motorola phones

The OS is extremely irritating to navigate on most Moto phones. It's enough to be a deal-breaker for me. It's as if their engineers don't ever try asking their husbands and wives to check out the phones. ie. It seems they've failed OS ergonomics 101.

[Kerrigan]

I have a V3 as one of my phones, and I should point out that is not made up of plastic, it is mostly aluminum (even the keypad). Also, I agree that the s710 is way too bulky. SE do not make very good phones in my opinion, they always feel like they are going to break, just like everything else Sony makes. The V3 feels more solid by comparison.

On balance, both of these phones are old, having been out for around a year now, and frankly I don't like either of them anymore. My next phone will be a Samsung Z500. The Z500 is the sturdiest, most stylish clamshell phone IMHO.

[Severed Hand of Skywalker]

Originally Posted by Kerrigan

I have a V3 as one of my phones, and I should point out that is not made up of plastic, it is mostly aluminum (even the keypad)

You're saying the inside of the earpiece is not plastic?

[MindFad]

Originally Posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker

You're saying the inside of the earpiece is not plastic?

I think he meant that the phone itself is not "mostly cheap plastic," as you pointed out. That it has a plastic earpiece doesn't validate your assertion either. [/smartass]

[Severed Hand of Skywalker]

Originally Posted by MindFad

I think he meant that the phone itself is not "mostly cheap plastic," as you pointed out. That it has a plastic earpiece doesn't validate your assertion either. [/smartass]

Well gee don't I feel stupid. I could have sworn most of it other than the outside skin and keypad were CHEAP ASSED GRAY PLASTIC.

[- - e r i k - -]

Agreed. If you want a phone, go for the SE 750i.

[ajprice]

Put the guts of an S710 inside a RAZR, then you have the best form and OS!

[His Dudeness]

Originally Posted by - - e r i k - -

Agreed. If you want a phone, go for the SE 750i.

I only paid $300 on ebay for the s710a. The 750 is about 80 more, and has a 2.0 megapixel camera instead of a 1.3. I am happy so far.

[His Dudeness]

SE w800 review:

http://www.bengalboy.com/modules/new...php?storyid=18

Sweet ass phone!

[Severed Hand of Skywalker]

Originally Posted by His Dudeness

I only paid $300 on ebay for the s710a. The 750 is about 80 more, and has a 2.0 megapixel camera instead of a 1.3. I am happy so far.

$80 more you get a much smaller form factor and better usability.

[lasvegasgamer]

Anyone on whether or not the 710a has the same charger as the older SE phones. I've stuck with SE since my 68i, and they do have a great OS. Moto's makes me want to throw the phone out the window, but I need to know if I can keep my 5 SE chargers!

[Severed Hand of Skywalker]

Originally Posted by His Dudeness

SE w800 review:

I'd hardly call that a review. That man is totally strange.

[Eug Wanker]

Originally Posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker

I'd hardly call that a review. That man is totally strange.

Yeah, his articles would be a lot more readable if they weren't full of skanx all the time.

[Kerrigan]

I know, why is it so hard to find decent reviews of mobiles? The site that I go to most often is Mobile-Review.com which has an extensive collection of articles and reviews, unfortunately it is all in Russian and the provided English translations are readable but bizarre.

Also, I should report His Dudeness for linking to a scat-play website, because the w800 is crap.

[His Dudeness]

Originally Posted by Eug Wanker

Yeah, his articles would be a lot more readable if they weren't full of skanx all the time.

What's wrong with that? Much better than looking at dudes.

[Severed Hand of Skywalker]

Originally Posted by His Dudeness

What's wrong with that? Much better than looking at dudes.

I'd like to dispute that

On a serious note if it is hot dudes or skanky strippers they have no business in a mobile phone review. It holds as much merit as some hot chick laying on the hood of a sports car.

[His Dudeness]

Mmmm, hot chicks on sports cars!

[Eug Wanker]

Originally Posted by His Dudeness

What's wrong with that? Much better than looking at dudes.

I'd rather just look at the phones.

Maybe if he had better looking models I'd agree with you. But he doesn't.

[MindFad]

Originally Posted by MindFad

(Anyone know of some good online places to buy cheap unlocked phones?)

^^^

[JaNeDoe]

Everyone is constantly talking about how terrible the Motorola interface is, and I happen to like it! I have the Black RazR, and I freakin' love it! At first, I was torn between the S710 and the RazR but after seeing them next to each other, the decision was obvious!! The RazR also has the WOW factor!! I get beautiful reception everywhere I go, and the phone itself feels very solid to me!! I totally recommend it!!

[JoshuaZ]

S710. Interface is much better. It`ll make life a whole lot easier.

[CharlesS]

One thing about the RAZR is that it is quad-band while the s710 is not. So if you want to travel outside the US, the RAZR might be worth looking into there as it will work in Europe, Asia, etc.

Also, some of the newest RAZRs have video recording for some reason, unlike the older ones. Actually, I think it always had video recording, but Cingular crippled it until recently for some reason. However, I'm not sure if any of this matters due to the low memory of the RAZR. If you're like me, though, and want the thing to use as a phone, then who cares.

[Mastrap]

Every single Moto phone I have ever owned I was disappointed with. I can't stand the OS.

[mindwaves]

I love my s710a.

[Mrjinglesusa]

I love my Razr (black) on T-Mobile.

[Weyland-Yutani]

As much as I like SE phones, it is only once in a while that they make a phone that is both good and aesthetically pleasing. I got the K700i a while back and that one fulfilled both. Mac-like somehow and good looking with all the features and what I wanted.

It looks like I'll be waiting a while before SE makes another good good-looking phone

As for Motorola, I was a loyal Motorola customer. My first three GSM phones were Motorolas. I gave up on them. Awful interface and few features. I'm not going back to Motorola.

cheers

W-Y

[turtle777]

Originally Posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker

Well gee don't I feel stupid. I could have sworn most of it other than the outside skin and keypad were CHEAP ASSED GRAY PLASTIC.

So what's the SE made out of ? Must be some real magic material...

-t

[Teronzhul]

I see several people recommending the SE k750 and w800 but continually fail to mention that both of them are 900/1800/1900 phones. He's already said that cingular is his current operator so it is likely that he'll want an 850 phone. If he weren't on Cingular then the w900 due out before the end of the year would make a much nicer phone than the s710a in similar form factor although certainly much higher than the $199 price tag he's looking at.

Perhaps the w600 which is also due out before christmas which has more memory than the RAZR and a smaller form factor than the s710a would be a better choice. It is a quadband 850/900/1800/1900 with EDGE, and has a camera comparable to that of the s710a. It should also be fairly close in terms of price.

http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?I...source=RELATED

[ajprice]

I just found this out, but Motorola phones including v600, v620 and RAZR aren't supported by Salling Clicker, and Salling can't fix this because its a Moto firmware issue, not a Clicker software issue.

[Mrjinglesusa]

I need my phone to make phone calls. Period. To that end, it needs to have good reception, a phonebook for my numbers, and be small (I hate bulky phones). I had a K700i and loved it but was attracted by the form factor of the RAZR. True quad-band, small, and excellent reception (T-Mobile). The camera is nice but that is only for quick snapshots when I don't have my Canon S400 with me.

Frankly, if you want all the bells and whistles (i.e. a PDA), get a Blackberry. For pictures, get a digital camera. For music, get an iPod. Expecting a PHONE to have all of these features is silly. I carry my phone daily. I don't listen to music at work so I don't need it to play music. 8-9 hours of the day I am in my office so don't need my camera. A cell phone is just that, a PHONE to keep you in contact when you are not at home or are travelling.

Paying more than $200 for a cell phone is absolutely insane IMO.

[DigitalEl]

I'm the biggest phone whore I know. I have had about six of the things in the past year and a half... I'm always looking for The Next Best Greatest Thing. I have a Sony Ericsson W800i. It's sitting on my kitchen countertop without a SIM card in it. I have a Nokia 6230i. My wife uses it now. I sold my BlackBerry 7100t on eScam. After coming full circle, I'm with Mrjingluesa. I just want a phone to make calls.

The Internet on a cellphone is ridiculous, unless you're just checking movie times or sports scores. Video on a cellphone is dumb. Most cameras put on phones suck. Most music apps on even high-end phones are clunky. Even what many agree is the Best. Phone. Evar. -- the aforementioned SE W800 -- leaves me wanting more.

I now carry my clunky-but-sexy Nokia 6170. It's a man's phone... Heavier than hell. Thicker than thick. But it has Nokia's bulletproof Series 40 OS and that famous Nokia reception. I'd probably have 4 bars in Saddam's bunker with this thing. It has no Bluetooth, no WiFi, no e-mail and it doesn't play MP3s .. and that's just fine.

I still carry the W800i when I feel the need .. which is becoming more and more rare. If I were to buy a new phone right now, it might be a RAZR. I don't need all the super high-end features on more expensive sets and there's no denying the slim Motorola's sexiness. A few months ago I scoffed at the RAZR as a phone for "people who don't know any better."

Like I said, full circle.

-Rambling Former Phone Whore

[E's Lil Theorem]

Originally Posted by Mrjinglesusa

I love my Razr (black) on T-Mobile.

Where did you get the black one for T-Mobile? I'm a T-Mobile customer and would love to get my hands on that puppy.

[slowspeed]

I've got the V3 in silver (got it before the black one with video recording came out) and I have had a number of both motorolas and SE phones, and I think the V3 gets a rough rap.

I've never had a problem with it and am a heavy phone user. so it's not great for photo's, browsing etc, but hell thats why most ppl have a cameras and computers for, and, contrary to popular opinion i think it's pretty strong for it's size.

mine takes a beating when I have a big night out....

[DigitalEl]

Where did you get the black one for T-Mobile? I'm a T-Mobile customer and would love to get my hands on that puppy.

Any 3rd party dealer will sell it unlocked & unbranded. Being a T-Mob subscriber, you just put your SIM card in it and you're all set.

[E's Lil Theorem]

Originally Posted by DigitalEl

[/b]Any 3rd party dealer will sell it unlocked & unbranded. Being a T-Mob subscriber, you just put your SIM card in it and you're all set.

Ah, nifty. I know Amazon has an offer where you can get the RAZR for free after a rebate and signing a contract with either Cingular or T-Mobile. Being a T-Mobile customer already, in order to take advantage of that offer, my only choice would be to switch carriers. But, I don't want to do that just yet. I'll just keep looking for a better deal.

[ThinkInsane]

What exactly is so horrible about the OS on Moto phones? I have a V710, and I like the interface on it better than the LG and Samsung I had before it. Since my cell is my primary phone, I need it to work as a phone, I don't care about a 1.2 MP camera because I don't even use it. Maybe a dozen pictures or so in the last year. It's never froze up on me, it doesn't drop calls, and if Verizon hadn't seen fit to cripple the bluetooth on it, I wouldn't be bothering to get a new phone, I'd just get a new battery. I'm probably more inclined to stay with Moto because for it's primary function (that's being a phone, in case some people forget that) it works very well, and I like their form factor. I just wish they had a better CDMA selection. If the long rumored CDMA RAZR ever appears, I'd be more tan happy to swing by the Verizon store and pick one up.

And before anyone tells me to dump Verizon Wireless, I was all set to before I bought the V710. Cingular ended up billing my card four times for a phone that they never even shipped, and when I called to bitch the girl told me that "Until the merger is through, you are going to have to accept that you are not going to get good customer service", guaranteeing that I will only do business with them if and when they are the only cell company left. Verizon gives me great customer service and I get a signal everywhere I go, even if they don't offer the greatest selection of handsets. That's all I really need.

[DigitalEl]

What exactly is so horrible about the OS on Moto phones? I have a V710, and I like the interface on it better than the LG and Samsung I had before it.

Not at all trying to be a d!ck... Just trying to find a workable analogy. Okay... How about this:

"What is so horrible about my Ford Fiesta? I like it much better than the Yugo and the Chevy Citation I had before it."

Or this:

"What is so horrible about Windows 3.11? I like it much better than DOS."

Friend, use a Nokia (Series 40 or Series 60) or one of the newish Sony Ericssons and then the OS on a Motorola (or an LG or a Samsung) will seem like your grandma's old rotary phone. Nokias are revered for their elegant simplicity. SE is known for cutting edge eye candy and an almost Mac-like slickness.

Cingular ended up billing my card four times for a phone that they never even shipped, and when I called to bitch the girl told me that "Until the merger is through, you are going to have to accept that you are not going to get good customer service", guaranteeing that I will only do business with them if and when they are the only cell company left.

I bought the ROKR sight-unseen the moment it was available, but returned it to Cingular once Steve's hypnotism wore off following the keynote. Cingular still billed me for the phone and activation. It took 30 minutes on their customer service line to get the charges reversed. Keep in mind I never even took the phone out of the box, let alone activated it! I'll stick with T-Mobile. Their customer service ain't winnin' no awards, but at least they're available 24/7/365. Cingular doesn't answer their phones nights & weekends.

[Mrjinglesusa]

Originally Posted by DigitalEl

[/b]Any 3rd party dealer will sell it unlocked & unbranded. Being a T-Mob subscriber, you just put your SIM card in it and you're all set.

Yeah, what he said. I got mine through a trade on another board but you can buy an unlocked one at many internet sites.