and I have to say, I'm not all that impressed. I bought it this past Sunday and yesterday it died on me 3 times. I transferred over from the network with the most dropped calls, TMobile. While they had inconsistent service, their phones were strong and could hold for an entire day. I went to Verizon store today and they recommended I go to one of their free classes, explaining to me not to give up that I purchased a superior phone.

My question is, with all this technology, do we really need these portable computers? I guess I am asking this because I'm on a computer most of the day and just want to use my phone to retrieve emails and text messages as well as talk. I'm feeling doubtful these new phones are really up to par and just wanted to get feedback as to what your thoughts are. My husband just returned the new Samsung Galaxy phone. He said he needed a phone book with a contact list and purchased an old fashioned blackberry instead. I don't know. I'm at a quandry.

The phone died on you 3 times in one day? If so, something is definitely wrong.

I just recently went from a BB to an Android phone, and I personally love mine. It's so much faster with internet browsing, and the availability of apps is far superior to what was offered on my BB. I think you should talk to VZW about your phone. It may have an issue with the battery. There may be even something on the phone that's updating too frequently or something running in the background that is causing your premature battery drain.

If you feel like all you need is texting, email, and talk capabilities a BB might work fine for you. The browser is definitely a lot slower on them though IMO. If that and the smaller app availability doesn't bother you, you should be okay with a BB. I left BB because I was sick of the slow internet browsing (even with Opera Mini), and it was really starting to seem like a lot of developers had stopped making apps for BB phones.

Originally Posted by Charles

The phone died on you 3 times in one day? If so, something is definitely wrong.

Yes! I thought so too. In fact I visited Verizon yesterday and the SA strongly advised me to go to one of their free classes and learn how to use the phone. He explained to me that every day, before the battery shuts down, to close out all the Apps and check to make sure there aren't additional apps working, etc. So far, so good. It's 11 a.m and the phone was turned on at approximately 7:30 a.m. I know this sounds ridiculous but my old phone stayed charged until I went to sleep and shut it off and charged it. The SA told me to give it some time because he thinks it's a wonderful phone and it just requires getting to learn it. I hope this isn't bull.....

In any case, I will see and report back.

which specific phone did you get?

if it shuts down all the time just go to the store and demand they get you a new one (or i've heard calling CS is better and easier). you probably just got a lemon.

and the SA at verizon is wrong... most of them don't know what theyr'e doing. you do not have to close apps down.

especially with a 4G phone your phone will not stay charged as long. I use mine to check and check email occasionally through the day and around 9:30-10:00 at night it's getting down into the yellow area (battery almost dead). that's just how smart phones are. even with a older smart phone you'll likely only get 1 day of charge out of it.

forgot to add, i wouldn't waste your time with the classes either. even if they are free. if you play around with your phone you'll figure out most stuff, or ask on here, or just google your problem/question and you will surely find an answer somewhere.

i can't imagine the stuff verizon would 'teach' in class like that.

I have the HTC Rezound

The only thing I think is worth checking is make sure Bluetooth is off (if you don't use it) and wifi. But I have BT and Wifi on all the time and can go through the day without having to charge.

Also, if you have certain apps that refresh often, that could drain the battery. Before, they'd refresh at certain intervals, even though the phone was sleeping (ie screen turned off, not powered off). But now, most app makers have it to where their apps/widgets will refresh when you wake the phone up. Much less power drain that way.

Charles, the SA told me the same thing about Bluetooth and wifi. So so far it is now 8:20 p.m. and I have a little less than half a battery which is drastically different from the first few days. I also dimmed the light and have it shut off every 10 minutes as opposed to staying on 24-7. The keyboard takes getting used to.

Iluvshopping, I agree with you about not having a need to take a course. Playing with the phone I figured out most things that I needed and hopefully, over the weekend will venture learning more.

A friend of my daughter suggested I get the Iphone but I'm not sure. I think the battery will be the same.

You can also turn off the 4g when you aren't using the internet. That should help you conserve your battery some too. The way it was explained to me, 4g is just for faster browsing. Texts and calls will be the same whether you are using 3g or 4g. I have the HTC Rezound, and I'm impressed with it even on 3g...I get 4g while at work and in tons of other places, but most of the time at home I get 3g.

Originally Posted by nc.girl

You can also turn off the 4g when you aren't using the internet. That should help you conserve your battery some too. The way it was explained to me, 4g is just for faster browsing. Texts and calls will be the same whether you are using 3g or 4g. I have the HTC Rezound, and I'm impressed with it even on 3g...I get 4g while at work and in tons of other places, but most of the time at home I get 3g.

Wow! Thank you!!! I didn't even know this was possible. You just made me so glad I started this thread. Thank you!!!

No problem at all. :)
There are so many things to figure out when you get a new phone. I'm still learning new tips and tricks myself...I've had my Rezound for a little over a month now, and it's way different from my BB (but in a good way). I hope you end up liking your phone!

and since it's still new to you and you're playing around with it, your battery is probably dying faster. once you get used to it and use it normally you probably won't have an issue.

however i do have a charger at home, car charger, and a charger at work. you can probably get cheap generic ones at the store. they generally don't charge as fast as the verizon issued ones but they get the job done if your phone is dying at a bad time.

Also, when you go into settings, there's a "battery" menu. Go in there and see what's draining it.

Originally Posted by BgaHolic

I also dimmed the light and have it shut off every 10 minutes as opposed to staying on 24-7. The keyboard takes getting used to.

What light?

A battery setting, hmm. Oh, by light I mean background, screen light. Week 2 and I'm still not loving this thing. I took it to the pool and I couldn't see anything in the sunlight. Can't they come out with a "nook" type of screen? I guess I'm spoiled. I found out today my brother owns the same phone and uses Sprint and he said he got used to having to charge it constantly. I'm spoiled I guess. I had a BB from TMobile. The worst connection service with the most dropped calls but the phone didn't need charging! I truly think as much as these phones advance, they just can't keep up with their battery life!