Verizon launches Samsung a970 swivel/cameraphone
By Ryan Block 
posted Oct 18th 2005 1:15PM
posted Oct 18th 2005 1:15PM
They took their sweet time with it, but it looks like Verizon's finally busting the Samsung a970 2 megapixel swivel/camphone we saw earlier this year. It's a little low end on the display side with 176 x 220 LCD, but it does rock EV-DO, Bluetooth, a MicroSD slot, and has built-in MP3 playback software and external hard keys. It can be had now for $300 with a two year contract (and after $50 rebate).
Well, I know where my v710 settlement refund is going now...
This is already up on Vzon site - http://www.verizonwireless.com/b2c/store/controller?item=phoneFirst&action=viewPhoneDetail&selectedPhoneId=1880
Samsung really know how to make bland looking phones.
Why bother? They'll just cripple it like they did with the Treo 650, v710, and e815. Better to go with a carrier that doesn't adopt such an outright hostile attitude towards their customers.
Funny, I saw this phone in best buy about a week ago. I just dont see paying 300$ for this phone, when you can get the E815 (with proven hackability) for free (and only a one year requirement) on amazon.com. Ohhhh, Ahhhh, a swivel. Gimme a break.
Is microSD different than MiniSD?
What version of Bluetooth 1.1,1.2 or 2.0?
what you don't know is that verizon is crippling the camera functionality, because they want you to buy your pics from their download service.
What's everyone think of the way Verizon is making the UI on all of their phones exactly the same, no matter the brand?
Thumbs down from me. Is there even a way to set the background image to a calendar anymore?
this has been a best buy exclusive for a while. we've had the dummy phones on display for more than a month. old news guys.
yeah its pretty bland... move along... nothing to see... move along...
We've had this phone at Best Buy for about a month now, and not just the dummy phone, we've been selling them. Granted, they're so expensive ($349 with a contract) that hardly anybody buys them, but it's the first cell phone with an OPTICAL zoom that I've ever seen. Plus, being able to store up to an hour's worth of video with the built-in memory is pretty sweet, too.
*sniff*
So sad. I will make sure to try before I buy.
Dam you Verizon.
Too expensive for what you get, including the cost of the two-year plan.
Typical Verizon.
The same GUI on all phones?
For us gadget-connoisseurs, it's beneath us (esp if we can TRULY make our way around Moto,SE, S40, S60, WM5, PalmOS, etc...
But for the average user?
Moms and Pops, bro's and sis?
Changing phones and upgrading will be a cinch for them...
*shudders*
It's just NOT for us...
CUBY (post 6 at the time of writing this) what you say is not true. Where do you get your info from? VZW can't try to sell you pictures of your own friends, family, etc etc. If anything they would limit how you can use the pictures you take (as wallpaper for example) so that you buy some from them. But as far as crippling the camera, you need to get a better source of info. Btw, at my local Best Buy this phone sells for $149 with a 2 year contract.
And Boe (post 5), MicroSD is smaller than MiniSD. MicroSD is "the card formerly known as transflash". All by Sandisk originally.
CUBY (post 6 at the time of writing this) what you say is not true. Where do you get your info from? VZW can't try to sell you pictures of your own friends, family, etc etc. If anything they would limit how you can use the pictures you take (as wallpaper for example) so that you buy some from them. But as far as crippling the camera, you need to get a better source of info. Btw, at my local Best Buy this phone sells for $149 with a 2 year contract.
And Boe (post 5), MicroSD is smaller than MiniSD. MicroSD is "the card formerly known as transflash". All by Sandisk originally.
sorry for the double post
Not true about the pictures. You can save any pictures to a external memory card, take that card out and put it in your computer.
does anybody here notice the INSANE similarities with this and ntt docomo's line of cellphones from a year ago?
The Samsung A970 (Video Phone)is obvously NOT in the same league as the Razr or Treo. It's a a Samsung.But this is a pretty decent phone. It's got a 2.0 Megapixel camera,Bluetooth,an MP3 player..alot of people are buying this phone and are very pleased with it's performance.
I am a sucker to have bought this phone....after returning Three other phones...I was desparate to have a decent camera phone...and went for the expensive one...as the LG 6100 and 8100's didn't match the performance of my old reliable 6000....Verizon only gives 15 days to try out a phone and only limits two "swap outs" so I am now Stuck with this phone but will return it anyway. Unfortunately Verizon is the only carrier that'll reach my apartment.
Pluses on this phone: good sound, but not much volumne...(I also rejected two Unicell phones a Nokia 6101 flipphone and another Lg) decent screen and very bright lights....
Negatives: blurry pictures...wrong setting integrated in software, and poor battery life.. due to the camera use perhaps.... I'll return this phone..but either have to cancel my contract within 15 day limit..(other's offer 30 days) or just keep complaining and returning a970s until they get at least the quality of a fifty dollar digital camera. Ha
did return my first a970,,,next one is barely better...even the display phone in store made blurry, outta focus pictures. Needs a faster shutter speed. Can't blame technicians or sales staff....Verizon's got a dud with this phone....