E816 Hollywood/AMPD Review
I received the Hollywood about a week ago and it’s been great so far. I got the Overload package($20/mo), 50 texts ($5/mo.), and a $50 rebate for the phone. I also picked up a Scala-500 Bluetooth headset (from a friend).
The phone is larger than my old one (Sprint Sanyo 8200), but thinner so it’s not too bad. Wish it had an antenna stub instead of the pull-out, but signal strength rarely changes with it in or out. Sound quality has been excellent despite readings of only 1 signal bar in some places (my office) while using the handset, bluetooth or the speakerphone. Nobody has even been able to tell I’m on the speakerphone yet, which surprises me. Coverage seems fine, but I’ve only tested it in the Seattle area . . .
Most videos that interest me are free so far (Comedy Central, Maxim, Break.com….). When I purchase a video Ampd states $0.00 to download or stream it. It then confirms your “purchase”. IIRC, songs are $0.99 and wallpapers are $1.99 from Playboy, Maxim etc… and Amp’d will pre-package the phone with 1 song, video, ringtone and wallpaper if you sign up online (limited selection).
Setting up Bluetooth was a breeze and like I mentioned it sounds great. I’ve been unable to update my contact list via the supplied USB cable, but I guess I have to purchase Motorola’s Mobile Phone Tools for that ($30 I think). However, you can sync video, picture and audio files through Windows Media Player 10.
Calling customer service sucks with the long wait times, but I haven't tried the 1-1-1 trick to instantly get an agent. Not that I've needed to call customer service much anyway.
Overall I’m happy with the phone and Amp’d service. It’s nice to watch vids when your standing in line doing nothing….
The phone is larger than my old one (Sprint Sanyo 8200), but thinner so it’s not too bad. Wish it had an antenna stub instead of the pull-out, but signal strength rarely changes with it in or out. Sound quality has been excellent despite readings of only 1 signal bar in some places (my office) while using the handset, bluetooth or the speakerphone. Nobody has even been able to tell I’m on the speakerphone yet, which surprises me. Coverage seems fine, but I’ve only tested it in the Seattle area . . .
Most videos that interest me are free so far (Comedy Central, Maxim, Break.com….). When I purchase a video Ampd states $0.00 to download or stream it. It then confirms your “purchase”. IIRC, songs are $0.99 and wallpapers are $1.99 from Playboy, Maxim etc… and Amp’d will pre-package the phone with 1 song, video, ringtone and wallpaper if you sign up online (limited selection).
Setting up Bluetooth was a breeze and like I mentioned it sounds great. I’ve been unable to update my contact list via the supplied USB cable, but I guess I have to purchase Motorola’s Mobile Phone Tools for that ($30 I think). However, you can sync video, picture and audio files through Windows Media Player 10.
Calling customer service sucks with the long wait times, but I haven't tried the 1-1-1 trick to instantly get an agent. Not that I've needed to call customer service much anyway.
Overall I’m happy with the phone and Amp’d service. It’s nice to watch vids when your standing in line doing nothing….
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