Samsung SCH U740 Alias (Unlocked)

I love this phone. The size is great, it's durable and doesn't get scratched up while in my pocket.

As for not being able to listen to music via bluetooth, I don't know why some people say it doesn't work - I have a Jabra BT160 and it works great. I hit play on the phone and it automatically transfers the music to my headset.

I also love the camera on this phone. It's only 1.3 megapixels, but it has more features and settings than some actual digital cameras I've seen, and definitely more than any other camera phone.

Unless you have ridiculously fat fingers, the keys are fine for typing. My wedding band is size 10 1/2 and I have no trouble at all.

I like that you can view text (SMS) messages on the outer screen. Great for driving. Speaking of texting while driving - with this phone you can actually speak your text messages! And the accuracy is a lot better than I anticipated!

Personally, I'm a lover of products that stand out for design and ease of use, especially when it comes to a cell phone. Teh flip phone definitely has had its time these past few years, so sometimes a change is good.

In comes the U740, or Pivot from Verizon Wireless. Standard-wise, the phone is just like any flip phone, but close the flip and open it sideways from your left side to change it to a full-fledged email and text messaging device complete with full keyboard and landscape view of the screen. Also add to this bundle a 1.3MP camera/video camera, Bluetooth for certain profiles, VCast Music/VCast videos, EV-DO for BroadbandAccess and tethering, a microSD slot to store your music, photos, etc., and Verizon Wireless's network. What you come up with is such an awesome device with the network that claims superiority for great service all-around!

I had the opportunity to play with this device, and I must say I was amused. I didn't like the width factor as it seemed too wide for me while placing calls, so it took a while to get used to the shape to conform to my face. But where this shines is its ability to text and email, given since I love the data features more than voice anyway. The camera takes pretty sharp and clear pictures for a cell phone, of course, and with the network and fast data speeds, I was able to browse the Internet on my computer through tethering it and Verizon's Broadband Access Connect feature.

The reason I rate this a 4 is because of lack of a few features: Bluetooth Stereo allowing you to listen to music using a wireless headset, and no support for the new VCast Mobile TV which I was believing would be allowed under the device. Unfortunately with MediaFLO's technology, the hardware has to come with the device itself; it can't simply just be flashed to upgrade with the TV. Though not too big, the champagne color didn't really appeal to me lol.

Otherwise, if data and keeping in touch with friends and collagues is the head of your game with a slim-fitting phone, DEFINITELY check out the phone in a VZW store or online here at eBay =)

I had my previous Samsung phone for over 5 years, and it finally kicked the bucket when the phone literally broke in half in my purse. I figured it was time to invest in something a little newer. A friend of mine had the Samsung 740, or now known as the "Samsung Alias". It always seemed like an interesting phone to me, so I put in the money to buy one. (On eBay, no less!)

The market price is about $350, but I got mine for $180 here. It was worth every penny! I haven't had malfunctions with anything so far, so I will list the features I like and dislike.

The Good:
- Coolest thing is probably the way it flips horizontally and vertically
- Texting is made much easier with the keyboard feature
- Video and camera are always handy
- Great for a plethora of games on your phone
- Comes with a hook to hang cell phone charms on (that is important to me!)
- Vcast enabled
- Able to customize your own ring tones
- Excellent battery life. (I've gone 4 days or more, I think, without having to charge. That is, of course, if I'm not talking on the phone the whole time)

The Bad:
- The keyboard is on the small side, though it's what you would expect with the size of cell phones
- I'm always a little worried that the way it flips back and forth will fail and break some day
- The cover for the charger insert seems very fragile

Overall, I have very little complaints. It's been a great phone so far and a worthwhile investment. If you're on the verison network and are a text-messager, this is a GREAT phone for you. I wouldn't recommend it to someone with poor eyesight, in that the keys are rather small and my parents have a hard time reading the letters. Texting takes some time to get used to on the phone, but it's a lot of fun. You can customize a lot of the features and programs you want via downloading from V-cast, but it's much more entertainment related. I wouldn't use this phone as a business-only device.

How cool can it get? The phone opens both ways, depending on what you want to do with it. This sold me, because I liked the QWERTY keyboard/standard keypad functionality in a slim phone. However, there are pros and cons, as there are for all things in life.

Pros
Easy to text. Good pictures. Clear, nice-sized screen. Good call quality. Does all the standard stuff phones are supposed to do quite well.

Cons
Logging onto a web page that's long. Be prepared to push the page-down button a dozen times. Why isn't there a scroll wheel? It would make the phone so much more functional.

NumLock key works sporadically. Sometimes I'm typing in a text message, only to realize I have to type it again because the number lock key got stuck.

Verizon Mobile is lame. You can't change your homepage to my knowledge, opening your favorites requires opening a new page, there is no way to go forward to pages you've visited except through the history menu or clicking the same links. I could go on and on.

Sometimes the mp3 player acts up, and won't play a song it just played. Don't ask me wtf is up with that, 'cause I don't know.

Overall this phone is pretty cool, but if you're expecting a smartphone, you're in for a surprise. Don't let the QWERTY keyboard fool you, it's still a cell phone.

Phone arrived quickly but when i went to activate it I was told that it had been reported as stolen and could not be activated. product description stated that phone was ready for activation.

Samsung Alias u740

The updated Samsung Alias for Verizon Wireless shares the same unique form factor as the Samsung U740, but adds a more refined color scheme and numeric keys highlighted with silver. Still, though, the signature feature of the Alias is its full QWERTY keyboard hidden under a very cool dual-hinge. You can text, IM, email or send picture or video messages much quicker than with conventional phones. The Samsung Alias also includes Bluetooth, a 1.3 Megapixel camera/camcorder, Verizon VCAST streaming


Highlights
Uniquely Designed Flip Phone With Dual-hinge To Expose A Full QWERTY Keyboard
Bluetooth Wireless Technology
1.3 Megapixel Camera Takes Crisp Photos and Videos
Built-in MP3 Player
Verizon Wireless V CAST Supports Streaming TV, Music and Downloadable Music
Super-fast Web Browsing
Email, Text, Instant, Picture And Video Messaging Capable
Advanced Voice Activated Dialing Requires No Phone Pre-training
What's In The Box With The Phone
Additional Items Included - Battery, Wall Charger, User Guide, 2.5mm Headset Adapter
Advanced Features
Digital Camera - 1.3 Megapixels (1280 x 1040 Pixel Resolution Max), 4x Digital Zoom, Multi-shot, Flash, Self-timer
Streaming Multimedia Support - Yes, Get Streaming Video or Music With Verizon Wireless V CAST Add-on Rate Plan Feature
MP3 Player - Download Music From VCAST (VCAST Feature Req'd) Or From PC (Cable Sold Separately), MP3, WMA Formats
Bluetooth Wireless Technology - Handsfree, Headset, Dial-up Networking (DUN), Object Push (vCard) and Serial Port (SPP) Profiles
GPS Services Support - Yes, Get Audible Turn-by-turn Directions with VZ Navigator from Verizon Wireless Get It Now Service
Video Capture / Camcorder - Yes, QCIF Format (176 x 144 Pixel Resolution Max)
Voice-driven Menus - Yes, Speaker-independent, Requires No Phone Pre-training
Data Capable / Use This Phone As A Modem - Yes, With Software and Cable Sold Separately
PC Synchronization - Yes, With Software and Cable Sold Separately
QWERTY Keyboard - Yes, Full Backlit QWERTY Keyboard
Parental Controls - Yes, Keep Track of Your Child’s Whereabouts with Chaperone from Verizon Wireless Get It Now Service
Messaging Features
Multimedia Messaging - Yes, Send and Receive Pictures And Video Clips, With IN Messaging Bundle Add-on Rate Plan Feature
Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0 - Yes, WAP 2.0 Browser Built-in, With Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0 Add-on Rate Plan Feature
Text Messaging (SMS) - Yes, Send and Receive Text Messages, With IN Messaging Bundle Add-on Rate Plan Feature
Email Client - Yes, Supports POP3 Format, Wireless Sync Capable
Instant Messenger Built-in - Yes
Personalization and Fun Features
Polyphonic Ringtones - Yes, 72 Chords, Downloadable
Custom Ringtones - Yes
MP3 Ringtones - Yes, Downloadable
Ringer Profiles - Yes
Picture Caller ID - Yes
Multiple Languages - Yes
Games - Yes, Downloadable
Customizable Graphics - Yes,Downloadable
Core Features
Color Main Display - 176 x 220 Pixels, Over 262,000 Colors Displayed
External Display - 96 x 96 Pixels, Over 65,000 Colors Displayed
Color - Black and Silver
Style - Flip Phone
Warranty - Samsung Factory Warranty
Speakerphone - Yes
Voice-activated Dialing - Yes, Speaker-independent, Requires No Phone Pre-training
To-Do List - Yes
Voice Memo - Yes
Standard 2.5mm Headset Jack - No, But 2.5mm Headset Adapter Is Included
Alarm - Yes
Calculator - Yes
Calen

I have had no problems with this phone. It is rugged and takes the beating my life dishes out. Text messaging, gaming, and web surfing are all done with ease because of the flip screen and keyboard. The sound quality is amazing, and the camera works very well. An optional memory card allows you to upload music, and its slim, compact design is kind of sexy.

I would recommend this phone for text message savvy folks who don't want a large brick in their pocket.

Drawbacks include smallish buttons (which haven't been a problem for me), a lack of gloves and cases available for the phone, and you are unable to upload many ring tones because of the Samsung software.

None of these have made a difference to me. It is an excellent product that I will continue to use unless the improve upon this design.

I've had my Samsung SCH-u740 for a few weeks now. It replaced my excellent and beloved LG VX8600 phone. I really wanted a full QWERTY keyboard for faster text messaging and the u740 seemed to fit the bill, especially with an innovative and eye catching dual flip design. I've rated each feature on a scale of 1 to 10:

Design (8/10) - Phone is slim and sleek, much like a RAZR. Matte, mostly non-glossy finish does not attract as much fingerprints or scratches. Dual hinge design makes it both a flip and PDA-like phone. Both eye catching and useful. But the durability of the hinge is in question and it doesn't feel like it can stand up to a whole lot of abuse. Loosens after a few months of usage.

Screen (7/10) - Main internal screen is big and bright. External screen is somewhat smaller than a postage stamp. Both lack the vibrancy and color that I have seen on other phones. Definately a slight downgrade from the VX8600's beautiful internal/external screens but more than adequate.

Call Quality (8/10) - Call is clear, although at times a bit tinny and static sounding at highest volume. Most importantly, loudness is user adjustable and very loud!

MP3 Player (7/10) - Has just about the same features and use as a regular MP3 player. Requires seperate buying the Verizon Music Essentials Kit (contains USB cable, software CD and earbuds) and a MicroSD card (for larger storage of music). After software is installed, getting music to the phone is pretty easy to do and playlist is easy to sort. External MP3 Player touch sensitive buttons are responsive and is a nice feature of the phone. Must be manually locked and unlocked (using side HOLD button) to use and prevent accidental touching of controls while put away.

Battery Life (7/10) - Usually lasts up to 2 days for me, thats with regular calling, mp3 player usage, and the EVDO network turned off. Overall, the battery life could be better. An extended battery is available for seperate purchase.

Speakerphone (9/10) - Dedicated speakerphone button on the right side. Thanks to two speakers located on the top and bottom of the screen (or right and left side when screen is in landscape mode), phone calls/music can be heard at good volume

Camera/Video (9/10) - Overall, picture quality is great for a 1.3MP cell phone. Available flash helps to illuminate dark environments for somewhat better pictures. Video quality is decent, but generally thats with all phones today. Store either 15 second video message clips or up to 1 hour of video (if you have a MicroSD card for larger storage)

Bluetooth (7/10) - Fairly easy to use and good range. Supports a number of profiles but most notably missing A2DP, AVRCP, and FTP.

MicroSD Slot (9/10) - Necessary if you want to store additional pictures, videos and music. Easy to pop in and very small (easily lost as well!). Easily located on the top, left hand side of the phone so easy to access. MicroSD's are incredibly cheap these days and is a must for any phones these days.

Overall, I do like the phone aside from a few quirks. User interface can be somewhat confusing/slow, keyboard can seem cluttered and the durability of the hinge comes into question. Some areas I feel like were a downgrade from my previous LG VX8600 phone. But make no mistake, this is one of the slimmest full QWERTY keyboard phones you can get, great for messaging. And the dual hinge design is definately eye catching to others. Overall, a "Good" phone from Verizon Wireless.

I love this phone. It has everything. I has the convenice of being a flip phone with the added bonus of a full QWERTY keyboard. It workds great as a phone and as an SMS texting device. Highly recommend. And it is extremely durable. I have dropped it a few times and it still looks great. BUY!

I bought this phone for my son and he loves it. It's very easy to use and set up your features. When I went in and looked at the features and checked out how it works I discovered I want one of these phones for myself! They are one of the more expensive phones I've seen, but it's worth it. If you love to text this is a great phone for that! The double flip allows you to decide the best way to use your phone depending on what your doing. We have problems getting clear photo's with the camera unless you set the phone down on a solid surface.

Product is great. It's easy and fun to use. It's hard to use when you're driving because the buttons are so small, but I guess you shouldn't be texting and driving.

Easy to use. My sons love the easy texting. My husband likes that it's so thin, it fits easily in his pocket when he's working. I t charges quickly and stays charged for quite awhile.

Our cell phone broke before our contract expired and we did't have insurance so a new phone was very expensive. This was an excellent purchase. We haven't had any problems with it.

GREAT LIL PHONE...HAS EVERYTHING AND COMPACT...........IT HAS SMALL BUTTONS BUT EXPECTED SINCE ITSA GREAT POCKET PHONE

I like the fact that it flips both ways, making it easy to use as a regular phone, yet also easy to use as a keyboard for texting. The reason I decided to buy it was to replace the one I originally had, but got damaged by water and no longer worked. It was very easy to set up with my old account and number and performs with the same accuracy as the first one.

Great communication and the phone was just great!! thank you so much...we did have a little scare about shipping but i think we both have learned what way not to ship things ever again!! lol... thank you so much i love it

The phone was exactly what it said it would be. There is some wear on it, but the phone works perfectly.

love the way it makes texting so much easier it has a very slim look takes great pic and has a good music player it does everything that i needed it too graet phone

I was very please with the phone my daughter was happy that ad that matter and the phone was in GOOD SHAPE.so thank you very much and i also got the the day you said.

i love everything about this phone.. the only thing i would change is where the speakers are at.. they should be on the outside so u can hear the phone ring a little better

This phone was registered as stolen, so it did not work. The phone worked fine, but I cannot use it at all because of it being a stolen phone. and now i probably wont get my money back for it either.

I like the cell phone!
To now i like everything about that cell phone!
Because is one of the best cell phone with very good price!

My daughter loves this phone for the texting capabilities. She loves that it flips. She hasn't used the MP3 function yet, but the picture quality of the camera pretty good.