I bought my 8500 phone 2 weeks ago, and used it extensively ever since. Here are the things I don't like about my phone:

- heats up very fast after few minutes of conversation
- calls tend to fade a lot and drop
- when calling from my appartment (one step close to the window), most of the calls fade
- often, all of the sudden the message "looking for service" appears (the phone was not moved)
- sometimes, the ring does not sound and the call is forwarded directly to voice mail
- the phone could be a bit lighter (compare to some Samsung phones available in Europe, or Motorolla)
- the battery life is pathetic, after an hour of talking the batter is almost drained
- buttons could be a bit easier to use (I tried to type one e mail..and it was HARD, I tried to type e mail on TouchPoint 1100 and it was easier)
- there is no front display like in TouchPoint 1100..so I always have to open the flip to see who is calling..although I did set up few special rings for special numbers..but it doesn't help much

here are the things I like about my phone:

- cute
- sturdy design..looks strong..I haven't dropped it yet..but looks like if I did it would still be ok
- many functions (calendar, countdown feature, rings can be assigned, etc)
- nice voice activation (never failed me, I use it all the time)
- nice backlight (although it drains batter like crazy if you set it up for 30 minutes / per time)
- easy web browsing (nice setup using Sprint site)
- I like the function of setting up the rings for different callers, although I only used it once for one caller...I still like it..


Overall, I would recommend this phone to everybody, especially for those who use it outside the house..because the perception seems to be terrible inside the appartment...Also, I would recommend it to people who wouldn't use it for typing e mails as much..since the buttons are not friendly for this...

Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 200