I first bought the Samsung SCH-3500 in early October 1999 when it first came out on the market. It was web-enabled, voice activated and it was compact and cool looking.

I lost it in November 1999 and I got another one, though after I got it I felt like I should have gotten a different phone. The new one has lasted me 10 months now and it is pretty scratched up and I had to tighten a screw on the flip up part. I just had to buy a replacement battery because my battery life had deteriorated to last me about 1 phone call. The replacement battery cost me $100 at the same store where I bought the phone. Immediately, I regretted not buying a new phone.

What is so bad about this phone compared to others? Nothing really- it isn't a bad phone- it just isn't a great phone. I do like the wireless web feature- I've only used it a couple times. I like the voice memo- that's pretty cool to record memos on. The voice activation is not really good- it has to be completely quiet around to make it work. Plus, you look like an idiot shouting into your phone. It might be good for some people on the road more, but it wasn't that great for me.

One thing I truly despise about this phone is that the buttons- ok, menu and up and down are not covered by the flip-top. This is the most egregious design flaw in the history of cell phones. AND, the keyguard can be disabled by the OK button!!!! So, if you put it in your pocket, it can make phone calls without your permission.

So, I say that if you are thinking about buying this phone, buy something smaller, lighter and better- you can get it all- and cooler looking too. This phone was cool when it came out, but since then, the phones have continued their improvement. It is not a bad phone, but I think you can do better.



Recommended: No

Amount Paid (US$): 149