Samsung Alias2 U750 Phone, Black (Verizon Wireless)

Monday, July 13th, 2009 at 2:00 pm

Manufacturer: Samsung
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List Price: $399.99
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Product Description

The next-generation Samsung Alias 2 for Verizon Wireless retains the original's uniquely innovative dual-flip form factor with full QWERTY keyboard, but now the keyboard utilizes E Ink technology--the same found in today's most popular e-book readers. With the E Ink-powered keyboard, the keys can transform from vertical to horizontal depending on your orientation as well as switch from numeric keypad to full keyboard depending on the application in use. Other upgrades include a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder and Bluetooth stereo music streaming.

The next generation Samsung Alias 2 dual-hinge messaging phone with the convenience of an E Ink keypad/QWERTY keyboard that transforms depending on function (see all keyboard layouts).

It's compatible with Verizon's V Cast Music Service, which enables you to purchase songs through your phone and download them via Verizon's fast EV-DO data network. You'll also stay on course thanks to the VZ Navigator GPS turn-by-turn direction service. Other features include MicroSD memory expansion (up to 16 GB), RemoSync capabilities for corporate email and calendar synchronization, Visual Voicemail, access to personal email and instant messaging, personal organizer tools, and up to 5 hours of talk time.

Verizon Wireless Service
With support for the EV-DO high-speed data standard, you'll enjoy fast access to the Internet and Verizon Wireless multimedia services (additional charges applicable), with average download speeds ranging from 400 to 700 Kbps and peak rates up to 2 Mbps. (Learn more about where EV-DO coverage is offered.) The V Cast Music service enables you to download songs instantly to your phone, or purchase music through your PC and transfer the files to your phone. If purchased from your phone, you'll receive two copies of the song: a Windows Media Audio Pro Plus format at 64Kbps stereo is sent to your phone, and a Windows Media Audio 9 format at 160Kbps stereo is sent to your account in the V CAST Music online store for downloading to your PC. V Cast Music offers nearly 2 million songs, with more being added all the time.

In addition to the V Cast Music service, this phone is also compatible with the Verizon Wireless V CAST Music with Rhapsody, which enables you to access this exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks and for MTV Networks. V CAST Music with Rhapsody delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. In addition, customers who purchase music over-the-air are able to download the master copy of the songs or albums to their PCs free of digital rights management (DRM) software that restricts how and where music can be played.

Other features include Bluetooth stereo music streaming, a 2-megapixel camera, and MicroSD memory expansion.

Supports RemoSync, so customers can synchronize corporate e-mail, contacts and calendars from their office PCs.

With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps. And the Chaperone service lets you easily locate your loved ones from your Verizon Wireless phone or PC in real time. After defining a zone, such as an area designating a school or summer camp, you'll be sent an alert via text message when the Chaperone handset enters or leaves the zone.

Getting on the Internet is easy using the Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0 package, which allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. The Verizon Wireless Media Center wireless download service is also fully compatible with this phone. This pay-per-download service features application downloads, games and productivity tools. You can also personalize your handset with ringtone downloads using the Media Center service.

With Visual Voice Mail, you can delete, reply and forward voice mail messages without having to listen to prior messages or voice instructions. Visual Voice Mail is the ideal tool for the busy mobile professional who may need to prioritize which messages he or she listens to first. Features include on-screen access to voice mail message status, save up to 40 messages for 40 days (or archive permanently), create up to 10 different caller ID-based greetings, and reply via call back, text or even voice mail.

Verizon's Wireless Sync always-on email service (subscription required), you can stay connected and get the job done while away from the office--without a delay and in a secure environment. Email is delivered to your device in real time across the National Enhanced Services Rate & Coverage Area, and you get the ability to forward large attachments via email as well as access both your personal and corporate emails on one device. Wireless Sync offers strong security with AES encryption (Advanced Encryption Standard) technology so that unauthorized parties cannot access or alter application data transmitted over wireless networks.

Phone Features
The Samsung Alias 2 has the same dualâ€"hinge design of the original Alias, but the Alias 2 adds a touch of magic--a Magic Key keypad using E Ink technology that can transform the keys depending on your current usage. For example, in phone mode you'll see a standard alpha-numeric keypad, but when you switch to texting mode the keys will automatically change into a full, four-row QWERTY keyboard. The E Ink technology is the same type of technology used in today's most popular electronic book readers. In addition to its continuous transformation based on your usage, E Ink delivers a paper-like contrast ratio and a low power consumption.

The phone has an internal 2.6-inch LCD screen with a 240 x 320-pixel resolution and support for up to 262K colors, and it's complemented by an external 1.3-inch screen (128 x 128 pixels, 65K colors) that displays current time (with Samsung's distinctive new digital clock) as well as incoming calls. The front of the clamshell face also includes music playback controls. The phone has a user-accessible internal memory of approximately 100 MB that can be expanded via optional MicroSD memory cards (up to 16 GB in size). The internal phonebook can store up to 1000 contacts with each entry able to store up to five phone numbers, two email addresses, a street address and notes as well as the ability to pair a contact with a photo ID. The phone also displays the last 90 incoming/outgoing/missed calls, provides one-/two-/three-touch dialing, and offers a bilingual interface (English and Spanish).

Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and file transfer. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server (additional charges or subscription applicable).

The 2-megapixel camera offers multiple resolution options (1600x1200, 1280x960, 640x480, 320x240, 160x120 pixels) as well as up to a 10x digital zoom (depending on the resolution adjustment). Other features include your choice of three quality settings, white balance and brightness controls, multi-shot mode (Series, Divided, Panorama), shutter sound selection, and multiple color effects. It can also capture video clips, capped at 30 seconds for sending via messaging for running for as long as you have available memory. The phone also includes a dedicated camera/video key for quick shots while on the go.

The Alias 2 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging, too, with support for sending and receiving text, picture, and video messages as well as mobile instant messaging (IM). There's also a complete e-mail client on the device for POP- and IMAP-based accounts. And of course, the QWERTY keyboard makes it a snap to type your messages.

This phone also offers compatibility with the RemoSync service--a corporate email contacts and calendar solution that provides secure and easy access to your company's Microsoft Exchange Server, with enterprise-class security and IT remote administration features. You'll be able to read, compose and send email, as well as access and manage Outlook contacts, your corporate directory and calendar.

Other features include:

Digital audio player with PC sync and in-phone playlist management capabilities; compatibility with MP3, WMA, unprotected AAC/AAC+ formats
Personal Organizer: Calendar with Scheduler, Note Pad
Tools: Alarm Clock, World Clock, Calculator with Converter, Stop Watch
Voice Commands: Voice Dial, Menu Readout, Digit Dial Readout, Text Message Readout, & Call Announcement
Bilingual User Interface: English/Español
Embedded ringtones, vibrating alert and silent
2.5mm headset jack
Flight mode turns off cellular connectivity while enabling you to play music, watch videos and more
Hearing Aid Compatibility = M4

Vital Statistics
The Samsung Alias 2 weighs 4.34 ounces and measures 4.01 x 2.04 x 0.67 inches. Its 880 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5 hours of talk time, and up to 336 hours (14 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/1900 CDMA/EV-DO frequencies.

Product Details

Unique flip phone with dual-hinge form factor with innovative, transforming E Ink keypad/QWERTY keyboard
Access V Cast Music (with Rhapsody) and Video servicse via fast EV-DO data network; GPS-enabled for turn-by-turn directions; Visual Voice Mail
2-megapixel camera/camcorder; Bluetooth stereo music; MicroSD expansion (to 16 GB); access to personal and corporate email; instant messaging
Up to 5 hours of talk time, up to 33 hours (14 days) of standby time
What's in the Box: handset, battery, charger, quick start guide, user manual

Video Reviews

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Customer Reviews

Surprisingly Durable

Review Date: June 3, 2010

Reviewer: Kenneth Michael Mcneil,

As a teenager, I do a lot of texting. This phone has a great full QWERTY keyboard or if you want, a number pad. The changing keys are cool and people go ooo! and ahh! as they see you flip it both ways. The 2 megapixel camera is good for recording video and photos. There is only a small piece holding the screen to the bottom unit in the corner that seems flimsy from the pictures. It is NOT a flimsy device. This was not a problem.
In fact, while walking home on a trail I dropped it without realizing it. The next day I was looking for it all over. When I was walking on the trail I noticed it in the mud. I was mortified because people drive ATV/Quads all over the trail. Upon lifting up the phone I saw that it had been run over and caked in mud. I knew it was not going to work because of how wet it was. Amazingly, it worked fine. I got home and brushed it with a paper towel. It's as good as new.
The only problem is that you have to change the keyboard layout in order to get to the numbers. This makes it just as hard to type the number 4 as it is to type four. It's a nice reliable little phone. If you are interested in a standard phone for texting and calling, this is great for you.
Pros:
Durable
Reliable
good for texting
Cons:
A little slow sometimes
It's slippery
Not a smartphone but it's a cheap one
The best secret feature is that if you scratch the back a certain way it makes a cool noise like scratching a record.

A simple phone for texting and making calls

Review Date: March 10, 2010

Reviewer: petlover, Conn. USA

By simple I mean that in a good way, having come from an Envy 2 I am glad to be able to open the phone and dial and not have to deal with clicking OK twice to unlock the "locked" screen. Quotes intentional, the screen was only locked when I needed to urgently make a call but had a lot of phantom dialing while in my pocket. So back to the Alias 2 the phone is easy to figure out but does not work in all the ways it is said to work. Specifically I can not get this phone to pair with my blue tooth in my new car. I tried, the car dealer tried and while NO issues are reported with this phone and its blue tooth capabilities I beg to differ! I read another review of a person who had exact same trouble with a different model car and was also told the phone is fine. It is obviously something unique to this model only because other samsung phones pair without problems. I got my phone exchanged and after going through that it still will not pair with my car. I wanted this phone because it is simpler than the previous envy 2 I owned but even that phone will pair with my car. I plan to switch to a smart phone as soon as the Nexus One comes to verizon. Considering the very large increase in the monthly charges they will thus receive and extending my contract I sincerely hope they work as hard to keep the customer happy as they say they do. This customer is not terribly happy right now! I will say that the network is the strongest for my area so I hope to stick with verizon but can and will change if they wont try and keep me satisfied.

Locks up when using MP3 Player

Review Date: November 17, 2009

Reviewer: Teresa B., NC

Overall I like the phone for its call quality. I love the keyboard and find it very easy to type text messages. I haven't used the camera or the Bluetooth features. I can access my email accounts easily.

The main problem with the phone is that locks up when I attempt to use the MP3 player. I have an 8GB MicroSD card with all of my music on it. I hook the phone up to my car radio to play it. Everything was fine for the first month, but now the phone locks up or freezes when it's in media mode and the only way to unlock it is to remove and then replace the battery. Very annoying.

The phone has also turned off several times when I was attempting to answer a call.

Fun phone

Review Date: October 20, 2009

Reviewer: Jody, Northwest Ohio

Let me preface this review with a disclaimer: I am NOT a techie nor a tycoon who needs continual internet access lest the global market crash. I need a basic phone, and want a few bells and whistles.

I replaced a basic LG cell phone with the Alias2 on the recommendation of a friend. I immediately liked the heftier feel and the easier to read displays, though I swiftly changed the rather twee and hard to figure out menu page.

Pros:
I LOVE having dedicated keys for voicemail, bluetooth and voice menus.
The rotating keypad is just too cool for words, and though I don't send many texts, I use the notepad all the time.
The QWERTY keyboard is very easy to use, even with fingernails.
It's nice to know I can check email and have internet access if necessary, though I probably never will.
The camera is great, and I like the editing options for pictures.
The screen size is generous and easy to see, especially in landscape mode.
It's easy to use.
Sound quality is good.
Nice long life of battery charge.

Cons:
The default backgrounds, though those are easy enough to change.
Some functions are difficult to find on the menus. That's how I found the voicemail key--couldn't find VM on a menu.
The ring isn't loud enough to be heard when the phone is in a jacket pocket--but I've never found a phone with a loud enough ring.
There's not a button on the outside that will light up the display--to check the time, you have to open the phone. (ETA: Yes, there is--it just takes a few seconds for the display to light. Duh.)

This phone was a good choice for me, and I'm very happy with it.

Good phone for daily use -

Review Date: October 16, 2009

Reviewer: Matty Matriak,

I have been using this phone for a few days now and I like it. I am not a big "gadget phone" fan, preferring a simpler device that does just what I want. The voice quality is acceptable and after a short learning cycle is easy to use. The Alias 2 allows me, a novice texter, to send and receive text messages with no real hassles. The keypad is a great size, even for my larger fingers.

I would have given 5 stars, except for the learning curve required to figure the phone out. Not that this is bad, but it is definitely different than the older phones I was used to.