you are right… Just looking at the specs ... I am not buying a phone until they start with the 802.11 integrated, so we can use it as a cell/wifi phone rather than gsm only.

I agree $500 is over the top. On-line offers go as low as $299 after rebates. I’m looking at having to replace my ageing T68i and the V3 appeals mostly for its weight and size.

i’ll let everyone have their own opinion about the phone and not try to sway anyone too much.  dbs: i held on to my t68i for so long, i though it was about time to get a new phone.  the t68i was quite nice, small, and light, and i felt that the v3 had similar qualities.  everyone seems to compare this phone to the mpx or vXXX, but coming from a t68i, it is wonderful…

My situation exactly. My T68i is still working fine, but the volume slider bit the dust and while I can still get an OK charge, the battery is on the downhill slope.

I’ve watched succesive generations of phones and while all the sexy features appeal to the techno-junkie in me, the truth is that I really only use a cellphone for two things. I talk on the phone and I use the phone via bluetooth to connect my TR to the internet.

The T68i made me really appreciate a small, light phone. Being unimpressed with the current crop of phones, I was actully contemplating trying to find an end-stock T68i or refurbishing mine until I saw the V3.

I appreciate the comments regarding features and price. They are absolutely correct, it has fewer features than many phones and is overpriced. So was my TR. 

dbs, have you seen the Nokia 6230?  It looks like it may suit your needs of small size and Bluetooth enabled.  I’m looking to pick one up very soon.  Cingular just got it a few weeks ago.  It has been tauted as the best phone Nokia has made in a long time.  The price is pretty good considering the features offered.  I do not know how it stacks up with any other phone brand as I have never used another phone other than Nokia.

Thanks TS, I’ll take a look at it. My phone previous to the SE was a Nokia and I liked it. Before that I had a high-end Moto (Same era, priced just under the Startac). I seem to hang on to my phones until something forces me to change.

yeah, the volume slider on my t68i broke off…then i bought another one off ebay…was working well, but then when they started using 850MHz i was getting poor reception.

i’d say, if you like the phone, can afford it or can find a good deal, get it.  it’s been worth it so far.  it’s not the most robust, fully featured phone, but it’s gets the job done just like the t68i.  i use it as a phone and my palm as a pda.  i’ve considered a treo 650, but i like to keep my devices separate.  and i would go telling anyone that they shouldn’t get a 650 b/c i prefer 2 devices instead of 1.  preferences are preferences.

anyway, let me know if there is anything else that i can answer about the phone for you.

here’s a quirky new review:
http://www.gizmodo.com/gadgets/cellphones/motorola/motorola-razr-v3-user-review-026394.php

Well, I ordered a V3 and it showed up yesterday. So far I really like it. Time will tell.

For those interested, most of the current stocks are unlocked phones. According to a post on the Howard Forums, Cingular planned on locking all new phones after Nov. 1.  Since this is likely to be implemented at the factory there are still unlocked phones in the pipeline. I ordered mine through the national accounts center indicating that non-locked units were still shipping as of Dec 1.

I confirmed unlocked status with both AT&T and T-Mobile SIMs.

I must say that I’m loving this phone… I’ve used alot of phones (p900, pda2k, 7610, t68, 6600 etc) and I like this one the most…. The good thing about it is that everything is easy to use and simple. The bundled bluetooth headset works better than any others I have used because it’s just soo simple to use… The phone is cold to the touch, and just oozes class…. If you looking for a phone that has many features that you will never use, then don’t buy this one… however if you are looking for a phone that works as a phone with class…. then this is it…..

looks very neat ... got the nokia 6230, may change to communicator 9500

Images don’t do it justice, you have to hold it in your hand to really appreciate it.

Like wormdrummer said, It doesn’t have all the PDA type bells and whistles, not does it try to be a movie camera. It plays mp3 and mpg, but has limited memory. It is Java enabled so I’d assume there will be some apps (as well as games) available.

My primary interest is in a small light phone with bluetooth and it seems to do both well. Besides, it’s sexy.

i admit the razr v3 looks very sexy indeed, you may be able telling how long the battery lasts ... maybe worth a thought as secondary phone :drool:

wonderful to hear that you are in agreement.  i was waiting and waiting for it to be released and when i received it i was blown away.  it definately serves the function of a small, light, and capable phone.  enjoy!

A friend of mine is a Cingular manager and has had a V3 for a month or so from an incentive program moto sponsored.

Aside from the horrible battery life, he complains about little quirks in the moto software ... lockups, freezes, going from full signal to NO service without moving the phone ...

It is a great design and all, but every moto product suffers on the software side.  I have a V710 from Verizon ... talk about BUGS!!

Anyway it is also interesting to not that Cingular does NOT offer and insurance plan for the V3 ... so you break it ... and you shell out another $500 for a new one.