About a week ago I finally managed to snap the antenna on my Motorola V710. If you look at the date on that old post, you'll note that I've had the phone for nearly 3 years which is a long time in the cell phone world (I'm told).
The trouble is that I just love this phone. It does what I need (work on Verizon CDMA and the old AMPS network) and not too much else. And with the extended battery I bought a while back to replace the aging standard battery, it lasts seemingly forever. (I used to use it as a Bluetooth modem too, however I have since upgraded to a faster EVDO card.)
But with the snapping of the antenna, I had mostly resigned myself to the idea of replacing it and having to endure the hassle of manually re-programming 230+ phone numbers into a new cell phone. However, on a hunch, I headed to Amazon.com and typed in "v710 antenna" and was pleasantly surprised to find that replacement antennas can be had for less than $10!
That's way more cost effective than spending an hour of my life having to program a new phone and countless hours learning its quirky interface.
I love the long tail... and Amazon.com.
Posted by jzawodn at July 16, 2007 02:30 PM
"the hassle of manually re-programming 230+ phone numbers into a new cell phone"
The 710 supports SyncML, as far as I can tell? Sync your numbers to somewhere like mobical.net or ScheduleWorld and then just re-sync them with a new phone ten years from now when you *get* a new phone...?
Yeah, I should screw around with finding a way to backup my phone. Last I tried, however, every service said that the v710 was a no-go. :-(
Technology sucks sometimes, ya know?
If you get a USB cable for it (also just a couple bucks) you can save the address book regardless of which OS you are using. With the Mac, the software is just iSync. I'm not familiar with the Linux and Windows software for it, but I'm sure they work just fine too.
The analog is darn useful when you're in the middle of nowhere in the Eastern Sierra.
Damned right about the eastern Sierra. That's why I got it.
Now I'm off to look for a cable... :-)
I've had good luck with having the guys at the Verizon store transfer my numbers from one phone to another when upgrading, and even giving me a printout afterwards for backup. I think they have sync cables + software for lots of the phones they support - not sure if yours would work though.
One nice thing Verizon just did was make access to the "Backup Assistant" app free to users who sign up via their my account page on Verizon's website. It seems to be partnered with some third-party - you access it via http://www.verizonwireless.com/backupassistant. From the info pages it sounds like the v710 is supported.
Aw, you missed a really good excuse to pop $600 for an iPhone.
Antony:
Kick ass. I'm already a "My Account" user so that solved my backup problem.
Does it actually affect your signal? The reason I ask is that my first internship (summer of 2002) was working for a cell phone company (which shall remain nameless). We had developed an antenna-less phone, but a certain carrier said that their user research indicated that people thought they got a better signal with an antenna that they could extend. So we put an antenna on there that didn't actually do anything or connect to anything, and the provider agreed to sell the phone in their stores.
Three years later, most cell phones now have an internal antenna except for the low-cost ones.
Kip:
It's a bit hard to tell, but I experienced more drops and weak signals driving in Nevada, Arizona, and Utah last week than I have in years past. But, yeah, it's not easy to quantify. It feels like the difference exists mainly in areas that were already weak.
oops.. 2007-2002 = 5, not 3... Also, the company I worked for was not Motorola (so what I said may not be true of your phone).
My cousin is still rockin' a Nokia 5110, which is probably getting close to 10 years old. She isn't some technical or business person though, she's a smelly hippie. Well, she's not really smelly. It meets all her needs - make/receive calls, and send/receive SMSs. I'd hazard a guess and say most people don't need more functionality than this phone provides.
Are you aware that Verizon will be discontinuing their analog network from Feb, 2008? That might affect your decision on this.
Anil:
I'm not surprised, really. More and more I'm finding that the digital coverage is pretty good even in the desolate areas.
Maybe I'll finally bite the bullet in 2008 and treat myself to a new phone. :-)
I search phone antenn 3 month.... unfortunetly don`t find and must buy new phone...
It may be a bit late but have you tried these guys?
http://www.wirelessemporium.com/choose.asp?byBrand=1&brandid=5&modelid=257
<;-)
I lost the earwire to my Jabra JX10 bluetooth Now it is not usable. I can't seem to find anyone who carries earwires to get a replacement. I don't need a new bluetooth just the earwire that goes over your ear and attaches to the bluetooth and holds it in place. Can you help me? I would appreciate any advice you may have on where to find this replacement part.
Sincerely,
Saundra Nielsen
ummm?? yeah i am having a hard time trying to manually program a verzion LG VX8900 and was wondering if by any chance, you had a clue how to prgram it?? I would really appreciate your help
Does anyone have any idea where I can get a replacement keyboard for a Nokia C261?
I need the part "under" the keypad, the actual switch board for the keypad.
thanks,
Larry
hey jeremy i am trying to start my own cellphone repair shop and i need to know where i can get all the parts such as flex cables; boards,lcd ,speakers etc
Hey I have the LG Dar serial number A00000096D34E the back of my phone has little noduals to slide back into place. They bent and won't stay on now. Verizon doesn't sell just the back. Do you know where to get another one? Thanks Marsha
Would be great if more people tried repair. As it is we have such a throw-away culture : /
