Samsung VM-A680 PCS Video Mail Phone (Sprint)

by Sprint

Product Details

Product Manual [2.46mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 3.3 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00023DLGA
• Item model number: VM-A680
• Average Customer Review: 3.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (23 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #309,633 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Overview

Compatible with Sprint PCS cell phone service, the Samsung VM-A680 sports a high-end (for a cell phone) video and digital camera, full compatibility with the (optional) Sprint PCS ergonomic game pad, plus a WAP Internet browser, and plenty of phone and organizer features, all displayed on an easy to read, 128 x 160, 65K STN color display.

Calling Features

Used simply as a phone, the VM-A680 benefits from a 5-way scroll key for easy menu navigation and dialing. Primary calling features include a voice-activated phone book and dialing, call timers, redial, any-key answer, auto-answer, mute control, no-answer transfer, one-touch 911, vibrating ring, differential ring, and a phone book capacity of 200 entries. There's also picture caller ID, so users can attach pictures they take with the built in camera and attach them to corresponding phone book contacts. There's also 32-chord polyphonic tones and alerts, and the VM-A680 is TTY compatible for hearing- or speech-impaired users, with select TTY devices.

Internet

With a PCS Business connection, users can access e-mail and view full color versions of popular Web sites.

Organizer

Organizer features include an internal phone book calendar, to-do list, voice memo function, world clock, alarm, countdown timer, and calculator.

Video and Camera

The fairly sophisticated video-capture feature lets you take a 15-second video clip of whatever you like, then save and send the performance to your friends, family, or co-workers via the phone’s built-in e-mail. There's a self-timer, digital zoom, plus brightness and resolution controls, and even a little movie light for illumination during night shoots. The still camera can also take and send pictures via advanced text messaging, and it comes with brightness, color tone, black and white option, and a handy multi-shot feature that lets you, you can capture up to 15 images to produce albums of sequential action photos.

Game Pad Option

One of the more interesting things about the VM-A680 is its gamepad accessory, (sold separately), which is designed to provide an arcade- or home-gaming-like experience on the VM-A680's color screen. It allows players to execute simultaneous moves, like evading and firing at the same time. A variety of interesting game packages are also available for the phone, including Retro (comes with the games Ms. Pac Man, Galaxian Mini, Missile Command, Centipede, Q*Bert, and more), Kids Games (includes Disney‘s Lilo and Stitch--Space Escape, Pooh‘s Honey Pot Challenge, Ice Cream Man, Drop ‘N‘ Find, and Bubble Blast), and many more.

Vital Statistics

The Samsung VM-A680 weighs 3.4 ounces and measures 3.26 x 1.81 x 0.87 inches. Its Lithium Ion batteries are rated at up to 192 minutes talk time and up to 216 hour standby. The phone supports English and limited Spanish text prompts, and features an extendable antenna and headset jack.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Great Phone for Sprint, June 21, 2004

By 

TJ (NY, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samsung VM-A680 PCS Video Mail Phone (Sprint) (Wireless Phone)

I have had 3 sprint phones prior to this Samsung (both Sanyos) and this phone takes the cake. Unlike my two sanyos, the samsung has a quality earpiece that lets me understand the person I'm talking to. It is extremely small and compact, yet it feels solidly built. Everything fits into place. I like the buttons on the side for camera and volume control. The keys arent flush with the phone so dialing is easier. The backlights are also really bright. The key pad in the middle can be customized to basically any setting you want. Reception is good too. The pictures are quite good for a cell phone, not digital camera good, but good all the same; very viewable on the computer compared to my old Sanyo 8100. I havent tested the video out all that often, its just a novelity after all.

There are some cons to this phone but nothing major. The phone book is a little weird. They say "300 person phone book" but its actually only a 300 entry phone book, each cell, home, email, work, web address counts as one entry. Not a big deal. I dont really understand the concept of the external LCD being a mirror, its too small to even use and you cant prevent it from turning off completely...the screen is also a tad small because of the size but it is very viewable, i havent had a problem yet. antenna is cheap but thats characteristic of all samsungs. battery life could be a little better but thats also because i use vision a lot. You get good use if vision isnt used that often. Ringers are loud but not as loud as the should be with 8 levels because the rings come from the earpiece which is muffled when the phone is closed, that doesnt make sense to me.

the voice dial on this is is good. digit dial, name dial, status all helpful if you need. I dont really understand the point of being able to hear your number but its a nifty feature. The camera is good because you can zoom up to 10x when using ALL three resolutions. Fun frames are kinda stupid because you have to take the picture inside the given space, its kinda hard... The brower is good, faster than the sanyo 8100 and 5300. Speed dial is great, if you remember the number you put in for a person you can dial that number say 57 and it will dial your home, if thats where your home entry is. However, you can only program one speed dial per person. You cant have Brother Home, Brother Cell, Brother Work. It takes the first entry and puts it as speed dial...

All in all this a great phone, works perfect. I am going to keep this phone. I give it a 8/10

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love the phone, June 24, 2004

By 

"kerryditroia" (North Arglington, NJ United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Samsung VM-A680 PCS Video Mail Phone (Sprint) (Wireless Phone)

I just bought this phone. I think it's got really cool features. without a leather cover it can fit into your pocket easily. The camera takes good pictures for a phone!

After you hang up the phone the outside screen turns into a mirror ...kinda cool..useless but cute

Navigation is rather easy after you get used to it. All the buttons are labeled...rather then symbols.

You can even take a self portait ...while the phone is closed.

I was not all that familar with the downloadable stuff they have but it seems that's additional fees just to make sure you know.

Can hold I think about 200 or 300 numbers (looked at soo many) and you can set the entry number as a speed dial which I love.
Or just dial the lasts 4 digits of a number.
Your phone book lists, entry#, Work, mobile , pager, fax, no label, speed dial (set to only one of the numbers), email, url, group, default ringer, birthday,and an image if you choose to have one.
Also has cool voice activated features. I programed the phone with my dads number. then using this feature I say dad and knows to dial him. unlike the old phones where you must program your voice. it's a smart phone.

there are ok ringers. nothing to great..but again it's only a phone.

Video and camara takes decent pics...and has fun frames that are fun to play with.

Over all I am happy with my purchase.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Best Offered, but not Perfect., June 25, 2004

By 

Laurie Crist (Lockport, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Samsung VM-A680 PCS Video Mail Phone (Sprint) (Wireless Phone)

I've had this phone for about three weeks after trying comparable Sanyo and LG phones from both Sprint and Verizon. I love it and am keeping this model (the Samsung slide phone is not available at this time), I do think the cons, some noted in other reviews, are notable enough to deduct a star.

+++++Pros:
Raised button keypad- unlike all new samsungs the buttons are raised, not flush, so it is much easier to dial without looking, trust me this was the breaking point on one Sanyo.

Camera Flash and Zoom - These features alone trump the LG models. There's only digital zoom, it is a phone afterall, it is up to 10x and the pic quality is suprisingly good. You can take pics or movies of yourself easily with the phone closed using the CallerID/Clock/Mirror screen.

Reception/Sound Quality- Despite all sales reps' advice this phone has reception quality as good as the Sanyo in notoriously dead places, and callers have mentioned how clearly they can hear me (now).

Sprint PCS Vision vs. Get It Now - Verizon customers seem to be in a cult trying to get you to join so they can call you for free. Ok sometimes they have better service but for an extra $5 a month you can roam on any network so you're set there (believe me I live in the middle of nowhere; this phone works). Verizon Wireless' website is frequently in need of updating, and their Get it Now service is much more difficult and expensive than PCS Vision. Downloading ringers, games, screensavers, everything is easier and more affordable with PCS Vision.

Ringer - I find it plenty loud enough, there's the light and vibration as backups, or those straps so popular in Japan that light up also work now with Sprint and this phone. The sound is decent enough that you can download a song (or make your own with xingtone) and recognize it easily, if not necessarily appreciate the sound quality for a phone ringer, its great.

Mirror - this is actually really brilliant for checking your eyes, teeth or lips for anything, one at a time.

-----Cons:
Lens Placement- The camera/video lens is very close to the hinge and I frequently find myself smudging it or getting my finger or phone strap in the shot.

Phone Book- Very poor navigation, searching. most cons discussed in other reviews, but really it is difficult to work with in general. Every entry counts toward the 300 max, so a contact's cell, work, home and email are 4. The speed dial entry is for only the one number you assign for a particular person, you can't easily access the entire entry from the speed dial number.

Antenna - Bends easily, beware if you do need to pull it out.

Display - Although it is nice to have 2 crisp color screens and a mirror, I miss being able to read in well lit areas without needing the phone active. You can't just glance over for the time, you have to push a button and let everything light up.