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[abatis]

Okay, I had high expectations for the Verizon Samsung Omnia. It has the latest Windows Mobile 6.1, Samsung's experience gained from solid development of devices like the Instinct, so what happened, why is Verizon hyping the RIM Storm and leaving the Omnia to its own destiny? Well my first impression of the Omnia out of the box was not good. I used my fingers to do the Windows Mobile start up calibration and I think that screwed the entire first experience up. None of the menus worked quite right. Finally I actually looked in the box and found a stylus - hooray, this is a PocketPC device and perhaps the fingers are not expected to do all. After I hard reset the device (hit the reset button and push phone and disconnect buttons at once) I used the stylus to calibrate the device. Like magic now my fingers could actually invoke the menus. Now I was liking the Omnia. So far this looks like a great Windows Mobile device but I have much testing to do including installation of my favorite games and software. I will keep you informed but after a shakey start the Omnia is working for me. I do wish it had the rubbery grippy sides like the Instinct for a better hold.

[krelvinaz]

I am actually looking at getting this phone. I've been using a Samsun SCH-i760 for close to a year now and that has been my best phone so far.

I've got the Verizon rep calling me in the morning with our pricing on the Omnia.

I'm a bit surprised they didn't incorporate the Stylus into the phone (I seem to recall seeing one that did), but that is not that big of a deal I don't think.

I am a bit curious about the GPS. Most of the descriptions have referred to the VZNavigator software rather than the device itself. Is it accessible to other software?

[abatis]

I will load Copilot on it later today and test that out. The stylus comes with a little lanyard that I guess you are suppose to attach to the phone. I don't want anything dangling off the phone. It is a nice little stylus. Verizon has dropped the Omnia price to $199 with the rebates. I have been a long time user of the i760 - a very good phone but I think I will like the Omnia better. A little less bulky.

[krelvinaz]

I will be ordering the phone today (my Santa gift to me).... the phone is going to cost $149 via our corporate plan. I have an upgrade discount available on my second line which I use for a WWAN connection (USB720) but will activate the phone on my primary line when it arrives.

All of the reviews appear to be positive.... I've seen some comments that the GPS is locked, but I have not been able to confirm that. Past phones that have been locked have been able to get unlocked... hopefully if it is there will be a way.

Ref:
http://pdaphonehome.com/forums/samsung-i90...html#post766619

I currently use an external GPS device with my current phone but it would be much better with a built in GPS. I use it with a WM6 app that collects data off of a mobile weather station, picks up the current GPS coordinates and transmits it to my server for data collection and tracking.

The VZWNavigator software is worthless for me as I have a regular GPS system in my truck. Using my phone for navigation sounds like a traffic accident waiting to happen.

[krelvinaz]

Phone will be here Thursday.

[abatis]

I think you will like the Omnia. I did play with the GPS and it is locked to VerizonNav. Paul over at Modaco and others have been trying to help people on this - no real progress yet but it should be a matter of time to an unlock is figured out. I did pair my Freedom keychain GPS to the Omnia and it works fine with Google map and Cameraview. I am going to complain to Verizon on the GPS lock. I like using my for offroad navigating and these carrier Nav programs all need an internet connection. I just want GPS and topos.