First Look Verizon XV-6900

i just got this phone (VX-6900-WM), i dont know how it is goin to roll with me as i am a very avid and lover of blackberry, especially the blackberry curv. The curv is the best blackberry out there bar none!! no matter what they do on these window mobile devices you are still forced at times to use the stylist, not good!!

Does this have windows mobile and does the profile rotate when playing videos? Does it have wifi? If not on both, I'm looking for something between the xv-6800 and xv-6900. Any suggestions?

David, you mentioned in a comment that you are using the invisible shield. Can you elaborate on how well it is working? Does it affect the touch controls? Does it have a sticky feeling, making the touch cube more difficult to use? Does it affect viewing angles, glare, or brightness of the screen? Would you recommend it? If not, can you recommend another screen protector? Thanks

No keyboard on this device. If you see how small it is, you would understand. ;)

Does this device have a slide out keyboard like the XV 6700 & 6800? I missed hearing this if it was in your video review.

I told you, Dave. Turn off the large start menu and don't use the HTC task manager and the device will do just fine. I replaced them with Quick Menu and HandySwitcher. Plus, as usual, increased my GlypheCache to 64kb and some other performance "hacks" and the Cruise performs quite admirably which should be the case with the XV also.

I have created a post here : (with credit to XDA)

http://mobilitytoday.com/forum/showthread.php?p=81833#post81833

Unfortunately, like most WM devices, it needs a bit of tweaking before it can live up to its potential.

I do a lot of things on my Sprint Touch for example I use Slingbox, check email, send text messages, use instant messaging, and use various other applications to help keep track of my daily activities. I definitely do not consider myself an entry level user. Personally the Touch is the most stable Windows Mobile phone that I've own so far.

Phys it was quite laggy for me for some reason. I really didn't get into this device. The only reason I think its worth it for an entry level user is that its on Verizons network and they let you use it as a tethered modem..

David, listen to your podcast, can you tell me what a MVP? Does that mean you have to give up your iPhone?

Is there a reason that there was no demonstration of how well the touch features work, or not,with your fingers? I mean, it is a "Touch" device, why only show it functioning with the stylus??

You're right it did happen! This is the first HD review I did on my new camera.. I think I am going to go with another vid service.

Check the vid again, you mentioned that it may affect battery life, just wanted to clarify that both those items affect the speed/performance of the device.

Also, it may be interesting to note on touch devices: If you open the programs list via traditional means(ie. through the start menu), you will find that scrolling the list lags and you can noticely see the refreshing of the icons in the list. However, if you go into the HTC Program launcher and add the programs folder to the launcher and open the folder using that method, scrolling is very, very smooth. Odd huh? Try it, you'll see.

No Jerry I never said task manager effects memory I was speaking the the larger start menu app was doing that. Also I have the invisible shield on the Touch and works fine.

It's basically a Touch Enhanced with 400mhz processor and 128mb of RAM.

Specifications wise, this is same as the HTC Touch?

What CPU does this thing have?

Nice review Dave. I really don't like that plastic casing which looks extremely slippery. I think all devices should have the "soft touch" paint so prevalent on today's devices.

As for a screen protector, I DO NOT recommend Invisible Shield, especially on a Touch-centric device because of the texture of the material Invisible Shield uses. The grainy, almost sticky feel of Invisible Shield is not conducive to using a device that you are constantly swiping your finger over or using gestures.

Also, you mentioned about the HTC Task manager had effect on the battery. That's not correct, it does seem to have affect the overall speed of the device. Many optimization tips and tricks for the Touch family of devices recommend turning off the HTC task manager and the Large start menu.

Overall, aside from the color, a nice device and I am sure it will do well on the Verizon network.