Expert: DebiN - 1/5/2010

Question
QUESTION: I have an old Razr V9, that I need to replace.  I use it in the US, the UK, and the Caribbean, swapping out my various GSM cards as I go.  I have seen the V3i, but I was told it will not work on those travels as well as my V9.

I need an unlocked phone, but I just cannot work out which Razr will be best for me. I am in my 50's, and I don't need any hi-tech features, as I neither connect it to my PC, not take video.  I like the look of the V3i, but have been told it will not work as well in the 3 areas I want to use it as my old V9.  

Any help in learning if the cheaper (?) V3i will work in those areas just as well as my old V9 would be hugely appreciated. Thank you.

ANSWER: The V9 works on both the GSM and 3G networks in some of the areas where you travel and the ealier model V3i only works on the GSM and EDGE networks. As it relates to data, speed would be the issue here. Will the phone work as well? Likely, yes it will, but with a phone that works on both the GSM and 3G networks, you would likely have a better experience. The V3i came out in 2005. It is a very old phone as far as cell phones go. The V9 came out two years later in 2007. If what you want is a Motorola flip phone that will work as well as your V9, then I would recommend getting another V9 or any other Motorola GSM flip phone that works on the GSM, EDGE and UMTS/HSDPA networks and on the 850/1900/900/1800/2100 frequencies. I would not recommend the V3i for you. When you are looking for phones, go to your browser and type in the name and model of the phone with the word  "specifications" after it, i.e., "V3i specifications". Look to see that it works on the network frequencies as I indicated and that should help you. You can also write back to me on other models and I can interpret for you. Make sure that the phone came out in at least 2007 (better would be 2008 or 2009, of course). Phones older than 2 years old wouldn't be a wise choice based on the changes in the networks (having nothing to do with video, tethering, etc.) I hope this helps and let me know if you need more info. Don't forget that if you get a phone from your carrier, they will SIM unlock it for you after 90 days without charge and then you will be able to swap your SIMs and will get the phone for a low cost, if not for free with a 12 month warranty. Thanks. DebiN

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QUESTION: What an amazing service !

Final question :-  You say the V3i would be a poor replacement for my elderly V9.   A new V9 will be some $150, whereas for about half that there is the V3xx.   Would that V3xx be almost as good as my old V9, or are you really saying I need the new v9 ?

Thank you for your excellent assistance.

ANSWER: The V3xx is a better choice than the V3i and it came out in 2006 (so it's still a bit old). For $75.00, the V3xx would be a good choice. If both of them are new. I wouldn't buy a used one regardless of price. The V3xx is a 3G device, so that is good. Not as good as a V9, but definitely not a bad choice. I hope this helps. Thanks. DebiN

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QUESTION: I have just spent 4 HOURS on the Internet looking for a silver V3xx, and they are just nowhere to be found.

Easy to find the V6 maxx though, so unless you think the V3xx is better for my needs (?), I guess I'll get a V6 maxx.  

Answer
I strongly urge you not to get this device. It will not work on the 3G network in the US and it won't work everywhere because it is only a tri-band phone. AT&T requires both the 850 and 1900 bands to work. You will be very disappointed with this device and it will not work for you. Please do not buy this. You need to look for a quad band (850/1900/900/1800) at minimum phone. This is NOT the one, I promise you. Thanks. DebiN