Motorola Extreme VA76r / Reviews

The Motorola Tundra serves a very particular purpose, and thus will likely only appeal to a subset of possible users. Its large size and heavy weight make it unappealing for most people to carry around all the time. But it is solid as all heck. We put it through its paces and beat it up pretty good and it survived everything we threw at it.

The camera / video camera software performs well, though the music player could be better. Web browsing is quick and straight-forward, and the Tundra's compatibility with Java apps means it can run all sorts of software. The GPS also worked very well.

In the end, it handles calling features with aplomb, and serves its primary directive well. It is definitely a solid candidate for the worker who needs a tough phone that can withstand harsh working conditions.

Read original review at Phone Scoop.

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I never had a problem with this phone! In fact I would like to hook this phone up to the Koodo network but can't. I will tell you I am never going back to Rogers, very bad taiste in my mouth there. Unfortunate but you can't find a half decent rugged phone any more.

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This phone has given me so much trouble that I had to send it for repair 5 times. The call drops! Battery last for only 1 hours for continuous talk. Many more. Unfortunately, Rogers Canada replaced me with another new phone. I thought what a great firm serving customers? This new one started giving same problem after few months. I took it back and was told SORRY this was a refurbished phone and warranty expired within 90 days. Now I am struggling to buy another phone! looking at Samsung Rugged Rugby phone! What you have to say?

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I bought the motorola tundra before reading all the problems with this phone - i too was plagued with short battery life , dead phone that would suddenly be fine the next day , keypad and functionality are terrible , camera is about the worst i've seen yet ,most rogers tores i called refuse to carry this phone due to the high complaints and returns - i guess even motorola isn't immune to making lemons .

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I have used this phone for about 9 months. I agree with a lot of the pro's and con's mentioned as I have experienced both good and bad with this phone. It has been back twice for software lockups. I don't like the fact that text is so small for phone numbers, etc and the theme that comes with phone is from 1978.

Nine months ago, no pouch (3 mtg methods) was available. Finally found one on e-bay from California.

I think it is about the best contractor phone out there but leaves a lot to be desired.

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Re: Tundra va76r--There is nothing in the FAQ to answer my questions. The tech support @ Rogers could not answer; they referred me to your tech support USA who told me to call your Canadian #, all to no avail. Your Canadian tech advised me to WRITE you.

I suspect this terrific military standard phone was designed by a geek who has never set foot outside his cubical, let alone in the world of construction and outdoor recreation.

I happen to work in the construction industry and spend most of my time off recreating in the outdoors

Music and Emails are NOT the first thing an outside worker, or or a person who truly enjoys the outdoors wants. I saw these soft key configurations and figured no problem; all can be reprogrammed. Apparently not: The initial soft key settings are fixed. Needing my alarm clock, calculator, camera and last call received on the face I was hoping for contacts on the right soft key and notes on the left soft key. Razor can handle this. I am amazed Tundra cannot. Tundra wants you to scroll though 5 keystrokes to get last call received even though it is on the front screen.

Upon opening the first phone box, I was amazed to see there was no USB cable included. So amazed I opened the second one to be sure I had not misplaced the cable. The actual telephone manual was not included. A web search found it on the AT&T site. Copy of phone tools was not included. You would think for the cost and the new nature of this new phone, one would be included. Again no. Rather than sending a disk, you could have us download it from your site with a code. This would still be “Ecco” friendly. (Your tech's reason for the lack of hardware.)

Is it useable outside? Barely...

We know the soft keys cannot be changed.

Is there a reason the font on the contact list is so small. Guess 6-8pt. -- and leave the rest of the screen empty. A supplier asks for a tel # and I can not read it...embarrassing even though I have 20/20 vision,... this I am told is not changeable either.

This is not my first phone. I have been a continuous customer of Rogers since 1990, & have enjoyed 3 or 4 versions of the Razr. However tundra has zapped far more time than this phone is worth at its original retail price of $350.00. This is simply very frustrating to finally have a rugged phone that steals valuable time.

I met a new contractor last week. He was cursing his new phone. I said to him, "Let me guess, Motorola tundra va76 rugged," his reply was, " How did I know?” I replied, "I am ready to throw mine in the garbage and return to the Razr... even though I break them every 3 months."

Help... I would love to keep the rugged phone I have been asking for, for so long. but this is not the phone you promised.

Sincerely,

garden fence

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I bought the VA76r about 2 months ago and have already had it in for repairs due to a complete freeze-up in the OS. The phone just hung on the Motorola symbol screen even after removing the battery and the SIM. I got it back from repair last week and it works, but it still seems glitchy.

Overall, I'm happy with the rugged design and features of the phone, but I'm concerned about the software issue. I cannot afford the inconvenience of repeatedly sending my phone in for repairs if this problem reoccurs.

...and what if it happens again after the warranty is up?

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I am on my second VA76r, I returned the first one because of software bugs. I couldn't change the incoming ring volume without trying many times and maybe having to pull the battery. Also my phones alarm does not work properly. I have the option to set three alarms yet I can't get one to work. The ruggedness is good, software sucks.

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I recently purchased a Motorolla VA76R to replace an aged and outdated V360. I am verry happy with this new phone, however I am a little disturbed and frankly "pissed" that I am stuck with a phone that I can not get a case or belt clip for. I purchased the phone because I am on the road and I use it for work. I wasn't interested in a toy to download music on or post on facebook or you tube. I wanted a rugged phone for work and I love it. But what about a case? what about a belt clip? I have never seen a work phone you can not get a case or a belt clip for! If anyone knows where to find a good case or belt clip for this phone I want one!

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I actually bought the Samsung Rugby first and couldn't get the Navigation to function correctly. After taking it back and having the AT&T gang troubleshoot...it was determined to be a faulty phone. Got second Samsung Rugby and had a different issue with Navigation...would stall at 96% during downloading of Nav directions. The AT&T gang decided to swap me for a Motorola Tundra. So far so good..everything seems to function well. The customer support for the Samsung Rugby claims that for the Nav to functon correctly you have to be outside and have the phone open (clamshell) and lying flat. Still did not work following their directions. The Motorola Tundra had no problem operating in Navigation mode inside a building being held normally. I still like the appearance of the Samsung Rugby better...but the Motorola Tundra seems to "operate" smoother and more quickly with better visual appeal on screen...more pixels..yeah! Both have external speaker capability...but, I thought the Tundra sounded crisper and cleaner when in speaker mode. Save yourself the trouble of deciding and just get the Tundra!!!!

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so far so good except I still cant find a good robust case for a belt I am in construction so my phone and case needs to beable to withstand snags pulls ect. phone is easy to use but for most guys in construction still too many bells and whistles.

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