Most durable cellphone?

[char]

I've had the same Motorola flip-style cell phone for the last two years. Other than an issue with the screen that was warrantied in the first couple of weeks this thing has been bomber. I think I'm going to be switching from Cingular to Verizon soon and will probably pick up a new phone when I sign up.

Out of the phones on the market right now which is the most durable? I had a Nokia for awhile that finally crapped out when I had pushed the lock/unlock buttons too many times. It seems like alot of the phones right now have too many gimmicks for me.

Things I want:

Flip or clamshell style would be nice, but not necessary
Small
Burly (My current phone has gone with me to wildland fires, dropped, thrown, lost, and generally abused.)
Decent battery life
The ability to talk to people

Things I don't need:

Camera
Mp3
Keyboard
Fragile, gimmicky, shit

[Sinecure]

Verizon has a waterproof phone they sell right now. It has their brand on it, but I think Panasonic makes it. Apparently super durable and actually is waterproof. Not a lot of features, but it works.

[Big Blue]

I think I'm going to be switching from Cingular to Verizon soon and will probably pick up a new phone when I sign up.

You'll definitely have to get a new phone. GSM phones won't work on Verizon's network.

[Daywalker]

I beat the crap out of a Samsung A620 for two-plus years. I've seen others do the same. Mine went through a full wash cycle without batting an eye. It was dropped, kicked, etc. It's pretty small and gets great reception.

I'm not sure if you can still get them though. I think Samsung makes some pretty burly phones and all seem to get good reception.

[bossass]

Get the razr, at least you can kill people with it.

Edit: I've always liked nokia phones and I think Verizon has a couple candy bar style models.

[serge944]

I met a guy who has an "army issue" phone last weekend. The thing had like an 1/8" thick glass screen, rubber all over it - the works. To prove it's durability, he threw it onto a concrete floor over his shoulder...

I'm convinced - but it might be overkill.

I think it's this one...

http://reviews.cnet.com/Nextel_Motorola_i355/4505-6454_7-31484677.html?tag=lst

[komo]

I met a guy who has an "army issue" phone last weekend. The thing had like an 1/8" thick glass screen, rubber all over it - the works. To prove it's durability, he threw it onto a concrete floor over his shoulder...

I'm convinced - but it might be overkill.

I think it's this one...

http://reviews.cnet.com/Nextel_Motorola_i355/4505-6454_7-31484677.html?tag=lst

yeah, unfortunately I don't think these overkill pieces are available on the verizon standard. check www.phonescoop.com though.

[Free Range Lobster]

Verizon has a waterproof phone they sell right now. It has their brand on it, but I think Panasonic makes it. Apparently super durable and actually is waterproof. Not a lot of features, but it works.

Motorola g'zOne

http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/14/0,1425,sz=1&i=143472,00.jpg

[RShea]

Get the razr, at least you can kill people with it.

Edit: I've always liked nokia phones and I think Verizon has a couple candy bar style models.

Verizon and Nokia I read had parted ways- but they still list at least 1 model on their wireless site as a phone option so maybe it was the cobranded phones.

I had a Nokia years ago as my first phone, lasted a number of years. Since then I've pretty much had LG. They had a few battery issues and recalls some years back but seem to last for me. I always have it in a holster or in the jacket pocket, but have not ever (yet) dropped a phone in water, etc. My previous LG did get wet on a rainy bike ride and I could hear other and place calls, but others could not hear me until I dried it out for a day. Another friend of mine swears by his Audiovox (but his brother has had 3 Audiovoxes that have broke or were lost on the slopes and is hard on phones- run over by a groomer, dropped in water, and run over by a car) and I would consider Samsung as good quality too. Motorola's users either love them or hate them- the Razor have not gotten good reviews for duribility, I do not think they last as long in rough conditions as some others out there.

[unitofstuff]

Motorola g'zOne

http://common.ziffdavisinternet.com/util_get_image/14/0,1425,sz=1&i=143472,00.jpg



Casio/UTStarcom, not Motorola.

[FJ62]

I beat the crap out of a Samsung A620 for two-plus years. I've seen others do the same. Mine went through a full wash cycle without batting an eye. It was dropped, kicked, etc. It's pretty small and gets great reception.

I totally agree. Had that Samsung and it was indestructible. Survived Seattle rain, dozens of trips to the snow, being dropped, etc. Good reception, too. Eventually the hinge just broke in two (weakened plastic from too much use?) and it still worked, albeit via one thin wire holding it all together. Duct taped it and it worked for another six months (yeah, I hate shopping for cell phones). Girlfriend insisted I get a new phone cause it was looking pretty shabby. I almost bought one used just cause it worked so well.

I will say this much: don't get a Motorola Q. I had one, briefly, and it's a mess. Poor battery life and awful reception. Stay away...