The Audiovox CDM-8500 is trendy, stylish and sleek looking. The Audiovox CDM-8500 operates by way of Virgin Mobility service and is particularly popular with the younger crowd. The flip phone is small and slim and fits into a pocket or small purse with ease.

The CDM-8500 is a shiny, attractive silver color and weighs in at 3.2 ounces and measures 3.3 x 1.6 x 0.9 inches. The cover opens and closes more than adequately and it is made of durable material. The quick and easy online activation process appeals to many users (within five minutes a text message will be received and the phone can be used very shortly afterwards) as does the high-speed wireless access to the web and the built-in speakerphone.

The handset of the CDM-8500 has a ton of features which makes it a phone worth paying close attention to. The built-in speakerphone, as previously mentioned, is a wonderful feature, as is the wide selection of 40 ringtones that the user can choose from. The vibrating function is a plus and the web browser has a 1xRTT network which makes it fast and capable.

The phone book of the CDM-8500 can hold up to 300 numbers which is standard for most cell phones. If you choose to go with Virgin Xtras you can have access to movie listings and music clips.

The battery life is not so great for the CDM-8500. A single charge nets you just 1.75 hours of airtime. On the upside however, the stand-by time for the phone is average - an estimated 220 hours, which works out to be around nine days. This is good enough, when you compare it to many other models that only allow for a stand-by time of 150 hours.

The performance of the CDM-8500 is average at best. Many users describe the quality of the reception as medium to poor. The signal has been found to be weak both inside and outside. The phone also heats up very quickly after only being used for half an hour at a time (consistent use).

Pros

• Very attractive looking, sophisticated and stylish
• Flexible payment options
• Built-in speakerphone
• Plenty of choices for ringtones
• High-speed wireless access to the Internet

Cons

• Performance can be described as less than adequate
• Poor talk time
• Poor battery life
• Heats up quickly (after a 30 minute call)

Overall

If looks are more important to you then performance, then the Audiovox CDM-8500 is an excellent choice for you. This phone looks good, regardless of whether it is being used in an office, in a restaurant, on the front steps of the school or in full view of your family and friends. However, if you need better battery life and want double duty, then look for another phone. The Audiovox CDM-8500 may not be the best choice if you spend a lot of time talking to business clients or colleagues.