I'm in the pro-V188 camp.  I think it's a solid, good-quality cell phone.  The color screen is a bit small compared to more expensive phones, but hey, you get this for free before the generous rebate, so stop bitching about this not being a high-end phone, for it's not meant to be a high-end phone.  It has good reception and voice quality, and is built rather like a tank: solid, durable, a little on the thick side.  If you want something stylish go with a RAZR or PEBL or SLVR.  If you want something small and lasts forever, go with a Sanyo PCS phone for Sprint.  But the V188 is a good basic phone, no doubt about that.