Don't get the V551, that sucks too.  On an aside though, the algorithm used
for
number of bars displayed not only varies from phone to phone, but from
firmware to firmware version.  The only real way to compare is if you can
put the phone into service mode and look at the signal level in dB you're
receiving from the tower (or of course use the phones and see how well
they work).

Ditto.  I was really excited to try the 220.  Big disappointment.  Signal
strenght was very weak.  Camera was grainy, boot up time was very long,
keyboard was not very responsive.  Cingular store let me borrow one for a
few hours.  Got the Nokia 6230 instead and have been very pleased with it.

Don

Warranty will replace the phone with another v220, so if that type o
phone just isn't loud enough (ie no defect), that won't help.  Yo
would have to really push to get a different type of phone, and wil
probably not be successful.  Worth a try if you have the patience, bu
they are not at all required to do this type of exchange.

If you don't mind spending a couple bucks, why not download a rington
& see if it is louder.  Maybe talk to cust serv, explain the problem
and see if they will credit you the ringtone price (or do it & disput
the charge @ www.cingular.com/db, reason = non-receipt).  Once again
you may have to call a few times, so have your patience close by lol

Since you "just switched" you can return the phone without penalty and get
something different.  I personally use and recommend the V551, which has a
quite loud ring and a reasonable selection of tones.