I first got my 4500 (blue) back in April of 2004. I always lost reception and dropped calls. I put up with it for a year and a half TOOO LONG. i went into a sprint service center and they gave me a new one. . and now this new same model works PERFECTLY!! i have yet to drop a call!!! i say my first one was a bad apple!! The battery life is excellent. i love every bit about my phone!! BUT i think i want one of those new PDAs!!! ;)i give the 4500 an A!!!