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| Date Reviewed: 12/03/05 |
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Strengths: extremely feature rich, light weight, metal housing, adequate 4x camera, BLUETOOTH and USB compatible, GSM quad frequency world phone
Weaknesses: camera does not have the definition of higher megapixel cameras used on some phones
Summary: 2005-04-16 13:18:00 This is a high-end phone for the advanced businessman, quality oriented phone enthusiast, or world traveler. It's so feature rich, many would only find its advanced features a waste. It is however, the wave of the future and a novel gift idea any "techie" will love. As it is a "flip" phone, it covers its buttons to unwanted key presses and its small slim design makes it perfect for carrying in a pocket.
Unfortunately, Cingular does not currently insure it if purchased there, neither do others. It must be returned to Motorola for repair and carries only a one year warranty from date of purchase should this be necessary. This should make you think twice before a purchase if it will be subjected to harsh physical treatment, but Motorola is a name I trust for quality.
The multi-media experience will allow you to view some cable TV wireless programs, if enabled, and it will record short video and sound segments for storage to a computer or re-broadcast to other users. Predictive text input for text messaging is slightly below Nokia's own, but is still excellent. You can check your POP-3 e-mail accounts on the internet with its browser for only one of a number of features here. Live, two-way internet text messaging is also provided for.
It has an excellent color screen that utilizes ATI's newest mobile processor and its functions are displayed with icons similar to any Window's computer monitor. Your can make and install your own screensavers easily and the screen is beautiful. That ATI processor means those included or downloaded games available will be richer in your experience as well as any video. It really looks like Motorola has played Bill Gates here with this phone's features and functions.
Like unlimited voice dialing? This phone offers excellent voice recognition of names you can easily store with numbers. Just press the smart key and say the name and within seconds the phone will repeate the name spoken to assure you of the correct number being automatically dialed.
Speaker phone? The function works excellent on both ends!
With all this "Mitey Moto" offers, one would think battery life would be short in such a small package. But, with the many hours of talk and standby time it has, it stands well above most other phones.
Bluetooth here is a great feature for synchronization with computers and your phones screen can be displayed on your computer monitor. Just get within 30 feet of any Bluetooth enabled computer and allow the connection, this cannot be done without your approval so there are no worries. Motorola even offers a nice software program for your computer and this phone if you want. The software offers a multitude of added tasks for your enjoyment.
Currently $349 after purchase for $449 with a $100 rebate from Cingular. $36 activation with two year contract purchase or $18 new SIM activation for current subscribers at Cingular. To unlock a locked phone for other subscription SIM cards, you can get the codes for a small fee here on the internet. You may want the codes not only for here in the USA but for travel in other countries for several reasons. While Cingular and others do often lock their phones, this not always the case - but be advised any SIM card provider can lock your phone when you connect to their service, requiring the unlock codes again later to change service. Also of note, is this phone's Quad frequency range means it performs worldwide.
Considering the world travel GSM function and other features, I would say this is more than a "bells and whistles" phone, as the "expert" reviewer stated here, by a longshot. EDGE systems? No, this phone is not EDGE capable but a future software download could cure that. EDGE is not all that advanced over the GPRS this phone uses. What is this? EDGE and GPRS are the "always on" newer data connect systems for internet connections - think of GPRS as a 56Kbps. dialup service and EDGE a slight improvement. This is certainly not something to ever worry about using your phone as a computer modem, and will never be a problem using the phone's browser as EDGE is definitely not on par with DSL or Cable broadband connections. Before GPRS, the connections offered as much as 9-15 Kbps. and it was never a problem for me using my old data enabled phones as modems, for most uses on the road. I was not alone in this as most others never used this modem feature that often, only in a pinch, and you will not find your phone's browser unduly slowed by this either. With the growing Bluetooth and its roughly 1Mbps. connection, this phone is easily used as a connection point to a Bluetoot enabled broadband connection through DSL or Cable - if your not using the wireless B or G internet conections offered at some restaurants, coffee houses, or the like. Expect those places and more to start using Bluetooth for this as more free and pay access points open up.
Do I like it? Hell yes! Will you like it? More than likely!
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| Date Reviewed: 27/12/04 |
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Strengths: Stunning Design, Super Thin (fits in pocket!), tons of high-tech features (you can use it as a wireless access point!)
Weaknesses: Super expensive--will set you back $500!
Summary: I'm a mobile phone afficionado, and the V3 RAZR by far is the best handset I've owned (and I've had over 15 phones!)
The design is stunning, it's 0.5" thick, it's an all metal phone (the first since the Nokia 8890), and even the keypad is completely metallic (except for the luminescent rubber striping that tells you where to press the buttons).
The battery life is equally strong; 4-5 hr talk, about one week standby on normal use.
Now for the good stuff: the phone is loaded with features:
1. E-mail: If you have GPRS support on you carrier, the V3 has a decent e-mail client that support POP and IMAP, letting you downlaod your e-mail from work (even supports SSL/Secure IMAP and SMTP!), from gMail or other web accounts that support POP, and from many other ISPs.
2. AIM - this is the first phone to have a built-in AIM client that doesn't use SMS and thus eat up all your text messaging limits. The AIM client sends everything over GPRS so it works just as it does on your PC.
3. Bluetooth - the bluetooth support is superb. Much better than what Sony/Ericcson puts in their phones. I've been able to connect the phone to both my powerbook and my bluetooth headset with no problems; and it does work 30 feet!
4. Internet access point over Bluetooth: how cool is this? I can check email and browse the web--on my Powerbook--while on the train because I can use the phone as a wireless internet access point over bluetooth!
5. Picture phone book - you can store photos of your friends; and a photo of your friend appears on the outside screen of the phone when your friends call.
This is a great phone--the features are awesome, the design is stunning. But it's super-pricey, so be prepared to blow half a $G on this if you want this uber-cool phone.
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| Date Reviewed: 11/06/05 |
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Strengths: sleek, sexy, sophisticated.
Weaknesses: flat keypad makes dialing and text messaging without looking at the phone very difficult.
Summary: This phone is more eye appealling that expected. The phone's software is exactly like my previous v400 and v515. The camera and bluetooth capabilities are a major plus on this phone. I bought and tested a bluetooth headset with this unit and it works flawlessly. I can't say that there are any flaw except for the flat keypad.
69% of People (11/16) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 16/08/05 |
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Strengths: first of all it is a QUADband phone which allows you to use it anywhere on the planet. it has a very good camera, although the zoom isn't quite satisfying. the menu is easy motorola style and can be c
Weaknesses: the zoom on the camera
Summary: the reception that comes with this camera is one of the best and you can get reception almost everywhere (depending on your provider). the model is one of the best that motorola has come up in the last few years and it demands all the respect and attention that it can get. the guys at motorola managed to give an hi-end user phone with a clasy yet sporty style. this phone makes itself noticed wherever it pops out. two thumbs way up for motorola!
67% of People (18/27) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 07/07/05 |
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Strengths: light weight, very sleek, almost everything you basically need is here, bluetooth, camera/video, color screen, quad band, speakerphone
Weaknesses: super thin that your worry to accidentally drop it, very flat keypad (having difficulties dialing or text messaging); also price, only this phone with contract I didnt get for free.also, some signal.
Summary: I bought this phone about almost 11 days now. I would say this is one of the best phone. Very sleek, very thin, minimalist styling, metal finish-- ideal phone to have. But I get insurance for this phone if I accidentally drop it.
A bit expensive but I would say it's a reasonable price compare to other phones I had (I used to have pda phones w/c i got for free with contract). Retail up to $600, but I got it for $100 = tax with 1 year contract to Cingular (no rebates).
Bluetooth: very fast to download (picture transfer from wireless to wireless)
Talk time up to 6 hours
Build-in-speakerphone
Quad-band: very helpful when you travel to other countries in asia, europe, etc. (800/900/1800/1900)
I had a dicculty in dialing & sending sms on the first few days using this phone, but i'm getting use to it now.
Signal is a bad on some areas like when your near mountain areas.
Overall very fantastic (highly recommended), as long as you take care of it like your other fave stuff.
65% of People (13/20) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 10/06/05 |
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Strengths: Design, Large Screen inside screen, Programable menu, multiple alarms, large keypad, good battery life, light weight! And of course, Coolness Factor!
Weaknesses: Outside screen could be even larger!
Summary: I thank Motorola for giving me a reason to switch back to Motorola. I haven't had the urge to buy a Motorola since the StarTac and that was 1992 or 1993!! The design is really sleek and it fits perfect in my suit without sticking out uncomfortably. At first look i thought i might need 2 hands to open the phone, but they designed it so there is a grove that enables you to flip it open with one hand. Very smart. The large screen and key pads make it easy to dial and see who you're calling! Well done Motorola, you have converted a die hard Nokia fan back to a Motorola fan.
64% of People (14/22) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 12/01/06 |
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Strengths: big screen, easy to navigate.
Weaknesses: fragile
Summary: bluetooth is eratic with my BMW. Sometimes it just doesnt work right. I like motrola phones so it is easy to get used to. camera works well also. Would recomend but try and get it free.
64% of People (7/11) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 14/02/05 |
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Strengths: Very Slim
Huge screen
Easy Keyboard
Weaknesses: Price
Price
and Price
Summary: First of all, I was extremely disappointed when Comp-U-Plus shipped my phone. It is a German phone, with a European charger type, but without US adapter.
So after running out to find an adapter, I was finally able to charge and use my new V3 razor.
First, it is easy to insert the Sims, then the battery. The back lid requires to be a bit handy but it goes well.
The signal is not as strong as my Nokia 6610, but I still can use it at Home.
The Screen, so big and bright is a key features of the V3. The other good part is the keyboard, so easy to type on.
All the features offered on this phone are otherwise usual on a high end phone.
The menu is not as intuitive as Nokia's, but it is still easy to handle.
The camera is easy to use, but I never had a camera phone earlier so I cannot compare. I made a lovely picture quickly and set it as wallpaper in seconds.
I have not yet explored the ringtone edition capacities,
63% of People (27/43) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 29/06/05 |
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Strengths: Thin, but wider than normal, thus making a larger screen.
Weaknesses: Uses a different charger than the past Motorola phones I have had, thus rendering my other chargers obsolete.
Summary: Thin, but wider than normal, thus making a larger screen. Just recently insurable through Cingular's insurer. Took a bit of getting used to the width, but now I like it. Just became cheaper in the last month or so. Uses a different charger than the past Motorola phones I have had, thus rendering my other chargers obsolete. I had gotten only Motorola phones in the past to use my existing chargers when traveling or at the office. Hopefully cheaper versions of the charger will become available soon.
61% of People (11/18) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/06/05 |
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Strengths: Sexy design, light weight, long battery life
Weaknesses: scratches easily, horribly expensive, can't charge via usb when battery dies
Summary: At the time I purchased it, this was Morotola's most expensive phone. When I saw it, I knew I had to get it. The design was sleek and stunning. The metal, blue-led light up keypad is amazing and has a good tactile response. The color display is vibrant and sharp.
My only 2 complaints is that the phone is super-pricey ($400! though you can get it cheaper with signing your life away for 2 years), and that when the battery dies completely, you can't charge it via a usb cable (you have to plug the ac adapter in).
60% of People (15/25) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 25/08/05 |
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Strengths: Great thin/sleek design (not a bulky phone at all) with all the good quality features of other popular Motorola phones.
Weaknesses: Not necessarily a weekness but a little hard to maintain screen & outer window clean.
Summary: This is my third Motorola phone and the one cool phone I've been waiting for. This one is truly a keeper! I don't think I'll be finding it's equal any time soon nor am I interested. This phone is the complete package, fully functional, feature packed & head turning Super Cool!! If you've been looking for that special phone mate and can overlook the price tag, then this is the phone for you as well!
59% of People (13/22) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 07/02/06 |
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Strengths: Compact, bright screen, USB port
Weaknesses: No Card clot and eReader
Summary: 2006-12-04 12:20:19 Its a compact lightweight and techie toy. Camera is very good, if you use the USB port with Motorola's Phone Tools software, managing the phone through PC becomes a breeze. I alreday uploaded my own videos, MP3 files. It has become an eye (and ear) catcher. I can very easily create my own ringtones from MP3 files, which was a big pain with my Sony-Ericsson, and even Nokia.
I wish it had eBook, I could read books on it during commute and won't need a bulky PDA.
Well, I went camping once and keypad stopped responding in the middle of night. T-Mobile replaced it, but charged me $10 for shipping.
Battery life is good, but then it doesn't give warning long enough, dies pretty fast.
53% of People (8/15) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 28/08/05 |
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Strengths: No "item catching" antenna, slim unit, good tech built-in
Weaknesses: High Price compared to other phones, touchee keys on the side of phone and average battery life
Summary: For a phone that is bluetooth, slim, speaker phone, camera, this one is the best that I find compared to others for Cingular.
I noticed that when the battery goes to 2 bars from 3, you should think about recharging. For me it's about 2-3 days depending on the usage still. Also not to touch the settings key on the side, it gets touched by accident quite often when I bump into things.
I think one website has the SAR rating at 0.62 (pretty good) for radation.
The Motorola HS850 Bluetooth headset works really well with this phone.
No accessories except the phone charger is included.
53% of People (8/15) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 01/03/05 |
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Strengths: good phone.
Weaknesses: none
Summary: Its a nice phone. Works fine. Speaker is fine. I bought the unlocked one, so can be used with cingular, tmobile and at&t. very slim design. easy to slip in pockets.
52% of People (13/25) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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| Date Reviewed: 29/05/05 |
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Strengths: Bluetooth, flip, size
Weaknesses: price
Summary: This is the best cellular phone I have ever used. The integrated Bluetooth is incredible for syncing and headsets.
The metal case is incredible. The cosmetics are also excellent. Highly Recommended!!!!!
52% of People (11/21) found this review helpful. Was this review helpful or unhelpful for you?
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