Motorola's ultrathin V3 cameraphone

It won't be officially announced until tomorrow, but we're very impressed that Motorola was able to  keep their new razorthin V3 cameraphone a secret for this long, since this is one of those phones that you just can't help blabbing about. It's a mere 14mm thick, with a casing made mostly of titanium and pretty much everything else you hope for in a handset this thin, like a built-in digital camera, Bluetooth, a 4,096 color external LCD, and a 262,000 color main LCD. Due out in September with an expected price somewhere around $700.

[Thanks, Rob]

[Hashim @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

g-g-gorgeous. But the price tag is way too hefty.

[Justin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

It's a 2.2" QVGA screen! (240x320) according to that Mobile-Review.com review that they took down till tomorrow.

[J.B. Zimmerman @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

...that Apple and Moto are talking about. I guess from the release date and the 'early 2005' for the iTunes integration it's more likely a predecessor, but this begs the question - if this is the 't3h sexah' phone from Moto, how much storage does it have? I mean, if I'm gonna use my phone as an MP3 player (and I do, I have a Kyocera 7135) I want at least 256MB on that puppy. The Kyo has an SD card slot which I use for that, but the Moto looks too thin...so either the AppleMotoFone will be chunkier, or they have some other deviltry up their sleeves. Heh.

[Chris @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Finally Motorola has done away with that stubby little antenna. On the other hand, I'm going to need a new excuse as to why I need a new phone.

[Bryan Philips @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Um I don't know why some people keep saying this phone has a Ti casing. Its Anodized Aluminum. Not that I'm an expert in that field but I'm pretty sure its a different metal.

As long as this baby works with iSync I'm soooooo getting one. :D

[stuart chaliner @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

wow what a phone ..... non of the firms in england say they can obtain the phone for at least 6 months ..... why are we always last

[Gavin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Stuart Chaliner- wot u chatting about? if u mean the england in UK, then the phone's out in september... www.carphonewarehouse.com/v3/

[rob @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Expect to see it v soon!

[RW-1 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Just got a V600, of course then I see this ... :( Bu hey, in the time I decide to upgrade, the $$$ will come down.

[Zeo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

According to some sites i have seen, i have drawn the conclusion that it doesn't have a 240*320 res. but just 176*220.However, that is nice enough.

[RBenros @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Damm dammm damm... Nice phone Moto!!! Now I have to come up with a new excuse to get one!
Any1 knows when this baby is coming out??

[TJ @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

...until September I want one now.

[Jared @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Well, I just got a moto v60t color, and really like it. Man, this razr puts my phone to shame! I really want one, but have to agree with previous posts...a bit pricey. I think I'll be waiting...Very cool, though. Nice job Motorola.

[mark @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

oh man, this phone makes me bleed lust. Kudos,Moto! I want one...no,three!!!!! It better isync!!!

[Sarah @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

the MOST gorgeous phone! n seems to have great features, but the inevitable question?? WHICH NETWORKS WILL IT BE AVAILABLE ON?????...better not be ONLY VODAFONE like the samsung e710!

[Sarah @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

the MOST gorgeous phone! n seems to have great features, but the inevitable question?? WHICH NETWORKS WILL IT BE AVAILABLE ON?????...better not be ONLY VODAFONE like the samsung e710!

[Dave Swan @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

I think 5mb for such a multimedia oriented phone like that is waaay not enough. The SE K700i - 41 mb of memory. 5mb is outrageously low.

[Steve @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

The absolutely most beautiful combination of aluminum and (I heard glass covering the exterior LCD) that I have ever laid eyes on. I think Mark said it best when he said it makes me BLEED LUST. But Im also green with jealousy that Verizon probably won't ever see one. Or like ten years down the road it will get some crappy less than desirable cheap imitation. But hey at least my calls never drop (UNTIL I STEP THROUGH MY GOSHDAMN FRONT DOOR) it works fine 700 miles away in another state but not in my own freakin house. Does anyone know if there are plans for a CDMA version for use on 1900mHz PCS or 800mHz CDMA networks like VERIZON and Sprint?

[pixados @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Great design but how user-friendly is the menu-structure of this phone? Can it compete with the easy to use Nokia's?

[Wavey D @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

I placed my order for a V3 on Friday. I just had to have one, otherwise I would need some costly treatment for impending insanity.The V3 is sooo sexy!
It would appear from the spec' that it is simply an upgraded V600 in an Aircraft Aluminium and Magnisium plated casing, but who cares! and have you seen the metal case it comes in?
If you want more functions, then wait until later in the year when the Motorola Triplets will be upgraded to have video record facilities added.
If lifestyle just came down to price then I wouldn't own two pair's of Titanium Oakleys! would I ?
I just can't wait until release, which is now resheduled for the week of 1st October in the UK on the O2 Network.(If Motorola have debugged the software in time.)
until then I will just have to lust over the photo's of it that I have on my hard drive.

[BladeRunner @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Wavey D....My sentiments exactly. I just placed my order for V3....It's just too damn cool. I also own Oakleys. Motorola is finally starting to compete against the ultra cool Docomo phones.

[Bingo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Have mine in Canada...in general - super nice to use and attracts a lot of attention.

Ok - so iSync 1.5 recognised it right away (but posted the wrong image for it). Was able to sync the calendar fine but because the phone book is amateurish and stunningly light on the detail it pickls up - it misses the mark as a full service device...unless I am doing something so wrong with this one vs the many others i have working on it - but i doubt it - so here is the issue:

Instead of getting a single contact file (like a v-card) for each individual with all relevant contact info (numbers, email, address etc) within it ... you get multiple listings for each individual - you scroll FOREVER with a line entry for each contact field. EG. click on the first entry called: Bob Smith, and you will get you his office phone, close and scroll to another entry called: Bob Smith then click and there is his cell etc. They only way you know the difference is a little icon points you. Oh, and when you are dialing - all you see in the header is Bob Smith...not Bob Smith - Mobile. Unbelievable!

More importantly, the only info you can pull over from your MAC address book are: phone numbers, fax numbers and email addresses. Yep that is it. No addresses, no notes, no webpage addresses, nor Title or Company name of the individual.

Wow - even $25 entry level devices have figured this out. What were they thinking!!!

[paulo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

I just got mine in the u.k. last week. It is a bit lacking in functionality. No iSync compatibility ( apparently it's limitedly possible through USB ) No video capture, limited memory. But it is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS & the camera ( which I use a lot I'm a designer ) is really good with lots of functions & controllability. The main display is great too & handles MP4 really well, memory allowing. All in all style over content here, it gets more attention than a basket of puppies !. I won't be using the address book as my mini i-pod handles the sync better but I will be posing about with it that's for sure

[paulo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

I just got mine in the u.k. last week. It is a bit lacking in functionality. No iSync compatibility ( apparently it's limitedly possible through USB ) No video capture, limited memory. But it is ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS & the camera ( which I use a lot I'm a designer ) is really good with lots of functions & controllability. The main display is great too & handles MP4 really well, memory allowing. All in all style over content here, it gets more attention than a basket of puppies !. I won't be using the address book as my mini i-pod handles the sync better but I will be posing about with it that's for sure

[robbo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Ok I got my phone a few days ago, looks nice but connectivity of the thing is pants - if anyone can give me some tips on how to sync my address book and calender i be very grateful, at the moment i can't even get Isync 1.5 to even find my v3.

In my opinion, a phone needs function and at the moment this one has fallen flat on its arse.

[Gregoire de Streel @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

robbo, there is a way to synchronize the V3 with iSync. Just plug the USB cable in your Mac (and the phone). Launch iSync, chose File>Add Device and that's it. I tried with Bluetooth, it didn't work.

Now, if someone can help me to find a trick not to display both the SIM card entries and the address book entries on the phone that would be cool.

[Michael @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Picked up the V3 in Hong Kong. HK$5900. Like it all except that the phone book apparently doesn't allow for a single name with multiple numbers within the same file as it seems that you need to enter separate entries for each number of a person. Need to understand if I'm missing something in setting the phone book up or has Motorola screwed up?

[Sherri Cruz @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

I imported mine from Hong Kong and overall love it. However, the memory capacity is a bit low for such a high-priced phone. Works great with T-Mobile, though it takes a little time to configure the browser to T-Zones.

[Justin @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

To get rid of the mutiple addresses use the tools that Motorola gave you with the phone. You can sync the phone to your computer using it which will copy over all of your SIM data. One that is done, arrange the contacts the way you prefer and then sync it back making sure your computer has preference over the phone. NOW...the tricky part, create a new profile, the default is contacts, name this one what ever you want. Leave all the fields blank, don't sync it with your phone at all yet. Make sure that when you go into the preferences that you are ONLY doing a SIM sync, with the computer as the boss. The phone will take the contents of the computers (SIM) folder and erase ALL of your SIM contacts on the phone just leaving you with the phone contacts on the phone and a back up on your computer. YEAH!

[Eric Choi @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

What phone networks does this phone work with? I saw T-mobile... are there any others?

[Mark @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Mine should be arriving via Fedex in a matter of minutes. Cingular offers it in the US for $600 w/no contract, $550 w/1-yr contract, or $500 w/2-year contract.

iSync will probably not work with the V3 yet... certainly not over Bluetooth. However, there is sync software that should work. Check out OnSync. You can get it at www.macupdate.com or here:

http://homepage.mac.com/antonioferraioli/

That should work until Apple comes around.

[juetenglord @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

hey guys, where in hong kong did you buy this phone? i'll be there by next week and i'm planning to get one.. i know there are lots of cell phone shops in HK, just want to make sure i get a good dealer with a good price...

[Motorola RAZR V3 @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

You can find it much cheaper than $600 if you just look around on the web. By the way, those ads online and on ebay claiming a Razr for $40 are scams. Just in case someone thought about it.

[Anton Marcelline @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Bingo <-- When you export your vCards from Apple's Address Book application are you using the "Export vCard" option in the "File" menu. Or are you highlighting a bunch of contacts and dragging and dropping them to the desktop. When I have used either of these two methods it compiles all the contacts into one single vCard file. To avoid this I individually drag and drop the vCards to a folder I created on the desktop. Then after that you could transfer the contacts via the "Bluetooth File Exchange" utility located in your "Utilities" folder. Its not as glamorous as using iSync but should get the job done. Lets hope Apple update iSync soon to support more mobile phones.

[Barry @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Mac OS X compatible!

1. Use the mini usb to charge & sync address book, emails & faxes (via iSync).
2. Use bluetooth as wireless modem, import export pictures & sound files.

I have tried all of the above and it works flawlessly, there maybe other file types you can import or features I haven't yet discovered.

[sahib @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

hi thnx fo r the rip bout the 40$ scams i was thinking bout it now i'm not fallin for it...thnx again

[Britt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Okay, I'll be the first to admit I'm not that tech savvy, and I'm really embarassed to ask this question. Just bought the V3, and I have no clue how to sync it. I don't have a Mac, and my PDA is windows based. Can I sync this phone to anything at all? Outlook? And is it better to save info to the SIM card or the phone? I don't really understand SIM either. Sorry for my lack of knowledge. Any help is greatly appreciated!

[Jo @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Hi there,
What version of OSX are you using? I'm on 10.2.8 and the bluetooth link isn't working - it finds the device but then can't "find the folder" when I try to use file exchange. Also no luck with isync. osync works fine, but I can't get my photos or messages out. Any thoughts anyone?

[dominator @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Anyone know how to get this in Canada? My contract is about to expire and it's time for me to change a new phone.

[Bob Arasmith @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Mac iSync works for me.
I read that when other have used iSync with the V3 they got multiple entries per person making scrolling problematic. When I first hooked up phone and ran iSync I thought I observed the same issue. But it was that same time I realized that 90% of the people in my address book I didn't need on my phone. I created a folder in my address book on the Mac and put the 40 or so people I wanted on the phone in it. I then told iSync to overwrite the phone and use this folder. The result was perfect. I have one entry per person and if you press the left and right arrows you move between the presons different phones. I don't know if I just didn't look close enough on the original import or if putting contacts in a folder made the difference.

[emmy @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

hey can anyone help me
i don't have bluetooth in my mac, is there anyway to get your pics and sound files using the usb cable only?

[VMARDIAN @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

The problem with multiple entries per name has to do with the setup of your phone, not iSync. What you want to do is enter Phonebook setup by pressing the *middle* button above the navigation pad. Once inside, scroll down to Setup then select "Sort by: Name" and "View: Primary Contacts".

[Tobias Feldt @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Hey there - thinking about buying the V3, since I am sick and tired of my K700i - anyway I�m a bit worried about the compatability of the MAC and V3. Any experiences with isync - features in phonebook (i.e. SMS, calling and receiving calls) via bluetooth on the MAC ? Would appriciate any comments!

[chris @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

hi guys

is there also a way to transfer pictures from a v3 to my mac via bluetooth or cable??? -->thx4help

[Rich @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Same problems as those other mac users - no bluetooth...can't believe this thing won't work with Mac. The software I got with it is called Phone Tools, made by BVRP and only seems to be windows based. I've seen it run on a mate's PC and presumed when I bought the phone it would be mac compatible...Doh!

Anyone find out yet how to exchange files via usb?

Is this really going to require that I buy Tiger?

[dermot kelly @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

Yip, I'm also a Mac head ( PowerBook G4, OS X 3.9, iSync 1.5 ) who has a Sony Ericsson K700i but wants to switch to a V3. The syncing on the K700i is already problematic for me so I'm wondering if I'm crazy to think it might be easier with the V3. And is the V3 really worth it?! I can see the whole beauty thing, but how is it to actually use in the real world? Does it break easily, as I've read elsewhere? Does the keypad dent or mark the scren, as I've read? Is the keypad awkward to text with??

I'd really appreciate some feedback on this!

[Scott @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

I just purchased this phone and the phone itself is nice to say the least, however I found out after buying it that to actually transfer my contacts to it (BASIC functionality) requires another $30 software download. I don't appreciate Motorola nickel and diming their customers and will be returning the phone...Yes it's only $30, however this functionality should be standard as part of buying the phone, it's not like people don't need their contacts on their cell, that's kind of the point.

Anywho, slick looking and works fine, but Motorola's nickel and diming practices are causing me to leave their client base for good.

[Mike @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

First time I tried to using iSync on my G3 (10.2.8) it worked just fine for phone numbers, but how the heck do you access the images??? Do I have to get Bluetooth for the Mac to make this happen?

[Ben @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

I have a PowerBook G4 and was running on Panther, and finding it very difficult to sync up with my V3. In the end I gave up.
When Tiger came out I pounced on it for all the features that it would give me, and a few days after installing it I tries out iSync again with my V3. It worked a treat and even displays a picture of a V3 right next to that of my iPod for iSync-ing.
I would obviously not recoomend forking out for a new OS just to sync up a phone, but when it comes with so many added features for your Mac it should just be another reason to add to your list of why you are considering upgrading to Tiger.

[Roland @ Dec 19th 2005 12:03AM]

I just bought a Razr V3, and cannot figure out how to instruct the phone to save the addresses to my choice of SIM or phone (as you can do on a Nokia). Does anyone know how to do that? I have all my phone numbers on the SIM (because I copied them there from my old Nokia), and if I copy them from the SIM to the phone I get double listings of everyone - and worse than that I don't know which one to delete or change, because I cannot tell which entry is the SIM entry and which is the phone entry. I love the Razr, but this little angle seems to be one that Motorola hasn't done well (or at least hasn't documented well).