Hands-on with Motorola's RAZR V3 for Cingular
posted Dec 6th 2004 2:23PM
Ok, so I couldn't resist it anymore and broke down and bought Motorola's new RAZR V3 superskinny cellphone. Click to see a mess of pics and some initial impressions.
DesignWithout question, the biggest draw of the RAZR V3 is the looks, and in those incessant Cingular ads the RAZR slices and dices away, as if it really were razorsharp when it's unfolded. What you don't see in the ads is that the phone is a bit wide. Not obnoxiously wide, thankfully, but wider than my last two cellphones, the Motorola T720 and a Nokia 8290. I found that it's still easy to hold even while talking for 30 minutes, and there's no external antenna marring the RAZR V3's shapey looks.
Motorola made the casing out magnesium and aluminum to keep the RAZR at a scant 3.3 ounces. The phone has a solid feel, with no creaking or cheap plastic feeling during normal use. It is easy to flip open or close with one hand, I prefer to open it up with my middle finger of my left hand as it is less stress than bending my thumb in an odd way to open the phone. One-handed operation is important to me, as I often do several things at once and try to be as efficient as possible.
I left the phone out in the living room and it got quite cold rather fast, no doubt due to its aluminum housing. There have been reports of the phone getting pretty hot sitting out in the sun as well, but as this isn't sunny season right now in Seattle, I have yet to find that out first-hand, and probably won't until sometime in the middle of next year.
The mini-USB port also jets out just a bit on the back of the phone, ruining the smooth design in the back. I'm surprised they didn't position the port just up a bit and further down, as that would have made the design on the back more symmetrical.
PackagingWhile Cingular might be offering Motorola's RAZR V3 for $500 (with two-year contract), they do skimp a little bit with what they include in the box. Regular retail versions of the RAZR V 3 include extras like a nice aluminum case, a Motorola PhoneTools CD, a USB sync cable, and 3 Java games. What Cingular does offer, though, is just about the cheapest price you'll find on the slickest-looking new cellphone available this holiday season. They do lock the quad-band (GSM/GRPS 850/900/1800/1900 MHz) to Cingular service only, but there are stores that provide unlocking service or if you are so inclined, you can probably hack it yourself. Unlocked RAZR V3s are going for around $650 on eBay.
The packaging is very weak and is boxed like any other Cingular phone, there's no wow factor at all to give the user of what they are getting. There's not even a side shot of the phone on the box showing the RAZR slimness. I usually keep product boxes and I'll probably keep this one, but the box is just flat-out plain and boring.
Screens
The main screen is absolutely gorgeous, a 176x220 pixel TFT LCD screen with 262k colors. It's a beauty and
there's three skins included to choose from (Moto, Scarlet, and Silver) of which I'm partial to Silver. It's the most
'business' like color and isn't overly colorful like the others. The front cover LCD looks good and also doubles
as the self-portrait LCD (no look at the silver reflection here) after you turn on the camera and close the lid.
Look, there's Yoda, my Yorkshire Terrier, posing for my wallpaper.
Startup
The startup time is quite lengthy, I timed 32 seconds from when I pressed On to when I got to my default page with my
custom wallpaper. That seems unnecessarily long, so I'll just turn the ringer off where cellphones aren't welcome
rather than turn it off.
Keypad and Buttons
The keypad buttons have a tactile feel to them, I've found them to have a slight sticky feel to them even after
cleaning. While the buttons are flat and do not stick up from the keypad, you can push them in and get a good
responsive feel. I found the buttons on the top lid (on the side of the phone) to be a bit of a reach, as you have to
move your thumb quite a bit to press those buttons on the left. The top left button on the lid is for Voice Records,
the button below that is for Volume (up and down). The button on the right of the LCD is for Voice Name dialing,
which is in an easy position to press. Since the keypad lights up blue, it's easy to dial and use the phone at night
or in the dark.
When you flip open the phone, the Camera and AOL Instant Messenger are default options which are prominently
displayed and selectable by two of the three top buttons. The usual navigational icons (up, down, left, right
functions) are hidden by default, but if you press any of them, the selected option will appear. All of the default
menu options can be changed in the Personalize section of the phone.
Cingular Branding
I find the Cingular branding to be obnoxious. There's the cingular logo (at least it's in white and not over the top)
on the back of the phone, and when the phone is in use, the bright orange Cingular logo shows up on the top cover LCD
until you close the phone. It's one thing to have the LCD display the cellular network you are on, but the orange
logo turns you into an easily seen walking billboard for them. I'd definitely be interested in learning how to hack
the phone to remove or change this picture.
Digital Camera
The RAZR V3 can take VGA resolution pictures, at 640x480 resolution. There is a 4x zoom, but it's digital and as
digital zooms go, it's pretty awful. The pictures it takes are of a okay quality, but the camera is definitely not
this phone's strong suit. It's there and it works, but in the age of cheap multi-megapixel cameras, the RAZR's
onboard camera isn't that impressive. When considering that Nokia has quality 1.3 megapixel cellphone cams, it's yet
another knock on this phone's camera. Here's some images (resized) taken with the RAZR's camera:
Call Quality
Call quality was superb, very clear, especially for not having an external antenna. It's definitely the best call
quality that I have personally experienced on any cellphone, and the friends I called commented I sounded fine. One
in particular said that he couldn't tell I was calling from a cellphone, whereas before he had always complained when
I called on a cell that I sounded like I had just drank a fifth of vodka because of the raspiness in my voice from
bad cellphone voice quality.
I do have to note, however, that while the earpiece is very clear while talking, if you move your ear a bit and cover up the small speaker hole, it becomes very muddled and hard to hear. So you don't want to be jostling too much while talking, or you could miss some important details.
Ringer
I left the ringer to both ring and vibrate when I get a call, and in my pants pocket, the speaker is loud enough that
I notice and the vibrate buzzed me enough, much better than my previous phones. I do like the fact that I can set any
MP3 as my ringer, but I haven't decided what I want yet, though, perhaps some Britney Spears will do.
Memory
Built-in storage is only 6MB, and to top it off, there's no memory card slot at all. So while the RAZR can play
MPEG-4 videos, MP3s, and view JPGs, you're not going to be able to store many of the space hogging videos or MP3
files on the phone. This is a glaring omission, and with some Nokias having 96MB onboard, with even more possible
with a memory card, 6MB is just flat-out pathetic.
Battery
The RAZR V3 battery is rated for 7 hours talk time and 10 days of standby, during my testing (talking quite a bit,
taking many pictures, Bluetooth file transfers, and playing around with menus) I found that the battery lasted about
a day and a half, which is quite a bit, as this would translate to three days with my usual phone usage. I'm
satisfied with the battery life, you can't expect too much out of 680mAh battery. The back cover is a bit awkward to
take off and put on, I still can't do it smoothly. Removing the battery cover will need a fingernail, it's a tight
fit to push in the cover release button.
WAP/Internet
The WAP and Internet experience on this phone is passable, I'm not one for much WAP use at all, I just can't stand
typing without a keyboard of some sort. Since my Cingular plan is not at all geared towards data usage, I did not try
to pair it up and use it as a Bluetooth data modem, which I'm not sure is even possible with this phone.
Bluetooth
I was able to successfully connect via Bluetooth to my Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop, a Dell Axim X30 Pocket PC, and a
Motorola HS810 Bluetooth headset after some initial difficulty. I still think it should be easier (I spent quite a
while getting them all to talk to each other), and the Motorola manual was pretty lacking when it came to Bluetooth
instructions. For the record, the default passkey for the RAZR V3 is 0000 (are all Bluetooth passkeys set to 0000 as
default?), which I couldn't find anywhere in the manual. That is, I set the passkeys to 0000 on every device and it
worked in my case. Bluetooth connectivity definitely should be easier to use.
Using Pocket Informer 5 on my Axim X30, I am able to send a number from my contacts list to be automatically dialed on the RAZR. Pretty neat and useful, however, due to the phone's limitation, I was not able to use my Motorola HS810 Bluetooth headset if I wanted to use the Axim X30 to dial. I believe it's the phone can only have one Bluetooth connection at a time, since I successfully used Bluetooth with two devices simultaneously on my laptop, sending a file from the RAZR to my laptop while syncing my Axim X30 at the same time.
Gripes
Yes, even this chic phone isn't flawless. The front cover does not sit flush with the bottom of the phone. I'm not
sure if it's just my phone, but when closed, the cover sticks up about 1 or 2mm and isn't smooth when running your
fingers up and down. When I push the cover down as much as I can, the cover will sit flush, so it may just be my
particular phone (I have yet to see the phone in person at a Cingular store). There also seems like there are some
imprints on the LCD screen of the keypad graphics. I don't think the LCD has been scratched at all, but it is
something to watch out for in the long run.
Ideally, I'd like the top cover LCD to always be on so that a thumbnail of my wallpaper and the time would always be bright, but I couldn't find anything in the options menus to do so. It would also probably be a battery drain, but it'd be nice if I could choose to have that. As it is now, the
LCD backlight turns off 10 seconds after the lid is closed. After the cover is closed, the top LCD shows the current time and wallpaper. But without the backlight on, it's rather hard to see the top LCD without some light shining on it. In a completely dark room, there's no way to see the time without flipping the cover open. As I use my phone quite a bit to check the time (no watches for me), I would like to easily see the time without having to fumble with it.
Also, the center Select button, in the middle of the directional arrows, is a bit hard to use, as the circle button is quite small. Using a thumb to control the navigational buttons as most would do, I found myself to accidentally press down or left instead of the center Select button. Fortunately, in almost all menus, you can choose to use the bigger top right button which is also the Select button. You could use your thumbnail to use the circular Select button, but then you may scratch the keys, which I've read can happen. And that'll be one sad day if you scratch up this beauty at all.
Conclusion
Overall, I like this phone a lot. Yes, I'm a sucker for good design, but the phone functions as it should and its
features work as advertised. Did I mention the phone looks cool? Do I even have to mention that? Motorola has a
winner here and I'm sure that more designer fashion phones are headed our way since this phone will be a success. The
only real critical aspect missing in the RAZR V3 is the lack of a memory card slot, or perhaps more onboard memory.
The average fashion phone buyer may not care about memory and only about looks, but the fact is there are power users
that like nice-looking phones as well, and many will be put off by the lack of memory.
The phone is definitely pricy and it isn't for everyone, so one should definitely try to scope it out in person before purchasing. I do think it's a bit overpriced, maybe by $100 or so, but you often do have to pay a bit more to have the absolute latest gadget as you well know.
Dan Wu's personal reviews and commentaries can be read on his personal site, http://www.wooba.com.
If it isn't in Paris Hilton's hands, then what use is it for me?
I, too, broke down and bought this phone. Every time I passed it at any store, whether it be the real working phone or just a mockup, I was drawn to it.
I agree with your entire review, though my fingers must be a bit smaller than yours as I don't have a problem hitting the Select button but do have to strain to open the phone with one hand.
One thing to note is the Speakerphone feature. It's absolutely excellent. My friends can't tell I'm using it and the loud speaker is crystal clear. It also took a bit of testing, but you can even close the lid while using the speakerphone, making it very convenient.
As for the issue of seeing the clock while the phone is closed - that bugged me for a bit as well until I realized that hitting the small side button (lower button on the left side of the phone) turns on the backlight for 10 seconds. This makes it much more convenient when it comes to seeing missed calls, messages, and the time.
Overall, this was an excellent review of an awesome phone. Thanks for taking the time to put it together!
i used my uncle's phone this weekend and the phone is like the v600 with better lcd, and body ofcourse. Other then that the fetures are PRETTY limited! i rather get a mpx220, which has lot more usabliity then this one! hell i was more happy with my mpx200 for that matter. Also dont be fooled by the slim design as the width of it compensates, it's too big and looks like a tampon when u open it up!
Awesome, nice to see a review on this thing. I'm not too much of a Motorola fan (I'm keen on Sony Ericsson), so I was interested in seeing how this top-of-the-line model panned out.
Could you do us Mac OS X users a favor? See if you can sync it up with the USB cable on a OS X system and sync the address book, etc. Apple doesn't support Motorola phones over Bluetooth (a big reason I don't like Motorola phones, but not the only one), but see if it pairs over Bluetooth as well. I have a friend interested in this phone and he's on a Mac. Thanks!
Yeah, I broke down too.
It's stunningly beautiful, but I do have a couple of gripes:
The address book is crap. By default it shows every number for every person separately, which really clutters things up a bit. You can switch that to the primary number only, but the address book is still very limited when compared to other phones that cost this much.
Also, you can sync with iSync over bluetooth. You *can* if you use a USB cable, which is what I'm doing now, but it's a pain.
Beyond that, I have no complaints. It plays great games, too. Cingular's collection's really weak, but you can buy some spectacular ones directly from Gameloft (gameloft.com) and have 'em SMSed to your phone.
Sorry, that should be you *can't* sync over bluetooth (I typoed can by accident). And yes, you can pair it with a mac. I sent over plenty of files and you can even browse it via bluetooth (which rocks).
Nokia smartphones (e.g. 3230) > RAZR V3
One word; Smartphones.
i'm quiet happy with my new v551... it isn't wide, and actually has an antenna on it so my reception is pretty good. and yes an antenna does matter, my sony ericsson phone had horrible reception because it had no antenna on it.
Your next purchase should be tripod, Shakey.
Stay away from Motorola phones! Their quality is horrible, the menus are non-intuitive and they use iTap instead of T9.
How do I know this, I worked last summer at a cell phone store.
Choose GSM, choose Nokia, choose Sony Ericsson and choose anything that comes out of Japan; but don't choose Motorola.
Motorola huh! I've been using the V60 for many years now and I have one thing to say for their phones. Don't buy any of their models until the third generation. It seems they get around to making a good model about 2 years after the first one is released.
Nice review, cool seeing it next to the iPod mini. I posted pictures of mine next to my iPod photo and Motorola Timeport (StarTAC) as further size comparison for those interested:
http://carbon.ambitiouslemon.com/
Nice review. A few comments. You can activate the outside
LCD by hitting any of the buttons on the outside of the case
also. As far as the bluetooth key, it can be ANY four numbers
as long as both sides input the same 4 numbers. So the only
time its really an issue is with things with no input capability
and in that case its usually 0000.
One other thing they did change from other V series phones is that
the smart key on the edges are now on the top flip not the
bottom half which makes them somewhat harder to use.
I have used the RAZR as a bluetooth modem with my powerbook
and it worked fine btw. Others have reported success with Windows
either using bluetooth or over a USB cable.
For all the Mac OS X users: Syncing does work for the Razor. I synced it with iSync over the USB cable and it worked quite smoothly. iSync detected the phone right away. I dont know why Apple does not list the Razor yet on their website as compatible.
Other than that I also find the phone as the most amazing one in terms of design on the market. Once used to the keypad it works great.
Another thing to add: I cannot believe that Cingular has this ugly packaging. The original metal packaging is so nice. They should have kept that. Really a pity.
OS X user guide:
You can use iSync via USB cable (such as a digital camera one or the acutal motorola data cable) as stated
You can use Bluetooth File Exchange to transfer photos, audio, and video to and from the V3
You can use ThinAir to install Java apps/games to your V3 over bluetooth
BluePhoneElite is also a good program to check out for some limited SMS and proximity scripting options w/ OS X and the V3... though support is limited right now.
Links:
ThinAir (download) http://www.diggory.net/grazing/ThinAir.zip
BluePhoneElite http://www.reelintelligence.com/BluePhoneElite/
Nice review ... total agreement about the style - the V3 is only a let down if your desire for substance is a tad more than the ordinary or (and i'm prepared to believe i was unlucky) if you want a working phone.
My 72 hours with a V3 (and why it went back to the shop) are reported here:
http://dotdot.thezpace.com/home/zview/view/329
Oh and the s700 won.
Sorry, but from what I just read that phone is a complete ripoff. It's not that good looking... :(
neh not really. It's a beautiful fone. But it's overpriced.
Has anyone found a way to change the quad-menu? As in what comes up for the circular menu button- Phonebook, messaging, AIM and Media? I dont want AIM on it at all- would rather have the games icon and alarms. Any idea how to do this?
Thanks.
August: It's under Settings/Personalize/Home Screen/Home Keys to change the Quad Menu
Thanks for the tips regarding the side buttons everyone! :)
Just a note for everyone, the Cingular version of V3 has only 6,400 color (interal LCD)while as the oversea version is 26K color. It's printed on the Cingular V3 box. =D
well it makes a change when its not the UK thats getting screwed on electronics - i got this phone for 70 on a 30 a month contract and it came with all the accessories/metal case. while i would agree that previous motorola phones have been crap (i bought the v70 for its looks and hated it) this is a good phone and easily rivals nokia for ease of use
8MB RAM? Blurry VGA camera? Give me a break. This phone is overpriced p.o.s.
I always thought that as time goes by we would be shifting to smaller and more compact gadgets for some reason phones have been going back up in size, whats the deal with that?
It is a beautiful phone, but WAY overpriced. I have to agree that for that price, 8MB of RAM and a blurry VGA camera is nothing short of idiotic. Add in a memory card slot of some sort, bump up the resolution of the camera, add a flash (if it doesn't have one already), add in MS's Smartphone OS, and drop the price by about $200, then you'll have something.
This thing isn't even a smartphone and they're charging $700? Gimme a break.
I got one of these free from the Motorola launch press event. I just gave it away. I use a SonyEricsson P900 so the Razr is seriously underpowered for me. The lack of Bluetooth synching for Macs was a problem, too.
It does look great, though. I havent had so much fuss over a phone since the Startac.
BTW, on contract in the UK (1 year) you can pick one up for 50. I guess cell phones is the one market where we are cheaper than the US, even with the weak dollar.
It is disappointing that the V3 _STILL_ does not support Bluetooth syncing with a Mac. This problem has been known about for ages (it affects all previous Motorola models). It is why I (and I suspect _many_ other Mac users) predominantly choose Sony-Ericsson (they have the best Mac support by far).
The general consensus is that it is Motorola's awful Bluetooth implementation that is at fault. Apple _could_ build in to iSync a special driver for just Motorola phones but really Motorola need to get their head out of their arse and FIX IT.
What is particularly ironic is that Apple and Motorola have announced a deal to link iTunes with (a future) Motorola phone. If they don't fix the Bluetooth problem by then, then it is going to bomb big time.
Perhaps the new iSync in Mac OS X 10.4 Tiger will help.
Without iSync support (via Bluetooth) I shall not be getting a Motorola phone (not even one as gorgeous as the V3).
I have one too which I'm pretty happy with as well. Have it working on OS X as well as everybody described above. The review is quite accurate except my lid fits quite flush... it's smooth.
One thing I haven't been able to configure is AIM... MMS and WAP GPRS works fine but can someone guide me through the AIM settings? (IM server, IM port, post URL, secure login?) Can this be used with MSN as well or is it AOL only? Can it be used as a iChat account sincee it's AIM?
For all Razr V3 owners/users!
I have found a pretty extensive list of hacks, games, apps, etc... that we can use to completely change and modifiy just about ANYTHING, minus the core OS, on the phone.
http://forums.attwireless.com/attws/board/message?board.id=motorola&message.id=33419
I have followed the instructions on quite a few of the links on that page and ...
1. Removed all of the stupid Cingular 'branding'
2. Modified and added quite a few other 'skins'
3. Found and installed some really good Java games.
Anyway, check out the link as it has a great bunch of walkthroughs and instructions.
Hey emdub, so far I have tried everything in the book to get the AIM client on the V3 to work but have failed everytime. I talked to a Cingular rep and a ATT rep and they both said they can't support that client across mMode or WAP right now. So it kinda sucks that we can't use that right now. You have to go through mMode and do the messaging that way.
And yes, your iChat account will work on AIM. So long as you created it on the AOL servers first.
Well, I have to say that I am impressed to see that so many people have already purchased the Motorola RAZR V3. I myself, work for Cingular, in one of their call centers. I have sold 4 RAZRS over the phone, the oldest purchaser being 64 years old.
I see what you guys are talking about, but in respect to the memory, where the h*ll did you expect them to fit more in, the phone is tiny!
As for most of your gripes about bluetooth....well, I am not a bluetooth user, so I can not comment on that.
As for the person who said buy Sony Ericsson, I would actually not recommend them. My first phone choice would be Nokia, second - Motorola, third - Samsung. Sony Ericssons have caused me and my friends grief. I am a Nokia user now - Nokia 6820(yeah I know it is bluetooth compatible, I just don't use it!) I thoroughly enjoy my 6820...
Plus you can't complain with Cingulars coverage....they haven't got the new maps up on their website yet, which is rather disheartening for me to see. The new coverage map absolutely smokes the one they currently have on their site. Wait till you see the new one. Plus Cingular just announced that they are going to start large-scale rollout of the UMTS network(for you cell phone nerds out there that means 3x faster data transmission then EDGE, which is 3x faster then standard GSM. Therefore, UMTS is 9x faster then standard GSM, making UMTS the true 3G network.)
1. You CAN group multiple phone listings for the same name by using the phonebook setup:
View by picture
Sort by name
View by primary contacts.
2. The review is unclear about what is included in the Cingular box. the phone tools and mini usb are not included. It is a $49 accessory that is only recently available through Motorola. The PhoneTools V.3 for bluetooth is also now available as $79 option including the USB bluetooth adapter.
3. Although typing a text message is an acknowledged stretch on the key pad, it is doable with the benefit of the backlight on the keyboard. In a bright light situation, you better know which letters are with which key are have pretty good eyes. Otherwise you are out of luck.
I have 2 Razr V3's and am generally very pleased with the phone because of the strengths as outlined in this review.
Best phone I've ever had. Solid build(mine's flush), excellent reception, great speaker phone, unobtrusive size. Shortcuts make up for moto's poor navigation. I'm extremely pleased so far.
However, AIM is uselessly slow (email's instant) and the SimCard/Phone contact doubling is annoying. But my biggest complaint is the stupid Cingular branding. Thanks JC for the link!! Unless Cingular is going to pay me to sport their logo, its coming off.
I wanted this phone when I first saw it but after reading it lacks an SD card, Motorola can forget about a sale to me. I had hoped this would be the first phone covered under the iTunes agreement, but that is not the case. 6MB is too small a file size for a decent amount of custom ring tones. My T616 ran out of memory space with the MIDI files I had downloaded and they are a far cry from MP3/AAC audio quality. I hope for Motorola's sake that they quickly introduce a revision to this phone with an SD slot and pronto...
1. You CAN group multiple phone listings for the same name by using the phonebook setup:
View by picture
Sort by name
View by primary contacts.
2. The review is unclear about what is included in the Cingular box. the phone tools and mini usb are not included. It is a $49 accessory that is only recently available through Motorola. The PhoneTools V.3 for bluetooth is also now available as $79 option including the USB bluetooth adapter.
3. Although typing a text message is an acknowledged stretch on the key pad, it is doable with the benefit of the backlight on the keyboard. In a bright light situation, you better know which letters are with which key are have pretty good eyes. Otherwise you are out of luck.
I have 2 Razr V3's and am generally very pleased with the phone because of the strengths as outlined in this review.
I'm thinking about getting a Razr and have a question. Can you use an earbud with the phone or do you have to use a blue tooth headset.
Thanks for the great review and comments.
"I see what you guys are talking about, but in respect to the memory, where the h*ll did you expect them to fit more in, the phone is tiny!"
Who knows? That's for them to figure out. Put in a MiniSD card slot. Those are extremely small. Phones just need expandable memory, otherwise their usefulness is incredibly limited. Especially at this price, it better have it, otherwise, forget about it.
Does the Razr have IR in addition to Bluetooth?
Nope. Just Bluetooth.
FYI: you can get it for $350 at wirefly.com with a one-year Cingular contract
I am also thinking of buying a Razr V3, however I live in Brazil and am not sure the phone can be unlocked to be used here. Can anyone help me understand how this works?
If you have a GSM carrier in Brazil, and you get an unlocked Motorola RAZR V3, then the phone will work for you in Brazil.
I can't believe that people call this phone a P.O.S. They simply are outside of the perimiter of facts and truth. it is a marvel of engineering. This phone is so ahead of its time. It is ridiculously thin and light weight and does everything exactly the way it is supposed to. it is beautifully machined, has hi-rez, bluetooth and everything you should really want in a phone. There are many phones out there, so we have gotten spoiled with features. I switched from the treo 600 and I do miss e-mail. I have had MANY pnones. This phone is utterly superb. End of story.
"I see what you guys are talking about, but in respect to the memory, where the h*ll did you expect them to fit more in, the phone is tiny!"
Well, they've figure a way to fit $600 dollars into it, I don't see why they can't budge a little more for the money, ie: like an earbud or a car charger (mine: U.S. version) only came with a lousy little "pillow pouch" to clean the screen and a "usb" adapter. It is an unlock version and I got it for free w/ a 1 yr contract, so, limited complaints.
The RAZR V3 is just a repackaged V600 in a metal case. There's nothing spectacular about the inside. But I guess with that price tag people expect more.
I was going to buy this phone, but honestly for this kind of money I'd expect a better resolution on a camera (may be 1.3mb) and a slot for XD or SD card...
Why... why... why.... I just bought a motorola a630 and its the same deal.... yeah the querty is super cool... but the bluetooth support for OS X is not there. Why can Motorola use an industry compliant version of OBEX/Push/Pull on its bluetooth? Thats why mac users cant use isync. Essentially you have 300.00 wireless phones that have to be synced with a USB cable. When I called motorala to ask if there was a patch coming out... an update new firmware... nope. No dice... her answer was that they dont support the mac... and I was like "I am not asking you guys to support the mac, I just want you to create products that stict to industry guildlines so that other people can make products that support your phones without having to guess what motorolas up to every time the roll out a new phone". I am frustrated to no end.
I have had the v3 for a month now and I really like it, I have two questions though:
1. Can I sync with the Tasks module of Outlook?
2. Is there an easier way to get to a contact number than scrolling through the entire list?
Can the Razr V3 be used in Holland,Germany, and Hungery? I'm taking a river cruise in May and would sure like to call home from the boat. Any help would be much appreciated. David
Yes, the Razr V3 can be used in all European countries. Just make sure that the network region setting is either Automatic or Europe/Asia. If it's set to America it doesn't work.
Hi there i have had this phone for a few months now but was just wondering does anyone get a buzzing sound from the grill just below the keypad when the phone is on?
I'm seconding the question about headset usage. Does this phone have the means to use a wired headset, or do you have to use a bluetooth headset?
Robert....The answer is yes. You can use a wired headset with the Razor V3. Here is a link to Motorola's site where you can by the headset. http://commerce.motorola.com/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/ProductDisplay?prrfnbr=253521&prmenbr=126&accessories_cgrfnbr=22&zipcode=&phoneID=&search_string=29,238320,24,238596,26,27,240974,28,25&type=262376
I have a V600 and there is a hack to get numbers into the Motorola phones via bluetooth. It is awkward because you have to send them one at a time. The Mac Addressbook has a 'Send vcard' menu itme and yo can send a vcard to any bluetooth device. My v600 accepts them. Unfortunately I have to accept each one manually from the phone which is a pain--otherwise I'd write an Applescript to automate the whole thing. Motorola--great hardware--bonehead software and firmware implementation. Sigh. Why does only Apple get most things right most of the time?
Is there a way to set the phone to send my caller ID always? The only option I have on my phone is to set the Caller ID for "Next Call Only". Thanks.
Let's put this loud:
== THE PHONEBOOK is CRAP. ==
Be sure to read up user comments about it (and it is not mentioned in the article) because if you are used to use a phonebook a lot then it degrades the whole device to be a PITA. The "compressed list view" is no way close to a card stack that one knows from competitors.
To bring about a bit more details: The contact-search only goes by the first letter, it does not store multiple numbers/emails per name, it only has that feature to "compress" the list view by name but better not try to rename an entry (it only renames one number!), and pressing ok on a "compressed list" entry will just show you exactly one number of that person (and no hint that you better scroll down to see extra items), plus you can not enter a postal adress, webpage or anything different than an number or email - not to speak of any other perso card details like birthdays that you want to record. Even my first motorola had a freetext field but this one does not have one - abusing the email field requires you to enter a "@" somewhere in the middle. WTF.
I did not buy it last year, but the price was in a free fall for the last months - for a current price of 250-400 it is quite worth it, and for the slimness alone I can get away with its shortcomings (there are some other minor things). It does not seem as if these guys test their own products in a day job before giving it into the market - the tester is you.
Am I missing something?
When I write an SMS Text message and dont want to send it right away, most phones have a "save" function. I can't find this in my Razr. Is it missing, or am I being stupid?
You can save a message if you dont want to send it right away. It took me a while before figuring this out. The key is that you have to choose a phone number to which you want to send the message and on the next screen instead of pressing the 'send' press the menu key and choose 'save to drafts'...
Is there a way to have receipt to 'Yes' by default instead of changing that every time?
Also when I put a 'ringer ID' in a 'category' I expect that only the phone calls will ring with that sound but unfortunatly also sms from people that belong to that category will ring with the same sound. I don't like that cause I want messages to have a shorter sound and that would make it more easy to distinct if the phone is ringing cause I have a call or because I have a message.
About the external screen: The wallpaper does not cover the hole external screen (when the cover is closed) like it does the logo of the company when the cover is open.
seen the new Motorola V3 Razr cell phone? get one here for $30 http://www.GSMPhoneList.com/order.php?refemail=just_cool_stuff@hotmail.com
I got this phone one few months back and I am pretty happy with look and performance.
However I am not happy with the AddressBook. It's nowhere near Nokia AddressBook where you can have many of VCard details and they all belong to one entry.
I must be missing something but I can't send a contact VCard to another phones. Also I can't send ringtones either.
I got this phone one few months back and I am pretty happy with look and performance.
However I am not happy with the AddressBook. It's nowhere near Nokia AddressBook where you can have many of VCard details and they all belong to one entry.
I must be missing something but I can't send a contact VCard to another phones. Also I can't send ringtones either.
Well I love my V3 - which I got for nothing when changing my tariff with Orange. My plan's cheaper too. Now that's what I call good value. But...
I can't get I Sync working even with the USB cable. Would love some more details. I've plugged it into the USB port and tried to 'add device' using the scan button. Am I doing something wrong?
Help much appreciated
I think you need to install Mobile Phone Tools provided on the CD in the phone box which you can use to Sync.
how do i connect to aol thru the razr, using bluetooth?
help!
Does anyone know how to delete an AIM user name from the phone? Please help!!!
Hi guys, can you help me with this.
I have some photos that i have assigned to callers. When the callers call however, only a really tiny pathetic version of the photo is displayed on external screen and a really rubbish version of the photo is displayed the bottom half of the main screen when the phone is flipped open .
How do i make it so when the caller calls their assigned photo takes up the whole of the screen- like in the advert (which ive just watched intensely)?
As for my opinion on the phone, apart from the rubbish phonebook and menu and picture caller id, its great.
Any ideas appreciated. Thanks a lot
Has anyone been able to download an app for the V3 which would allow multiple POP3 email accounts to be set up?
I have to disagree with the comment that ALL Motorola phones are crap. I have owned 5 Motorola phones, and while the free phones are terrible, usually if you pay a bit you get a decent phone. I have the MPx220 right now and it awesome. I got a 512 miniSD card for it, and can store and play entire movies on it using WindowsMedia. I love it! Perhaps they arent all the most perfect phones because they try to be INNOVATIVE and push boundaries, and Nokia, Sony-Ericsson, and others just follow and improve upon what they saw Motorola start.
Well, Amazon has the phone with a $150 rebate so it's $149 + contract of course. Amazon doesn't offer a family plan directly - you have to add it on at $19.99 a user so you have to crunch the numbers.
So after all this, I still cannot determine if
a) Bluetooth syncing works on Mac?
b) USB syncing only?
c) I can also sync directly? (via either USB or Bluetooth) No need to go to some Cingular website?
Thanks.
thank you for your help was very helpfull... I did fix my internet and MMS... Now I need help setting up my IM feature with aol aim, yahoo, and msn. Anyone knows how?
thank you for your help was very helpfull... I did fix my internet and MMS... Now I need help setting up my IM feature with aol aim, yahoo, and msn. Anyone knows how? On my Razr V3.
Posted May 4, 2005, 2:34 PM ET by Carlos
I want to know how to set up my Razr V3... My provider is cingular and i cannot set up the internet or the picture messages... my email does work... Anyone help me?
Does anyone knows what is the post URL for aol instant messaging, yahoo, and msn?
I just bought one today. So far I'm liking it. The price tag was a bit steep, but not too out there for what I was looking for. A few updates on functions (this is a long thread):
1. Bluetooth works fine with iSync (on 10.4) only took me 2.5 minutes to setup and sync my contacts
2. The BT Pin was displayed on my mac and I typed it into the RZ. It was 6 digits
As for the bad camera, no memory, etc. I have a 5MP camera, a 60GB Ipod, and a Palm Tungsten. Why do I want my phone to do all of those things? I bought the phone for: Bluetooth sync, size, weight, style. This phone does them all well. I'm happy with the voice quality, and the feel. I haven't played with it too much yet, but what I have used it for it has been great.
This is my dream phone. I love the gigantic screen, the amazing internal LCD and Bluetooth. Ive had it for 2 months now, and at first I thought it might be too wide to carry, but the slim design made it an easy fit for my pocket. It takes really good pictures and the speakerphone sounds great. The only problems are that fingerprints show up really easy, the external LCD is a tad small, and the price of course is EXCESSIVE. If I wasnt able to get it for $40, I wouldnt have been able to get this great phone. If you want to find out how you can get it for $40 as well, just email me at chinolany@hotmail.com.
I recently received a Motorola Razor V3 through a promotional giveaway. Although it seems to have been preloaded for a Germany distribution, I have been able to alter settings to work with my local Dallas, Texas network with Cingular. The only thing miss is AOL/AIM. I need the settings for the IM Account Setup IM server: IM Port: Post URL: to get this part to work. There is no soft key for AIM.
I recently received a Motorola Razor V3 through a promotional giveaway. Although it seems to have been preloaded for a Germany distribution, I have been able to alter settings to work with my local Dallas, Texas network with Cingular. The only thing miss is AOL/AIM. I need the settings for the IM Account Setup IM server: IM Port: Post URL: to get this part to work. There is no soft key for AIM.
Great Phone. Most common complaints I've heard are about the address book/contacts.
More reviews at http://www.razrcellphone.com/Motorola-Razr-V3-Reviews.htm
To: Jim Linville in Post #34
Re: Grouping contacts
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU
I have been sitting here for 2 hours trying to figure this out. I thought I was going to have to scroll through 3 to 5 contacts for one person every time. You're a lifesaver!
OK, I'll keep the Razr, I guess.
Wrack (and others)
Regarding the phone book on the V3, and not having multiple entries for one perosn after syncing.....
Read post #34 above. Just turn on view by Primary Contacts.
What happens is you only SEE the primary name/number first. Once you highlight that name you can then scroll right or left to get to their other numbers.
So for you brother, who has Home, cell, Work, and E-Mail as seperate listings, you now only see the primary number (Home, in this case) and when you use the right selection button, you will see the other icons for the cell, work, e-mail, etc.
I hope that clears up the Address book grouping problem from iSync.
jbelkin:
a) Bluetooth syncing works on Mac?
YES
b) USB syncing only?
NO
c) I can also sync directly? (via either USB or Bluetooth) No need to go to some Cingular website?
Not sure what you mean. Sync directly???
I'm not sure how else you would sync. You don't go to some website. That's not how bluetooth syncing works. You pair up the phone with your computer, then fire up iSync. It's kind of like a short range WiFi built into the phone (an over simplified example, and technically incorrect, but you should get the idea).
Hello, Regarding the Razr V3: can you please tell how to delete pics after thay have been saved. i'm sure it's right in front of me i just can't figure it out!! thanks ames
I am very much interested in knowing how to navigate the phone book. Can I type more than 1 character to search for a name? For example, type "SI" to get "Simpson" rather than going thru Sam, Sean, etc.
Is it possible to access my AOL email account through the RAZR? AOL seems to think it is possible...
Thanks in advance!
Okay, the ATT forum that described all of the hacks is apparently GONE! Can anyone poitn to a current forum or resource for getting the Cingular CRAP off of my new phone?! Please?
Thanks!
I have the Cingular version of the V3. Can anyone tell me how to delete the pictures & videos that came on the phone ... that is, the ones with the little "lock" icon next to them? Thanks. I can add & delete my own pics ok. Mike.
I have my eye on this phone, but then after reading about only having 5.5 Megs of memory I am a little weary. The Design is IMO the best. but they should've found some way to support memory cards or pack more memory on the phone. Also a flash would've been nice too. I will probably get the Sony phone instead since it is more expandable.
Has anyone tried using a bluetooth keyboard with the V3?- IS ti a figment of my imagniation....I can't efficiently peck out notes on the phone keypad. It would be more useful for email if I could type...
I am using it with the BT headset and have been very happy.
I have not seen anyone comment on this so I have to figure I am just a noob and cannot figure it out... I am synchronizing my V3 with Outlook 2003. Seems to work fine with just a few conflicts but none of my meetings, events in the V3, have locations with them. This seems more than a little useless to me. Who can remember all of the locations of their meetings in a day? Given this is such a common requirement I have to figure I am just an idiot and cannot figure it out!
does anyone know if you can download an app that will allow you to take video w/ your v3 razor
does anyboady know how to transfer your pics to your computer? i need some major help here. please email me if you do. the email is stephaniesimho@yahoo.com thanks.
Someone else posted about a buzzing sound before. I love the phone so far, but thats the same problem I am experiencing. When I am not talking there appears to be buzzing sound of high pitch coming from the phone. I can only hear it when the phone is near my ear and I am not talking. Not that I plan to do it if I am not talking to any one, but just bugs the hell out of me. Just weondering if someone else has experienced the same. If its a phone "feature" or its a problem with my set.
Also, can you please tell me how to backup data, donload picture/ring tones on the phone. What do you need to get ? A USB cable ? what kind ? Also where do you get iSync. Thanks
I may sound rude or abrupt, which is not intended.
But the person who wrote this review is complaining in my opinion.
I do not get how people expect cell phones to be personal computers.
This has got to be one of the best phones I have ever owned. It is amazing, and just works.
I have the Razr and love the phone, but when the person on the line talks, the earpiece speaker buzzes occasionally. It's like a busted speaker. This is the second one I've had. Is this common to all Razrs?
My phone did not come with software to connect the phone to my computer, mobile phone tools? im really confused. Do i need it or just a usb.. I have a usb from my digital camera that fits i think. I need help!!
"I do not get how people expect cell phones to be personal computers."
Yeah...no shit. People demand too much for too little. I mean, "well, for $600, they should be able to put in more." If you paid that much for this phone, you were royaly screwed and deserved it to begin with.
As for the "why do I want a cameraphone? I don't need it to do all those things" or whatever....because the US is the only country that's still behind the tech curve...I mean, in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, and Europe, this shite is old news.
Quit bitchin people.
How do you delete photos you don't want anymore?
Hi. Are there any patches to install the video camera? I find the diary is very basic and miss the functions of the nokia for repeating appointments fortnightly. It would be handy to have an icon on the screen once you've set your alarm. Missed calls should be categorised just there not into received calls. I would really like to be able to keep pictures separated in an album but find once I delete them from the main gallery they've gone in the album? Any ideas? I really do like my phone I just miss some 'nokia' characteristics.