Hands-on with Motorola's RAZR V3 for Cingular
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.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Fine James @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
If it isn't in Paris Hilton's hands, then what use is it for me?
Brian Rose @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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!
t @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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!
Dan Bedford @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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!
jason @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
jason @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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).
Yosh @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
Nokia smartphones (e.g. 3230) > RAZR V3
One word; Smartphones.
Bryan Campbell @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
Anonymously @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
Your next purchase should be tripod, Shakey.
Hooty @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
Darrell @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
Carbon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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/
bjp @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
bjp @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
DjF @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
DjF @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
Carbon @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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/
Chris Hennings @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
XiozTzu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
Sorry, but from what I just read that phone is a complete ripoff. It's not that good looking... :(
Matt @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
neh not really. It's a beautiful fone. But it's overpriced.
August @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
Dan Wu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
August: It's under Settings/Personalize/Home Screen/Home Keys to change the Quad Menu
Thanks for the tips regarding the side buttons everyone! :)
e.K. @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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
Gaz @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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
Sebhelyesfarku @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
8MB RAM? Blurry VGA camera? Give me a break. This phone is overpriced p.o.s.
pmahc @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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?
Z @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
charlie @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
John Lockwood @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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).
emdub @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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?
JC @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
JC @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
darkenedhalo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.)
Jim Linville @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
Devo @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
Jeremy Holloway @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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...
Jim Linville @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
Jeff Kott @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
Z @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
"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.
Interested Consumer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
Does the Razr have IR in addition to Bluetooth?
Motorola RAZR V3 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
Nope. Just Bluetooth.
Andrea @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
FYI: you can get it for $350 at wirefly.com with a one-year Cingular contract
Rod @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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?
Dan Wu @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
Adidadi @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
K.S. @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
"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.
Motorola RAZR V3 @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
tolyanchik @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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...
Eprime @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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.
Vince @ Dec 19th 2005 1:47AM
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?