Motorola Q officially launches on Sprint, gets reviewed

Those of you patiently waiting for Sprint to officially launch (and make available) its rendition of the Motorola Q can finally breathe a sigh of relief, but you'll still have to wait just a bit longer to actually grab one. Slated to hit webstores "around mid-January" and retail outlets the month after, Sprint's Q isn't quite available to the masses just yet, but LAPTOP Mag got their palms around a pre-production release and promptly threw it on the testing block. Mimicking remarks we made earlier, reviewers noticed the lack of upgrades aside from the Sprint splash screen, logos, and unique "dark grey" hue, and they also found the "less rubberized" feel compared to Verizon's black version less enjoyable to handle. Noting the possibility of including a dedicated volume switch (as on the BlackJack), the crew was also let down by the omitted backlight underneath the keyboard, which Verizon's unit is blessed with. Additionally, surfing the web proved quite a bit slower when compared to Verizon's flavor, but Sprint suggested that "finalized units" wouldn't suffer the same fate. Nevertheless, not all was doom and gloom, as they did take note of the exclusive NFL Mobile functionality as well as the bundled Handmark application -- dubbed On Demand -- that loaded up "news, weather, directions, and other information optimized for the Moto Q's screen within seconds." Overall, this Q proved to be a bit of letdown considering what it could have been, and if only Sprint would've taken the time to add support for its Sprint TV and Music services, at least something would've stood out from the competition. As it stands, however, the Q still isn't a bad choice, and it was noted that Sprint's cheap unlimited data could swing contract-less buyers in its direction, but if you were hoping for a revamped, refreshed offering from big yellow, you'll be sorely disappointed.

Read - Motorola Q officially launches on Sprint
Read - LAPTOP Mag reviews Sprint's Motorola Q

[Nick @ Jan 4th 2007 12:14PM]

Lack of a backlit keyboard? You have to be kidding me.

[TheCount @ Jan 4th 2007 2:41PM]

This is ridiculous, why the hell isn't the keyboard backlit? That's such a stupid thing to omit, this is unbelievable. I've been waiting for the Q to launch on Sprint only to find out they've actually REMOVED features instead of adding them to a phone they had to wait half a year to get.

I think I'm ready to switch carriers.

[Frankenstein Black @ Jan 4th 2007 12:21PM]

MEH!! Its all about the BLACKJACK right now!!

[Brandon @ Jan 4th 2007 1:09PM]

That sounds absurd that they would intentionally REMOVE the backlight from the keyboard. Thats almost a deal breaker for me.

[Qtastic @ Jan 4th 2007 1:43PM]

I just can't imagine they would remove the backlight. There must have been something wrong with the early review unit. Qusers.com has an image of the Sprint Q with a backlit keyboard: http://www.qusers.com/article.php/sprint_motorola_q_availability

[Rollins @ Jan 4th 2007 4:26PM]

It really is amazing how every time Sprint gets a phone, Verizon seems to one-up them immediately. I'm not referring to the backlit keys "issue" (which may or may not be true) so much as to the Black Q versus Sprint's design. Almost right after the Sprint Q photos were leaked, the Black Q for VZW came out and improved upon it with its rubberized sides.

Sprint really can't get a break.

[Ethan @ Jan 4th 2007 4:30PM]

Verizon > Sprint.

[v_dogg @ Jan 4th 2007 5:32PM]

ughh the background makes me wanna puke

[l2k @ Jan 4th 2007 9:02PM]

What's the point in waiting seven months for Sprint to carry a decent phone in this category only to find they've spent their blackout period adding no features to reward the patience of their most loyal customers. My patience is wearing thin with Sprint. I want a GOOD PDA or smartphone that has a truly pocketable form factor.

[jeff @ Jan 4th 2007 10:00PM]

I love my Q. It's the best phone i've ever had. And with the latest firmware upgrade, the battery life allows me to quit using the extended battery and enjoy the thiness.... So even though there may be no new features with this Sprint release, I think it's still a great addition to the Sprint lineup. You should seriously consider it if you are looking for a smartphone.

[Alex @ Jan 5th 2007 7:30PM]

Sprint version of the Q will retail for $199.99 after a $100 mail-in-rebate and will be available to all channels on the 15th of the month. Oh yeah, it does have a backlight for the keyboard and I have heard it supports Sprint's Live TV.

[fred @ Jan 5th 2007 11:09PM]

alex, thanks for the info.

[Matt @ Jan 5th 2007 9:10PM]

No keyboard backlight (wtf), off-center screen, and windows mobile. We have a winner. :P

[Jose @ Jan 6th 2007 6:37AM]

I wonder how much it's going to cost on Sprint? I'm waiting for a deal or I'll bolt to Verizon or T-mobile (Dash calling!)

[Chris @ Jan 9th 2007 2:49PM]

Big Mistake... Sprint can you really explain how I'm supposed to dial my phone when I'm driving at night without a backlit keypad? It's bad enough that the buttons are so small and there is no touch screen on the Q. At least you can dial off the Treo's touchscreen. I'm not even going to comment about the lack of wifi... Guess all this waiting for the Q wasnt worth it as I wont touch it now. I thought the revised Sprint version was supposed to be "better" but looks like it's just a stripped down model to improve for Sprint's bottom line...

[Matt @ Jan 18th 2007 6:49PM]

I heard that $150 mail in rebate is actually a service credit. Anybody else?

[rob @ Feb 20th 2007 9:18PM]

Yo WTF!!! Sprint finally get there hands on a great phone and they blow it! They basically stripped all the goodness out of the phone and they are expecting to sell? I hope SPRINT reads this and realize they are always behind the other carriers. No backlight keyboard?!!? im not buyin unless they at least put that on there.