Motorola's nearly unattainable AURA gets gobs of hands-on photos

When we hear "hands-on," we generally expect a smattering of images detailing the highlights -- you know, about as many as a fidgety PR person will allow, or about as many as one can take before they succumb to self-indulgence. In this "first look" of Motorola's ridiculously luxurious $2,000 AURA, however, the author not only took the time to detail his first impressions, but to also upload dozens of snapshots to show you exactly what this here handset looks like in just about every possible light. And that's a good thing too, because the chances of any of us simpletons actually seeing one in the flesh is slim to none.

[Thanks, Drei Drei]

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 27th 2008 7:27AM]

Russian Beeline network here!

[kirkewilliams Posted Oct 27th 2008 8:11AM]

It looks like a pay as you go phone from Wal-mart.

[dcoaster Posted Oct 27th 2008 8:15AM]

Plain UGLY

[ustna Posted Oct 27th 2008 8:22AM]

This makes the G1 look beautiful.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 27th 2008 8:36AM]

I have to hand it to Moto for trying something new, but will stick with my Serene :)

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 27th 2008 8:42AM]

I cringe at how ugly this phone is..

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 27th 2008 9:31AM]

It's been done. It's been overdone.

[Monkeyspit Posted Oct 27th 2008 9:41AM]

Absolutely friggin gorgeous. The art deco designs on the cover plates gives it a sllightly Stargate SG1-ish look. I can see it filling a niche for people that want something unique, and don't want to go with the iPhone two-handed approach.

A few things I'd have done, however:

The screen should have been touch sensitive, and being circular would be ideal for a gesture-based command/menu system. Perfect for people that want to use one thumb to do all the work. Then put the keyboard/dialer into the display as well - offering a choice of standard grid or old-fashioned circular button arrangement, thus obviating the need for a physical keyboard entirely. I'd also throw in voice message recording and memory card capability as an absolute must, along with a similarly-styled bluetooth headset.

There is no defence possible of the price tag without a more developed engineering and user concept.

[JeffM Posted Oct 27th 2008 10:43AM]

I really like this phone- about the only thing I don't like are the details in all of the flat parts of the phone- I think it would look cleaner with smooth or brushed finishes. Though I'd have to see one in person- most people seem to be forgetting the RAZR was $700 when it dropped and it is now free. The V70 was $800 in 2002 when it dropped and made it down to $100 to $200. If this phone finds itself at $300 to $500 fans of fashion phones would definitely be buyers because this is a truly unique phone- and from the posts here it is obvious that a lot of gadget fans are not big fans. :)

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 28th 2008 12:23AM]

I don't understand why reviewers can't wipe off their fingerprints before taking pictures...

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 27th 2008 11:05AM]

From Rapture to you...

[rdowty Posted Oct 27th 2008 12:04PM]

I wouldn't take it if it were free with new activation.

[(Unverified) Posted Oct 27th 2008 1:12PM]

Looks like something only black people would want and use.

[psyclotron Posted Oct 27th 2008 1:46PM]

cool a phone with a fingerprint