Motorola Q - black (Verizon Wireless)
Cellphones Buying Guide
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January 13, 2007 04:41
4.0/5
Over the past month, I have been going Cell phone crazy and wanted to provide my review and experiences with these phones.
I needed a phone that I could use goodlink(basically blackberry software on a cell phone) on, and after quite a bit of research, I came up with the list below as my preferred phones.
BlackJack - Samsung - Cingular
Black Q - Motorola - Verizon
Dash - ??? - T-Mobile
Treo 750- Cingular
I first got the BlackJack from Cingular for a 30 day trial, but told the guy to call me as soon as the Treo 750 came in, so I could trade for it.
First, I have to say, the BlackJack has about as cool of a form factor as there is in cell phones today. Small, light weight, good feel in the hands. It uses Windows Smartphone. which works well for one hand operation, particularly with the side roller.
I used it for a couple of weeks, then decided to try the Black Q simultaneously on my Verizon service. The Black Q, I could only order over the internet(wasn't sold retail yet) as I went into the Verizon store to get my phone numbers transferred from my old phone, no one there had seen a black Q yet.
The Q is also light, thin and small, but a noticably wider than the BlackJack. After holding the BJ for a couple of weeks, the Q felt too wide for me, but if I had never had a BJ, it probably would have felt great. The black coating on the Q feels slightly better than the BlackJack. The Q display is noticably brighter, but is probably related the battery life issue too.
The keyboards are very different on both devices, with the BJ having many more keys and about every combination that you can think of, with the Q using a much more context senstive approach with fewer keys and a simpler layout. The Q does a great job with the context aware keys, and is much preferrable than the BJ, particularly considering the BJ's alternating key numeric layout. However, there was a fatal flaw for me on the Q and it's context sensitve keys, and that is in the scenario where you are connected to an IVR trying to input account numbers and passwords and you have an alphanumeric requirement that includes the letter G. You cannot get the G key to input anything other than a # sign. I realize that is a a very isolated situation, but it drove me crazy as I needed the G key as part of a account/password number combination.
Both the BJ and Q, use the windows smartphone I/F but they are very different in their implementations. Again, the winner here was the Q, very well thought through menus and easy to access features. The thing that kills me on the BJ, is that bluetooth menu item is two levels deep, and if you need to connect to your bluetooth headset, you have to dig down each time, which was very annoying after a while, but the BJ did do a much better job of indicating BT connectivity to your headset by displaying a headset on the top bar of the phone.
Until I was using both phones together, I didn't realize the differences in the depth of applications avaiable for the phones. Verizon has many more applications for their phone than Cingular does, and their approaches are much different. Cingular only has a few applications such as yahoo messaging, etc. and they are free. Verizon has many more useful applications, but almost all of them cost, such as the messenger client is $30. Verizon did have a free over the air backup service that was very cool though, that Cingular did not. So the verdict on availability of applications was a big plus for Verizon, but no, I don't want to pay for them.
Battery life and power, they both are battery limited, but they take different approaches to solve that. The BJ, gives you two batteries as part of the package and way to charge a standalone battery. The Q, gives you the option to buy a bigger battery. I prefer the BJ approach here. I could get one day's use out of each unit, but I don't know what battery life would have done if I had received lots of emails. The BJ, also would sometimes hesitate with the Goodlink software running, which is some combination of lack of memory/processor power problem.
Internet Access was much better on the Q than the BJ, but with that said, I still would have preferred wifi on the unit also, which is why I am still interested in the Dash from T-mobile. It has all the same features along with Wifi. However, as the cellular data networks get better, eventually wifi will be redundant and not of much value on a cell phone at all.
So, what did I do:
1. I sent the Motorola Q, back, mainly because I was really just trying it out, but the extra width, and the "G" key issue really played big with me, even though I think the Q is a better thought through unit. On a side note the Q, is really a right handed unit, I would expect it to be very awkward for a left hander.
2. Cingular called me with 5 days left on my BJ return, so I went and traded it in for the Treo 750.
The Treo 750, is slightly smaller, lighter and with no antenna nub than previous Treo models, but it uses the Pocket PC software. After using the windows smart phone and one handed operation, it feels like I am stepping backwards with the 750. I still have it, as I am giving it a chance, but the analogy I would make is that the BJ and Q are phones with PDAs attached and the 750 is a PDA with a phone attached. I think I am going to personnally prefer a phone with a PDA attached, but understand how others would make the other choice.
In my first day of use, I didn't make it through the whole day. The battery was dead by 2pm, and I only made a few phone calls. I realize that the battery life may get better after a few cycles, but I thought I could get through the whole day at least. A guy in the office next door, has a Treo 680, and I thought I could sneak over and use his charger, but no, it doesn't fit. On both the Cingular phones, the BJ and the 750, they use proprietary connections for everything, the data jack, the power, etc. and it drives me crazy. It was nice that the Q, uses standard mini USB for power, for data connections, and they use a standard headset jack, where the BJ either has none or uses a non-standard option here too.
I have a habit of putting my cell phone in my front pocket and walking around. Both the Q and 750 have a habit of dialing or typing on the keypad unless you explicitly turn off the keyboards. The BJ never had that issue. -
February 8, 2007 08:17
4.5/5
This phone is near perfect. I stayed away from it for awhile because it didn't have a touch screen. (After all, I'm a veteran PDA guy, going back to the original Pilot.) After a week with the Q, I couldn't care less about a touch screen-this does it all, or at least almost. There are some who may need a touch screen for certain apps, if so, I guess this isn't your Smartphone, BUT, if that doesn't apply to you, do yourself a favor and get a Q.
I need strong calendar-scheduling functionality, as well as a robust phone. This does it beautifully. Although I don't HAVE to have email access 24 hours a day, I am finding that being able to access and send email while I'm away from my PC is a big plus.
Now let me say this: The SECOND day I had this phone-you know, all new and stuff, (you know how that is for technophiles,) I had it in my shirt pocket, and completely FORGOT it was there!! It's so compact, I actually forgot I even had gotten it. THAT I couldn't do with my RAZR and Dell Axim X51. This device makes having two seem so last decade, and the Axim, as nice as it is, is like a brick in your hand, compared to the Q. (And that goes for the Treo 700 P or W, i730 and the rest, touch screen or not.) After having this, you couldn't give me the highest end PDA AND Cell phone, to do the job of one Q. Now, having two separate devices to do the job of one, seems like a really bad idea-forget about having to deal with a stylus too. I thought getting used to a small keyboard would be hell, well after a couple of hours, I forgot about writing it all out with a stylus.
Are there a few annoyances? Sure, (that search function...unless I'm missing something!) but the good out weighs the not so good by many, many miles.
The reviewers that trash the Q, either are technologically challenged, tech-snobs, expecting something that won't be developed till 2021 or just haven't put in the few hours necessary to get to know and love this device. You just do yourself a disservice.
With all the phones and PDA's I've had, there is not one that can hold a candle to the Q when it comes to doing what I need it to do, and doing all the things it does very well.Updated
..those ressesed buttons, and it's a tad slow when you really start cranking. -
January 4, 2007 06:06
4.0/5
I first tried the Q upon its initial release and I was less than impressed. The OS was choppy, would freeze up and I was really worried about a lack of touch sceen. But I realized that I never used the touch sceen unless I had to. The bulk of the pocket pc also began to bother me as there was always a hump sticking out of my hip.
So I got the black Q and have been pleasantly suprised. The smartphone software now seems much more stable. Slingplayer works perfectly. Fizz weather is an awsome plug in and IM+ works as it did on my xv6700. Phone quality is top notch and the built in voice dialer is easy and accurate. The blue tooth stereo headphone profile is great as well. I no longer need to have a wire going under my jacket and pulling tight every time I move in the wrong direction. Email set up was as easy as it is on any of the other devices I have tried. I got the extended battery and can make it through an entire day on a single charge without losing that slim form factor.
The cons are few by they do annoy. Navigation could be better. Switching between application always requires two many clicks. But the number 1 complaint I have is no spell check. On a datecentric device the ommision is just stupid. I would love to know what genious at micro soft decided smartphone users do not require spell check. the real slap in the face is that it has word complete. So there is a date base on the device. Its been a full year now and still no third party software of Microsoft update to take care of this problem. We can only hope that someone takes care of this.
the smartphone software wont be for everyone. Those who love to customize every single aspect of thier device will be somewhat disapointed. but with simple registry hacks and third party add ons, this device, to me, has it all. -
March 2, 2007 01:56
4.5/5
I've had my Q for just over a month now. I had to replace the OEM battery with an upgrade, but thats really the only beef i have with this phone. It get verizon high speed internet, pop3 and outlook email, wonderful speaker phone that is clear and loud, querty keyboard is userfriendly and reception is clear, even over the bluetooth in my car, and even with a weak signal. Love the Q!! (get the black one with the firmware upgrade installed) -
May 13, 2007 03:06
Good
1.5/5
I have owned a Cingular 8125, as well as used a Treo quite often. I was able to get over not having a stylus and touch screen, since it was suprisingly easy to navigate. The sleek design is great and its browser is faster than I expected. However the battery life is extremly poor. You will NEED 2 BATTERIES since 1 battery will only make it halfway through the day. I contacted Motorola as well as verizon and their answer was to shell out $40-$50 to but an extended battery. Unfortunatly the battery that comes with it is 1130 mAh the extended battery is 1400 mAh (not that much stronger). -
March 27, 2007 08:54
4.5/5
I've had this phone for about a week now and I am very impressed. This is a great SMART phone. It is not, however, a "pocket pc". This is not a fault of the phone; it wasn't designed as a pocket pc. But I have read too many reviews where people buy this phone, and then get upset when it dosen't do what it wasn't designed for!
First, the design is great. This is one of the few smart phones that you can actually put in your pocket and forget that its there.
Secondly, I am very impressed with Windosw Mobile OS 5.0. I have yet to have the phone crash on me, and I have not had any problems syncing with outlook on my Windows XP laptop.
This is a great phone for those who want to check their email, maintain their appointments, text, and above all, MAKE PHONE CALLS (I found voice quality to be quite good).
However, if you want your phone to surf the web as well as your laptop or edit excel and word documents, by all means get a phone designed for those activites! Get a plam treo! A touch screen and a stylus are better for that kind of thing anyways.
Couple more things: My battery lasts over two days with moderate use. I know that isn't a lot compared to some smart phones, but how many smart phones are as slim as the Q? Not many! In order to have a slim device, you have to have a small battery. A small battery does not have as many cells, and will never last as long a big battery. Sometimes you have to make a compromise! Is it that hard to plug in your phone every night, or use a car charger?
This is a great phone that has a lot of functionality in a small form. There may have a few lemons out there, but what product dosen't have those? Overall this product will get the job done for a lot of people while looking good in the process! -
July 24, 2007 08:10
Good
1.5/5
In this day and age, a cell phone that works 95% of the time is like electricity that works 95% of the time - unacceptable. I am not sure if it is Windows Mobile causing these problems or the software on this phone, but something is amiss. My Q locks up on a regular basis. In some cases popping the battery in and out solves the problems. However some of the time nothing shy of a hard reset which erases everything will do the trick. Unacceptable.
The keyboard on this thing is also a joke. I type away just like I do on my Blackberry, but then I find that letters are always skipped. You have to type really slow and let this thing catch up to you. It has an "auto complete" feature which tries to guess the word you are typing. Problem is it is so slow that while the processor is churning away trying to guess what you are typing, it misses some of the keys you pressed. It is not uncommon to have a sentence look like this:
"Hi Bil. Hw are yo doig tody"
Oh, and if you use Activesync (Microsoft's answer to Blackberry Enterprise Server), you can count on a battery with 25% power remaining after just one day. Compare that to a Blackberrry which will go 2-3 days between a charge.
Finally, if you are using Vista dont plan on using this thing with it. Still no drivers that will let you use the Tethered Modem abilities. Lame.
Too bad the T Mobile Dash works on the T Mobile network. Hey Verizon, go get some quality smart phones would you? -
June 29, 2007 07:38
4.5/5
I went in to see what this was like & walked out with it! And Verizon is great & gives you 30 days to try it out or exchange - I won't be taking it back!
I always said I wouldn't combine my pocket pc & phone into one unit! Now I don't know why I didn't before! This is great! and with the new Q9 coming soon - I'll be sure to get it!
Oh sure - I miss the touchscreen and using the stylus( and considered going to the Treo; and I have full size SD cards that I can still use with my camera...but I have gotten used to this phone and love it!
The vibrant screen doesn't compare to any other out there! Sure the Iphone is out today but let's see if it lives up to the hype! and I am with verizon & don't like Cingular/ATT anyway(just my opinion!).
But if you want an awesome quality phone at an awesome price--this is it!
oh yeah....and it syncs awesome & fast(faster than my pocket pc did) with my laptop and outlook, etc...!
and ALOT of people sure look at it and like the sleek style of it and size! when i don't have it in it's case(rarely), it fits in my shirt pocket with ease!
Speed?...talk about FAST connection with the internet, etc...WOW! almost as fast as I hit the button I was watching a music video!Even voice activated dialing through the bluetooth which even the Treo doesn't have unless you spend $40 from a third party!
between the Q and my headset, I have been no less than 40ft away from my phone and people could still hear me! and the speakerphone sat between my seats of my vehicle and the other party didn't know i was on speakerphone! Good, huh?!
Remember...even the iphone is only running on the edge.
if you want a great smartphone & windows based....this IS IT!!! -
May 26, 2007 03:05
4.0/5
I compared the Q to the Treo and Blackberry models at my local Verizon store and compared PocketPCs to Smartphones. While the PPC's had more non-phone features, their phone ergonomics were really poor in comparison to the Q. The Q has excellent phone and speakerphone quality, a nice large display when entering numbers, and the best keyboard of all the Win Mobile devices. Add to that a sleek, slim profile and it's one awesome device!
But, the slim device means tiny battery, and out of the box, the Q's battery won't last 1 full work day with minimal calls. Once I downloaded a freeware applet to dim the screen brightness, and minimized my use of Bluetooth and IR beaming, the battery did much better, but I still wouldn't trust it to handle a day of heavy phone calls. An extended battery is now on my shopping list. Still, even needing to shell out more for the additional battery, I wouldn't give up my Q. It's great! -
May 8, 2007 07:55
Mediocre
1.0/5
the battery life is terrible. I rarely use the phone but for some reason, the battery dies an hour after it was fully charged. I had read that some of the software drains the battery so I had stopped using them. but to no avail.
