MotoSummer 2004

Last night, my V600 was lost or stolen. I went to get it replaced at Cingular, and they told me it was no longer carried. I just got the phone 2 months ago. They said Moto discontinued it because of problems. Since I had the replacement insurance (I didn't remember buying it, but okay ... I thought), I figured I would be able to somehow get an equivalent replacement. They told me they did not have any V600s in the system and I would have to settle for the non-Bluetooth V400. Anyone know what is going on with this phone? Thanks!

A couple of interesting, random things I remembered after publishing the article:

1. During a call, the A630 automatically switches to speakerphone mode when you open it. Very handy if you're talking to someone and need some info from email, the phone book, calendar, etc.

2. The bottom of the V3 (the bulge below the keypad) houses the antenna, Bluetooth module, and polyphonic ringtone speaker. It's also the only plastic part of the case (since metal tends to block radio signals).

Even though that's normally where you would put your hand, and flesh also blocks radio signals, Motorola engineers swear up, down, and sideways that it gets great reception - as good or better than any of their other phones.

So even though it's counter-i...
(continues)

The a780 is definitely a huge upgrade to the a388 that I had a year ago. I truly believe that this will be a great phone.

I've seen announcements and reviews about the new phones from Motorola coming this year and I was wondering when are these phones going to be available for Cingular Wireless and their prices; for example: the RAZR V3, the V551, and the V1000.
Also I would like to know if there are available for sale on the Motorola website (or when will they be available) or may be available through other carriers that offer GSM unlocked phones. 🙂

I wonder how the phone feels ergonomically? A phone that is wide and thin would not feel good in my hand for an extended period of time. Thats because the phone is too thin to rest in the palm of my hand, I would have to clamp it with two fingers. Not too pleasant if you have to hold it for like 30 mins at a time.

I hope the V3 is more than a styling exercise.

thanks for your very informative article, but did you get a chance to see the quality of the pics namely from the mpx220 and the a630? I heard the camera on the motov710 is so horrible people think RS have defected models...

thanks!

Hi,

I was wondering if you had heard any tentative release times on any of these models, or anything that's a little tighter in than what quarter they'll be in. I've heard that cingular's phasing out the v600 for the v551, this doesn't make sense to me. As far as I've heard the 551 is still pending FCC approval. It would make more sense (to me) to put the A630 in it's place and have that hold them over until the EDGE equipped 551 is approved, tested and released.

I'd also love to hear which, if any, of these phones have begun testing for potential carriers.

Any information you have is GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks a lot!

Does anyone know if the phone will perform regular class 10 GPRS service when outside of an EDGE service area? Or do you just have no data services outside of the EDGE area?

I must say that I'm very surprised to see a TMo version of the a630. TMo never got the a388. If the US TMo stores get this a630, it'll definitely give the sidekick a run for its money. The sidekick is a great device, but it is still bulky. The a630 will be smaller in size and thinner. It'll give users the same functionality of the qwerty keyboard. This phone could be a big plus for TMo customers. Its about time TMo starts to get some high end phones. When I was a TMo customer, I had to purchase high end phones unlocked from overseas.

Rich-
Great report! Thanks for the details.
One thin I noticed on the A630 photos was the disparity between the signal levels. On the Cingular unit(it hurts me to say) the signal is much stronger.
Were the pics taken in NYC or Chicago?
W

😁 First off VERY WONDERFUL JOB Rich!!!

I've been excited about the A630 for quite some time and this has definitely sealed the deal for me. When I head to Cingular that's most definately going to be what I grab.

It's nice to see the newer phones in a comparison to a phone that most of us have some experience with, the v600. It really puts things into perspective on the size of these models...especially with the V3.

Very good article overall, four stars. I can't speak for everyone, but I'm excited.

Can't wait to get my hands on my A630.

Another great article with quality photos, feature details, and the inside scoop.

Very much appreciated!