Motorola Q
Phone Scoop Review
Jun 5, 2006 by Eric Lin
In Depth review of the highly-anticipated Motorola Q, the first EVDO Windows Mobile Smartphone and slimmest smartphone to date. read review ›
User Reviews
Average Ratings
First Impressions - 6 hours later
Just got this phone today - had the XV6700 and returned it for the Moto Q so I will be basing a lot of my review comparing it to the XV6700 and Treo 650.
Was skeptical about the call quality based on other reviews but have no problems with signal or voice clarity. Software seems very stable unlike the XV6700 which I hated from the day I took it home (returned it after owning only 2 days because of at least 2 soft resets both days and registry edits to make the phone even useful) I own my own computer store so I know what I am doing with computers and phones so it wasn't operator error that made the XV not my cup of tea. My previous phone was a Palm Treo 650 which I didn't think I could part with but this phone lives up to its promises. I was skeptical about no touch screen since I did once own a MPX220 when I was with cingular which for me was hard to navigate and had terrible software issues - but surprisingly this phone navigates easily with the 4 way navigator and jog wheel/button.
Pros
Compact size, Feels good in hand, Fits in pocket easily, Lightweight
Comes with a really nice clip
Voice Command included
Software seems very stable and quick(much more than the XV6700)
Keys accessible all the time, keys feel good and steady and lights are good
Bluetooth works well with headset and Voice Command
Camera actually seems better than on most phones
Decent Price - $419 retail
Speakers very loud
Call quality and reception excellent
Phone housing is doesn't feel cheap - feels solid
Cons:
No WIFI - There is always EVDO
No office included although I think you can purchase it separately (I don't need it though)
No touch screen but the way the keys and software are configured I can enter data and do things as fast as on my previous Treo.
Summary: A solid, stable, useful phone for a good price and I usually don't like Motorola phones - they hit the nail on the head on this one - 2 thumbs up for Motorola.
Outstanding Smartphone!(its not supposed to be a PDA)
First off I would like to start by saying I was employed by Verizon for 2 years and had many phones to include:
V60, T720, V710, E815, Vx8100, VX9800, and a T-Mobile Sidekick.
This smartphone has everything that it boasts in the ads. I have had it for one week and have no complaints whatsoever. Here is how I break down this phone:
Style: 9/10
Size: 10/10 (feels like it is floating in your hand)
Features 9/10 (I would like to see more freeware available for this phone. Most apps run about $14.99 which is overpriced)
Ease of Use: 10/10
Signal Strength: 9/10( Used in NYC/NJ/CT Markets)
Pros:
Super Slim and Lightweight
Packed with applications to include Windows Media Player
FastBroadband connections
Thumbwheel is an absolute Plus!
Very loud Ringers and Speakerphone
Outstanding Voice Recognition
Great Navigation(touch screen is overrated)
Comes with activesync software
Cons:
Keyboard is a little tight
Battery life is not bad but I suggest extended battery
No Mobile Phone Tools included
Overall, this is the best pick if you are not looking for a blackberry. Its size, features, and ease of use should impress even those who call themselves "professionals"
Q doesn't stand for Quality.
My fiancee' recently upgraded to this phone and I've spent some lengthly time with it. She can't stand it and neither can I. As with the majority of Motorolas, Q's navigation is more of a wrestling match than it is smooth operating. Buttons are a little too small, but in making a smart phone compact this really can't be avoided. I can't call this a con for that reason, but if you have larger mitts, you may want to steer clear.
The camera is clunky as well. Trying to do normal operations with pictures quickly becomes a chore. There is no reason Moto can't correct their oft-critiqued menus. They are simply way too convoluted to be used naturally and seamlessly for those on-the-go who need fast results.
And of course this gets worse being on a smart phone, as there are much more commands and options than on standard phones. It needs simplified. There's just no other way around it.
Pros:
+ Crisp, large display.
Cons:
- Horrendous menus.
- Somewhat cheap feel.
- Rather glitchy overall.
I really tried to find more pros to the Q, but there is just nothing that intrigues me about this phone or stands out to me as being high-quality. And once again, the phone navigation is the biggest downfall and deciding factor of this Motorola's low score.
Motorola Q works as advertised
PROs:
Nice and light
Responsive and fast (registry hacks help)
Active Sync that works (Exchange)
Great Reception
Applications availability (growing)
Camera!
One hand use
Ability to listen to music through a bluetooth device (too cool)
Cons:
No office suite
No hard case with extended battery support
Video performance could be better (DVD rips)
Overall I like the look and feel of the "Q". It does what I need and there are a lot of apps out there (GPS is next). I kept going back and forth between the Treo, Samsung, and the Q. I felt that I made the right choice. I have had no issues with lock ups or resets. I have installed a few apps and themes. So if you are already family with Windows (Systems Analyst) this might be the smartphone for you. Simple, light, functionality, and good design. I can't wait for the Amp'd version.
Sprint Q quite on "Q"
as the newest addition to my line of phones and my first smart phone, i didn't know what to expect from this device...especially from Motorola. we all know how wishy washy their products are. here is my review based on my experience so far.
PROS
*the phone is solid and so is the battery. as a sprint-nextel employee i use my phone the majority of the day. battery lasts all day easy.the build is STRONG. the phone feels neither cheap or flimsy. even if you grab the phone and give it good twist...it doesn't budge nor squeak.
*screen is very clear, it displays everything seemingly flawlessly.
*qwerty keyboard is very nice. its actually perfect for me. i hardly ever type inaccurately. i love the fact that one can navigate using the side scroll wheel or the 4 way directional pad in center of phone(forgot name of it). since this is my first time smart phone with a qwerty, getting used to motos unusual placement of some characters and such were no problem for me. the star and pound sign were the most difficult but it still wasn't bad.
*camera is way more than what i expected. takes better pics and way better videos than most phones. Especially since it has so much going on.
CONS
*while i adjusted easily, the windows software is confusing. it takes a bit of patience to learn your way around the phone.
*the setting of ones own ring tone is a bit tedious. i was able to figure out how to set an mp3 as a ringtone...but i don't want the whole song. I'm still working on this part.
*there is a VERY VERY slight lag while navigating sometimes. its rare and a second delay at that, but any lag is a con and it can mess you up when trying to navigate in a hurry.
great phone and a recommended buy. if you got a bad one give it back and give another one a shot. you might be surprised!
*TIP-put all additional files onto the MINIsd, it will keep your phone up to speed. and i haven't had ANY freezing problems. hope this helped!
All u need
This phone really did it for me. It's like I am carrying around my personal computer on my hip. There was issues with locking the phone but I called MOTO and that was handled. You have to use numbers only for locking the device. The battery power is not good when you are on the net. So make sure you get an extended battery. Also when not on the net make sure you goto task manager to kill the connection, this saves battery juice. The screen smudges but you still get great vision in sunlight. The speaker phone is good, the bluetooth is great when you have the 1.2 vr. The only real hudge consideration is price of the plan from Verizon. 40 dollors a month for unlimited access to the web!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you just need a phone for the web and talking, the Q is for you, also the video (windows media) is like that.
the "Q" - Damn Close
Motorola Q Review vs. Rim BB 7250
I have been waiting for this device almost 10 monthes now.
PRO'S
- Using link2exchange works great keeping all contacts, appointments, tasks and emails wirelessly in sync. Updates are very fast having come from black berry. Reasonable price, copy of outlook and web outlook.
- Sleek very cool look
- Camera/Video
- MMS
- Screen is beautiful, what great real estate
- Great Speaker
- Great call reception
- 4 way nav button works well
- MiniSD Slot
- DUN with PDANET work great, very easy.
CONS
- It would be great to have a hard delete key on the keyboard, think of how often you use the delete key.
- The scroll wheel does not function as close to the blackberry as I hoped.
- I have had the Q for three days and I can not figure out how to select and copy text from the web, a contact or anywhere. I purchased a third party notes program, typed this review with intent to copy and paste on phonescoop al from the Q. I will have to switch to my laptop to finish.
- Direct icon to inbox without going through 3 choices text, outlook, mms. Shortcuts?
- Current NOTES on exchanges server do not sync to the Q. Must purchase a 3rd party note program that only allows pc to device sync instead of wireless ota.
- No WIFI
- There should be an end or close option on all programs, the cancel button below the thumb wheel should function to close or kill the program.
- Battery door feels cheap.
If anyone discovers errors in my observations, please post feedback. I would be very pleased to learn any tips or tricks.
In conclussion I am keeping the Q with the 7250 close by just in case, like a security blanket - I mean cell phone. Just think Q2!
Graylion
1 Month Experience
Pro's
I have business and multiple personal email account set up, they work flawlessly. I even set up my daughter while on vacation so she could get back to her friends
Good Voice quality
Nice PDA function, not a power PDA but the device is a phone first and foremost- exactly what I had been waiting 3 years for!
Syncs with ACT! using Companionlink - no issues.
Small size, easy to navigate once you get used to it.
The first few days I was thinking of sending it back but after 1 month I really like the device and it satisfies all of my requirements.
Cons:
Bluetooth stinks but that is not the phones fault.
Battery life is questionable
Mulitiple steps for some frequently used tasks. Alarm, phone lock etc..
Overall:
If you are looking for a phone that works great and has a nice PDA, this is the one you have been waiting for. I am writing this review in response to some of the negative reviews, while everyone is entitled to their own opinion, I believe some reviewers did not give the phone a chance or were expected more of a PDA. I like it!
It grows on you
I must say that the first week I had this phone I was thinking of returning it. However, my continued use revealed many strengths which has utimately led me to write this strong review and made it a keeper. Here's my impression of the pros and cons:
Pros:
Activesync - I have over 1000 contacts which have synced with no problems - access to my contacts is quick and easy. I was concerned that 1000+ contacts would slow down the phone...I have seen very little if any performance degradation
Voice recognition - here's an area where the phone has really grown on me. It works almost well with good accuracy with my 1000+ contacts. Hint: when using voice recognition hold the phone as if you would under normal use and speak naturally. For some reason voice recognition works best when you hold the phone to your ear. Also use the adapt digits option to improve accuracy. This is an under rated feature that proves extremely useful when driving.
Internet access - for the most part this works well and is quick when verizon's EDVO is available
Size and form factor - clearly this is the most obvious positive attribute of this phone
Phone performance: The Q has very good call clarity, volume and reception
Speaker phone: Very clear and easy to access
Email access- I was able to download email from my hotmail account easily with very little setup
Multimedia- I didn't buy the phone to play videos but I was very impressed the first time I viewed a video on the phone. Very crisp and clear with minimal stuttering --impressive for such a small device!
Cons:
Battery life - as others have said you must get the extended battery. I talk quite a bit and have found that the life with the extended battery is acceptable.
Comfort - not quite as comfortable to hold as a flip phone but I find it one most comfortable smart phones I tried (including the Treos)
GREAT PHONE!
I will wait to post an actual review until I've had a chance to better test the device, however the "Q" seems like a sure hit. While it does not do email quite like a blackberry, it comes pretty close and should work for all but the heaviest email users. Also, the phone has outstanding voice clarity. I am also very impressed with the feature set that is included out of the box. I'm not sure about the battery life because I haven't gone through a full cycle with the phone yet, but with verizon offering the extended battery for so cheap, it shouldn't be anything to worry about quite yet.
Pros:
form factor
features
voice quality
data speed
email(for lite users)
ease of use
cons:
minuscule lag time
no true push email
