|
faster firm ware. you know how when your phone is closed and you start up the music player and you cant go in to artists only playlist and all songs.Now you can search for songs with flip closed under artists realy cool. now you can change the ring stly with flip closed. Now you can connect your phone to motorola phone tools and take pixs on and of like the first razr and make your own ringtones and every thing. you can now Schedule Delivery for a txt. Loud soft Vibrate silent and Vibe then Ring.
any Questions please leave commont THANK you Now about the phone. Making it the way Motorola wanted it to be. you can read miss calls and txt with the flip closed and the music player is alsome. Battery life is 2x better when you use CDMA only. now you will have a WHITE screen FTS push next till you see a list. Pros. Hi I would just like every one to know your not stuck with Verizon firm ware. warning.YOU MUST FLASH AT YOUR OWN RISK.
when some one calls it uses the entire out side screen whith there PIC realy Cool. Pro. Vista, IphoneMoto, IphoneMotoX, Indium, Moto, Plush,Techno, and Winmedia. Diffrent txt tones for each person. okay.
5 Now you can add skins they are SOOO Cool. Now your phone can read a 4gb card. So now you have diffrent txt tonesin stead of one for all. you can no longer change the out side wallpaper it will allways be the same as the inside. a few cons. each skin is realy cool they change the icons pictures and every thing and you still have the 3 Motorola wanted you to have Alkali, Disco and Glow.
so u can make a txt and set the delivery time and date. okay for those of you who arnt going to flash and like the way your phone is now you can upen your battrey life by swinching your phone network into CDMA ONLY okay. you can do a monster flash to USC. you can not have the opition to sync music to the phone u must remove the card and put it into the cumputer. 2 make multible numbers for a contact you must use Motorola phone tools. ##DEBUG disables EVDO internet Serveces whicht takes alot of battrey life up.
Now scrool down to HDR PREF: Change AUTO to CDMA now push exit and phone will restart now enter ##332284 again to EXIT FTS all to gether Now you have finshed. When you apply a ringtone to a contact is sets it as its ringer ID and TXT ID so its the same ringtone when he calls u and txt you. Now you can Hide the music player so you can txt while the music is playing. this must be done fast to start up Debug. so much to play with for settings. there is so much more you can do.
okay you must enter ##332284 and push the CLR key and Left soft key. if ur not going to flash this phone when you buy it i wouldent buy it even if ur going to flash it theres better phones out there for a better price this would haft to be like 50 for me to recomend buying there are alot better phones out there but this is the best flip phone in my eays besides the krave i think this phone is better tho if u flash it.
at this point, i've ordered another motorola battery just to have a back-up because my current one literally loses half its charge after a 30 minute subway ride.third, the keybad is beginning to show some age as the buttons do not seem as responsive. i've had this phone for over a year now with my verizon contract. fyi, this review takes the standard verizon crippling-of-OEM phone functions out of the equation.unfortunately, after having this phone, i've come to know its flaws quite well. traveling in subways underground or deadzones will cause the phone to rapidly burn through the battery as it attempts to find a signal. i've noted on several occasions that i've had to reposition the phone or yell so that the caller at the other end can hear what i'm actually saying.in retrospect, i wish i had waited for another phone (i purchased this right when it was released with verizon). first, being the exterior LCD screen being as large, or larger, than the interior display.
i can only imagine how much the responsivness of the keypad will degrade over the next year until my 2-year contract is up. upon my initial purchase, i considered this phone to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye with a nice bright and crisp (and somewhat large) LCD screen both outside and inside the phone, slim and compact, fairly decent camera, and with acceptable sound quality with calls. on several occasions, i've had to press certain key pad buttons way too many times to simply spell out a word when texting someone. given that you'd spend more time looking at the interior display, i don't quite understand why the exterior would be as large, or equal when you're just using it for its superficial touch features.second, the battery life is horrendous. after a year, the battery needs recharging on a daily basis and i don't even use my phone that often. by then, i'll be lucky to even enter a phone number to call someone.fourth, the speaker function doesn't seem to be very clear.
while it's a stylish looking handset with some positives, the quality of the product leaves much to be desired.
The contact list (phone book) and speed dial functions of the V9M is also comparable with previous Razr phones, although the V9M allows a total of 1,000 entries and has a slightly more colorful and user friendly user interface. Since the early days of the cell phone era, I have always been interested in owning and testing the latest, most high-tech cellular devices. Voices sound natural and reception has been crystal clear, with no background hum, clicking or hissing sounds. The external display features onscreen touch controls, which are shortcuts for the camera, music player, and voice dialing. I simply had to select a different phone modem type within the MPT software.
After purchasing a Micro-USB data cable (since Verizon doesn't include one with the Razr2 V9M package), and installing the latest version of Motorola Phone Tools (MPT), I was able to access phonebook, calendar, text messages, Internet connection, and synchronize abilities. While these displays are big and bright, I would have preferred to see 24-bit color depth, at least for the inner display screen. Verizon is hoping that you will want to upgrade to this phone and will therefore sign a new two-year contract to obtain it. Motorola decided not to include a camera light/flash on the V9M, which is a step down from the Razr MaxxVE. Volume of calls, both using the phone's earpiece and built-in speakerphone, proved more than adequate (of course some user's opinions may vary) and produced little to no distortion even at maximum levels. I have transferred several MP3 music files to my V9M and have listened to them with standard corded ear buds and with a Bluetooth stereo headset. To utilize the chaperone feature you will need to add even more cost to your monthly bill. The default V9M setup in MPT would not allow me to access the MultiMedia Studio, which allows the transfer of ringtones, pictures and videos.
With the lack of raised buttons or better defined button separation, dialing this phone by feel alone can be a bit challenging. Am I right. Even at the 320x240 video resolution, the overall video window will appear extremely small when played on your computer monitor. All of the above mentioned abilities were done without any hacking of the phones operating system. Go get one today and say."Hello Moto."
Since Verizon Wireless is my carrier, I was limited to the Razr2 V9M phone, which is the model this review is for.Some of the advertised features include:* Clamshell form factor, metal & glass housing, internal antenna* Tandem 2.2" and 2.0" 240x320 (QVGA) 65K color displays*Touch-sensitive external camera/music/voice-dial keys w/haptics tactile feedback*Integrated 2-megapixel camera w/ 4x digital zoom (maximum resolution of 1,200x1,600)*Video recorder with up to 240x320 resolution at 15fps.*USB 2.0, USB mass storage, and version 2.0 Bluetooth wireless data transfer connectivity*EV-DO high-speed wireless data standard*Built-In Digital Music Player (supports WMA, MP3, AAC, and Album Art)*V Cast Music & TV/Video compatible* 65 MB of internal memory (expandable up to 2GB additional memory via microSD card)*Digital Contact Phone Book with up to 1,000 contact entry storage*Polyphonic and MP3 ringtones*Voice command and dialing, with ability to record voice memos*PIM functions include calendar, calculator, alarm clock, and world clock*aGPS capable for E911 emergency location/sGPS*TTY compatible*Hearing Aid compatibility = M4/T4*Full-Duplex Speakerphone*Supported Bluetooth Profiles: Headset, Hands-free, Serial Port, Dial-Up Networking, Stereo (A2DP), OPP and FTP for vCard and user generated images/video, OBEX file transfer (limited to pictures and sounds but not ring tones and music).*SMS text messaging*Multimedia picture and video messaging*Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0*IM Chat with pre-loaded AOL, ICQ and Yahoo Instant Messengers*PC Synchronization (requires PhoneTools software and micro-USB cable)*VZ Navigator and Chaperone service compatible*Picture Caller ID & custom ringer profilesGood Looks*********The Razr2 V9M is very sleek & sexy; with a body made of stainless steel, cast aluminum and glass. There are brightness and white balance settings, a self-timer, a multi-shot mode, three color effects, nine fun frames, a 4x digital zoom, and three different shutter sounds available. As mentioned before, the front LCD display has touch sensitive keys for activating and controlling the camera and music functions of the phone. When traveling through low signal areas, I have found that the signal acquisition and ability to maintain a phone conversation is about the same as I experienced with my Razr MaxxVE, while performing slightly better than the earlier generation Razr phones.
However, we rarely ever have our digital camera with us for every photo opportunity. Unfortunately you are forced to remove the battery cover and the battery itself in order to gain access to the microSD card slot on the Razr2 V9M. I want to note that in order to use wired earphones or headphones, you must either purchase a micro-USB to 3.5mm mini-plug adapter, or you can use the included micro-USB to 2.5mm adapter, provided that your earphones have that sized plug. Clips taken for sending video messages are capped at 30 seconds, but you can shoot normal video for as long as your available memory permits. The camcorder feature records clips, with sound, in your choice of 176x144 or 320x240 resolutions, at 15fps. The Razr2 V9M can do just about anything you might want it to do, but it all comes at an ongoing cost. Since the phone's built-in memory is rather limited, I recommend adding a MicroSD memory card for maximum storage of video, photos and music files.
The V9M Verizon package includes the Razr2 phone itself, a standard capacity Lithium Ion Battery (770 mAh), an AC charger (micro-USB), a headset adapter (micro-USB to 2.5mm mini-plug), a user guide and a quick reference guide. I was also able to successfully connect my Razr2 V9M phone to my laptop PC, via Bluetooth, in order to use the phone as a wireless modem for Internet access. And last but not least, the camera lens is located just above the outer display. There is a Micro-USB/charger port on the left spine, close to the bottom of the phone. The dial pad is very flat and smooth, with ever so slightly raised horizontal lines separating the button rows. I was equally impressed with call quality when using my Motorola Bluetooth headset and when pairing a Polycom VoiceStation 500 Bluetooth speakerphone with the Razr2 V9M.
Although the Razr2 V9M is dumbed-down with the typical bland, downright ugly, text based Verizon user interface, there is one additional FlashUI theme option, called Flux, which offers a slightly better and more attractive menu system. Of course eventually nearly everyone owned one and they were no longer anything special. But for the infrequent snapshot it does a decent job. Both screens provide a capable 240 x 320-pixel resolution at up to 65,000 (16-bit) colors. If only Verizon didn't dumb down their phone with its clunky user interface and all of the ugly company logos and animations, this Razr2 V9M would be close to perfection.
While this phone comes with a Micro-USB AC charger, it does not come with a Micro-USB computer cable. Given these Verizon implemented shortcomings, as well as the lack of a music player equalizer, the lack of an included micro-USB data cable, lack of micro-USB to 3.5mm headset adapter, and the slightly degraded camera functions (compared with the Razr MaxxVE), I give this latest Razr offering from Motorola a solid 4 stars. Well the Motorola Razr2 V9M has a very capable 2-megapixle camera built-in, for snapping that occasional picture when you don't have your full-featured digital camera handy. Although I have tested many brands and models over the years, I have always been impressed with Motorola's design and quality. Like all of the other Razr models, the Razr2 has in integrated antenna, which is built into the bottom of the phone, near the mouthpiece/microphone. Useful Around The House*******************Although Verizon has historically gone out of its way to disable many of the useful features of its previous phones, I was both surprised and delighted to learn that they have left most of the data transfer features of this phone intact.
Sending and receiving text and picture messages is on par with all previous Razr models. Of course this likely has more to do with changes in the Verizon UI than with the phone itself. This makes the Razr2 V9M one of the handiest cellular phones I have ever owned. The V9M can take pictures in four resolutions, from 240x320 up to 1,200x1,600.
As you can see, Verizon doesn't throw in any extras with this package. It did not require hacking the phone, like previous workarounds for Verizon phones required. Those battery life estimates should be considered a best case scenario. It's no iPod, but the Razr2 V9M makes for a perfectly adequate, stand-in portable music player.Camera Friendly************Everyone should know by now that a camera equipped cell phone is no replacement for a stand-alone digital camera.
The touch controls utilize haptics technology, which creates a tactile feedback, in the form of a slight vibration, when the onscreen buttons are touched. Overall I am extremely pleased that Verizon has now made it possible to move data to and from the phone, via micro-USB cable and Bluetooth, which they used to block on my previous Razr phones. Unfortunately there is no camera light/flash included on the Razr2 V9M, which they had included on the previous Razr MaxxVE phone. The Verizon version of the V9M is currently only available in a dark brown, almost copper color; which has been labeled "Espresso." The flip-up top portion is razor thin, flaunting a massive 2-inch external display and a generous 2.2-inch internal display. When Motorola released the oh so small V3620 (about the size of a pack of gum), I was maxing out my Visa card so I could be one of the first to own one. So if you have been thinking about ordering one of these for yourself, what are you waiting for.
The overall size of this phone (in inches) is 4.06 (H) x 2.09 (W) x 0.47 (D), and weighs in at a sturdy feeling 4.13 ounces; thinner but slightly longer and heavier than previous Razr models.Great Personality*************Utilizing dual-band 850/1900 CDMA frequencies, while also compatible with the EV-DO data network, the Razr2 V9M provides excellent call quality and fairly impressive data transfer rates. There are no vertical lines at all. Of course these times will vary, depending on whether the Bluetooth radio is enabled, if you're in a low signal strength (especially EV-DO) area, or how long your backlighting is active. Callers I have spoken with have stated that my voice sounds very good while talking on this phone. The MaxxVE also had an autofocus camera, whereas the V9M has a traditional fixed focus camera. As prices tend to change over time, I am not going to list any specific costs in this review.
For the same reason I have never used the VZ Navigator service either. I have also connected the V9M to my Garmin GPS, allowing the GPS to retrieve all of my contact (phonebook) list information and providing control of my V9M from the touch display on the Garmin. At first the Razr was one of the most sought after phones, and everyone would make comments when they would see me using mine. However, I can tell you the V9M is not going to be a freebie in the foreseeable future, so be willing to shell out a chunk of cash even when agreeing to a 2-year commitment with Verizon Wireless. I have noticed that color saturation of the pictures taken with the V9M sometimes appear bland or washed out. However, I found information on the Internet for a workaround to allow full access to the MultiMedia Studio feature within MPT. The pictures also turn out looking grainy if there is not enough ambient light available. Please note that I said "Micro-USB" and not mini-USB.
The left edge of the phone offers a volume rocker and Motorola smart key (doubles as a speakerphone on/off key), while the right edge contains a single voice-dial/command key. I was blown away when Motorola introduced the StarTAC phones, back in the mid 90s, and I paid top dollar to buy one right after it was released. If you wish to connect this phone to your computer you will either need to purchase a separate cable or a Micro-USB adapter (to utilize an existing USB cable you may already have). Well that was short lived, as Motorola soon released the new Razr2 V series phones, and I just had to have one. In order to fully utilize the bells and whistles of this phone, you will need to consider signing up for a text message package, or an all-inclusive package that will allow unlimited txt and pix messaging, V-Cast streaming and even the VZ Navigator service. Hats off to Verizon for finally loosening the shackles a little.Able To Carry A Tune****************The Razr2 V9M was designed with multimedia in mind. I was also able to move data to and from the microSD card, by removing the card and placing into a card reader. My Bluetooth wireless headset was able to communicate with the V9M perfectly, and I was able to control the phone's music controls with the controls on the headset itself.
Transferring data to and from the phone using Bluetooth also worked quite well. The antenna and microphone portion of the Razr2 V9M is much flatter than previous Razr models, which gives the base portion of the phone a much thinner, smoother look. It looks just fine when played back on the V9M LCD screen though.Looking For A Commitment********************The Razr2 V9M still holds a very steep retail price, so purchasing this phone outright can be a very costly proposition. I ran out and bought the Razr MaxxVE, back in April of 2007, and again I felt like I had the best phone Motorola had to offer. Photo quality is pretty good, providing that there is plenty of light available.
In order to create and transfer my own ringtones onto the phone, I found that I had to rename the file extension of each file to ".qcp" in order to be recognized by the phone as a valid ringtone. The 770 mAh Li-Ion battery will provide up to 215 minutes of talk time or 310 hours of standby time. Of course most people wouldn't be caught dead without their cell phone on their hip or in their purse. Of course I have also owned each one of the Razr series phones; at least the ones that are compatible with the Verizon network. Not even a holster w/ belt clip is included.
Although the Razr concept is getting a little long in the tooth, this new addition to the Razr line is definitely an impressive device that will certainly raise a few eyebrows. I was impressed with the sound quality produced by the phone, although the addition of an equalizer would be a useful feature. Verizon really pushes its V Cast service capabilities for this phone, but you can easily transfer your own music and video files to the phone from your computer as well. I have not personally used the V Cast service, due to its excessive costs, but I'm sure that it is a wonderful feature for those that have a lot of extra cash they wish Verizon to help them dispose of. The primary dial and menu navigation buttons, on the inner part of the phone, are a bit larger than on previous Razr models. Overall this Espresso colored Razr2, from Verizon Wireless, is a very high quality, well built, full-featured cellular device.
However, I was not able to transfer certain types of data (such as music) from my computer onto the phone's memory, but I could transfer the data to the microSD card that I had installed into the phone when I bought it. I was even able to successfully print pictures on my Razr2 V9M, via Bluetooth, to my Bluetooth compatible printer. Then again doesn't everything in life.For Better or For Worse******************So that about wraps up my review for the Motorola Razr2 V9M cell phone for Verizon Wireless. I am very happy with my Razr2 V9M and wouldn't trade it for anything else that Verizon has to offer at this time.
They just chose to play the blame game and in the end rather than buy another phone I used "JB weld" (an epoxy product) to fix it. That said I have to complain that one day my wife was simply opening it and the right hinge just cracked and the broke off. This phone is quite cool overall with many features that you can read about from other postings on this site. Obviously there are now a lot of more interesting phones out there but because the V9m still has sex appeal it holds a premium price. I called Verizon customer service and they were actually quite defensive insisting that it must have been deliberately broken. I tried to explain the phone must have had an internal material based flaw but this fell on deaf ears and the service rep at first didn't even understand the conceptual nature of the problem. I am disappointed in Verizon for their hardball blame oriented attitude towards my compliant and will likely choose another carrier in the future. After all as time goes on the reliability aspect of the Verizon network won't be much better than others so this sales point is fading fast and they seem much like any other phone company -- and Verizon's customer service is going to have to improve for them to stay competitive much longer.
I've owned this phone for around 6 months now, and felt the need to write a brief review. Note - This is for the Verizon version.Pros:- Stylish (or at least I've received many compliments on it)- Slim (a bit slimmer than the original Razr- Beautiful external screen- Decent battery life- Fast operating system (or faster than the Razr V3c I had before this)- 2MP camera takes pretty good picturesCons:- Cost (I think this phone is overpriced, even for being all of the above)- The vibrate mode is HORRIBLE (it's really weak and I miss calls - ugh)- Can't adjust ringer without opening phone- Micro USB incompatible with previous Razr chargers, accessories - attracts fingerprints- music player sometimes gets turned on inside my pocketOther notes: This phone is NOT wider than the original RAZR, it only looks that way b/c the edges are not tapered as much.
|
