When the Motorola RAZR V3 was launched last year, I think most everybody, including Motorola itself, was quite surprised by how popular the handset turned out to be, considering the asking price. Its slim profile and sleek silver colored metal body proved to be just too much of a temptation for the world, and people the world over jumped through hoops and over hurdles just to get one for their very own. Everybody was a movie star with one of these!
Black is beautiful.
Until, of course, Motorola gave 50 exclusive RAZR V3 BLK handsets to some real movie stars at the 77th Annual Academy Awards in February, 2005. All of a sudden, the silver RAZR lost some of its shine. But once again, it is time for the masses to rejoice. Motorola is making the RAZR BLK available to all.
Of course it isn't just the color that makes the RAZR V3 BLK such a desirable handset. One reason that people love it so is its size. It weighs only 3.35oz (95g), which is pretty light for a phone that has a largely metal body. At 3.86" x 2.17" x .57" (98mm x 55mm x 14.5mm) in size, it is actually thinner than most candy bar style phones on the market. It can be slipped perfectly into a shirt, suit, or pants pocket, as well as a purse, without being noticed.
There is so much more to the RAZR V3 BLK than its physical being, though. Certainly the primary purpose of any phone must be making phone calls, and in spite of its small stature, the RAZR V3 BLK managed a full 7 hours of talk time in our tests - a very respectable showing. A related bonus is the fact that you can charge the RAZR V3 BLK directly from your computer's USB port with the same type of mini-USB cable that you probably already have for your digital camera. That's one less power adapter to pack in the suitcase. Support for all 4 GSM frequency bands means that the RAZR will work in San Francisco and New York just as well as it will in Paris and London. The handset's internal antenna also proved to be quite capable, offering up very good reception in weak signal areas.
Of course some compromises had to be made to get all of this functionality into such a small package. The keypad, for example, is a very thin metal unit that offers less tactile feedback than most, though it makes up for that somewhat by looking fantastic in the dark, thanks to its cool blue back light. While quite usable, it might take a bit of getting used to. No compromises were made with the main display, though: a nice 2.2" 65k color TFT unit, with 176 x 220 pixel resolution. The external display is also color, though only a 4k CSTN type.
The Motorola RAZR V3 BLK is thin and definitely in.
The built-in VGA camera proved itself to be one of the better ones on the market, offering good contrast, color, and focus in most situations. The RAZR's polyphonic sound system also works quite well, and even allows you to use MP3 files as ringtones. So if you have a few dollars to spare in your quest for looking like a movie star, Motorola has got just the thing you need. Luckily, the RAZR V3 BLK has the brains to back up the beauty.
--Reviewed by Michael Oryl, editor in chief of www.MobileBurn.com
Pros:
Thin
7 hours of talk time
Quad-band GSM
Good antenna reception
Cons:
Expensive
Unusual Keypad
Your friends will try to steal it
So if you have a few dollars to spare in your quest for looking like a movie\ star, Motorola has got just the thing you need. Luckily, the RAZR V3 BLK has \ the brains to back up the beauty.
--Reviewed by Michael Oryl, editor in chief of www.MobileBurn.com
About this product: The LG VX-8500 known as the Chocolate, comes in a sleek slider design with hidden touch keys. The phone is equipped with features that include a music player, memory card slot, and EV-DO. Other key attributes include stereo Bluetooth, a megapixel camera, QVGA display, and speaker-independent voice control.
About this product: Satisfy all your cellular phone needs with the Wireless Extenders YX510-PCS/CEL zBoost zP Wireless Booster, which works with both cellular frequencies (800 and 1900 MHz) and can extend cellular coverage up to 2500 square feet. This unit can handle signals from all the major cellular carriers, including AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon, and Alltel. The package includes everything you need: amplifier base unit, power supply, base unit antenna, low-loss SATV coaxial cable (RG6), signal antenna and mounting hardware. The omni-directional signal antenna receives signals from multiple cell towers.
Improve your cell signal with the dual-band YX510-PCS/CEL--perfect for boosting the signal of AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon frequencies up to 2500 square feet.
Using a revolutionary, patent pending technology that protects the carrier network, the YX300 improves indoor cell phone coverage by capturing and repeating the outside signal, bringing it into the building and enhancing it. This process creates a "Cell Zone" in your home or office.
Click here to see a PDF overview of setting up the Wireless Booster.
The Wireless Extenders zBoost system includes:
Outdoor antenna (repeats the signal) can be installed outdoors above the roofline or indoors in the attic or near a window
Coax cable (RG6- ultra low-loss, DBS satellite) connects from the outdoor antenna to the base unit
Base unit: Sleekly designed, it amplifies the signal and provides oscillation detection/correction which protects the carrier network using patent-pending technology.
Indoor antenna connects to the base unit to repeat the signal and create "Cell Zone"--no physical connection to the phone is needed.
Installation Choosing the best location for installation of the Signal Antenna provides the best performance and the largest area of improved signal. Determine the location that provides the strongest signal using the signal strength indicator on your cell phone. For the best reception, find the location that provides the most bars of signal strength and locate the Signal Antenna at that location.
Output Power: less than 0.5 Watt EiRP (w/ included antenna)
Unit weight: 1 pound
Unit size: 5 x 7 x 2 inches
Power input: 100-120 VAC 60 Hz
Power output: 5VDC, 1.5A
Signal antenna cable: Outdoor rated 75 ohm DBS satellite coaxial cable, Type-F male
Base unit antenna: 50 ohm, TNC male
Note: If you need coverage for only one cellular carrier, check out the YX500/PCS (1900 MHz; Sprint and T-Mobile) or the YX500/CEL (800 MHz; AT&T and Verizon).
About this product: Elmo's World comes to life for your child with this adorable, interactive cell phone featuring moving eyes and an animated lenticular screen. Choose from two fun play modes. In Mode 1, Elmo identifies the numbers you press. In Mode 2, Elmo identifies popular icons from the show and makes silly sound effects. Flip the phone open and watch the phone's googly eyelids open. When playtime is over, flip the phone shut it and hear Elmo say, "Goodbye" as the cell phone closes its eyelids. Requires 2 "AA" alkaline batteries (included).
About this product: Designed as a whole-house/office solution for improving your cellular phone signal, the Wireless Extenders YX500/PCS zBoost zP Wireless Booster can extend cellular coverage up to 2500 square feet. This YX500/CEL model works with all phones on the 800 MHz frequency, including compatibility with AT&T and Verizon. The package includes everything you need: amplifier base unit, power supply, base unit antenna, low-loss SATV coaxial cable (RG6), signal antenna and mounting hardware. The omni-directional signal antenna receives signals from multiple cell towers.
Improve your cell signal with the YX500/CEL--perfect for boosting the signal of AT&T and Verizon frequencies up to 2500 square feet.
Using a revolutionary, patent pending technology that protects the carrier network, the YX500/PCS improves indoor cell phone coverage by capturing and repeating the outside signal, bringing it into the building and enhancing it. This process creates a "Cell Zone" in your home or office. The Wireless Extenders zBoost system includes:
Outdoor antenna (repeats the signal) can be installed outdoors above the roofline or indoors in the attic or near a window
Coax cable (RG6- ultra low-loss, DBS satellite) connects from the outdoor antenna to the base unit
Base unit: Sleekly designed, it amplifies the signal and provides oscillation detection/correction which protects the carrier network using patent-pending technology.
Indoor antenna connects to the base unit to repeat the signal and create "Cell Zone"--no physical connection to the phone is needed.
Installation Choosing the best location for installation of the Signal Antenna provides the best performance and the largest area of improved signal. Determine the location that provides the strongest signal using the signal strength indicator on your cell phone. For the best reception, find the location that provides the most bars of signal strength and locate the Signal Antenna at that location.
Output Power: less than 0.5 Watt EiRP (w/ included antenna)
Unit weight: 1 pound
Unit size: 5 x 7 x 2 inches
Power input: 100-120 VAC 60 Hz
Power output: 5VDC, 1.5A
Signal antenna cable: Outdoor rated 75 ohm DBS satellite coaxial cable, Type-F male
Base unit antenna: 50 ohm, TNC male
Note: If you need coverage for a Sprint or T-Mobile phone (800 MHz spectrum), check out the YX500/PCS or the dual-band YX510--which covers both the 800 MHz and 1900 MHz spectrums.
Will the Wi-Ex YX500-PCS or the YX500-CEL unit work with any wireless service? The Wi-Ex YX500-PCS unit will work only in the PCS frequency range (1850 â€" 1990 MHz), and the Wi-Ex YX500-CEL will only work in the Cellular frequency range (824 â€" 896 MHz).
Cell phones from providers like Cricket, Metro PCS, Suncom, T-Mobile, and Sprint (excludes Nextel) normally work with our YX500-PCS model, and cell phones from providers like AT&T and Verizon will normally work with the YX500-CEL model. Most of the wireless phones in use today are in the PCS or the Cellular frequencies. Some wireless service providers are PCS only while others will operate in the Cellular and PCS frequencies. This varies from city to city. If your service provider shows both 800 and 1900 MHz the YX500-CEL will probably work. If your service provider shows only the 1900MHz, the YX500-PCS booster will work.
About this product: Get one for the office, one for your home and one for travel. Small and lightweight for convenient portability and storage. Provides power to your phone while simultaneously charging your phone's battery. Charge time is approximately two to five hours when the phone is powered off.
About this product: Duracell myGrid removes the daily hassle of charging your mobile devices. No more finding the right cord. No more clutter of multiple cords . It's Charging Made Simple.
Features
Charge up to four devices at once
You can charge up to four myGrid-enabled devices (BlackBerry's, Motorola Phones, Apple iPhone, etc.) on the myGrid charging pad at once. Make sure that the devices are sitting flat, facing up, and making firm contact with the charging pad.
Eliminate the mess of multiple cords
Instead of using multiple cords and outlets to charge your devices, the myGrid can charge up to four devices using a single cord and outlet - eliminating the mess of multiple cords. Also, the myGrid is as fast as standard chargers*, so using less cords is the most efficient way to charge multiple devices.
*Based on USB 2.0
Ultra-slim profile
The myGrid doesn’t take up a lot of space, making it ideal for counter tops, nightstands or just about any flat surface near an electrical outlet. The pad measures 6.75” x 8.5”, enough room for up to four devices, and the actual charging surface is less than 1/8” thick.
Installing and using the Power Clip™
myGrid is easy to use: Step 1. Insert the proper tip into the device’s charging port. Press the tip into the charging port and ensure a proper fit.
Step 2. Place the Power Clip on the tip and make sure the two are seated together properly, then swivel the Power Clip over the center of the phone and press firmly into place (the adhesive backing on the Power Clip should be removed prior to installation).
Step 3. Ready to charge, place the device on to the myGrid charging pad making sure that it rests fully on the pad. The blue indicator light will appear on the myGrid charging pad when the device is being charged properly.
Installing and using a Power Sleeve™
myGrid is easy to use: Step 1. Carefully insert your device into the Power Sleeve.
Step 2. Use your fingers to stretch the Power Sleeve over the top of the device.
Step 3. Ready to charge, place the device on to the myGrid charging pad making sure that it rests fully on the pad. The blue indicator light will appear on the myGrid charging pad when the device is being charged properly.
Safe to touch
If the system is functioning properly and there is no fault detected (i.e. keys, metal object or a hand placed on the charging pad) then the indicator light will turn off in 3-5 seconds. You are now ready to charge your myGrid-enabled devices. Simply place them on the myGrid charging pad with the contacts facing down. The blue indicator light will light up to show you that your devices are receiving power.
If a fault is detected, the indicator light will (1) not appear upon initial power up or (2) turn off during operation.
When not in use, the myGrid charging pad will be in Sleep Mode. In this mode, the charging surface and the indicator light both turn off.
About this product: Thin is definitely in. At just over a half-inch thick, the Motorola RAZR V3 is the perfect combination of sleek design and powerful features. With long-range Bluetooth, support for video playback, a VGA (640 x 480) camera and a gorgeous color screen, the RAZR V3 is everything you're looking for in a stylish mobile companion. The Motorola RAZR V3 is truly an impressive quad-band phone. And now it is available in gorgeous satin pink for those who want to kick up the style.
Design The RAZR V3's design takes the standard clamshell form factor to the next level with an impressive, anodized aluminum construction. A large 176 x 220 color display with 262,000 colors dominates the inside of the top cover. The outside cover of the handset sports a supplementary 96 x 80 full-color display that can display pictures, time, call information, battery and signal strength, and more. The VGA camera lens is housed above this display. Up/down buttons are placed on the left side for volume control while a voice button on the right side of the unit allows you to enter voice memos and create voice dialing profiles. Most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's backlit control pad, which is precision cut from a single sheet of nickel-plated copper alloy. A charging port and USB data cable port is placed on the bottom of the phone.
Calling Features The RAZR V3's internal phone book can hold up to 1000 contacts, while the phone's picture ID system allows you to assign pictures to your most common callers. It also supports polyphonic ringtones as well as MP3 ringers, allowing you to use portions of your favorite songs to alert you to incoming calls. A number of ringtones come preloaded on the phone. There's even an included application, MotoMixer, that lets you mix your own ringtones. For times when you want to be discreet, there's a vibrating alert. A built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear while voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names.
Because the RAZR V3 is Bluetooth enabled, wireless headsets can be configured with the phone for total handsfree operation.
Messaging, Internet, and Tools The RAZR V3 is a messaging and wireless Internet powerhouse. Support is built in for sending and receiving pictures, text, graphics, sound and video via messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in still and video camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun. Instant messaging is also supported via AOL Instant Messenger and the phone ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP protocols.
iTap text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users. And with Internet service and a data plan (not included) and its Bluetooth or USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs.
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the RAZR V3 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator with currency converter, a calendar and an alarm clock. Use the phone's Bluetooth capability to set up a wireless link with a Bluetooth accessory or connect to a computer or hand-held device to exchange and synchronize data. The phone also supports the SyncML PC synchronization standard, can be used with Motorola's Mobile Phone Tools PC application to manage and synchronize contacts, calendar and other data with your PC.
Imaging and Entertainment With 5 MB of internal memory storage, the RAZR V3 shines in the entertainment department. The phone's VGA camera features a 4x zoom, image quality options, and an auto-timer so you can be in your pictures, too. Capture stills and then send them to your friends via MMS messaging or email, or to your PC via USB or Bluetooth. The phone is capable of MPEG4 video playback when you receive a video message, or if you upload video to the phone via USB or Bluetooth. The RAZR V3 also supports custom graphics for wallpapers so you can dress up the phone to suit your fancy.
Operating the RAZR Battery Door The RAZR V3's battery cover is designed to have a very tight fit with the phone case. You may need to use your fingernail or a very thin instrument to depress the small battery cover release button. When replacing the cover, make sure the cover securely snaps into place before operating the phone.
Vital Statistics The Motorola RAZR V3 weighs 3.35 ounces and measures 3.86 x 2.09 x .54 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 6.67 hours of digital talk time, and up to 250 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
About this product: Increase your productivity and comfort with the Plantronics headset for cordless or mobile phones. Using a headset can increase your productivity by allowing you to handle other tasks, like cooking or driving, while talking on the phone. Additionally, the use of a headset can reduce neck, upper back, and shoulder tension, allowing for a more comfortable work environment. To deliver superior sound quality, this headset includes a noise-canceling microphone, a Plantronics RF noise shield, and a microphone adjustment switch.
WIRELESS
