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Technical Details
- Send and receive text messages
- Web enabled
- Full QWERTY keyboard
- Voice-recognition software
- Rated for up to 200 minutes' digital talk time, 3 days' digital standby time; includes headset, charger, and holster
Product Details
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As wireless technology goes through growing pains, some products are truly innovative while others seem a bit premature. The Motorola V100 lands safely on the innovative side, emerging as a hip and affordable phone-cum-messaging device.
Measuring 2.8 by 3.7 by 1.1 inches and weighing 6 ounces, the V100 is about the size of a bifold wallet. The ample, seven-line screen is ideal for composing and viewing text, and the translucent blue casing leaves the phone's circuit board exposed, resulting in a cool, quasi-industrial look. You must use a headset (included) to place and receive calls. Yet, even though the phone is rather conspicuous, we didn't feel like a fish out of water while talking. You can also send text messages while you're on a call, a definite plus.
Rapid-fire e-mailing and text messaging is what the V100 is all about, and while it was odd at first to type with our thumbs, it didn't take long to acclimate ourselves to the V100's compact QWERTY keyboard. And though we felt like the buttons were a bit small (not to mention confusing the Shift and Alt keys), we ultimately found the keyboard to be incredibly responsive and accurate. Soon, we were banging out text messages like an excited monkey.
Setting up your e-mail requires customer-service help, since you must first program in a service-center number. This is a straightforward process, and any customer-care representative should be able to walk you through it. It's also important to note that there's a 160-character limit on text messages, but we found this was enough room to get our points across.
With the built-in minibrowser, you can browse the Internet while you're on the go. If you are interested in Web access, check to see if VoiceStream's WebStream service is available in your area (at the time this was written, WebStream was available in limited markets). For answers and advice, we suggest calling customer service at (800) 937-8997.
Fortunately, we have access here in Seattle, so we were able to explore the Net using the V100. It's a shame VoiceStream hasn't rolled out this service to all its markets, because WebStream is rather impressive. We especially liked how easy it was to get to e-mail, search, and favorite link options. Plus, the VoiceStream folks get kudos for serving up the yellow pages so you can search for numbers on your own.
Bonus points are awarded for the V100's voice-activated dialing feature. You can tag up to 25 phone-book entries for quick, efficient calls.
The V100 also has thorough standard options, including a 250-number phone book, 10-number call logs, quick-access menus, a host of status icons, vibrating alert, and games (including Bricks, a takeoff on Breakout). The V100 also supports carrier-dependent features, such as caller ID, call forwarding, and three-way calling.
Sadly, it's not an apt organizer. It does feature a voice-memo recorder (stores three minutes of reminders) and a series of alerts, but the phone is sorely lacking scheduling features like a to-do list or calendar (although you can access a calendar feature if you have WebStream access). Also, the V100 doesn't sync with your PC, so you can't swap contact data back and forth.
Our sample V100 matched the manufacturer's battery ratings (200 minutes' digital talk time, three days' digital standby time), although it seemed like it took a while to fully recharge. Our average time clocked in at two hours.
It's fair to say the V100 is in its own league, as there aren't many products that you can accurately compare it to. It's completely unique, and it has a great look and feel. We highly recommend it for people who want the calling/messaging flexibility without having to pay two separate bills.
--Thom Arno
Pros:
- E-mail works like a charm
- Thoroughly original design
- Responsive keyboard
- Voice-activated features
Cons:
- Poor PDA options
- WebStream Internet service is limited
How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time
When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode.
Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings.
To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength.
Amazon.com Product Description
If hauling around a pager, a cell phone, and a PDA all day tends to run you ragged, it's time for the all-in-one answer. The Motorola V100 Personal Communicator gives you the freedom to talk, send and receive text messages, browse the Internet, or write e-mails with speed and style. The full QWERTY keyboard makes it easier to write text, and if your hands are full, the V100's Voice Notes voice-recognition software lets you place calls and record personal memos. Plus, the handy built-in vibrating call function alerts you to calls even if you can't hear the ringer. Other highlights include a holographic backlit display, 11 different ring tones, call-forwarding capability, and a selection of original, challenging games. The lithium-ion battery is rated for 200 minutes' digital talk time and three days' digital standby time. A headset, charger, and holster are included.
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