Storage

Internal memory is dynamically shared among all stored files including images, audio, video, contacts, messages, and third party applications. With an abundant 45 MB of storage, users will have plenty of space for hours of music and plenty of video clips. And should users run out of memory, the E815 features an expandable card slot for TransFlash memory.

Connectivity

Featuring Bluetooth capabilities, users have the freedom to move without wires. Limited to a 10 meter radius, pairing with headsets, computers, or peripherals is quick and easy. However, Verizon Wireless has no OBEX (Object Exchange) profile support, meaning sending multimedia from the E815 to another device isn't possible. A common trend among Verizon Wireless phones, disabling transfer abilities forces its customers to use its fee-based Get It Now service rather than sharing ringtones, wallpapers, games, and videos with friends.

Conclusion

High expectations were placed for the E815's predecessor, the Motorola V710. And when it was announced, groans could be heard afar. And as the faithful anxiously awaited the release of the Motorola E815, they were holding their breath once again.

This time around, Motorola seemed to get it right; redesigning subtleties like the keypad to put to rest annoyances with text messaging and improving and enhancing multimedia features putting the E815 ahead of the competition. But perhaps the two most significant changes were the improvements to memory and the addition of EV-DO.

The V710 was a jumble of great multimedia features; brilliant internal and external screens, a decent yet underperforming camera, and MP3 player. Alone, these features were great, yet nothing tied these features together.

Motorola alleviated the problem with the E815, taking multimedia one step further; allowing users share their experience after capturing it with their phone. As the backbone, EV-DO's lightening-fast transmission rates enable users to accomplish what a multimedia-rich phone was designed to do.

After recording videos and taking snapshots of vacations, consumers can now conveniently send them to friends and family at home. Impossible with traditional networks, sending high-quality picture and video messages enables others to share in the experience, captured with the E815, without leaving them squinting.

But the E815 is not without its drawbacks. Unfortunately, what disappointed V710 consumers were hoping for wasn't going to change; Verizon Wireless had once again disabled Bluetooth transfer and dial-up capabilities. More concerned about profit than the satisfaction of its consumers, Verizon Wireless cripples all its Bluetooth-enabled phones. But there have been some work-arounds...

Regardless, the TransFlash memory card slot lessen some of the sting. Multimedia can be stored and transferred on cards up to 256 MB in size.

Overall the Motorola E815 is a great phone at a reasonable price; $99 after rebates and a service contract. But as with all consumer electronics, prices drop quickly. Given the well-rounded multimedia capabilities in imaging, audio, messaging, and entertainment, 3G EV-DO streaming and transfer rates, and abundant storage space, its hard to find a better suited phone for the above average consumer.

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