Introduction

Building on the success of the highly acclaimed SLVR L7, Motorola recently released the L6, the newest ultra-thin device to the popular SLVR line-up. Virtually identical in size and shape to the L7, the L6 offers a familiar slim profile with a metal etched keypad and scratch resistant LCD.

With a generous amount of user memory, the L6 similarly integrates a VGA digital camera with video capture and playback, Bluetooth wireless technology, multimedia text messaging, and chat capabilities on the most popular platforms.

But the differences are not as noticeable. As a stripped down version of the L7, the L6 lacks iTunes functionality and an expansion card slot. However at over $100 cheaper, the L6 provides Cingular customers an affordable alternative; perfect for consumers who want an equally slim and chic design but don't need all the features of the L7.

Design

Narrower and wider than the size of a credit card (86 x 54 mm), the SLVR L6 measures 113 x 49 x 10.9 mm, remarkably thinner than the L7 (114 x 49 x 11.5 mm), and the thinnest Motorola handset to date.

Manufactured from a hybrid glass-filled body to add stability and rigidity, the SLVR L6 is durable enough to withstand the wear and tear of everyday use that an all-plastic body would be too fragile for.

Prominently displaying a scratch-resistant 65K-color LCD screen at 128 x 160 px in resolution, the front also features Menu, Send, Power / End, and Left and Right soft keys surrounding a 5-way directional keypad.

In order to achieve L6's ultra-thin profile, a conventional numeric keypad could not have been used due to the thickness of the keys. However instead of an electro-luminescent strip used to make the L7's keypad (in one piece), the L6's keys are each made from a cut metal material (each individual key).

Turned around, the back of the L6 integrates a VGA camera, capable of snapping photos at a mediocre 640 x 480 px. However rather than hardened glass used to protect the L7's camera lens, the L6 has a plastic cover to avoid any accidental scratches.

On the left, a Smart Key lets users quickly access likely actions to follow (such as select when a menu item is highlighted), while a dedicated Camera Key along the right gives consumers quick access for impromptu moments. Also along the right, a charging port doubles as the accessory outlet.

The L6 uses cost-saving materials to bring down the price, and compared to the L7, changes are noticeable. Slight differences between the external finish, LCD screen, flush keypad, lens cover, and side key coating are not low-quality, but mediocre to the L7 when placed side by side.

Out of the box, the Motorola L6 comes with a Standard 820 mAh Li-Ion Battery, A/C Charger, and User Manual.

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