Introduction

With a name like "Rapture," the Motorola VU30 for Verizon Wireless sets itself up as an agent of bliss that can transport one to higher places. But here on earth, this is Motorola's latest addition to Verizon's cadre of multimedia phones that double as music players.

Motorola Rapture (VU30)

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Combining a sleek, clamshell design with a high-speed, 3G connection, the phone offers a slew of multimedia options, including access to more than 5 million songs on Verizon's VCAST Music with Rhapsody. The phone's centerpiece is a touch-sensitive external display, which enables quick access to the music player and 2.0-megapixel camera. The Rapture also shoots video and records audio, which can be sent out in a multimedia message within seconds of recording.

For storing multimedia and songs, the Rapture holds up to 8GB of micro SD removable memory. Users can sync tunes or playlists to a computer PC using a USB cable (sold separately) with no restrictions on making copies. And when listening to music, users can jam wirelessly, because the Rapture supports compatible Bluetooth-enabled stereo headsets, as well as a standard earplug with 2.5mm headset jack.

Through VCAST, the Rapture delivers a constant stream on-demand video for an additional monthly fee on its vivid 2.2-inch 262K-color TFT screen. While the phone entertains, it also keeps users on track. The phone comes preloaded with Verizon's VZ Navigator, providing turn-by-turn directions as well as information about local businesses, ATM locations, and other places of interest.

Design

The Rapture's onyx-like finish and beveled edges give it a sporty look that's matched by a sturdy feel in the hand. Sleek and pleasing to the eye, the flip phone is only available in black, but its varied textures make it appear two-toned. The front is made of hard black plastic that's durable but also smudges easily. The back has a soft texture similar to leather, which makes it easy to grasp.

Compact, light and balanced, the phone weighs a mere 3.4 ounces and measures 1.9" x 3.9" x 0.67". Because it's on the thin side, it slides easily into small pockets. Compared to the RAZR, it's thicker, but wraps in the hand more easily.

The Rapture was designed for playing music and snapping photos on-the-go with the clamshell shut. Its exterior touch-sensitive screen responds to commands with a vibration. When each program opens, a set of intuitive, touch-sensitive command keys for navigation appears on the small, 1.6-inch, 65K-color TFT screen.

Users can also make voice-activated calls without opening the phone. A smart key on the side of the phone opens the program, and a recorded voice on the speakerphone prompts the user to speak a command. On the left side of the phone, dedicated buttons include a volume rocker, a smart key that serves as a speakerphone on/off button and a micro USB port with protective cover. The right side of the phone is fitted with a 2.5mm headset jack (also protected with a cover), lock key and voice command key.

Flip the phone open on its smooth hinge, and the keypad reveals small, shiny round buttons that continue the bejeweled theme. Raised slightly from the surface, they're etched with a circular pattern that creates friction against your finger. This texture compensates for the small size of the buttons. With so much space between them, misdialing isn't an issue. However, the buttons have to be pressed firmly in order to work and the plastic feels flimsy to the touch. The phone is perfectly balanced and weighted and feels solid when open. Where the bottom of the clamshell bevels to meet the top, there's a heel to hook your pinky around for extra traction.

The phone's style doesn't stop with its shape. At the top of the keypad, a directional key with center select offsets the silver keys with its light blue hue. In contrast, the keyboard characters are printed in a cool, white font that makes them look even cooler when they're backlit. The directional key is surrounded by two soft keys at the top, a dedicated Music key, a Clear key, Send key, and Power/End key.

The Rapture boasts a fast-refreshing, 2.2-inch, 262K-color TFT interior screen for viewing the latest VCAST videos in vivid color.

Both the speaker and camera are located on the back of the phone. The battery cover contours around the back of the phone and takes up most of the area. Fitted with a convenient ridge, the cover slides off with a minimum of thumb pressure.

Out of the box, the Motorola Rapture comes with a standard 1000 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Power Cable and User Guide.

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