Reviewed by: Allen Tsai - May 31, 2006
Introduction
The iconic Motorola RAZR design underwent improvements, bringing upgraded
music functionality to the latest ultra-slim device from Verizon Wireless.
Contrary to repainted phones like the Pink and Blue RAZRs, the new RAZR
V3m builds upon the popular V3c model, correcting many flaws that customers
complained about.
Rather than a successor, the V3m is more of an upgrade, keeping similar
design elements and functions. Equipped with all the tools consumers loved
about the V3c, the V3m has an integrated 1.3-megapixel camera, stereo headset
support, Bluetooth wireless technology, VZ Navigator, speech recognition
calling, and ample storage space.
But unlike the V3c, the V3m adds an expansion card slot. Giving users
more memory for multimedia, the V3m offers the necessary storage required
to access Verizon Wireless' new VCAST Music service. Having immediate access
to full-music downloads, customers can browse, preview, download and play
over one million high-quality digital songs directly on the RAZR V3m.
With many of the V3c's problems addressed, while adding features and
improvements packaged in an irresistible design, Motorola hopes to once
again capture the desire of consumers with the RAZR V3m.
Design
The V3m looks virtually identical to the V3c, with a similar refined steel
finish and 14 mm profile. Having similar measurements, the V3m's rigidity
was enhanced by combining aircraft-grade aluminum with a chemically-etched
keypad and blue electro-luminescence panel. Created the RAZR V3m to be durable
enough to withstand the everyday wear and tear, Motorola maintained its
famously slim profile.
A
65K-color external LCD is prominently displayed on the front panel, showing
commonly glanced at information such as time, network status, and battery
strength. During Camera Mode, the screen can be used as the viewfinder for
self-portraits and group shots.
High-quality photos can be shot with the built-in 1.3-megapixel camera
located above. Able to snap images up to 1280 x 1024 px in resolution, decent
prints can be made letting users leave the digital camera at home.
Convenient shortcut keys align both sides of the V3m. MotoSpeak advanced
speech recognition is activated through the dedicated Voice Key on the right,
while Volume Keys adjust call alert volume and switch between Vibrate and
Silent Modes on the left. A Speakerphone Key also doubles as a Smart Key,
predicting subsequent actions to follow (such as selection after highlighting
a menu item). On the bottom, a multifunction mini-USB port connects the
RAZR V3m to the charger, stereo headset (with an adapter), accessories,
or a PC.
The internal screen displays 65K-color at 176 x 220 px in resolution.
Menu and Left and Right Keys are located below for shortcut access, while
Send, Camera, Clear, and Power / End Keys surround the standard 5-Way Keypad.
Using a nickel-plated copper-alloy touchpad, Motorola minimized the thickness
traditional raised keys would have made. While futuristic and wafer-thin,
the keypad has a different tactile feel, which may slow down serious text
messaging users. By chemically etched numbers and symbols into an electro-luminescent
strip a cool blue glow illuminates the keypad in the dark.
Out of the box, the Motorola RAZR V3m comes with a standard 780 mAh Li-Ion
Battery, Travel Charger, Battery Door, Welcome CD, Quick Reference Guide,
and User Manual.
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