Introduction

In its latest incarnation of RAZR handsets, Motorola offers its newest mixture of high fashion and high functionality in the RAZR2 V9, available through AT&T. Succeeding the tremendously popular RAZR V3 model, Motorola's three-phone RAZR2 line-up is giving forward-thinking mobile phone consumers another reason to look into the high-end RAZR brand.

Noteworthy features of the RAZR2 V9 include two amply-sized LCD screens, an MP3 player with touch-sensitive, vibrating control keys; a 2.0-megapixel camera with 8x digital zoom; micro-USB connectivity, an external memory card slot and Bluetooth 2.0 wireless technology.

The RAZR2 V9 is also equipped with the latest broadband access and technologies suited for the media-hungry consumer in mind. With 3G HSDPA (High-Speed Downlink Packet Access) support, feel free to stream audio and video feeds, download files at up to 3.6 MB per second or even upload personal playlists for music on the go.

Design

A remarkably sleek and well-designed flip phone, AT&T's version of the RAZR2 bears that certain "wow" factor and comes in a glossy mahogany sheen that shines both inside and out. Unlike the first generation of RAZR phones, the V9 is protected by a stylish and sturdy outer casing of stainless steel and a chemically hardened scratch resistant glass. The exterior of the V9 measures in at 4.06 x 2.09 x 0.53 inches and weighs 4.4 ounces - about one ounce heavier than conventional handsets that don't have all the bells and whistles of the V9.

The phone offers two generously sized, high-resolution screens for an optimum multimedia viewing experience. The RAZR2 V9's internal display is a large 2.2-inch QVGA (Quarter Video Graphics Array) 320 x 240 px, 262K-color screen, offering some of the sharpest technology for displaying downloaded material or videos and images recorded with the V9's built-in camera and camcorder. The external display has an equally impressive screen: a 2-inch QVGA 320 x 240 px, 262K-color LCD that can be used for self-portraits and as a touch-screen control pad for the RAZR2 V9's music player.

Above the external screen is the RAZR2 V9's 2.0-megapixel camera / camcorder lens, and lights indicating battery charging or a Bluetooth connection in process. Open the handset and users will notice an extremely shiny, brown tinted chrome-like interior complemented by a unique magenta keypad backlighting.

On the left external side panel is the phone's volume control, "Smart Key" and accessory connector port for inserting the battery charger and other phone accessories. Touch the Smart Key twice to activate the V9's music player. When the phone is closed, the Smart Key can be used to lock and unlock the external keys for volume control and camera / camcorder button located on the opposite external panel. An enclosure for a hand strap is located on right side of the phone's aluminum-plated hinge.

When the music player is activated, three touch-activated keys will show up on the bottom of the external display screen for Play / Pause, Forward and Back functions. For an added tactile feel, pressing the touch-sensitive keys will also produce a subtle vibration. Play a song and the external LCD screen will also list the name, artist and length of the song.

Inside, the RAZR2 V9's keypad can feel a bit slick at times, but the proportions and spacing between the keys and toggle seem just right for about any sized hand. Around the center navigation key are left and right soft keys, two separate keys for AT&T MEdia Net and Open Cellular Video, plus keys for on / off, clear / back and answering calls.

The RAZR2 V9 is a beautiful phone that will keep consumers both connected and in style. Many users find the handset's highly polished surface to be much too prone for smudges and fingerprints, but overall, the RAZR2 V9's design reaches strong standards in both of design and functionality.

Out of the box, the Motorola RAZR2 V9 comes with a standard 880 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, Right Angle Connector, Screen Cleaner, and User Guide.

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