Introduction

Being the first CDMA phone with Bluetooth functionality, the Motorola V710 gained quick acclaim when details of its features leaked. Being more prevalent in GSM, the CDMA market had never quite embraced Bluetooth. And users have waited anxiously in hopes that a device may soon come.

Users may have to wait a bit longer for full Bluetooth functionality though. Angry consumers have filed a class action lawsuit over Verizon's sly firmware change; crippling Bluetooth by disabling file transfers. However, crafty consumers have managed to re-enable their Bluetooth transfer capabilities by re-flashing their firmware to other versions.

Regardless, the Motorola V710 is still a capable device, featuring a built-in 1.2-megapixel camera with video recording capabilities, MP3 player, speech recognition, memory card slot, vibrant 262K color screen, and Bluetooth that can pair with accessories and be used as a modem.

Design

The Motorola V710's clamshell design has many similarities to its predecessors. The two-toned stylish and refined appearance measures 94 x 49 x 23 mm and weighs approximately 4 ounces; large enough to text message conveniently while small enough to comfortably fit in pockets.

Allowing users to quickly glance at information, the closed exterior contains a 4K color 12-bit display giving users access to date, time, battery life, signal strength, and caller ID. The upper portion encloses a raised rim containing the lens to a 1.2-megapixel camera, capable of capturing images up to 1280 x 960 px in resolution, while a built-in flash rests in the lower left.

Turned around, the back includes a capped external antenna port on the upper left, for those rare times when the extendable antenna may not be enough, and a speakerphone on the bottom allowing clear and loud handsfree access.

Opened, the Motorola V710's vivid 176 x 220 px internal screen is revealed, displaying an impressive 262K colors. Navigation is performed by a 5-way directional keypad situated below, surrounded by Send, Camera, Menu, Clear, Power / End, and Left and Right soft keys. A slightly unorthodox keypad embeds the center row keys within the left and right row of numbers. While somewhat unique, the numeric keypad, used with iTAP predictive text input, provides for trouble-free messaging.

Against the left side are volume keys and a speakerphone button, while the right features dedicated camera and voice dial buttons. A covered TransFlash memory card slot and 2.5mm stereo headset jack is built into the top, while outlets for attaching the charger and accessories are located along the bottom.

Out of the box, the Motorola V710 comes with a standard 700 mAh Li-Ion battery, AC adapter, holster, and manual.

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