The Motorola Q isnt the phone we were set out to buy, but after spending 2 hours at the Alltel stroe, we decided why not. The main turnoff for us when deciding was it looking to be quite fragile, as we tend to "bounce" our phone around a lot. The main interests that caught our eye was the Large Color Screen, the 6X Digital Zoom 1.3 megapixel camera, the memory expansion slot, the Windows Mobile 5.0 Operating System, it is very easy to use the full QWERTY keyboard with just one hand, and the price was right.

 

This is a great phone for its time, and great for on-the-go business travel.

 

PROS: Pocket-Size PDA, Attractive Design, Windows Operating System, Very Large Full Color Screen Display, EASY TO USE with just one hand, Bluetooth Ready, GPS Ready, Ringback Capable, Expansion Slot for Mini-SD Memory Card, Fully Internet Compatible, Broadband Capable, Internet Explorer Browser, Unlimited Internet Usage(may depend on your CellPhone Service Provider), The Q can serve as a Broadband Modem for your Laptop(if you need Mobile Internet anywhere), Intel 312MHz Processor with built in 128MB Flash/64MB RAM, and Live TV Capable. Also offers Voice Notes, Windows Media Player, ActiveSync, Extensive Contacts List which covers a lot of information for each one of your contacts, Video Recording WITH Sound, Axcess Shop, Beam Function that works with other units using the Beam Function as well as Laptops, PC Remote Ready(to use as a remote for your Laptop), Media Center, Pocket MSN, Sharpcast Photos, Speed Dial, Voice Recognition, Stereo Headset Ready, Offers an Extensive Calendar and Appointments Setup, LOUD Clear Speakphone with Surround Sound(phone speakers settings include volume, surround sound setting, bass and clarity settings), a GREAT, EASY TO USE 5-Way Thumb Navigator with a Side Thumb Wheel(similar to a PS Mouse), and did we mention that it is very easy to use(even with only one hand)???

 

CONS: Fragile, Costly to Replace, Battery Life is shorter than desired(especially when using the Bluetooth Headset), Not much of a warning when the battery life diminishes "quickly", Possibility of data-loss when battery is used extensively/at low battery levels, We have a Q2 and it had to be replaced within the first week of owning it because it froze up and would not even turn off, the camera and speakerphone buttons did not work properly on our first Q, you will want to back up files/downloaded material and such onto a disc or your PC as anything on your phone is not retrievable once your phone freezes up(even your Contacts List will be lost if not backed up), cannot transfer data from one Smartphone to another when unit freezes up, and the phone doesn't offer a built-in clip(but is available as an accessory on the cases), the charging port is located on the left side rather than being conveniently located on the bottom for much easier access, and you will find that you are unable to charge the phone and talk at the same time when the battery level is in the unsafe zone, and charging the battery takes hours(3-6 hours on an AC Charger and much longer on a Rapid Auto Charger).

 

Besides the Fragility of the unit, Low Battery Life, and possibility of important data-loss, we like the phone.

 

It offers the newer Motorola Mini-USB plug type charging port, which seems like it will prove to be more effective than the old Motorola Charging Port like on the T720's.

 

Its very comfortable to use, but awkward in size. It is Pocket-Size for maybe a shirt pocket, but too large for a pants pocket.

 

There are many accessories available for the MOTOQ, such as: Hard Snap-On Plastic Cases, Aluminum Hard Cases, Colored Gel Sleeves, Neoprene Cases, Several Clip Designs, MANY Different Ringtones/Ringbacks, GPS Software, Many Different Types of Motorola Bluetooth Headsets are compatible with the Q, Extended Life Batteries, Vehicle Rapid Chargers, and much more!

 

When we purchased our phone, we were told that the Alltel Q did not offer the GPS Option currently, but when it was available, it would be a monthly charge and use our minutes for usage. This seemed quite ineffective, so we did some research. You can purchase aftermarket GPS Software(even here on eBay) and download it to your phone, and it WILL NOT use any of your minutes, as it is not subscribed by your CellPhone Service Provider. As for Alltel and the internet option, it is UNLIMITED. When using the Internet through Alltel, our usage is not based on minutes used, but is unlimited, which is very convenient.

 

Mobile Internet usage for a Laptop currently runs approximately $60.00 per month, and is separate from your CellPhone Package. We questioned the MotoQ to have modem capabilities when we purchased it, and the Sales Representative said no, and that only the Blackberrys and Palms were capable of such. After more research, we found out the Q in fact can be used as a High-Speed Modem. When we returned our faulty Q for replacement, we were surprised to find that we could purchase the Modem-Usage Option for only $10.00 per month(compared to the standard $60.00). So, after we did our research, we have found the Q to be very interesting, and very very useful, having more options than any of the Sales Reps were aware of.

 

The Motorola Q has many different model levels available, depending on your CellPhone Service provider. Most CellPhone Service Providers are offering a different model than other Providers, depending on when the adapted the Q into their Network. Motorola just recently introduced the Q9 in late 2006. The distinguishing difference on the Q9 is that the 5-Way Navigator is round, compared to the other Q's where it is more rectangle shaped. In Spring 2007, the only model available through Alltel was the Q2. The model number for your Q can be located under the battery(when removed). It will state Q_. The Q hit the market in 2003, with the Q9 hitting in 2006. The MotoQ Black and the silver models are two different models.

 

So far, with that phone being new to us, we like it. It offers many many options and multiple levels on convenience, not to mention it tends to be a conversation piece. Many seemed to be amazed as to what this little unit is possible of and what it can do!