Spec Check: MOTO Q8

Written by Adam Gosling

Wednesday, 16 May 2007

Page 1 of 2 Motorola introduced the MOTO Q in November 2006 and scored somethign of a hit with the device considering the competition includes RIM's BlackBerry and the well established Palm with its Treo device. Motorola says it reached 1 million units shipped faster than any other device in ists class. now the MOTO Q gets a makeover. [See next page for Pics and Specs] Unfortunately, for those loking for a generational change they may find that little is different here other than the name and a switch from CDMA to GSM seriously increasing the potential market for this BlackBerry competitor. With the introduction of the MOTO Q 9 with its full 3G capabilities and a completely different formfactor Motorola now has a QWERTY email device for all seasons and all networks. But while the MOTO Q 8 is little more than a GSM version of its highly successful MOTO Q, there are a couple of additions. The device now supports RIM's BlackBerry email system and some slightly faster network connectivity thanks to the switch to GSM. While the GSM connectivity of the MOTO Q 8 runs a long way short of the MOTO Q 9's HSDPA downloads, the trade off here is that you do get the 2.5G EDGE class 10, which could take care of most of your email needs. While 3G MOTO Q 9 might be an attractive option in terms of speed, for those people who get around a lot, especially to other countries, 3G is not always your most reliable choice. In which case this Quad-band GSM device probably has the choice connectivity options. [correction: The MOTO Q 9 is Quad Band GSM also] Then there's always the option of using WiFi hotspots, but you will have to use a plug-in miniSDIO card since Motorola didn't manage to squeeze 802.11 networking into the device as a standard. Physically the MOTO Q has its charms. The handset is only 11.5mm thick, is made of nice 'soft-touch' materials and while it is a little squared off the MOTO Q, at only 115 grams, should fit in a lot of pockets without too much concern. Motorola has equipped the MOTO Q 8 with the very latest Microsoft Windows for Mobile Version 6.0 operating system - the original CDMA device used 5.0. And when combined with the QWERTY keyboard and BlackBerry-style thumb wheel navigation, the MOTO Q handles all your business tasks such as email, document editing even instant messaging, as well as the not so business oriented functions. The MOTO Q 8 uses Windows Media Player for digital music control and playback and with the large colour screen (2.4") you get on the Q you can watch videos or pictures loaded on to a 1GB miniSD card. There's only 40MB on-board storage available for users files, so this is likely to be an essential addition. Make sure you get one when you sign up. An acceptable 1.3 megapixel camera is quite basic with a fixed focus lens, but it does have an LED light for shots in the dark and it is video capable. The 2.5mm stereo headset jack support is backed up with the stereo Bluetooth wireless technology so you can use the fabulous new ROKR S9 headset to listen to what Motorola describes as "astounding audio sound". Battery power is acceptable on the GSM network with this device rated as having 4-5 hours talk time and over a week on standby. See next page for Pics and Specs << Start < Prev 1 2 Next > End >>