Android has been on people's lips as the best thing since the wheel, and I wasn't convinced until I used the MotoDefy.
Motorola, not exactly known for its user-frienliness, has done the right thing in using Google's Android, because it is now balanced with a brilliant operating system that is a close second to Apple's iOS.
In terms of the hardware itself, Moto has outdone itself. It's small enough to carry in your hand, but large enough not to get lost in a handbag. Its 3.2-inch touch-screen is bigger than most and provides for clear, sharp viewing and imaging.
It's not nail-friendly, though, so typing is a wee bit difficult when you have long nails, or big fingers for that matter. The screen is crystal clear with a spectrum of 16 million colours and a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels.
The 800MHz CPU is fast and has resistance to various environmental factors such as dust and water. Yes, I heard it was waterproof. It is. Also, a technology called Corning Gorilla glass, that makes the display screen resistant to scratches, is also a plus. Not a single scratch from my car keys, or anything else at the bottom of my handbag.
On the flipside, the back cover is spongy and feels like it's going to pop off any second due to the release catch being so flimsy. I like the fact that the charging port is on the side, headphone jack on the top and the key lock mechanism is the same as the on/off switch. This seamless integration makes it more ergonomic than most smartphones.
In summary
Good: Android is fast and simple to use, social media integration is great
Bad: Back cover is spongy, have to register with MotoBlur
Rating: 7/10
Price: R3 500
Contact: Motorola SA, 011 800 7800
The large digits on the keypad are an excellent feature, and allow for quick typing without straining the eyes. The 'slide to unlock' feature borrowed from Apple works because, unlike some touch-screen phones, this one didn't accidentally call anyone while in my pocket.
Though I did accidentally send a few messages without finishing them as the 'send' button is located a bit too close to the 'P' on the keypad. Rotating the screen helps as it makes it more apparent and visible.
The handset includes a 5MP camera with a resolution of 2 592 x 1 942 pixels and sports autofocus, as well as image stabilisation and geo-tagging, in addition to an LED flash. This is a Twitpic fan's dream; quality on-the-go.
Setting up could be a bit painful for those who don't want to use social networks as you are prompted to log on for the MotoBlur service. If you bypass it, you will be prompted to log in after every restart. A bit annoying, but the demand calls for it. The solution is simple; if you want to avoid social networks, don't get a smartphone.
After that, the only glitch is the location of the settings. Without a manual, this may take a while to figure out, but once you do, you'll never go back.
Notifications pop up on the screen, and your apps are right in front of you. What does get my goat is the 'always-on' feature. I like to disconnect sometimes, and it's very hard to do with this phone. It's like The Matrix. Once you're in, it's hard to get out.
radio with RDS functionality. The MotoDefy has an internal memory capacity of 2GB which can be expanded to 32GB with a slim SD card. That means a lot of information in a tiny package.
The handset also comes with a variety of connectivity options including GPRS and EDGE connections, as well as Bluetooth and micro USB in addition to Internet access which is provided by included WiFi and HSDPA connections. Access is available at speeds of up to 7.2Mbps, providing fast and efficient Web surfing. Even YouTube uploaded in seconds.
Satellite navigation includes assisted GPS support. That has to be bought, though, and is available through the MotoBlur user interface, which has the option of live widgets. The handset also comes with proximity and accelerometer sensors as standard.
A standout feature is its integration with a range of social media, including Facebook, MySpace, YouTube and Twitter, though it took me a while to locate Twitter. These are set up when the phone is activated via a registration with MotoBlur which brings all social network and e-mail services together.
For smartphone junkies, this device appeals as it not only delivers a host of applications and capabilities, but also looks smart, versus many tough phones which are heavy and look industrial. For the average user, it's fun, user-friendly and actually a reliable phone. Imagine that.
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