A Huge Step Forward for Windows Mobile Devices
by vemartin - Written: Sep 27 '08 (Updated Oct 13 '08)
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Pros: Fast network access; integration of data and voice; outstanding display.
Cons: The QWERTY Keyboard is not adequately backlit.
The Bottom Line: All-n-all I more than satisfied with the performance of the <b>Moto Q 9h.</b> The Smartphone design is clean and functional and Windows Mobile 6.1 is highly functional.
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| vemartin's Full Review: Motorola Q 9H Cell Phone |
It time once again for that once every two year ritual; that is changing cellular phone plans, this time Verizon Wireless is out, AT&T Wireless is in. Why, because Verizon would not let me upgrade to the phone of my choice, nor would they give me a reasonably priced data plan essential if you want to carry a Smartphone. AT&T had the Smartphone I wanted for a song, and they offered up a data plan I could live with, so I bolted.
So for $99.99 I latched onto a brand new Motorola Moto Q 9h 3G Global Smartphone with Windows Mobile 6.1.
The Product
In The Box
Moto Q 9h 3G Global handset
(2) Rechargeable Batteries;
(1) standard + (1) Extended life battery
AC Power Charger USB ActiveSync Cable
(2) USB conversion cables
Getting Started CD-Rom with Users Guide and desktop synchronization software
Quick Reference GuideInstallation Booklet
The Moto Q 9h 3G Global Smartphone is Motorola's latest device and takes advantage of the new 3G & EDGE high-speed mobile technology as well as GSM quad-band connectivity.
Motorola has completely remade the Moto Q 9h 3G Global from the inside out in order to make the Smartphone one of the most compelling Windows Mobile devices available. Recognizing that the scaled down version of Internet Explorer is shall we say, not exactly user friendly, Motorola has replaced it with Opera as the default browser. Opera offers faster throughput and response times, as well as better formatting. Out as well is Office Mobile; it has been replaced by Documents to Go. And Motorola added GPS, a sharper two-megapixel camera, and beautiful color screen, and a full sized QWERTY keyboard, which is one of the best I have used thus far.
The Moto Q 9h 3G Global offers up a standard 2.4-inch screen, but an ambient light sensor above it automatically adjusts the brightness. The result: a beautiful screen with rich colors, sharpness and just the right amount of brightness enabling it to be read in any light. The left side of the Moto Q 9h 3G Global houses a MicroUSB port that serves a myriad of purposes not the least of which is a port for the supplied charger. A sync cable, and 3.5mm audio adapter and USB port adapter can also be used with the port; all come with the phone. On the left side of the Smartphone is where the microSD Card slot is located and on the back of the camera you'll find a 2-MP camera with flash. Located near the bottom of the Moto Q 9h 3G Global you'll find a nice set of speakers.
The Moto Q 9h 3G Global runs Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 OS, which means you can sync your phone with Microsoft Outlook 2xxx or an Exchange server.
First Impressions
One of the reasons I chose the Moto Q 9h is its ability to interact corporate email systems, most notably Microsoft Exchange 2003/2007 as well as other private Internet-based email packages such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Hot Mail. Before connecting to the Exchange server the smart-phone first needed to be activated on the AT&T network; this is now done just by turning the phone on. Once data and voice connectivity is established the Moto Q 9h was ready to start receiving email.
Speaking of connectivity, coverage is pretty standard throughout the Chicagoland area and the "3G" network icon rarely leaves the screen. Reception volume is good but not great, but those on the other end say they can hear me clearly.
I like the Moto Q 9h; so far the Smartphone is living up to the hype. The display is vibrant, sharp and crisp and the light sensor helps you view the screen even in sunlight. The full size QWERTY keyboard is hard to read in low light despite back lighting only in almost complete darkness can the keyboard be read clearly. I find this very annoying!
I must say I am impressed with Windows Mobile 6.1; it is a vast improvement over Version 5.xx. AT&T has of course added its own enhancements to the mix markedly improving the interface; it's actually functional without too much of a lag. Integration with Outlook 2xxx is seamless, either through Exchange 2003/2007 or directly with Outlook 2xxx. Once synced calling reading email and calling from the contacts list is simple and easy.
Battery life for the Moto Q 9h is acceptable; so far I have had no problems. The initial charge took about three hours, and I can usually go a day or two without recharging the unit and the battery life only dropped by a quarter and this is with moderate email and phone activity. And the unit ships with a standard and extended life battery; nice touch, but no case.
Included Software
As I stated above, Motorola and AT&T dumped Office Mobile (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Media Player, Internet Explorer) and replaced it with Documents-to-Go and Oprah (web browsing) instead. But, Media Player and Internet Explorer are included on the device. In addition Calculator, Pocket MSN, and assorted games are also available.
High-speed web browsing is surprisingly quick via the 3G network, but I do not like the Opera web browser all that much. The dual speakers on the Moto Q 9h are surprisingly crisp and clear; indeed they are the best I have heard on any phone so far, and I have used a lot of phones.
Conclusion
All-n-all I more than satisfied with the performance of the Moto Q 9h. The Smartphone design is clean and functional and Windows Mobile 6.1 is highly functional.
And Windows Mobile 6.1 has many features to recommend it, including enhanced ring-tones, and a well laid out and attractive interface. The Moto Q 9h's large QWERTY keyboard is a joy to use, though a different color could have been used on the keys and a brighter light underneath. I do like the bright, colorful, backlit touch screen; it is a joy to look at though I wish it were bigger.
Based on my experience with the Treo 700W, I vowed to stay away from Windows Mobile devices, but the combination of Moto Q 9h and Windows Mobile 6.1 has proven a winning one. And mated with the AT&T network wherever I roam, I'm connected.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 99.99
Recommended for: Professionals On-the-Go - Internet and Email is a Must!
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