Motorola Q for the Holidays

[Kris Kumar]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-5879274.html?tag=zdfd.newsfeed' target='_blank'>http://news.zdnet.com/2100-1040_22-5879274.html?tag=zdfd.newsfeed</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Motorola CEO Ed Zander on Friday showed off two hotly anticipated phones he said will be available a month ahead of schedule. Speaking to reporters at the Churchill Club at the Computer History Museum here, Zander said sales of the Motorola Q and a pink version of the Razr cell phone are now expected to begin in December instead of in January or later in the first quarter, as originally projected. Depending on supplies of the phones, delivery to customers in some cases may not happen until after Christmas, however. ... Zander declined to say which wireless providers would be first to offer the devices in the United States and beyond. Analysts are expecting Verizon and Sprint to carry the Motorola handsets using EV-DO wireless networks, while EDGE wireless technologies are expected to power the Motorola Q and pink Razr phones offered by Cingular, which helped launch the Rokr iTunes phone."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.smartphonethoughts.com/images/Q.jpg" alt="User submitted image" title="User submitted image"/><br /><br />I am sure everyone would be happy with this announcement made by Ed Zander, but at the same time I am sure everyone would be concerned about the quality of the product. I hope in the hurry to get it out the door for the holidays, Motorola does not sacrifice on testing. :roll:

[Mike Temporale]

I think Verizon is going to surprise everyone by getting this thing out first. I would rather see a GSM version on the streets first, but I got a feeling that Verizon is gunning hard for this.

[ARW]

There is absolutely NO way VZW could get this into customers hands by the end of the year. And, to hedge my statement a bit, imagine how low the quality of the device would be if they did release it by EOY.

[Kris Kumar]

I guess ARW has a point. Based on history Verizon has been slow in clearing a device for its network. And Cingular has been known to put out a phone without even testing it. So I voted for Cingular.

[lagsun]

I guess ARW has a point. Based on history Verizon has been slow in clearing a device for its network. And Cingular has been known to put out a phone without even testing it. So I voted for Cingular.

Then again Verizon is making an announcement with Palm and Microsoft on Monday, quite possibly for the first Windows-powered Treo....

[cortez]

one month earlier than planned??? that's scary!!! :roll:

[Kris Kumar]

Another link to the same story.
http://beta.news.com.com/2300-1041_3-5879159-1.html

[ARW]

If VZW releases the Q before EOY I'll eat my i600.

[Mike Temporale]

If VZW releases the Q before EOY I'll eat my i600.

8O What kind of sauce would you put on something like that? :lol: ;)

Remember guys, this device is the key to attach RIMs market share. Everyone, including the carriers are anxious to offer something new in this area. A WM5 device is required to take advantage of the new Microsoft push email technology. So there is big motivation on everyone's part to get this out.

Another thing to remember, from a carriers point of view, the last crop of devices was nothing special. Just another phone. Where as, WM5 RIM-like device is totaly different.

Of course, only time will tell, and it won't be long. :mrgreen:

[Jerry Raia]

My money is on Cingular. Quality issues? NAAAAAWWWWWWW :lol:

[Kris Kumar]

I can't find the article. But I thought I had read in one of the news reports, one of the Moto engineer stating that the upper management wants to put the phone out sooner but the engineer was concerned about the quality if the phone was launched in Dec.

[Jerry Raia]

Why do I see a MPx220 repeat?

[Kris Kumar]

Maybe the poll should have been: "What will be the biggest problem with Moto Q when it is launched?" With options:
A. Keyboard does not work
B. Voice problems
C. Both

:lol:

Sorry for being so sarcastic.

I am happy with Moto's decision to be aggresive. Palm is launching the new Windows Mobile Treo soon. Then there is JasJar and many more to come. The competition in this BlackBerry space is going to get intense.

All I am hoping for is that Moto should listen to the feedback given by the early reviewers. With MPx220, Howard Chui and BengalBoy had commented on the voice issues. But Moto chose to ignore it. :roll:

[Jerry Raia]

Maybe the poll should have been: "What will be the biggest problem with Moto Q when it is launched?" With options:
A. Keyboard does not work
B. Voice problems
C. Both

:lol:

Sorry for being so sarcastic

Don't be! :rotfl:

[Paragon]

I don't get it about the Q?

Not being a much of a Smartphone guy, maybe you guys can help me here?

In the past the biggest plus for Smartphones was the smaller size. I know this feature helped in one handed operation, but now we have the Q which is a Pocket PC size. It seems to me the only gain is the keyboard, and it could still be had if it had the full Pocket PC platform, touch screen and all. So, really, what is the benefit of the larger device with a keyboard and not going all the way with a touch screen?

Oh, my answer as to who will have it first? Maybe no one. 8O

Dave

[Kris Kumar]

So, really, what is the benefit of the larger device with a keyboard and not going all the way with a touch screen?

The primary aim is to have a good email client. For reading E-Mails, you need a bigger screen. The traditional Smartphone formfactor has a very tiny screen. Not suitable for emails.

The touch screen makes the device fragile. The user of such devices have to handle it with care. You cannot put it in your pocket or be careless.

The reason why RIM BlackBerry has been loved by so many is that it does one thing and does it well. Pocket PCs are powerful and can do a lot. But could not do one thing well, the most important thing, i.e. Email. With the latest Exchange service pack and WM 5.0, that will be addressed.

Motorola is probably trying to follow in RIM's footsteps. Trying to leverage the same concept, but doing it better, by adding the RAZR styling to traditionally un-glamourous email devices.

[Jerry Raia]

Motorola is probably trying to follow in RIM's footsteps. Trying to leverage the same concept, but doing it better, by adding the RAZR styling to traditionally un-glamourous email devices.

Let's just hope it isn't another case of form over substance because if it is we will have a poll like the one you suggest above.

[Paragon]

The touch screen makes the device fragile. The user of such devices have to handle it with care. You cannot put it in your pocket or be careless.

Being a long time Pocket PC users I totally disagree with this statement, Kris. Since moving to smaller converged devices such as the JAM and the eten m500 I carry them naked in my pocket. In a year and a half of doing this, pretty much daily, I have never even put a mark on a screen. It has not been uncommon for me to carry a full sized PPC unprotected, in my pocket over the years as well.

I'd like to know if you or any one else can see any reason for not having a touch screen which adds functionality, or if having one somehow takes away from the device?

Dave

[Kris Kumar]

Being a long time Pocket PC users I totally disagree with this statement, Kris. Since moving to smaller converged devices such as the JAM and the eten m500 I carry them naked in my pocket.

I have to admit, I haven't used any of the Pocket PC Phone Edition devices, but when (don't have BT headset and) you have to answer a call, and hold the phone against the ear, doesn't the touch screen cause problems. :?

[[email protected]]

The touch screen makes the device fragile. The user of such devices have to handle it with care. You cannot put it in your pocket or be careless.

Being a long time Pocket PC users I totally disagree with this statement, Kris. Since moving to smaller converged devices such as the JAM and the eten m500 I carry them naked in my pocket. In a year and a half of doing this, pretty much daily, I have never even put a mark on a screen. It has not been uncommon for me to carry a full sized PPC unprotected, in my pocket over the years as well.

I'd like to know if you or any one else can see any reason for not having a touch screen which adds functionality, or if having one somehow takes away from the device?


Dave

I really couln't say if touchscreens are more sensitive or not, because I havn't tested it. I definately have a feeling though, that they would be more sensitive. To me it's just an awkward input method, having to use a stylus because your fingers aren't suitable for the device, squinting your eyes to see the tiny on-screen keyboard. Another thing I don't like about it is that the screens on touch-screen devices are never flush with the surface of the device, leaving perfect corners for pocket-lint to gather in. I'd like to see a device that's designed like a wrist watch, sleek, durable, weatherproof, and a simple user interface. Even the most advanced wrist watches still only have a couple of buttons and a winder.

[Paragon]

I have to admit, I haven't used any of the Pocket PC Phone Edition devices, but when (don't have BT headset and) you have to answer a call, and hold the phone against the ear, doesn't the touch screen cause problems. :?


I really couln't say if touchscreens are more sensitive or not, because I havn't tested it. I definately have a feeling though, that they would be more sensitive. To me it's just an awkward input method, having to use a stylus because your fingers aren't suitable for the device, squinting your eyes to see the tiny on-screen keyboard. Another thing I don't like about it is that the screens on touch-screen devices are never flush with the surface of the device, leaving perfect corners for pocket-lint to gather in. I'd like to see a device that's designed like a wrist watch, sleek, durable, weatherproof, and a simple user interface. Even the most advanced wrist watches still only have a couple of buttons and a winder.

I really think you guys need to try Phone Edition devices...Someone has lead you astray with all these myths. ;)

Is the touch screen a problem when talking? No. Not at all.

Does link gather in the corners?...... :roll:

Having to use a stylus because your fingers aren't suitable? Absolutely not.

Imagine having a shortcut to any app that you want right on the Today screen, and simply touching it, opposed to pushing buttons scolling to the one you want and pushing buttons again.

Anyway this is all a debate between Smartphone and Pocket PC, none of this is answering my question:
"I'd like to know if you or any one else can see any reason for not having a touch screen which adds functionality, or if having one somehow takes away from the device?"

Somehow, lint in the corners doesn't cut it, and having to touch the screen is a positive factor.

Dave

[Mike Temporale]

I'd like to know if you or any one else can see any reason for not having a touch screen which adds functionality, or if having one somehow takes away from the device?

Dave

There's a number of reason to not have a touch screen. I think the most obvious reason is that the target audience doesn't want one. Look at the install base of RIMs BlackBerry - a non-touchscreen device. These people are looking for a device that works well in one handed operation, and excellent email triage. To date, none of the Pocket PC Phone Editions have been able to touch RIM. Is the lack of a suitable email solution part of it? Sure, but it's not all of it.

Moto has placed their target directly on RIM and in order to acheive success, they have copied the main features of the BlackBerry and added some extra's - in the way of WMP, much improved web surfing, sexy design, miniSD expansion, and EDGE support.

[Mike Temporale]

Somehow, lint in the corners doesn't cut it, and having to touch the screen is a positive factor.

Dave

Well, for some yes. For me, no thanks. I'm not a fan of having to pul out the stylus to tap ok, buttons, text boxes. The tap and hold process? blah. The Smartphone excels in one-handed operation which is a nice change from my years of Pocket PC use. :mrgreen:

[Paragon]

Somehow, lint in the corners doesn't cut it, and having to touch the screen is a positive factor.

Dave

Well, for some yes. For me, no thanks. I'm not a fan of having to pul out the stylus to tap ok, buttons, text boxes. The tap and hold process? blah. The Smartphone excels in one-handed operation which is a nice change from my years of Pocket PC use. :mrgreen:

Mike, you don't NEED to use a stylus. It's ok to touch the screen with your finger. Really! :)

On the Q having a touch screen would NOT change the Smartphone operation in the slightest. If you really want to push buttons and scroll through menus, you can still do that. ;) However for those who would much rather make a single finger tap on an icon to open an application, the touch screen would be there for that.

I still haven't heard how a touch screen takes away from this device. I've heard the preferences of those of you who prefer Smartphones...that's cool, we are all different, but none of the reasons really say, functionality would be lost by adding a touch screen.

On the other hand, doesn't the larger size take away from the one handed operation? I realize the keyboard adds a lot. Does it make up for what is lost with the bigger size?

[Mike Temporale]

Mike, you don't NEED to use a stylus. It's ok to touch the screen with your finger. Really! :)

Sorry, no go. My fingers never worked right. I need to use the stylus or I'll end up hitting the wrong thing. Trust me, I've tried, and it doesn't work.

I still haven't heard how a touch screen takes away from this device. I've heard the preferences of those of you who prefer Smartphones...that's cool, we are all different, but none of the reasons really say, functionality would be lost by adding a touch screen.

It's not a matter of functionality being lost, it more about added functionality that the market clearly could care less about. Just because some users prefer a touch screen doesn't mean that every device should have one.

The success of the BlackBerry is unquestionable. If you're looking to go after a piece of that market, a touchscreen is obviously something that these people are not interested in. It doesn't matter what functionality it may or may not add. Again, HP efforts in this market clearly show that a touchscreen is not what this crowd is looking for. For all their efforts, they haven't been able to mount much of an attack on RIM. Moto has a closer copy of the BlackBerry and added a sexy exterior. While it's still too early to tell, it looks a lot more promising.

On the other hand, doesn't the larger size take away from the one handed operation? I realize the keyboard adds a lot. Does it make up for what is lost with the bigger size?

Well, this is harder to answer. It really depends on how they have done the device, and we won't really know until we get one in our hands. With that said, all that really matters is being able to hold the device and reach the number keys with your thumb. If you can hit those keys, you can do everything. :mrgreen:

[Kris Kumar]

I still haven't heard how a touch screen takes away from this device.

Okay let me put it this way. Lot of folks are like Mike and me, we have mental block. :) We feel that touch screen makes the device cumbersome to handle. It needs extra care and protection. Overall, it is cumbersome because:
- while putting it in the pocket, I have to practice safe handling
- while in the pocket, I can't put keys or anything, accidentaly or intentionally in the same pocket
- while pulling it out, I have to practice safe handling
- if I have kids, I have to keep it away from them
- while answering the call, I will not be able to hold it against my ear

Bottomline the touch-screen is not worth the pain that it adds. ;-) At least for me.

[Kris Kumar]

It's not a matter of functionality being lost, it more about added functionality that the market clearly could care less about. Just because some users prefer a touch screen doesn't mean that every device should have one.

Well put. 8)

[Kris Kumar]

On the other hand, doesn't the larger size take away from the one handed operation? I realize the keyboard adds a lot. Does it make up for what is lost with the bigger size?

Well, this is harder to answer. It really depends on how they have done the device, and we won't really know until we get one in our hands. With that said, all that really matters is being able to hold the device and reach the number keys with your thumb. If you can hit those keys, you can do everything. :mrgreen:

For me the keypad adds more value than the touch-screen. So I am okay with the larger size even though I might lose the one handed operation. But like Mike mentioned, it depends on how well the device is designed. I believe it has a scroll-wheel/thumb-wheel. That will make our lives easier. :) When I had a BlackBerry, that's the one thing I loved about it. I always wondered why Pocket PCs didn't come standard with it.

[Paragon]

I believe it has a scroll-wheel/thumb-wheel. That will make our lives easier. :) When I had a BlackBerry, that's the one thing I loved about it. I always wondered why Pocket PCs didn't come standard with it.

Because with PPC, there is no need for it. You don't need to scroll through menus to get where you want. You_just_use_your_finger_to_touch_the_icon_you_want.

I understand fully if you don't want a touch screen...I understand that fully. Like I said we are all different.

[Paragon]

It needs extra care and protection. Overall, it is cumbersome because:
- while putting it in the pocket, I have to practice safe handling
- while in the pocket, I can't put keys or anything, accidentaly or intentionally in the same pocket
- while pulling it out, I have to practice safe handling
- if I have kids, I have to keep it away from them
- while answering the call, I will not be able to hold it against my ear

Kris, there is not one single statement of fact in any of that. If you tried using a PPC for awhile you would see that everyone of those remarks are invalid. The screens are much more durable than you are giving them credit for. I'm not saying they are blast proof, but they are far from fragile pieces of glass. I put my keys change PPC and lots of other junk in the same pocket all the time. I have four kids who have grown up with my Pocket PCs in their hands. I'm not sure, why can't you hold the PPC to your ear? I do it all the time. It's no different than a Smartphone. :? I honestly think you need to try one to see that your worries of fragility are unfounded. :)

If I had a spare Phone Edition device at the moment, I would gladly send you one to try for a bit. Not in an attempt to convert you but for you to better understand their functionality and robustness.

Dave

[Mike Temporale]

It needs extra care and protection. Overall, it is cumbersome because:
- while putting it in the pocket, I have to practice safe handling
- while in the pocket, I can't put keys or anything, accidentaly or intentionally in the same pocket
- while pulling it out, I have to practice safe handling
- if I have kids, I have to keep it away from them
- while answering the call, I will not be able to hold it against my ear

Kris, there is not one single statement of fact in any of that.

Well, I don't know what you guys are on, but if I have a device PPC or SP in my pocket, there is nothing else allowed in that pocket. Sorry, but no thanks.

I do find the PPC to be more sensitive. I wouldn't say fragile. But, it's easier to have it come on and have buttons pressed while it's in your pocket. Not so with a Smartphone. My kids can easily turn on my Pocket PC and mess with notes, email, tasks, etc... Thank God I don't rely on it anymore. ;) Again, this isn't possible with a Smartphone. And since there is no touch screen I don't have to worry about my ears pushing anything while I'm talking - and with ears like this, believe me, it's a concern. ;)

[Paragon]

But, it's easier to have it come on and have buttons pressed while it's in your pocket.

No, no, no, no, no, no...absolutely not! PERIOD! Every Pocket PC has a setting to lock all buttons till it is turned on. Power buttons are designed like any other phone so they cannot be easily pushed. There is absolutely no difference in putting a PPC in your pocket than there is a Smartphone!

Dave

[Paragon]

My kids can easily turn on my Pocket PC and mess with notes, email, tasks, etc... Thank God I don't rely on it anymore.

Mike, what the heck is the difference? How is a PPC easier for a child to turn on than a Smartphone?.....They could much more easily start pushing buttons on your keyboard for your desktop and do real damage, right? :)

Dave

[Mike Temporale]

But, it's easier to have it come on and have buttons pressed while it's in your pocket.

No, no, no, no, no, no...absolutely not! PERIOD! Every Pocket PC has a setting to lock all buttons till it is turned on. Power buttons are designed like any other phone so they cannot be easily pushed. There is absolutely no difference in putting a PPC in your pocket than there is a Smartphone!

Sorry Dave, but that's just not my expereince. No matter how locked down my Pocket PC is, it will turn on in my pocket at least once a week. It's not hard to accidently have that power button depressed long enough to turn it on. With the Smartphone you can lock the keys, or flip it shut. A locked handset requires 2 seperate button presses to unlock and it has never happened by accident.

[Mike Temporale]

My kids can easily turn on my Pocket PC and mess with notes, email, tasks, etc... Thank God I don't rely on it anymore.

Mike, what the heck is the difference? How is a PPC easier for a child to turn on than a Smartphone?.....They could much more easily start pushing buttons on your keyboard for your desktop and do real damage, right? :)

Dave

Dave, do you have a Smartphone? On a candy bar style phone, when you lock the handset, it requires 2 seperate button presses to unlock. With a flip phone, well, it's closed so.... ;)

A desktop is different. Screen savers with passwords help. But ultimately my laptop is out of reach. My Pocket PC and Smartphone are usually hanging off me, or on the coffee table. Much easier for young ones to grab. :D

[Paragon]

But, it's easier to have it come on and have buttons pressed while it's in your pocket.

No, no, no, no, no, no...absolutely not! PERIOD! Every Pocket PC has a setting to lock all buttons till it is turned on. Power buttons are designed like any other phone so they cannot be easily pushed. There is absolutely no difference in putting a PPC in your pocket than there is a Smartphone!

Sorry Dave, but that's just not my expereince. No matter how locked down my Pocket PC is, it will turn on in my pocket at least once a week. It's not hard to accidently have that power button depressed long enough to turn it on. With the Smartphone you can lock the keys, or flip it shut. A locked handset requires 2 seperate button presses to unlock and it has never happened by accident.

Sorry, Mike, I simply don't believe it. I'm not trying to be rude and call you a liar. I've just been involve in the PPC community too long and have never seen that to be a significant problem. When buttons are locked they are locked. I'm also not saying it has never happened, but I also no that it has happened on Smartphones as well. Power buttons are no dofferent on PPCs....they just aren't.

[Paragon]

Dave, do you have a Smartphone?

Yes, I have one of the original SPVs. Dale Coffing gave it too me in another time long long ago in a place far far away.....) I have since passed it onto my daughter. she thinks her dad is just the coolest guy, because she is the only 14 year old girl she knows with a Smartphone. :)

My personal preferences just don't suit a Smartphone. I suck at T9. I dislike having to push different buttons in differnt multiples, and scrolling through menus. It reminds me too much of trying to set my watch. :) I really like the added functionality of PPCs. I like all the applications and functions it allows. I often leave home for a week or two with nothing but a Pocket PC, and in that time I can keep up with email, as well as take orders for my business, print invoices.....on and on. :)

[Kris Kumar]

Okay, let's just say that we all have our hang-ups, I mean preferences. And leave it at that. I think we have de-railed this thread. ;-)

So....Will Moto launched this device on time for Xmas?

Looks like our readers are expecting Cingular to launch this device. Wonder if Best Buy will have a special deal. :rotfl:

[Paragon]

Okay, let's just say that we all have our hang-ups, I mean preferences. And leave it at that. I think we have de-railed this thread. ;-)

So....Will Moto launched this device on time for Xmas?

Looks like our readers are expecting Cingular to launch this device. Wonder if Best Buy will have a special deal. :rotfl:

Sorry, Kris. Didn't mean to drag it off topic that far or that long. You're right, and Mike said it much earlier, it comes down to preferences.

I'll leave you alone now , and you can get back on topic.....thanks

Dave

[cmorris]

Also, wouldn't a touchscreen increase the cost of the device? I've gotta think that it costs more than a standard screen.

[Kris Kumar]

Also, wouldn't a touchscreen increase the cost of the device? I've gotta think that it costs more than a standard screen.

Good point. I am sure it does. And probably adds bulk [extra width] too.

[Paragon]

Also, wouldn't a touchscreen increase the cost of the device? I've gotta think that it costs more than a standard screen.

Yes, digitized screens do cost more, significantly more I think.

I think it still comes back to preferences, and the market that Moto prefers to sell into. If it has a higher priced screen it will sell in the PPC market which is higher priced anyway. If it doesn't it will sell in the Smartphone market which sells at bit lower level, so cost probably isn't the determining factor.

Kris, why would a digitized screen be wider?

[Kris Kumar]

Kris, why would a digitized screen be wider?

Oops :oops: I meant to type "thicker". Wouldn't the touch screens be thicker. Since Moto Q is trying to cut down on the fat, the touch screen must be tough to pass by the diet plan setup by the engineers. :lol:

[Paragon]

Kris, why would a digitized screen be wider?

Oops :oops: I meant to type "thicker". Wouldn't the touch screens be thicker. Since Moto Q is trying to cut down on the fat, the touch screen must be tough to pass by the diet plan setup by the engineers. :lol:

Yeah, maybe, but I don't think they add a significant amount of bulk. From what I have seen of digitized screens they have 2-3 paper thin layers. I could be wrong.

Dave