Shane Conder's Whateveritis of Nothing

The Motorola RAZR V3c, Verizon Version Review

I apologize for this review being so late. The phone came out right before my birthday, then right after that I got sick, then after that I had to catch up with work, attend holiday parties, and other such things. But hey, this isn't some sort of official review site. I do this all for fun -- and usually with stuff I own. So, on with it, which has been in various draft forms since early November. ;) (Also, check out where this review was originally going to be -- some people have posted some useful information there (Thanks to Sepp and Mat.).)

So, even though I think every one else will also do a review, I thought I'd go ahead and write up a review. It probably won't have quite as much detail as some of the others. To be honest, part of the review is also the reason for this.

The phone is just not all that exciting. I've spent quite a bit of time trying to figure out why. Maybe the act of writing this review will actually get me to an answer to this question! (Now, I should say from a personal point of view and that of my company, this phone is quite exciting. But I'll let the sleuths out there figure out why. ;)) (Update: In doing the review and having it for longer, I've decided that the reason it's not that exciting has some to do with the use of the Verizon UI -- it looks and acts like every other phone now. Another reason is that, aside from size, it doesn't add anything new to the scene. Now, the size is nice, but it's not something that's important to me. I don't mind the size of my VX9800 and it's one of the biggest non-smartphones out there.)

Please note that this is specifically for the Verizon version of the phone. Other carriers will have their own versions of this handset, presumably a little more Motorola-like. (As of this posting, Alltel has already shipped their version of the RAZR V3c.) ;)

Posted in Gadgets by Shane at 9:30 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (1)

Motorola RAZR V3C Review

FINAL UPDATE: The review is now posted and is at this location instead of on this post. It was just easier that way. Sorry for the delays.

Yes, this space is now reserved for a review of the Motorola V3C, the CDMA RAZR.

I'm hoping to get the review up as soon as the carrier launches this handset.

UPDATE: Verizon has their RAZR site up and rolling.
UPDATE2: Verizon To Offer V3c RAZR Tomorrow (MobileBurn). Well, it's about time. The wait has been killing everyone. (Actually, quite the opposite since razors haven't been in peoples hands to cut with.) If this is true, expect a review here tomorrow(-ish ;) ).
UPDATE3: Verizon is now actually offering the RAZR for sale online. Check back soon for my little review. At $199 after the online discount of $100 it's a bit expensive -- especially if you compare it to the GSM RAZR.

If there is anything you would like to see in the review, feel free to ask for it. I can't guarantee answers to all questions, but I'll do what I can.

Thanks!

For now, here is the information Motorola has provided:

The stunningly sophisticated Motorola RAZR is now ready to be experienced by users of CDMA technology. Like the original, the RAZR V3c touts excellence in design and a razor-thin form factor, but comes in a unique, refined steel grey finish. Hidden in its slim shape is powerful technology, including a 1.3 megapixel camera, EvDO (Evolution for Data Optimized) technology for video-on-demand and broadband-like connections and Bluetooth® wireless technology. Video capabilities and an integrated MP3 player complete the mobile entertainment offerings. Mobile intelligence and smart style at its best, the Motorola RAZR V3c turns heads and delivers impressive connectivity.

Seeing is Believing
The popular RAZR form factor is now ready for CDMA users thanks to the Motorola RAZR V3c. New finishes complement the chemically-etched keypad and blue electro-luminescence panel.

Technology Moves
With EvDO technology, you’ll have access to video-on-demand for viewing music, news and sports clips at a moment’s notice. And if it’s just quick information you’re looking for, you can connect to the Internet with lightening speed so you don’t have to wait long for what you want.

Smile for the Camera
You won’t miss a single detail with the sharp 1.3 megapixel camera. Snap a picture of a candid moment and send along with a text message via Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) and let the picture bring the story to life! And to keep memories close, use the Motorola RAZR V3c’s mobile photo album to sort and save pictures.

Secret Style
Pair this stylish mobile with a Bluetooth headset such as the small, chic Motorola H700 to talk without having to juggle your phone. Or, activate speaker independent voice dialing to get connected by only stating a number or name in your phonebook – no prerecording necessary.

SUMMARY OF FEATURES:

• Ultra slim form factor with nickel-plated copper-alloy chemically-etched keypad
• EL keypad illumination panel
• EvDO (Evolution for Data Optimized) for downloading data with extreme speed
• Integrated 1.3 megapixel camera with 8x zoom and photo album application
• Video clip capture and playback with day and night modes
• Integrated Bluetooth wireless technology
• MP3 player and 72 polyphonic sound engine
• Up to 30 megabytes (MB) of available embedded user storage
• Speaker independent name and digit dialing
• Office-quality speakerphone
• Picture caller ID on both the internal and external color displays
• WAP 2.0 Browser
• BREW 3.1 for application and content downloads

Posted in Gadgets by Shane at 7:50 AM | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBacks (3)

Fundue: The Perfect Christmas Present (For Me!)

Someone out there loves me, because they invented the coolest thing. It's the Fundue™ - the World's first desktop USB fondue set. Of course, there's no production model yet but whatever, it has everything I need!

Firstly, it's USB 2.0 powered, so we won't be having any more nasty flaming-hole-in-mom's-tablecloth incidents, like we did last Valentine's Day. It also, like our hot water pot, has an Auto-power off mode for decreased loss of life risk. We have found this particular feature less of a nicety and more of a requirement. The Fundue™ also has a LCD screen that not only shows the internal temperature, but also has the ability to show what mp3 is playing on your computer.

Yes, me want. You can check out a full writeup on the Fundue™, including a recipe, at ThinkGeek.com. The only thing that could possibly make this gadget any more tempting would be a matching USB-powered chocolate fountain, because we all know, the chocolate fountain is a catering necessity for every gathering.

Posted in Jokes by Laurie at 6:20 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)

Pretty In Pink: What2Wear With Your Pink RAZR

One of my friends is changing cell phone plans mid-contract (gasp!) just to get a "pink" Motorola RAZR, which really isn't pink at all, it's magenta (you know, RGB 255,0,255). I don't think the color pink really exists, its always fuschia, or flamingo, or hot pink, or baby pink, or blush, or bashful, or pepto-bismol! Stupid color, really.

So while I think this is more than a tad foolish that my friend would want this phone, I thought it appropriate to suggest a complete outfit for her for this chilly winter season, InStyle style! You know, to go with such a popular, fashionable phone... you might as well do it right.

So what we're going to do here is try to cover all the latest trends - let's see, there's camo, fur, ugg boots, cashmere, burberry plaid, super high-tech jackets with gadget pockets, boas, retro-wear, what else... Here we go, we'll start at the top!

Items shown:
Hat: George - Angora Bucket Hat in Coral Rose ($5.00 at Wal-Mart)
Scarf: No Boundaries - Soft Loopy Boa in Bright Flamingo ($6.67 at Wal-Mart)
Gloves: Isaac Mizrahi® Cashmere-Blend Long Glove in Pink ($11.99 at Target)
Sunglasses: Burberry 8439/S Sunglasses ($158.00 at Burberry.com)
Bag: Eastsport - Clear & Pink Backpack in Blush ($9.88 at Wal-Mart)
Jacket: North Face Greenland Jacket 05 in Cosmo Pink ($249.99 at North Face)
Shirt: Pink Jem and the Holograms shirt by Junk Food ($26.00 at 80stees.com)
Pants: UFO Pants in Pink Camo ($54.00 at BeWild.com)
Boots: UGG® Australia 'Fluff Momma' Boot in Orchid ($299.95 at Nordstrom)
Watch: Burberry Check Watch ($325.00 at Burberry.com)

Did I forget anything?
Oh, yeah, and a "pink" Motorola RAZR ($249.99 at T-Mobile with activation)

Posted in Gadgets by Laurie at 1:59 PM | Permalink | Comments (2) | TrackBacks (0)