Motorola RAZR MAXX Ve Review - Introduction / Design

Introduction

The Motorola RAZR MAXX Ve packs an array of multimedia options into the iconic RAZR design and tops it off with a lightening-fast 3G connection. Based on the Motorola RAZR MAXX V6 with a few slight differences, the Ve's EV-DO technology serves up Verizon's VCAST music and video services as well as Get it Now downloads and Mobile Web 2.0 emailing capabilities.

Equipped with an MP3 player, a 2.0-megapixel camera and a video camera with extended playback capabilities, the Ve represents the last generation in a line of RAZR phones before the upcoming RAZR2. Its refinements include a dark metal and glass design, an improved keypad and a bright 2.2-inch screen. The Ve comes packed with a generous 60 MB of internal memory plus the option of 2 GB removable microSD memory.

Three touch-sensitive buttons for music control positioned on the outside of the phone, coupled with stereo Bluetooth support (A2DP Profile), make listening to music on the phone while using it to take calls a seamless experience.

In capability, the Ve goes head to head with the less expensive Verizon LG VX8700, which has a better interior screen and also delivers VCAST services using the 3G network.

Design

The Ve dresses the RAZR's ultra thin profile in fashionable black metal and glass that gives the top of the clamshell a jewel-like luster. Although the phone is relatively lightweight at 4 ounces and measures 0.6-inches thick by two inches wide, it feels solid in the hand. The hardened glass covering the front screen sets the RAZR MAXX series apart from previous RAZR models. Although pretty when polished, the Ve's shiny veneer smudges easily.

The glass front has a purpose other than attracting fingerprints. The Ve functions as a music player when the clamshell is closed. Pressing the smart key on the left side of the phone activates three touch-sensitive buttons positioned underneath the front screen. When the buttons are lit, they can be used to play, pause, forward, rewind or skip songs without opening the clamshell. With their blue backlight, they also add another dimension of elegance to the Ve's exterior.

While the RAZR Ve shares the same dimensions as the V3m, the Ve tweaks some of the shortcomings of its predecessor, starting with the keypad. While maintaining the flat surface and cool blue luminescent backlighting of the V3m, the RAZR Ve's keyboard contains raised lines the delineate each key from the other, making touch-dialing and text-messaging easier than on earlier versions.

The Ve's keypad layout doesn't stray from the V3m's design, with Left and Right soft keys at the top. The Camera / Video key is positioned to the left of the navigation wheel and the Clear or "Back" button sits to the right. A green "Start Call" button and a red "End Call / Power On / Off" button separate navigation bar from the keypad.

Other buttons aligning the sides of the RAZR Ve include Volume Up / Down positioned on the left side above the Music Player activator and a Voice Command activator on the right side.

The 2.0-megapixel camera lens sits squarely in the center at the top of the phone next to the flash. The Ve's rear-facing speaker, while not exactly in the best position for watching video, compensates for its inconvenient placement with good volume capacity, which bodes well for speakerphone users.

Another seeming design flaw is the hinge. While the screen tilts up at a slight angle when the phone is flat, the hinge won't stop at any other angle, making hands-free video watching impossible unless the user is leaning over the screen while it rests on a flat surface. The hinge also features a dedicated auto-focus key for the camera that seems unnecessary, since the camera is self-focusing.

Compared to the V3m, the Ve's exterior screen is slightly larger and brighter, at 1.7-inches the fast-refreshing TFT display has a resolution of 120 x 160 px and shows up to 65K-colors. Users will find all the essential information on the front screen, such as time, date, signal strength, battery life, and caller ID. However, the clock is small and the text is tiny and unchangeable. Users might find themselves squinting to read it, especially in sunlight when the screen is more difficult to see.

A mini-USB port on bottom left side of the phone connects to a charger, a stereo headset (with an adapter), accessories or a PC.

Out of the box, the Motorola RAZR MAXX Ve comes with a standard 880 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, Right Angle Connector, Screen Cleaner, and User Guide.
source:
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