Motorola RAZR2 V9m Review

Messaging:

Just like the Maxx Ve before it, the V9m is capable of sending and receiving Text, Picture, and Video Messages. Pressing the Left Soft Key will access the main Messaging menu. The available options are New Message, Inbox, Sent, Drafts, Voicemail, E-Mail, Mobile IM, and Chat. Selecting the New Message option will allow you to either send a Text, Picture, or Video Message. For Text Messages, the V9m uses the iTap predictive entry, which is similar to T9, where the software tries to predict which words you are typing. Sending a Picture and Video Message operates in similar fashion, except that you can attach a picture or video file to be sent to another phone or E-Mail address. When a Text Message is received, you must open up the flip to read it, since the ability to view messages on the External display was removed. We had no problems using the messaging options and they work quite well, despite the external viewing feature being removed.




E-Mail access is limited by using the WAP browser to connect to MSN Hotmail, AOL Mail, and Yahoo Mail. We would have liked to have seen GMail access, as well as POP and IMAP support, but since this is not a SmartPhone, you’ll have to deal with the limited E-Mail capabilities.

Mobile IM will connect to AOL, MSN, and Yahoo instant messaging services.


Connectivity:

The V9m is an All-Digital Dual-Band CDMA phone that operates on the 800Mhz and 1900Mhz frequencies on the Verizon Network. Data Connections can use EVDO Rev 0 or slower 1X when not in an EVDO area.

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Bluetooth 1.2 is supported and allows up to 20 Parings with the following profiles: Headset, Handsfree, Serial Port, Dial Up Networking, Bluetooth Stereo A2DP and AVRC, Object Push, and File Transfer for device generated images, videos and vCard. We were able to pair with our Jabra 250v Headset and achieve up to 30 feet of static free calling. For music playback, we were able to use both the HT820 and S9 devices and get up to 30 feet of Stereo Bluetooth static free performance. The V9m can pair to other phones, and you can easily send pictures and videos between them, but it will not allow the sending of ringtones or MP3 music.


Internet:

Unfortunately, the Verizon V9m does not come with a HTML Browser, like on the AT&T V9 model, so you are limited to using a standard WAP 2.0 Browser. Pressing the Up button on the navigational pad will start the browser and activate Verizon’s Mobile Web service. The main page will load in 5 seconds while in an EVDO coverage area. From here, you can choose News, Weather, E-Mail, Sports, Entertainment, VZW Services, and Shopping. There is also an option to enter in a specific WAP or HTML address. Since this is a WAP browser, it will display WAP sites without problem, but going to a normal HTML site can pose some difficulty. First, the site will take longer to load (up to 30 seconds) and images and text may not be displayed and formatted properly. Also, embedded items, such as Java and Flash, will not work. Because of these limitations, it is recommended to only visit WAP or HTML site that do not have a lot of graphic content. If you need the ability to use a mobile device for viewing standard HTML sites, then a SmartPhone will suite your needs better.