Motorola V60
The device has everything you need in a mobile phone. Packed with style and excellent software. The new generation of Motorola software is a winner once you've got your head around it. Slightly difficult to navigate but well worth the extra time it takes to understand it. You can keep your flashy lights & plastic. This phone has class.
As noted, instead of a plastic casing, the trimode (CDMA 800/CDMA 1900/AMPS) V60c has an anodized aluminum casing that we're happy to report seems scratch resistant. The phone also features a sturdy, retractable antenna and good-sized, well-positioned keys. Put it all together and the phone measures 4.5 by 3.42 by 1.77 inches and weighs 3.6 ounces. Expensive at the moment but worth a look. The v60 is definitely a high-end phone and has been introduced in early 2002.
The phone feels very good and holds a call very well. The external display is fantastic showing time and date in normal mode and then either text messages or who is calling. A nice blue background light is used for both displays.
  | Motorola V60 |
The V60 gives the user the feel of having an actual tool in their hands, and not just a small plastic toy. Motorola accomplishes the feat of making this phone feel less flimsy by using a brushed aluminum case and carbon fiber inserts on the face of the phone. Not only does this give a better feel to this phone, but also it jumps up in a level of styling that Motorola has not reached before. Motorola has improved upon their button layout in the V60. . One of the more noticeable differences is improving on the layout of the smart key and volume buttons on the side of the phone. Motorola also has added a separate scroll button on the middle of the face that makes WAP browsing easier. This display on the V60 is much easier to read than on previous models. The back lit LCD display is clearer and easier on the eyes. The V60 also has a small caller-id display located on the outside of the phone. Similar in size to a pager's display, this is a helpful function for seeing who is calling with out having to pick up and open the phone. When not receiving a call, the external display functions as a clock for those few times you are caught with out a watch.
» The Good
Sleek design
Nice awe factor
Good reception
Looks good
External Display
Supplied with handsfree and carrying case and belt clip
» The Bad
High Cost
Limited features
Poor user interface
Limited features
Small screen
Terrible SMS feature
Short battery life
Poor instruction manual.
It has a built in radio but will cost you over $100 for the head set to enable it.
» Features
External Caller ID
New Motorola User Interface - Makes navigating through the menu and features simple
The customizable main menu allows you to reorder the menu items or frequently used features the way you want.
Voice recognition / voice annotation button
Two-way SMS messaging - allows you to send, receive and store short alphanumeric text messages with another compatible wireless device or email address
Built-In Microbrowser - information at your fingertips, access White and Yellow Pages, Directions and Stock quotes, all wireless
FM Stereo Radio - accessible when used with headset accessory
400 Name and Number Phone Book
Caller Line ID - allows you to view information on incoming calls before answering
Multi-Language Support - English, French, Spanish, and Portuguese
iTAP software for simplified text entry - anticipates the word you are trying to spell when entering text in email, short messages or other edit modes
Hands Free Operation
Voice Activated Shortcuts - Menu options can be linked to voice commands to automatically activate chosen feature when command is spoken
32 alert tones
Turbo Dial keys 2-9
Personalization Features - Customize main menu, keys, greeting, banner and quick dial.
Dedicated Voice Mail Access Key - press and hold the 1 key to go directly to the messages menu to retrieve your voice mail messages
Integrated Headset Jack - converse hands-free with the optional headset accessory.
Date Book - Calendar, schedule and alarm clock
Voice Recorder - record conversations, memos or other notes
VibraCall® alert - to discreetly notify you of incoming calls
Smart Button - to simplify accessing feature menus, scrolling, selecting functions and placing calls
Talk Time Features
Provides up to 240 minutes of talk time when used with high performance battery
Provides up to 242 hours of standby time when used with high performance battery
External display shows 96x16, 1 line display with EL backlighting
Main display shows 96x64 pixels, 3 lines of text, 1 line of icons and 1line of prompts all with EL backlighting
Calling Features
Auto Redial Notification
Call Forwarding - unconditional, mobile subscriber busy, subscriber not reachable
Call Waiting
Call Hold
Alternate Line
Turbo Dial keys 2-9
Quick Access Menu
Speed Dial
Ringer/Vibrate Suppress
Multiple Call Timers
Multiple Key Answer
Memory
Last 10 Numbers Dialed
Last 10 calls received or missed
Phone Book - 400 entries
Indicators/ Alert Features
Battery Meter (always shown in display)
Missed Call Indicator
Roaming
Text Message Waiting
Voice Message Waiting
Signal Strength Meter (always shown in display)
Security Features
Call Restrictions
Keypad Lock
Phone Lock
Application Lock
New Passwords
» Availability
Currently only Alltel and Verizon sell the V60. Cost - $400
» Conclusion
For someone who uses their wireless phone as a vital tool in their daily lives, it is important that you choose a phone that will provide the best reliability and functionality. When there are so many free' phones on the market, many people will not consider a phone that costs $400.00 a very expensive toy.
However the V60, provides the best looking, and functioning value for the dollar.
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