nüvifone™. The navigation phone.
- Average user rating: 3.5 stars out of 134 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
Full user review
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44 out of 44 people found this review helpful
3.5 stars
"Beautiful and Basic"
Pros: Stylish as you'd imagine, extremely customizable (with a little bit of effort), exclusive (for the elitists out there =))
Cons: You will be afraid to damage it, its menu system (including the commonly lambasted phone book) are old, it's no smartphone
Summary: Before anyone purchases this phone, he or she should know that it's a rather basic phone. You make and take calls, exchange text messages, go online for a bit, take pictures, play games, etc. The phone also has bluetooth and video playback (and with a little bit of trickery, video playback is possible, although extremely limited memory makes that less useful than you'd think). Now, with all that in mind, I still exchanged my new Samsung D500 (named phone of the year last year I believe?) over this. Why? Because I'm a basic functions user. I dont need to sync outlook, I dont use my cell phone to plan my year, and I think it's pointless to play mp3s or videos on a cell phone, where I would be forced to listen to substandard quality (since headphone jack is not the standard one, and I want to use only my nice earphones) and where I would have to squint, respectively. Of course, both of these can be done on the Razr, but as I said, limited memory makes it a moot point.
So, it's somewhat ridiculous to see people decry a lack of features when this phone is not meant to be a smartphone. Obviously, we expect a certain amount of functionality out of our cellphones, and I think this phone provides that. It's beautiful, stylish, (insert positive adjective), and that's what we pay for. The build quality and the exclusivity. People have compared this to a piece of jewelry, and accurately so. And for the record, I've yet to hear of people complaining about lack of functionality in a necklace. So before you really take in the next complaint about how this lacks memory slots or whatever, just ask yourself what you want out of your phone. If you're anything like me, this phone is more than enough. If not, look into the D500 or something similarly packed with features (albeit in a shell much less aesthetically appealing than the Razr's).
So why only a 7? Well, first, I consciously chose to adhere to CNET's tough grading standards. Of course, this phone is not perfect. The software is a bit slow and the font could also be considered outdated along with the menu system, but I like to think that it's more "old school" than anything else. I'm also having a tough time bringing it around because I fear scratching it. Anyone want to recommend a good protector, something that I can use and won't simultaneously hide the phone's appeal - namely, its exterior.
And finally, for those of you who so kindly read my essay and are considering or already have this phone and don't already know about it, motorola's phones are customizable to the point that you could say they're hack-a-ble. It's for the more technologically savvy but if you do a google search, you can easily find forums aplenty dedicated to customizing/updating your Razr (or any other moto cell). Be warned though, messing with that voids warranty and brings with it some inherent dangers (including the longshot chance of killing your Razr).
- 6 replies to this review
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Ptontig...
check out
www.vajacases.com
keep in mind they're made far away...I haven't gotten mine yet...should arrive tomorrow...but they definitely look the best -
I agree. I am considering buying it. My son and daughter have it. I couldn't care less about the mp3, camera, calendar functions. I want a phone that rings loud enough to hear it, gets good reception, has an easy to navigate address book, comfortable dialing, speakerphone, and finally attractive to look at. The rest are all silly. I have a small mp3 jukebox that is better than any phone. i have a small digital camera. it takes great pictures has great memory. I don't need my phone to do that. i am concerned about talk time. i am used to getting 3 or more days on a charge. My kids are trying to convince me that everyone charges their phone every night and to get used to the idea. Anyway, thanks for your insightful, on the money review.
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This has to be one of the best reviews I have read. I agree with you 100% because I have one too. I used to own a smart phone but relying on your smart phone becomes scary at times. I prefer my PC calendar. Anyway, thank you for being so honest!
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Thanks so much for the great (and easy-to-understand)review! This is THE only thing my son wants for Christmas (okay, so he's wanted it since his birthday, but I'm a single mom and I held out so I could save up). Anyway, after reading the review, I am certain we will have a smile and a half come December 25th! Thanks again and I am sure I should also say "Thank you!" from my son... Take care! L.
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After reading alot of the other reviews, yours was the only really helpful one. Thanks for taking the time to write it!
I don't know if you've found a carrying case yet, but I found one on Amazon. Check it out if you're still looking for one.
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B00074JWIK/104-4527988-7723107?v=glance&s=wireless&n=301185 -
At last ... a well-written comment that's deserving of a "bravo." (And quite accurate, to boot.) Not much I can add to it that hasn't already been said, although I'd give Motorola's Razr V3 at least a 7.8 rating, overall. One other general comment: Motorola definitely needs to work on their decidedly NON-friendly user interface with regard to the owner manuals they're producing for their cell phones. And finally, if anybody happens to know where I can find a well cushioned, slim carrying case (with a viewable window!) for the Razr V3, like the previous user, I, too, would be interested! (Perhaps CNET could do a search/find/review in this department for the rest of us?) Thanks for taking the time to read.
Where to buy
Motorola Special Edition Black Razr V3 (AT&T):
$79.99 - $99.99
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$79.99 | Yes |
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$79.99 | Yes |
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Kusho
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$99.99 | No |
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