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Article

Title: Q Is for Quixotic

Author: Garfinkel, Simson Article Type: Review
Source: TECHNOLOGY REVIEW, p74(3) Publication Date: Sep 2006
  ISSN: 1099-274X
  Illustrations: Screen Layouts
URL of Publication: http://www.technologyreview.com

Motorola's Q phone gets good marks overall, but its Windows Mobile operating system (OS) is a significant drawback. Many described steps are also required to take an MP3 from a desktop computer for playing through the Q stereo sound system. The hardware is top-notch, but is not well used by the Windows Mobile software. For instance, the LED illuminator can be used as a flashlight at any time, which is very useful, particularly because the user can download a third party program to turn the illuminator on at the press of a button. The Q also has a socket for a standard mini Universal Serial Bus (USB) cable that charges and synchronizes, and the headphone jack is on top to allow use of headphones while the phone is stowed in a pocket. However, the screen is not good enough for outside use, and the internal charger does not permit charging from a computer USB port if the battery is drained. From a cold start, use of the charger provided by Motorola is required. Windows Mobile makes using the Q very complex, and the reasons for that complexity include Microsoft's inclusion of large numbers of options and Microsoft's insistence that users be ever aware of what is going on within the computer. The Q also sends Windows-like cryptic error messages and crashes.

Special Features: Screen Layouts

Companies:
Motorola Inc

Products:
Q

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