Motorola V60 Mobile Phone

Richard Price
5 February 2002

There is something very, very “cute” about the Motorola V60. Every time I flipped it open I wondered whether passers-by thought I was using a powder compact.

This slim flip-top phone measures 87 x 45 x 24 mm, weighs 101g only including battery, and fits snugly in my hand.

The sleek anodized-aluminium shell hides the latest GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) technology and tri-band capability to satisfy the most intrepid roaming traveller.

The V60 operates across GSM900/1800/1900 networks so business users travelling overseas should have no problem remaining in touch.

A useful feature for a flip top phone is the small, external screen which makes it possible to see who is calling before opening the phone. A status light also changes colour or flashes to show incoming calls and messages but can be turned off to extend battery life.

Although I found the keys a little close together I soon got used to the layout. The “Smart Key” on the side of the phone also makes it a lot easier to access functions including making calls and hanging up.

iTAP software takes the tedium out of typing SMS messages by trying to predict the words and offering options from which to choose.

GPRS may be touted as the next big thing, but who but the desperate would want to access the net on a 3 x 2.5 cm screen about the same as my old Nokia 5110.

Still, connected to a laptop the V60 could function as a high-speed wireless modem.

The cost of accessing GPRS features will vary by carrier. Optus has a special on at the moment giving the first 2 months free after which the cost is 22c per 30 seconds.

Other extras such as the currency converter and Personal Information Management (PIM) features means this phone is trying to be a PDA as well.

TrueSync software, an optional extra --- so I couldn’t test it --- makes it posible to syncronise the V60 with a laptop or PDA. My collection of contact numbers stored in ACT2000 remains useless unless I’m in front of the computer.

Telephone numbers do not have to be stored on the SIM card. They can be stored in the phone’s 500-entry memory. Each entry can include name, home, work, mobile, fax and pager numbers.

A Voice Note function will record up to 60 seconds of any conversation to be played back later.

Telephone numbers can also be programmed to be voice activated with the Voice Note function.

The 500mAh lithium ion battery has a standby time of up to 127 hours and a talk time of 260 minutes.

Motorola claims an optional headset turns the phone into a radio I don’t know since they never sent me one to review, but the games Paddle Ball, Blackjack and Mind Blaster helped to pass the time.

My first phone was a Nokia and I have been happily using a Nokia 5110 for years. The Motorola V60 has given me mobile-envy for the first time.

Price AU$1099
www.motorola.com.au

By Richard Price, Editor EnergyME.com

For information on getting a product reviewed email richard@energyme.com