Motorola Flipout review
The clever design means you get a great QWERTY keyboard in a tiny package, but the screen isn't great and its price doesn't match its size.
Warning: Undefined array key "width" in /app/wp/wp-includes/media.php on line 1685
Warning: Undefined array key "height" in /app/wp/wp-includes/media.php on line 1686
Warning: Undefined array key "width" in /app/wp/wp-includes/media.php on line 1685
Warning: Undefined array key "height" in /app/wp/wp-includes/media.php on line 1686
Motorola’s range of Android handsets has included some bold designs. The Flipout’s is certainly quirky, but in everyday use we found it to be practical and conveniently small. Despite appearances, it’s no toy either: with Android 2.1 and some advanced features.
Its unique feature is a hinge at the corner that lets you swivel the screen around by 90 degrees to reveal a five-row QWERTY keyboard. The hinge is spring-loaded, and the action of flipping the screen open is smooth and precise, helping dispel doubts about build quality or longevity. There’s very little give in the opened hinge, and a solid metal plate behind the screen means there’s no flex there.
Although it might seem small, the keyboard is surprisingly good, and having a dedicated row for number keys is really useful. There’s even a small four-way pad for cursor control. The keys’ action is shallow but has a distinct bite, so you know when you’ve pressed one. Our only complaint would be that, with the USB cable plugged in, your right hand’s access to the keyboard is hindered.
Details | |
---|---|
Price | £216 |
Rating | **** |
Hardware | |
Main display size | 2.8in |
Native resolution | 320×240 |
Second Display | No |
CCD effective megapixels | 3-megapixel |
Video recording format | 3GP |
Connectivity | Bluetooth, WiFi, USB |
GPS | yes |
Internal memory | 150MB |
Memory card support | microSD |
Memory card included | 2048MB |
Operating frequencies | GSM 850/900/1800/1900, 3G 850/1900 |
Wireless data | EDGE, HSDPA |
Size | 17x67x67mm |
Weight | 120g |
Features | |
Operating system | Android 2.1 |
Microsoft Office compatibility | Word/Excel/PowerPoint/PDF viewers |
Email client | POP3/IMAP/Exchange |
Audio format support | AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MP3, AMR-NB, WMA |
Video playback formats | MPEG4, H.264, WMV |
FM Radio | yes |
Web Browser | Webkit |
Accessories | headset, data cable, charger, replacement covers |
Talk time | 4.6 hours |
Standby time | 15.2 days |
Tested battery life (MP3 playback) | 24h 31m |
Buying Information | |
SIM-free price | £216 |
Price on contract | £20-per-month, 18-month contract |
SIM-free supplier | www.handtec.co.uk |
Contract/prepay supplier | www.buymobilephones.net |
Details | www.motorola.com |