Motorola v180 review
Billed as an entry-level phone, the Motorola v180 is actually a feature rich black beauty with quad-band global coverage capability. Instant messaging, MP3 ringtones, dual displays, USB connectivity and gaming support are all here-- a significant step up from entry level phones of the past.
Design
The phone features a sleek clamshell design with a large 128 x 128 color display with 65,000 colors. The outside cover of the handset sports a supplementary 96 x 32 monochrome display that can display time, call information, battery and signal strength, and more. A stub antenna is placed on the top right side of the unit. Up and down buttons for volume control are placed on the left side. Most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's control pad. A USB-capable data port is housed on the unit's top edge. There's a standard jack to accept universal hands-free headsets on the bottom of the handset, next to the phone's charging port. Face plates are available so you can create the look you're after on the phone's outer casing.
Calling Features
The V180 supports polyphonic ringtones as well as MP3 ringers, allowing you to use portions of your favorite songs to alert you to incoming calls. You can also assign pictures and ringers to your most common callers. A number of ringtones come preloaded on the phone. There's even an included application, MotoMixer, that enables you to mix your own ringtones.
Speed dialing, which allows you to call pre-programmed numbers with one button is built in, as is a vibrating alert. A built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names.
Messaging, Internet and Tools
The Motorola v-180 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging and Internet connectivity. The phone features support for ICQ, AOL and Yahoo! instant messaging applications. There's also a built-in web browser for MEdia downloads and mobile web browsing.
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the V180 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a notepad, a calendar and an alarm clock.
Imaging and Entertainment
The V180's USB connectivity can be used to transfer pictures, sounds and graphics to the phone's memory from your PC. Screensavers, themes and wallpapers can be set to your tastes. The V 180 is Java enabled, meaning it supports games and application downloads written on the Java platform.
Vital Statistics
The Motorola V180 weighs 3.26 ounces and measures 3.43 x 1.75 x .91 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5.83 hours of digital talk time, and up to 275 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
What's in the Box
Motorola V180 handset, lithium-ion battery, power supply/charger, user's manual.
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