Motorola Moto Q 9H Review

Bottom-Line: All-n-all I more than satisfied with the performance of the Moto Q 9h.  The Smartphone design is clean and functional and Windows Mobile 6.1 is highly functional.    

It time once again for that once every two year ritual; that is changing cellular phone plans, this time Verizon Wireless is out, AT&T Wireless is in.  Why, because Verizon would not let me upgrade to the phone of my choice, nor would they give me a reasonably priced data plan essential if you want to carry a Smartphone.  AT&T had the Smartphone I wanted for a song, and they offered up a data plan I could live with, so I bolted. 

So for $99.99 I latched onto a brand new Motorola Moto Q 9h 3G Global Smartphone with Windows Mobile 6.1.        

The Product

The Moto Q 9h 3G Global Smartphone is Motorola's latest device and takes advantage of the new 3G & EDGE high-speed mobile technology as well as GSM quad-band connectivity. 

Motorola has completely remade the Moto Q 9h 3G Global from the inside out in order to make the Smartphone one of the most compelling Windows Mobile devices available. Recognizing that the scaled down version of Internet Explorer is shall we say, not exactly user friendly, Motorola has replaced it with Opera as the default browser.  Opera offers faster throughput and response times, as well as better formatting.  Out as well is Office Mobile; it has been replaced by Documents to Go.  And Motorola added GPS, a sharper two-megapixel camera, and beautiful color screen, and a full sized QWERTY keyboard, which is one of the best I have used thus far.  

The Moto Q 9h 3G Global offers up a standard 2.4-inch screen, but an ambient light sensor above it automatically adjusts the brightness. The result: a beautiful screen with rich colors, sharpness and just the right amount of brightness enabling it to be read in any light.  The left side of the Moto Q 9h 3G Global houses a MicroUSB port that serves a myriad of purposes not the least of which is a port for the supplied charger.  A sync cable, and 3.5mm audio adapter and USB port adapter can also be used with the port; all come with the phone.  

The Moto Q 9h 3G Global runs Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 OS, which means you can sync your phone with Microsoft Outlook 2xxx or an Exchange server.  

My Viewpoint

One of the reasons I chose the Moto Q 9h is its ability to interact corporate email systems, most notably Microsoft Exchange 2003/2007 as well as other private Internet-based email packages such as Gmail, Yahoo Mail, and Hot Mail.  Before connecting to the Exchange server the smart-phone first needed to be activated on the Verizon network; this is now done just by turning the phone on.  Once data and voice connectivity is established the Moto Q 9h was ready to start receiving email.

I like the Moto Q 9h; so far the Smartphone is living up to the hype.  The display is vibrant, sharp and crisp and the light sensor helps you view the screen even in sunlight.  The full size QWERTY keyboard is hard to read in low light despite back lighting only in almost complete darkness can the keyboard be read clearly.  I find this very annoying!      

Speaking of connectivity, coverage is pretty standard throughout the Chicagoland area and the "3G" network icon rarely leaves the screen.  Reception volume is good but not great, but those on the other end say they can hear me clearly.   

I must say I am impressed with Windows Mobile 6.1; it is a vast improvement over Version 5.xx.  AT&T has of course added its own enhancements to the mix markedly improving the interface; it's actually functional without too much of a lag.  Integration with Outlook 2xxx is seamless, either through Exchange 2003/2007 or directly with Outlook 2xxx.  Once synced calling reading email and calling from the contacts list is simple and easy.     

High-speed web browsing is surprisingly quick via the 3G network, but I do not like the Oprah web browser all that much.  The dual speakers on the Moto Q 9h are surprisingly crisp and clear; indeed they are the best I have heard on any phone so far, and I have used a lot of phones.        

All-n-all I more than satisfied with the performance of the Moto Q 9h.  The Smartphone design is clean and functional and Windows Mobile 6.1 is highly functional.    

Based on my experience with the Treo 700W, I vowed to stay away from Windows Mobile devices, but the combination of Moto Q 9h and Windows Mobile 6.1 has proven a winning one.  And mated with the AT&T network wherever I roam, I'm connected.