Motorola Charm

“Well it's about time that we find someone brave enough to venture with something different in terms of form factor with Android – even more when landscape QWERTY handsets are abundant. When it's priced at $79.99 on-contract, it makes for a decent offering when you factor in its rare portrait style QWERTY, inclusion of Android 2.1, and its quality construction. When we think about it more, its pricing is definitely fitting for any feature phone we've seen Motorola produce, but it's even more exciting when it's an Android powered smartphone we're talking about. In the end, it might not be quite to the level of its high-end counterparts in performance, but it's more than acceptable and functional to get you by your daily routines.”

“Even with the low res screen, I can still recommend the Motorola Charm. The keyboard is wonderful. Even for its small size, it made typing a delight. The phone may be small and less powerful, but Motorola hasn't skimped on software features, and the phone gets the full Android 2.1 treatment, with Live Wallpapers, Exchange support and free navigation in Google Maps, in addition to the full complement of MotoBLUR interface enhancements. The form factor is also unique for Android, and as more and more curious BlackBerry owners take a look in Google's direction, the Charm might be a foot in RIM's door. But my warning to buyers is that they should do some heavy reading on the phone's screen before they commit to a two year contract. Some folks might not mind, so if you've spent some time with the phone and the screen isn't a bother, the interface and extra features only grow more rewarding over time.”

“Physically the Motorola Charm is a good looking device, and it hits a lot of design points right on the mark, but its small, low quality touchscreen display keep it from offering the same visual appeal that many other smartphones do. But even with that limitation, the phone is pretty easy to use, comes with both standard and extended batteries, and is the only game in town if you like this form factor and want an Android smartphone. The fact that it's priced at $74.99 with contract doesn't hurt, either.”