Motorola Q Global Phone (AT&T) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've been an AT&T (SWBell, then AT&T, then Cingular (forced me to use a Cingular SIM card, not an ATT one), now AT&T) customer for almost 10 years now (yeup, same number).
I purchased my Moto Q (Q9H) online and received it in 2 days right before Thanksgiving and had the chance to use it in Europe (voice and data) with no issues recently. I live in the Dallas Texas area and have had no issues in this area, nor most of the major cities in Texas I've been to, plus the driving duration.
Migrating to my first Smartphone:
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I upgraded from a Motorola L7 SLVR (basically a non-flip Razr). Migrating my contacts was easy ONLY BECAUSE of the Motorola Phone Tools CD that came with the phone (or findable on the Internet with a lot of searching). For whatever reason the Motorola Phone Tools software absolutely would not detect that Outlook was on my laptop and therefore I could only export the list in a CSV format and import it into Outlook. After arranging the fields in order - I could THEN sync all my numbers to my Moto Q Smartphone (Windows Mobile 6)
Well, duhh, what about my silly SIM card - well, that's a great concept and all, but the SLVR defaults to save contacts on your phone, not the sim card. So either I manually open 300 entries and click Edit then click Save To then click SIM card on a SLVR/RAZR OR...do the export/import from the Phone Tools program - the export was faster for me. Also, back in 2003? or so my Pre-Cingular AT&T sim card would NOT work in my Cingular SLVR/RAZR so I didn't even attempt to see if my Cingular SIM would then work in my Post-Cingular AT&T phone anyways.
[Yes, an AT&T retail store could have likely synched the contacts between each phone, but this was Thanksgiving and I was anxious to use my new phone, so keep that in mind too. ;-)]
What's in the Box:
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1. A post-Cingular, now new AT&T Sim card
2. A mini-usb to micro-usb keychain (unfortunately the phone uses micro-usb, not the ubiquitous mini-usb of the entire Motorola line and most other devices, oh well)
3. A regular USB (computer) to micro-usb data cable
4. An A/C outlet micro-usb charger
5. A micro-usb to 3.5mm audio jack adapter
6. The phone!
7. CD and Manuals and a 30 day unlimited AT&T music download coupon
8. Two batteries, slim and extended
What I don't like:
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1. Why Micro-usb ? It's not that much smaller than mini-usb - mini seems more sturdy and micro-usb feels uhm, plasticky and fragile...
2. 1/8 battery bar means your phone is about to completely turn off with no warning whatsoever - but don't get me wrong, the extended-battery life is pretty phenomenal at 3+ days of regular usage with voice and data. My SLVR/RAZR would beep to let me know it was low, the Q simply goes dead real quick (after 3+ days as I was testing it out) - there may have been a warning, but I never got to see it.
3. Apparently Windows Mobile software (on our work phone and this one) doesn't remind you that you missed an appointment alert, missed call, or have unread messages - I fixed this by downloading the Don't Forget Freeware app that does exactly that.
What I do like:
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In 10 years, this is one of the best phones I've owned. I like it better than our Windows Mobile 5.0 Blackjack 1 we use at work. Battery life is great with my regular usage and I specifically wanted this phone because it is almost as thin as my SLVR/RAZR. I've seen the Treo and HTC's and others but those things are as thick and heavy as the cell phones back in the 90's. I personally wanted Windows Mobile software for all of the many apps, as opposed to the new Blackberry devices (Curve or Pearl) - plus the fact we use a Microsoft Exchange server that directly pushes to a Windows Mobile 6.0 smartphone.
Also, I wanted GPS and I did a ton of research and enough people got the "free" GPS software to work that I trusted others' experiences and the phone has practically paid for itself just for the amount of frustration/time the GPS has saved me! Yes, Google Maps and Windows Live Mobile Maps DO work. I took all default GPS settings and launch Google Maps to lock in on the satellite, then use Windows Live Mobile for my GPS navigation because it has voice recognition and the screen centers on my GPS location and will auto-recalculate if you go off route - haven't figured out how to make Google Maps do the same. (I have no need to pay $10 a month for TeleNav - the free stuff works great)
I have unlimited data and yes the MP3 and video work fine, though video is too small for anything serious to watch. I bought and put a 4gb SD HDSC?? card in the microSD slot - the guy told me HDSC is the newest and fastest or whatever. Not sure what the capacity is, but 4gb holds a lot, like thousands of pictures and music and probably half a day of video. I'll assume they make 8gb and 16gb microSD cards too.
The camera (with built in steady flash-light) is 2.0 megapixel which is more than the 1.3mp Verizon version of this phone. Highest resolution is 1600x1200 and I think the pictures look good for a camera phone, but of course it is not a digital camera substitute, though for me, it was my substitute for when I was in Europe and I'm happy with all pics, even at night.
Keyboard is full QWERTY and super easy to use and I'm so fast with it now, I turned text prediction off since it would actually mess me up.
Volume (ear and speaker) is pretty incredible, I actually have it slightly more than half way because it can get too loud - which is a good thing.
Voice recognition is an exponential step up - in old school days you had to "program" the voice names by recording your voice - this one is smart enough to guess based off your contacts and it recognizes pretty good. You can say Call John Work or Call Sally Home or even Send Text Sally Mobile or Open Windows Live Search, etc. (All with no voice programming)
I won't go into all of the other Windows Mobile features or apps - as I assume they'd work the same on any smartphone, I'm just highlighting the unique things for this specific phone.
Screen is nice and clear and readable in the brightest of sunlight (unlike my old Slvr/Razr).
Overall, this is truly one of the best phones I've ever used and I've been extremely happy with it. All of my apps are installed on my 4gb microSD card and I've only had one lockup when I had the media player, Outlook email, text messages, Google Maps, Windows Live Maps, and Opera all running. Now I specifically choose to exit each app if I know I won't need it anymore and I've been fine.
I feel so extremely productive and I have it all in one slim device; bluetooth, Internet, phone, incredible volume output, no-training-needed voice recognition, sync, MS-Office, GPS!!!, mp3 player, video player, 2mp camera with 8x digital zoom, great battery life, email, text message, bright screen in sunlight, 3G and Edge data, great ATT phone network (US and Intl), and microSD for storage expansion.

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Motorola's QWERTY keyboard equipped Q Global smartphone for AT&T adds the power of the Windows Mobile 6 operating system, which provides push email for immediate send and receive on Corporate Microsoft Exchange servers as well as editing of Microsoft Office documents. In addition to its quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE connectivity, it also runs on AT&T's 3G HSDPA/UMTS network for fast Internet browsing, high-speed music downloads, video streaming/casting. And you'll be able to get to where you're going fast with the integrated GPS receiver and support for TeleNav GPS Navigator software. The Q Global also features a large 2.4-inch LCD, 2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity with music streaming, 256 MB of in-phone memory, MicroSD memory card expansion, digital audio player, and dual stereo speakers.
AT&T Service The AT&T Tilt can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T's 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the UMTS 850/1900/2100 network (also known as WCDMA), making it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services with speeds up to 3.6 Mbps. It also gives AT&T the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services. You'll also enjoy 3G broadband speed connectivity across the globe with tri-band UMTS/HSDPA capabilities, which allows the Tilt to operate in Japan and Korea, in addition to the more than 135 countries in which AT&T offers international data roaming.
In areas where the 3G network is not available, you'll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it's fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.
With 3G connectivity, you'll be able to access AT&T's Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster subscription music service, stream music video, discover what's playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what's hot with The Buzz music news portal. (A MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T's Internet, video, and music services.)
The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T's MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more.
You can also take advantage of the TeleNav GPS Navigator software, the full-featured premium navigation application that includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps. It comes as a 30-day trial version, and it can be downloaded via the TeleNav web site or via virtual pre-load icon (VPL) after activation.
Phone Features Featuring an iconic form factor, the svelte and sleek design of the Motorola Q Global measures just 0.46 inches thin, and it's complemented by with high-end finishes and soft touch materials. A bright 2.4-inch display (320 x 240 pixels, 65K colors) with smooth lighting transitions thanks to its adaptive display technology enables you to enjoy reading in environments where lighting is poor. The optimized QWERTY keyboard makes quick work of typing emails, SMS messages, notes, presentations and more.
It features a full HTML browser that takes advantage of high-speed wireless data connections for faster, bigger and richer web surfing experience. It offers built-in e-mail functionality for corporate Microsoft Exchange accounts as well as standard POP3/IMAP4 accounts (including GMail and Yahoo!). The included Outlook Mobile software offers up-to-date e-mail, calendar and contact information. And the new Windows Mobile 6 operating system enables you to view and edit Word and Excel documents as well as provides instant message capabilities via Windows Live Messenger. (See more details about Windows Mobile 6 below.)
Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone with dual stereo speakers--perfect for conference calling from the office or home. This phone provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity, and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and audio/video remote control. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.
The 2-megapixel camera includes an 8x digital zoom and LED flash, with resolution options ranging from 320 x 240 to 1600 x 1200 pixels. It can capture video clips as long as your memory holds out. This phone is also compatible with streaming video playback (RTSP, HTTP protocols) as well as WMV, MPEG4, Real video, and H263/H264 video files. The digital audio player is compatible with MP3, AAC, WMA, and Real audio file formats. Quickly drag, drop and sync music from more than 200 online music stores using the ease and simplicity of Windows Media Player.
In addition to the included Windows Mobile 6 software, you can also download My Q Pak software bundles exclusively available from AT&T and Motorola (good for 1 year of usage). The My Q Paks are available in three flavors, based on how you'll use the Q Global the most. The Road Warrior Pak includes WorldMate for travel management and Zagat restaurant reviews. The CEO of Household Pak includes Better Homes recipes and SplashID secure password manager. And the Fun Seeker Pak includes Bejeweled and MyStrands social music networking software.
Other features include:
256 MB of on-board memory (128 MB of RAM), expandable via MicroSD memory cards
Use on-board tools to customize ringtones, my home-screen and my wallpaper
Compatible with instant messaging clients (Yahoo!, ICQ, AIM), MMS and SMS
Flight mode allows you to safely use the non-wireless functions of this phone (such as music, games, or organizer functions) on an airplane during flight
Polyphonic (64-chord) and MP3 ringtones
VPN capability and anti-virus protection

Vital Statistics The Motorola Q Global weighs 4.73 ounces and measures 4.65 x 2.64 x 0.46 inches. It comes with two batteries--an 1170 mAh standard battery and a 1600 mAh extended battery--which provides up to 9 hours of talk time and up to 30 hours of standby time when used in tandem. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as 850/1900 WCDMA (3G) frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
Powered by Windows Mobile 6 Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6 updates the Windows Mobile 5 platform with a number of handy features that make searching through email, editing Microsoft Office documents, and staying on top of your most important communications even easier. Emails can now be viewed in their original rich HTML format and now offer the ability to visit embedded links. It also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides a full set of Windows Live services, such as the Windows Live Messenger IM application, which now enables you to chat with more than one person at one time or send a file.
With Windows Mobile 6, your phone will finally be able to emulate the power and features of your PC's Microsoft Office suite. You'll be able to neatly view, navigate and edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets in their original formatting--without affecting tables, images or text--as well as view PowerPoint presentations.
Microsoft Office Word Mobile features include spell-check, Find and Replace commands, bulleted lists, text formatting, and support for tables for the first time.
With Excel Mobile, youÕre not just confined to editing charts: with the new Chart Wizard you can create charts quickly and easily.
PowerPoint Mobile allows you to view the full presentation, rehearse timings, check the order and any live links you may have in your presentation. You can then email comments back to the team or communicate via MSN Messenger for an immediate response.
After creating or editing a Word document or Excel spreadsheet, you can synchronize it with your PC and it will automatically be converted to the PC version.

All Windows Mobile 6 powered devices include Direct Push Technology for up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. It also offers a set of important device security and management features that include the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen, helping ensure that confidential information remains that way.

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