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Motorola Flipout review

Our Rating :
Price when reviewed : £216
inc VAT

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.

Specifications

Android 2.1, 2.8in 320×240 display

http://www.handtec.co.uk

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.

Motorola Flipout closed

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.

Motorola Flipout opening

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.

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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

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