First, I have to admit that this is the first Motorola phone that I have used for VoiceStream service. Prior to this, I've had a great deal of experience with the Nokia 2190, 3390, 6190 and 8290 models.
Other than the fact that the Motorola P280 has a built-in micro browser, there is not much that I like about this phone. Well, there is one thing.....the outside housing is a great color. If my 8290 were available in that color.....wow.
So what don't I like about the Motorola P280?
1. The firmware/software that runs the phones' features/menus is slow and I find myself waiting for the screen to catch up. (My basis for comparison are Nokia phones). I understand that slower software means longer battery life.
2. I have noticed on several occasions, that when I move from an area of "No Service" into an area where there is service, the phone fails to come out of "No Service" mode. I can sit there with the phone for 1/2 hour and the phone will still display "No Service". All call attempts fail. The only way to get the phone to work again is to turn it off and on again. This is a serious software problem.
3. Battery life. For some reason, unknown to me, Motorola has never been able to match the power consumption/standby time that Nokia phones offer. Basically, battery life is poor relative to the size of the battery.
4. I frequently use the earpiece/headset to make calls. I have noticed that just before a call is connected, I hear a click and notice an elevated background noise that continues throughout the call. I doubt anything is wrong with the phone, it's just the design. For those technical folks out there, it's like hearing the carrier, but no audio. My Nokia doesn't have this annoyance.
Overall, the phone serves its purpose. I've long been a fan of Motorola's two-way radio products so I do hold them to a high standard. This phone was disappointing though.


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 169