The Motorola PEBL...For Your Eyes Only or For Ladies Only?
Written: Feb 20 '06 (Updated Mar 21 '06)
Product Rating:
Durability:
Clarity:
Portability:
Battery Life:
Pros: Seemingly sturdier design with no loss of output or reception. Needs no separate cover.
Cons: No live conference video. It's just a RAZR in disguise with some new features.
The Bottom Line: Liked the RAZR? You should like the PEBL. If you wait a month or so, prices should quickly stabilize and more providers will be offering it at discounted prices.
alexanderaku's Full Review: Motorola U6 PEBL Cell Phone
Yes, it's time for a new phone for this year. It's a process I've gone through every year since I started using a cell phone. With the number of references here to the early RAZR, you may want to read that review by clicking here. Just looking over the menus and features I provided there will be of help as they were only simplified some and added to in the PEBL. If you've been reading discrepancies in some reviews concerning the PEBL, maybe I can dispel some of them here with some straight talk.
(Chuckle) Yes, I'm a RAZER user, one hits my face each morning. So we're not talking of a ladies only phone. My Moto RAZR V3 still works great, but I still can't shave with it. A newer RAZR V3 still won't shave me, but it would add the ability to make short videos that the older V3 can't (the PEBL can also make them). It's for sure the PEBL won't give me a shave either, but I'll still keep my beard shaved off. Anyway, I just like a new phone every year. Shades of 007 in my title? Possibly, as the RAZR would have made him happy I'm sure, but the PEBL would have given Q more room for those "accessories" 007 needs On Her Majesty's Secret Service. As a side note - Sean Connery was the only true Bond to my opinion, so just hear his voice narrating in your mind as you read on. It may give you a better perspective.
Not wanting to "skip" the PEBL, I've been patiently watching its successful overseas release. Now, it has finally made its way to the US shores where I managed to get my hands on one for this review. What I hear about is a red or pink model (I even saw a Motorola picture of one so they should be available soon), and one with a smooth dark anodized metal case is to be presented to this year's Oscar winners. What I found was a dark one with a metal cover, only with a rubberized coating. Actually, that's not disappointing as the coating should prevent the wear and scratches a smooth anodized surface can amass in time without a cover. Not forgetting I have Cingular service and they don't as yet offer the PEBL like T-Mobile does, and I'm satisfied with my Cingular Service, what was one to do? I purchased my own on the Internet for $318 unlocked.
Appearance and aesthetics:
The phone is roughly the same size and weight as the RAZR. At 3 7/16" closed length, it is almost 1/2" shorter than the RAZR. The width is also almost 1/8 of an inch narrower at 1 15/16", but the thickness is almost 1/4" greater at slightly over 3/4". Don't be fooled, the PEBL is slightly larger than the RAZR at 72cc of volume to the 65cc the RAZR has. The weight for the PEBL is 110 grams to the RAZR's 99 grams. Still, it is under 4 ounces.
The outward appearance is decidedly different with a more solid feel that may mean it is a more sturdy phone than the RAZR (if that's possible). On the side is a small slide switch that will open the phone for use with one hand or you can simply pull it open with your hands as with the RAZR. On back (below the battery cover and opposite the hinge) is the loudspeaker and this, as is the ear speaker and the microphone, is similar in placement to the RAZR.
Inside and unlike the RAZR, the PEBL uses small strong magnets inside the cover to hold it closed. Motorola recommends that you don't let the magnetic strip of a credit card or other sensitive items they could damage contact them, and suggests not to keep these items in the same pocket with the PEBL. The hinge is of a spring loaded weighted design that allows one hand operation with the small slide switch on the side. Motorola calls this a "glide" action, so this should keep the hinge in good order as opposed to that of a switchblade knife's "snap" action. If dropped this design can allow the phone to open (for better or worse?), but I won't be dropping mine if I can help it. The cover is also the same size as the base, so the overall opened length is about the same size of the opened RAZR.
The outer screen displays a clock in a selectable digital or analog mode that the provider's system will update, and it also has some rather unique lighting. Longer and more narrow, it is nothing like the RAZR's outer screen - which was nothing to brag much about anyway (neither is it here). Inside, well, the screen is smaller than the RAZR's which is understandable considering the smaller width. The inside screen is still nice and much the same as the RAZR with its Windows style icons and the changes you can make from the menu - and the lighted keypad, while narrower, is a bit longer with it's similar nice flat machined look and feel. Unfortunately, these keypad designs aren't applauded by those of the fairer sex with longer finger nails - but I have no problem with my own thick fingers, and a careful fingernail tap of the keys should work just fine as little pressure is required. The machined keys are not completely flat with the small ridges that separate them and, as with my RAZR, I can distinguish among them by touch.
Overall, with my eyes directed elsewhere, my senses tell me this is a RAZR except for the feel in my hands. There are no sharp corners here, with the smooth oval design, which should be more pleasing to women than the RAZR. The small size also makes it perfect for a purse or a pants pocket. You just won't be so inclined to slide it into a back pocket, where you might sit on it, as with a RAZR. The rubber coating on this one also makes that more difficult as it doesn't slide so easily.
I liked the ability to keep my RAZR in my pants or shirt pocket and the PEBL, while thicker, is really no more obtrusive there than the RAZR was - which it wasn't. I also like the outside coating makes the phone easier to handle and that it has more or less eliminated the need for an added case or protective cover for mine.
Using the new phone:
Setup was as simple as sliding my existing 64K SIM card into the slot at the bottom of the battery compartment, installing the battery and cover, and calling Cingular while charging the battery. Eureka, success! The phone turned on by simply pressing the end call button on the pad - just like my RAZR, and it was ready for use after a short boot-up.
As I said before, my sensibilities tell me this is a RAZR with a different outer case - so I was immediately happy with the excellent quality of call clarity, menu layout, and the keypad I was already familiar with. Yes, I could have spent less for a new RAZR V3 - but then I only would have gained the new feature for recording short video with the phone, the PEBL also has, that my older RAZR does not have. A new feature I really like over my RAZR V3 is the PEBL's ability to recognize the words you want after analyzing your speech pattern. This means you don't have to manually record your voice prompt for each number in the phone book using the menu. Just say the name entered by the number and the PEBL intuitively takes you there. You can also voice dial by speaking the prompt and saying the numbers, and the feature works very well.
This feature and, once the keypad is learned, the machined keys makes this a great phone for anyone blind and it can beep to warn of a low battery. With its lighted outer screen and vibrator, it can also be of great use to a deaf person with its text and Internet messaging features such as the setting for full time online Internet Messaging.
Here again, there is no added additional memory card beyond the SIM card for authorization and added phone book storage. The phone book holds 1000 numbers and names with 250 more available in the SIM card. Whoever said scrolling a filled phone book on the RAZR was hard - was out of their ever loving mind. The PEBL uses the same system which allows you to quickly get to the desired names by tapping the corresponding keys for the name and then scrolling if needed - and with the new voice dialing or number dialing features, it is extremely easy. There is still only a 5 Mb. memory so don't count on any extended MP3 file, video, or picture storage over that the new RAZR V3 offers or that of the older V3. (whisper; V3x, V3x)
Java powered games are again available with the PEBL as with the RAZR, and of note - Cingular customers can download a free Java application here for checking their Internet email accounts at Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL, or AIM and SBC Yahoo. EDGE, the higher Internet speed connection, doesn't seem to be available with my PEBL - but GPRS is and it works well. EDGE and GPRS are network dependent so this may only be in my area or I could only have a setting misapplied. I'll have to look in on that later as the PEBL is EDGE capable.
Signal strength seems to be the same as I had with my RAZR which was always good to very good in most areas (never non-existent where I travel). Output with my RAZR was also always very good and it seems to be no less so with the PEBL. I had been concerned these areas might suffer in the PEBL with its new design changes, but that doesn't seem to be an issue. But then, other than changes to the hidden antenna (behind the screens again), the electronics are essentially the same with a few software and menu changes. Quad band functionality has again made this phone a "world traveler".
Charge life (talk and standby times) might be slightly improved over my RAZR, but I'm positive this isn't due to the 820 milliampere 3.6v Li-ion battery I've read about over the RAZR's 710 milliampere 3.6v Li-ion battery. Both the RAZR and the PEBL use the same Motorola battery part number SNN-5696B. While I have no definite figures from my own use as yet, I can say the required charging time does seem to be a bit less often than my RAZR needed - which wasn't excessive (a three hour conversation didn't deplete it totally, or the RAZR). Then again, Motorola may have improved the antenna - changing this slightly. Motorola suggests a talk time of up to 400 minutes and standby of up to 250 hours (both very similar to ratings supplied with the RAZR). Only 5-6 days in standby was normal for my RAZR before a charge was needed, so I doubt my PEBL will be much different. Recharging is again accomplished using a mini USB port on the phone just as it was on the RAZR, with the supplied wall charger, or a fast charge supplied using a computer and also providing a hardline communications link for computers and accessories. Charging time is again duplicated at about 2-3 hours for a full charge due to the PEBL sharing the same battery as the RAZR. The PEBL's USB port is on the hinge edge of the phone, which makes use of the phone more awkward than it was for the RAZR while charging with its side port, but tolerable.
Bluetooth is also available, as with the RAZR, and it works very well - just as it did with my old RAZR. Communication with a headset or computer is no problem using it. It does add a Print feature over my old RAZR for sending what's on the screen (email, etc.) to a Bluetooth enabled printer and it can stay connected directly using the Bluetooth to print incoming faxes. My old RAZR required me to use a computer and the Phone Tools software for this and/or, at the least, more of the menus. Staying within 30 feet is again the standard range of communication distance.
Of lesser importance to me is the MP3 and ringtones the PEBL uses, but here again the ability to add and store them with your computer is nice. Just as it was with my RAZR, the number of them allowed again mirrors the performance of a RAZR. The RAZR V3x, here's one you probably haven't heard of, is to have stereo Bluetooth and up to 1Gb. of removable storage for music and other media. Too bad the PEBL doesn't.
The camera and SCREEN3 technology:
Again, the PEBL has that camera just like the newer RAZR V3 - no better or any worse at about 1.3 mega-pixels with up to 4X zoom. Controls for brightness and zoom are also the same with top and bottom arrows controlling zoom and the left and right controlling brightness.
SCREEN3 is no more than being able to watch news, and other premium entertainment on the phone. This is network dependent so you may not have it available and it's sure you won't if you don't pay for the extra subscription for those services. SCREEN3 just takes advantage of faster data streams, such as EDGE, for better viewing. This means smoother action on the screen using its ATI mobile video processor chip.
Here's a feature some may be unaware of or afraid to use - but those per kilo-byte charges don't apply if you are careful. Using the phone as a computer modem, you need only a data enabled calling plan and to make use of your home Internet Service Provider's dial-up access numbers. After set-up on your computer, you can use the USB connection if you have Motorola's Phone Tools. If your computer is Bluetooth enabled, you can do this without Phone Tools if you know how to make the settings in your OS. It's usually just slightly slower than standard dial-up, but works well if your signal quality is fair and it's always handy in a pinch.
Features by listing courtesy Motorola:
• For use on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks
• Iconic oval-shaped design with elegant silver finish, dual-hinge technique for graceful open and close and vertical external display
• Video capture MPEG4 for shooting and replaying home videos
• Integrated Bluetooth wireless technology
• Motorola's SCREEN3 technology solution featuring zero-click access to news, sports, entertainment, and other premium content.*
• Integrated VGA digital camera with picture caller-ID*
• MMS1, IM1 Wireless Village and email (POP3, SMTP, IMAP4) *
• Downloadable games, screensavers and MP3 ringtones*
• J2ME™ MIDP 2.0 technology
• Speaker Independent Voice Dial
• Voice memo & enhanced predictive text
• WAP 2.0 and GPRS Class 10 Internet access*
• Motorola Phone Tools compatible for additional features.
* Network Dependent - Downloadable games, screensavers and MP3 ringtones can also be downloaded from computer.
In Conclusion:
I believe Motorola has all bases loaded with the PEBL over other manufacturers. They accomplished this with a home run previously, with the RAZR V3, as was evidenced by others quickly trying to copy the design. Where others offered better MP3 players, better cameras, FM radios, and other gimmicks, Motorola has offered a phone that truly works well. They also have phones that fill the other niche markets, for those interested in those other features, with the ROKER and SLIVER - but style, utility, and phone performance have not been compromised in the PEBL.
What might the next generation include? The new Motorola Q (chuckle, I wonder where that was inspired from) might replace the BlackBerry, but the overwhelming popularity of the RAZR and the popularity of the new PEBL have insured they will be around for a while. We may eventually see a phone that will speak back to you, asking what you want to do. Motorola has indeed set the standard. We will also soon see that real time live video of each other as we speak on our phones - using a Motorola. The Motorola RAZR V3x offers this using two cameras with up to 1Gb. of increased and removable memory (one camera at two mega-pixels). Motorola has shown they can put cameras where they want them, and with the excellent loudspeaker and great pickup their microphones offer, make it all easy - possibly expensive though, as providers still charge extra for their heavier data stream usage. For now, I have been very pleased with the RAZR and my new PEBL. Experience, using the better offerings of other brands, has shown me Motorola is the better choice - at least with the RAZR and now the PEBL. I won't be skipping this PEBL across a pond, nor should anyone else want to. Mine will stay close at hand and well used. Some have called it a pet rock and described it as soothing to the senses to hold. Maybe you should try one too - if you like the best of phone performance in your own hands as I do. Still, I would have preferred a RAZR V3x. How about it Motorola, I'm still interested in and waiting for the V3x to hit US shores.
Links to the V3x:
http://www.motorola.com/motoinfo/product/details/0,,95,00.html http://www.motorola.com/mediacenter/news/detail/0,,6431_6380_23,00.html
Need some help deciding just which phone is right for you? Try this link for my buyers guide.
What I actually gained with the PEBL was a phone with a more solid feel, short video capture capability, easier printout capability - but, most of all, a potent new voice activated feature that makes placing calls much easier while driving or otherwise occupied...in the service of her Majesty. (chuckle) I'll have mine shaken not stirred! Oh, and you might think to eBay for your own PEBL purchase. Just be careful as I hear Q accidentally lost a few modified ones there recently - they have the Royal Seal etched in the battery compartment.
007
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 318 Recommended for: Professionals On-the-Go - Internet and Email is a Must!
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