Motorola Milestone

Editor's Review of the Milestone

A 3G Smartphone with a full QWERTY keyboard that slides out, the Motorola Milestone flaunts a 93.98-millimetre TFT multi-touch screen complete with an auto turn-off system. Its capacitive TFT screen displays 16 million colours and exhibits wallpapers, screensavers, photos and other graphics on a resolution of 480 x 854 pixels.

Stylish and sophisticated in its sleek black casing, this mobile phone has a total weight of 165 grams and full dimensions of 115.8 x 60 x 13.7 millimetres. This handset is customisable with a set of polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, which can be set as message or call alerts to suit its user's personality.

Aptly called the Milestone handset, this gadget runs on Android version 2 operating system and this handset is packed with functionalities to assist the modern mobile phone user.

Functioning on quad band, the Motorola Milestone works on GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900, HSDPA 900 and HSDPA 2100. With its wide coverage, this mobile phone is ideal for users who frequently travel, but its network roaming capacity however is dependent on its user's service provider. In addition, this communication device enables users to check their favourite Web sites or transact online through a built-in HTML browser that particularly supports Google Internet Search. It also supports Wi-Fi WLAN technology that allows on-the-go users to go online in certain hotspots.

Users who intend to share files with compatible gadgets like mobile phones, scanners, printers, laptops or personal computers may utilise this handset's micro USB functionality by connecting the devices' cables. Those who prefer wireless connectivity, on the other hand, may opt for the Bluetooth A2DP facility which allows users to engage in data transfers with compatible devices over distance of up to 10 metres apart. This mobile phone is also equipped with GPRS and EDGE technologies that support faster Internet downloading and speedier file sharing. As a 3G HSDPA-supporting handset, the Motorola Milestone is also efficient at multi-tasking.

The Motorola Milestone offers SMS or text with Predictive Text option, as well as MMS or multimedia messaging services, which enable users to keep in touch with their contacts. Its Internet connectivity enables users on the move to chat with their friends and family and enjoy mobile messaging through the instant messaging option and allows them to check their e-mail messages. Fully equipped with phone book, calculator, currency converter, clock and alarm clock, this mobile phone makes a good organiser to assist busy users. It also makes call transactions easier with its built-in speaker phone, call log option and conference call capability. It also has integrated GPS and A-GPS navigation systems to aid users as they travel through certain unfamiliar locations.

This mobile phone is a generous gadget as far as entertainment features are concerned. Motorola has integrated into the Milestone a 5-Megapixel camera complete with auto focus and dual LED flash to ensure that still pictures are taken with precision. It also comes with an image stabiliser feature that counteracts movements when taking shots. This camera flaunts versatility as it may also be used to record videos over a speed of 24 frames per second, and works as a video player that supports files in MPEG4, WMV, H263 and H264 formats. Dedicated keys enable users to enjoy this handset's camera with ease. Music fans will also appreciate this handset's built-in music player that supports MP3, eAAC+, WMA and WAV formats. It also offers an array of embedded games for users to enjoy, and welcomes uploading of games that are downloaded from the Internet.

This handset allows users to store up to 32 Gigabytes of photos, videos, games and other data through a microSD memory card. Users will enjoy communicating with their contacts using this handset for approximately 6.5 hours of talk time. Its rechargeable standard battery also offers 350 hours of standby time.

Unhappy users contend that this mobile phone's slow functioning internal Web browser may not be one of its highlights. Others also point to this handset's lack of built-in applications as its major downside. Nevertheless, satisfied users are impressed of the responsiveness of the Motorola Milestone's TFT screen, as well as its attractive modern design. There are also users who applaud the integrated 5-Megapixel camera.