Finally released in the U.S. through Cingular, the V3i boasts built-in iTunes support, a 1.2-megapixel camera and the ubiquitous RAZR shell. Will it replace your precious iPod?
Review summary of the Motorola RAZR V3i:
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 Though it won't satisfy true iPod lovers, the iTunes-powered Motorola RAZR V3i makes for a better-than-average music phone, with the best music management software for any music-oriented handset (which, we realize, isn't saying much). Call quality and reception were both strong, and the phone's sound quality is on par with an iPod shuffle. We also appreciated the V3i's impressive messaging and e-mail capabilities. That said, we missed Bluetooth headphone support, which would have made the V3i a standout music phone, and the lack of 3G or even EDGE data access is disappointing. Release: September 2006. Price: $200.
Pros: Intuitive iTunes interface bests other mobile music UIs; great RAZR form; nice messaging and e-mail options.
Cons: Slow music transfers; no stereo Bluetooth support; lack of high-speed or even EDGE network access; microSD card is hidden beneath the battery cover.
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Full review of the Motorola RAZR V3i:
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Design
The RAZR's ubiquitous design hardly needs describing, but the V3i has a few touches that distinguish it from the original RAZR V3. Most obvious is the inclusion of an iTunes button near the five-way navigation circle, replacing the messaging key. Frankly, we'd rather it replaced the Web key, as we're less likely to browse the Internet than we are to send messages on this GPRS-only phone. Our test unit was an attractive brushed gray that seemed a bit purplish, matching the backlit keypad and Motorola logo on the face of the phone.
Calling - Very good
Call quality on the V3i was above average, with slightly digitized sounding but otherwise clean calls. We had full signal strength and excellent reception on Cingular's GSM network in New York City. Though a poor menu structure makes advanced calling features like Bluetooth and conference a bit difficult to use, they worked well once we got them working. The phone also features speaker-independent voice dialing. You can set MP3s as ringtones, but not song files purchased on your PC from the iTunes music store, or any song file transferred to the phone via iTunes.
Messaging - Good
The inclusion of AIM, Yahoo, and ICQ instant messaging protocols is an improvement over previous RAZRs we've reviewed, but a lack of T9 or any other predictive text input makes messaging a pain, especially on the RAZRs attractive but tricky-to-use flat keypad. The omission of MSN messenger is also unusual. SMS and MMS capabilities are exactly the same as previous iterations -- which is to say, dated -- but the inclusion of an e-mail client preloaded with settings for Hotmail, Yahoo, and AOL is a nice addition, even if it creeps along thanks to slow Java and a lack of high-speed (or even EDGE) networking.
Music - Very good
As a music phone, the Motorola RAZR V3i is better than most, though it may disappoint users looking for a full iPod replacement. The iTunes interface is head-and-shoulders above any proprietary offering from other phone manufacturers, such as Samsung or Nokia. The phone syncs in iTunes as easily as any iPod, though not nearly as quickly, as it lacks a USB 2.0 connection. The much-maligned 100-song limit didn't bother us, as we tend towards podcasts and longer selections, and we managed to fill the included 512MB microSD card (which, unfortunately, sits behind the battery cover) in less than 90 tracks. Navigating playlists and tracks on your phone is clear and easy, and the phone displays album artwork and plays tracks purchased from the iTunes store just like an iPod. Stereo Bluetooth headset support is sorely lacking, but otherwise music quality sounded fine to our ears, and the included adapter let us attach our own ear buds -- much better than listening to the stiff phones Motorola provides.
Price and availability
Available immediately from Cingular for $400, or $200 with a two-year contract.
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