Features:
- Revamped design and navigation
- Web enabled
- Voice-activated features
- Built-in FM radio
- Up to 4 hours' digital talk time
Description:
The Motorola V120 Tarpon exemplifies the new direction Motorola has taken with regard to design. Motorola has completely reinvented their keypad layout and menu navigation. Plus, they've packed the phone with useful and fun features like an FM radio, voice recorder, and a changeable faceplate. We enjoyed its function and form while testing, and predict it will become quite popular. The V120 has a contoured, candybar design that fit nicely in our hand. It measures 5.0 by 1.7 by 1.1 inches and weighs 4.5 ounces with its lithium-ion battery. Its short, retractable antenna functioned well but seemed incredibly delicate. In our opinion, snub antennas are more durable. The five-line display has a zoom function, but we felt more contrast would have been helpful. In the past, Motorola phone-menu navigation hasn't really been ergonomically sound or forward-looking. The V120 changes that with its intuitive menu system, and Motorola should be applauded for incorporating soft keys and a central navigational button. Also, the voice-memo/voice-activation button is placed on the right side of the phone; it's within easy reach, and the V120 holds up to two minutes of voice-memos. Sending text messages and using the wireless Internet was a breeze; in fact, surfing the Web with the V120 was easier than with an older Motorola, thanks again to the new keypad and menu layout. The WAP-enabled browser performed well, although with only three lines of text to display, continuous scrolling is necessary. The V120 is equipped with i-Tap predictive text software for faster, simplified text entry; furthermore, if you purchase a software kit, you can easily synchronize the V120 with any compatible PDA, desktop device, or Web-based service. Listening to the built-in FM radio through your phone is a cool feature. Our reception was adequate, and the battery life didn't seem to suffer much. Battery life depends on how long and how loud you jam your favorite tunes. The only downfall of this feature is that you need to purchase the $80 headset to use it. The Motorola V120 supports carrier-dependent features such as text messaging, caller ID, speed dialing, call waiting, data/fax service, and voice mail. The V120's phone book stores up to 400 numbers (seven-numbers per contact), and it has 32 ringer types (including vibration mode)--the "uh-oh" ringer was our favorite. You can also compose your own tune or download ringtones from Sprint PCS's web site. Furthermore, the V120 has a number of call timers and environment settings, tons of personalization options, standard security features (keypad locking, phone lock, and restricted dialing), and call logs that maintain lists of 10 outgoing, incoming, and missed calls. We conditioned the battery before testing its talk and standby times. The phone's lithium-ion battery is rated for up to four hours of digital talk time and 10 days of digital standby time. Our tests produced similar results, but keep in mind factors such as strength of coverage, talk time, and FM radio usage will change your standby time. We recommend recharging only when power has been entirely depleted. In the end, the Motorola V120shines as a moderately-priced, feature-packed phone. If you were happy with previous Motorola phones, this is certainly one of their best yet, despite its few faults. --John Schommer Pros: - Competitively priced
- Revamped menu and keypad layout
- Voice-activated features
Cons: - Must purchase additional headset to use FM radio
- Display lacks contrast
How We Tested Battery Talk/Standby Time When reading our reviews, you should view the test results of mobile-phone battery talk time and standby time as relative information only. Many variables, including carrier signal strength at your location, signal consistency (including incoming and outgoing calls), display and ringer settings, and battery charging methods and history, will affect performance. When handset manufacturers and mobile phone carriers list talk-time and standby-time ratings, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Some quote expected battery life ranges, and in this case you're probably safe to assume you'll experience at least the minimum rated range. Note that manufacturers of dual-mode digital and analog handsets publish battery-life rates for both digital and analog modes, as analog mode consumes much more power than digital mode. Our Tests: We tested digital-mode talk and standby times with each phone. Prior to each test, we fully charged the phone's battery according to the manufacturer's directions. To test digital-phone talk time, we turned the phone on, established a digital carrier signal, dialed a number in our test lab, and, when the call rang through, took the receiving phone's handset off the hook. When all went well, we didn't do anything else except record the time when the phone died. In a couple of cases, the phones lost the signal and dropped the calls. If we were right there and could redial, we did so immediately and continued running the test. Otherwise, we halted the test, recharged the battery, and started the test over. Assuming consistent carrier-signal strength, this test should represent best-case talk time. And it's worth noting that several phones' talk-time performance significantly exceeded the manufacturers' ratings. To test digital-phone standby time, we turned the phone on, established a carrier signal, and left the phone in standby mode. We checked the phone every few hours (for what was often days on end) until the phone finally cut out. Since no outgoing or incoming calls occurred during testing and because the phone was not moved, this method should represent best-case standby time, again assuming consistent carrier signal strength.
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