| Another look at Mot's Linux-powered Rokr E2 cellphone |
Sep. 01, 2006
 OSNews has published a detailed review of the Linux-powered Motorola Rokr E2 music phone. The review, by Eugenia Loli-Queru, takes a balanced look at both the hardware and the software, and identifies a number of the device's strengths and weaknesses.
(Click for larger view of the Rokr E2)
The Rokr E2 debuted in January at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. It has FCC approval, but to date has not been introduced in the U.S.
The review starts off with a run-down of the phone's hardware features and specs, including processor, memory, LCD screen, keypad, input/output ports, size and weight, and the like.
The full-sized SD card slot gets an enthusiastic endorsement. "According to Motorola the phone has been tested with up to 2 GBs of SD, but it should work with up to 4 GBs as well," Loli-Queru writes. Additionally, "the quality and brightness of the QVGA screen is amazing," but on the other hand, "the 1.3 MP camera won't get any awards."
Other positives include the standard mini-USB 2.0 interface, standard 3.5mm audio jack, "great sound quality," and built-in FM radio, but the device exhibited "mediocre GSM reception."
Loli-Queru goes on to describe the look and feel of the phone's UI (user interface), which, she says, is "based on the Chameleon UI non-touchscreen engine, instead of their EZX one. Having used both UIs, I noticed that the Chameleon UI is somewhat derived by the EZX one (albeit very modified)."
"For all means and purposes the ROKR-E2 feels and behaves like any other modern feature phone," writes Loli-Queru. "Its UI and icon style resembles the current non-Linux Motorola phones, but the fonts are way better."
Next, she details many of the phone's screens and functions, including the main screen, contacts, recent calls, messages, PIM tools, and settings functions. She notes that the device she reviewed came with three untranslated Chinese games, and "one of them crashed the phone while loading."
Praising the device's version 8.50 Opera Mobile browser, Loli-Queru writes that it "worked fast, scrolled fast, never ran out of memory ... and rendered everything as expected." Although, a couple of minor problems were also noted. Another strong point was the phone's file manager, about which she writes, "I absolutely love the power you get from this seemingly simple file manager."
Issues singled out for dishonorable mention in the "problems" sections included: - Needlessly complex Bluetooth management
- No "/" symbol in Java apps
- No quad-band GSM
- No IM (instant messaging) app
- Disappointing MPEG4 support
- No SDK to write native apps for the phone
Read Loli-Queru's complete, informative review of the Rokr E2 cellphone at OSNews.com, here.
For an additional perspective, read the hands-on review of the Rokr E2 by our own resident geek, LinuxDevices.com Senior Editor Henry Kingman, here.
Related stories:
(Click here for further information)
|
|
|
7 Advantages of D2D Backup
For decades, tape has been the backup medium of choice. But, now, disk-to-disk (D2D) backup is gaining in favor. Learn why you should make the move in this whitepaper.
4 Legal Reasons to Control Internet Access
The Internet is obviously a valuable resource for many organizations. However, many are exposed to legal liability concerns because they fail to control Internet access. Learn if you're safe in this white paper.
Rapidly Resolve J2EE Application Problems
Whether you are in the process of building J2EE applications or have J2EE applications already running in production, you must ensure that they deliver the expected ROI. Learn how in this white paper.
Load Testing 2.0 for Web 2.0
There are many unknowns in stress testing Web 2.0 applications. Find out how to test the performance of Web 2.0 in this white paper.
Build Better Games Online
For the game infrastructure providers, life is complex. Making money from games has become more complicated. Why? Find out in this white paper.
Building a Virtual Infrastructure from Servers to Storage
This white paper discusses the virtual storage solutions that reduce cost, increase storage utilization, and address the challenges of backing up and restoring Server environments.
Gaining Faster Wireless Connections with WiMAX
Welcome to what is quickly becoming the hyperconnected world where anything that would benefit from being connected to the network will be connected. Learn more in this white paper.
Is Your Desktop a Security Threat?
The new wave of sophisticated crimeware not only targets specific companies, but also targets desktops and laptops as backdoor entryways into those business’ operations and resources. Learn how to stay safe in this white paper.
Increasing SAN Reliability by 100 Percent
Storage area networks (SAN) are a strong part of storage plans. Learn how to increase your reliability and uptime by 100 percent in this case study.
|
|
|
|
|
Use of this site is governed by our Terms of
Service and Privacy Policy.
Except where otherwise specified, the contents of this site are copyright © 1999-2008
Ziff Davis Enterprise Holdings Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of Ziff Davis Enterprise is
prohibited. Linux is a registered trademark of Linus Torvalds. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
news feed