What's the story?
Since its starring role in ‘The Matrix' back in 1999, the RAZR has been the phone of choice for sci-fi fans and gadget geeks alike. Eight years later, and Motorola has finally seen fit to release a sequel: the souped-up, sexy, technology-loaded RAZR2 V8.
What's it like?
If Q had to personally design a new phone for Mr Bond, the RAZR2 V8 would be it. Not only does it look sharp and sophisticated, but this little piece of high-tech wizardry has all the tools and more a girl on the go could need.
Its most exciting feature by far is the two-inch heat-sensitive touch screen and interactive soft keys on the front of the phone itself, which means you can answer text and play your mp3s without even bothering to flip the thing open.
We also enjoyed the ‘talking phone' feature, which permits a strange computerised man-voice to read all your messages, contacts and menu functions aloud so you don't have to break a sweat by doing it yourself. Perhaps not ideal for those of you wishing to keep your naughty text messages a secret - but it's certainly good for a laugh when you're bored at work.
Any bad points?
If you are not accustomed to the Motorola mode of predictive texting, this is going to annoy the bejesus out of you. Even after a week of practice, we decided to give in completely and go for the old-fashioned tap, tap, tap input technique.
Also, the screen did not pass the handbag.com test and is now sporting a miserable scratch, so use the carrying pouch provided or you'll be sorry.
Verdict
This is one hot little mamma-yamma of a mobile phone. Everything, from its dark, pearlescent coat to its CrystalTalk technology (which adjusts audio to ensure you get clear calls even in a noisy environment), screams ‘must-have'. If you want a phone that does everything and then some, this is it.
Rating
4/5
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