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Motorola ROKR E1
3 out of 5Average user rating :
MotorolaManufacturer :
August, 2006Date :
-Price :
2289Hits :
1User opinions :
Designed with Apple, the ROKR E1 comes with iTunes music software that lets users drag and drop songs to the handset. Being heavily promoted by a host of past and present music legends including Madonna, Little Richard, Alanis Morissette, Iggy Pop, Biggie Smalls, and even Beethoven (in a screen-first), Motorola and Apple hope the ROKR will capture the hearts of cell phone consumers just as the iPod DesignResembling the Motorola E398 design, the ROKR is relatively conservative compared to more recent fashion-forward Motorola devices. Packaged in an unassuming white casing, the ROKR measures and weighing just 108 x 46 x 20 mm and 107 g; roughly the size and weight as an iPod Mini. Positioned in front, the ROKR's 176 x 220 px LCD screen is top notch, displaying a brilliant 262K colors for vivid imagery. Flanked by Menu, iTunes, and Left and Right soft keys, the 5-way directional joystick provides unmatched versatility compared to standard keypads; allowing consumers the freedom to quickly and comfortably navigate through music playlists. On the sides, convenient soft keys give users one-touch access to Voice and Camera functionality. Through VoiceSignal technology, users can control not just calling functions, but even menu choices, all without training. Activating the 0.3-megapixel VGA camera lens located on the back, consumers can capture photos at up to 640 x 480 px in size; similar to those found on previous models. Built-in dual speakers ensure listeners can enjoy stereo sound without headphones, but a 2.5 mm jack is nearby just in case. Adding a bit of fun, rhythm lights bring the ROKR to life; interacting with ringtones creating a unique visual effect (not operational with iTunes player). Through a USB connection port, MP3s can be transfer from a PC. For storing files, a TransFlash memory card slot provides expandable storage up to 512 MB in size. Accessories can be attached on the bottom. Out of the box, the Motorola ROKR E1 comes with a standard Li-Ion Battery, Travel Charger, ROKR E1 Manual and Quick Start Guide, iTunes PC software with USB cable, Removable microSD memory card, and stereo headset with 3.5 mm headset adapter. CameraNot much has changed in the past year with Motorola camera phones, which is not a good thing. Featuring the same 0.3-megapixel camera found on the V600 ages ago, the ROKR E1 can only take photos up to 640 x 480 px in size. Rather disappointing when other manufacturers are pushing the 2-megapixel limit and above, the ROKR's camera is only good for multimedia messaging and photo wallpapers.
In Camera Mode, the screen becomes the viewfinder, also displaying available memory and user settings. Photo quality can also be adjusted between QQVGA (160 x 120 px) and QVGA (320 x 240 px) resolutions, and the joystick controls the 4X digital zoom (Up / Down) and brightness levels (Left / Right). Including a Flash, low-light conditions are made marginally better, while the camera mirror allows users to get into the shot. Bundled with additional camera settings include Effects, Exposure, and Self-Timer. For times when photos aren't enough, the ROKR can record up to 30 seconds of video at 7.5 frames per second (playback at 15 fps). Supporting MPEG-4, H.263, and AMR Audio formats, sizes include Sub-QCIF 1 (88 x 72 px), Sub-QCIF 2 (128 x 96 px), and Full QCIF (176 x 144 px) resolutions. Basic FeaturesBeing released for Cingular Wireless, the Motorola ROKR E1 is built on a tri-band GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900 network, allowing it to be compatible with most GSM networks in North America, Europe, and Asia, provided the phone unlocked. International models are likely to come in GSM 900 / 1800 / 1900. Including Airplane Mode for times when wireless phone use is prohibited, travelers can still enjoy the iTunes player and other non-calling features. Rating the ROKR's Li-Ion battery at a whopping 9.33 hours and 230 hours of phone talk and standby times respectively, Motorola also reports music time lasts for 15 hours using wired headset, up to 6 hours using surround sound. However, those are under optimal conditions. When manufacturers and carriers list talk and standby times, they usually include disclaimers about variable performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Actual times are lower. ScreenDelivering an impressive 262K-colors, the spacious 176 x 220 px resolution LCD is wonderfully bright and clear indoors and out. Built with advanced TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology, refresh rates are fast and responsive. Compared to other phones on the market, the ROKR's screen is one of the best. AudioAs the world's first phone to feature Apple's iTunes software, the Motorola ROKR lets consumers take their favorite full length tracks wherever they go.
Through iTunes software, music and communication live hand in hand, multitasking in harmony. Allowing consumers to listen to tracks while sending text messages, taking pictures, or checking email, music is paused when incoming calls occur. Just like having an iPod, the ROKR's iTunes interface lets consumers scroll through playlists, songs, and even with accompanying album art. Transferring files from a Mac or PC, the ROKR is connected through a USB cable. Users decide which songs are synchronized by simply dragging and dropping files with the included software; or iTunes can do it for them, autofilling the ROKR with a random selection from their iTunes music library. Easy. Programmed into the software, Apple limited the ROKR's music capacity. Capable of only holding a 100 songs total, the imposed limitation ensured Apple wouldn't cannibalize its own iPod dominant market. Given such restrictions, the ROKR can only hold about 8 albums; hardly enough for a weekend getaway. Aside from buying music from the iTunes Store, users can add songs from their own CDs; importing songs to the iTunes library. Unfortunately, only iTunes formatted files are allowed, so other file formats (like MP3s) will prompt: "File has unidentifiable information. Delete?" Through the included headphones, with the 3.5 mm adaptor, users can listen privately without disturbing others. But to share the music, the ROKR E1's dual surround sound 22 kHz speakers provide consumers with a wonderful open-air listening experience. Likewise, the ROKR is able to play MP3 ringtones. And if for some reason should consumers prefer polyphonic, the ROKR can play up to 24 chords simultaneously. MessagingFeaturing all the standard text messaging formats, the ROKR supports SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), and MMS (Multimedia Message Service). Additionally, the ROKR comes with Wireless Village instant messaging. Going beyond traditional SMS-based chat, Wireless Village defines open connections with existing instant messaging providers; allowing consumers access to the most popular chat programs right on the ROKR - clients such as AOL, ICQ, Yahoo and MSN. Allowing real-time communication, Wireless Village also lets users share personal information about their Status (On-Line, Off-Line, or Busy), Location (Home or Work), and Moods (Happy or Angry). Private and public chartrooms and conferencing services are also available, dependant on network operators. Through Lexicus Software iTAP method, predictive text saves users time when typing; choosing from a dictionary of words and phrases to anticipate what is being written. EntertainmentIncluding basic PIM (Personal Information Management) tools such as Alarm Clock, Calculator, Datebook, and Voice Recorder, the ROKR's productivity is fundamental at best; as with all non-PDA handhelds.
Able to hold up to 1000 contacts in the Phonebook, Email also supports multiple clients, using POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP protocols to streaming headers and download bodies as they come in. Supporting advanced voice recognition software, the ROKR provides speaker-independent voice command functionality, all without speech training. Using VoiceSignal technology, launching programs, dialing phone numbers by digit, or searching contacts can all be accomplished by voice. Less practical as it is entertaining, VoiceSignal only works well in quiet environments. Fortunately users aren't limited to preinstalled applications. The ROKR can have Java-based games and applications installed though J2ME (Java 2 Platform, Micro Edition); the most popular Java platform for mobile devices. With an abundant supply of applications already created by third party and independent developers, users can find a wide range of games and apps available for download. InternetEquipped with GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Class 10 (4+2) technology, users can upload and download data at speeds of 16-24 kbps and 24-36 kbps respectively. Disappointingly, the ROKR won't be able to use Cingular's growing 3G EDGE (Enhanced Data rates for Global Evolution) network. Unable to provide a stable EDGE implementation for the chipset, Motorola decided to leave it out of the ROKR. StorageFeaturing 5.0 MB of internal storage for ringtones, photos, games and text messages, a memory card needs to be installed for iTunes to function. Packaged with a 512 MB TransFlash card, the ROKR can hold as much music as an iPod Shuffle. Hidden underneath the back cover, the ROKR's expansion slot relatively inconvenient to get to. ConnectivityConsumers must use the supplied USB cable to transfer and synchronize the ROKR with their PC or Mac. Regrettably, the ROKR uses USB 1.0, so maximum transfer rate of 12 Mbps. A typical 4 MB song downloads to an iPod in 5 seconds; the ROKR takes about 30 seconds. With a full list of 100 songs, syncing takes about an hour. Also supporting Bluetooth Class 2 connectivity, the ROKR E1 can pair with other Bluetooth devices within a 10 meter radius. Used only for calling, wireless iTunes synchronization is not possible. Broadcasting music is prohibited as well. When Bluetooth is turned on, iTunes audio is neither directed to the speaker nor a Bluetooth headset. Reception, Battery lifeRadio wise the ROKR E1 performs well. I didn't experience any dropped calls. The voice quality was good on my end and according to people I talked to on the other end as well. Like other music phones, the ROKR E1 has an airplane mode that turns off the radio for use on an airplane or other area that bans cell phones (like hospitals). The speakerphone is loud thanks to its use of the same speakers used for music playback. I talk about the speakers a bit more in the music section below. I was able to squeeze out five hours of talk time in a test, which is solid. Motorola claims the ROKR E1 can play music through headphones for 15 hours or through the built-in speakers for 8 hours. I couldn't think of a good way to test this (other than waiting around) so those numbers may or may not be inflated. Motorola ROKR E1 Features
ConclusionWith the recent popularity of the iPod and iTunes service, Motorola decided to seek Apple when designing a music phone. Perhaps the most hyped phone to date, a flurry of rumors came even before Apple officially announced the ROKR. Part of a new family of Motorola music-focused phones, the ROKR E1 is being the first phone shipped to store shelves. Resembling the Motorola E398 released last year, the ROKR E1 is virtually identical, except with the addition of Apple's iTunes software. Featuring basic functionality, a sub-standard camera, and a typical set of applications, the ROKR's features are mediocre. Even the focus of the phone, the iTunes software, was crippled; limiting the ROKR to only 100 songs. A byproduct of corporate negotiating, Apple didn't want the ROKR to take away profits from its iPod portfolio. About the physical size of an iPod Mini with the storage capacity of an iPod Shuffle, consumers seeking a music player should look towards Apple iPod products for more value and features.
But, the ROKR more than just an MP3 player; convenience is the its greatest asset. As a communication device with iTunes functionality, users can easily purchase and download songs, seamlessly play them while text messaging or browsing the web, and pause when calls come in. Overall, due to the limited storage capacity and run-of-the-mill phone features, consumers who primarily want a music device or mobile phone should look elsewhere, as there are more capable products which focus on one or the other. But for users who want the convenience of an all-in-one device to take to the gym or the workplace, the ROKR would be an excellent choice. The biggest thing the Motorola ROKR E1 has going for it is the carrier deal with Cingular. Feature wise it just doesn't innovate. Overall the device isn't polished, from a USB 1 connection to extremely slow performance. Using the ROKR made me appreciate my iPod more than I did before, it is a thought out device that not only innovates but executes.
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