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Tech Gear - Cell phone and wireless Bluetooth

Updated May 29, 2006

I just got a nifty present so I now use a Motorola RAZR v3x cell phone on the Cingular network. The v3x replaces my trusty 4-year old Motorola v551/557 which I recommend since it was a terrific unit. In fact, when I last checked the v557 was better than free since it will net you about $100 after rebate! Of course a new activation is needed to get that deal.

Anyway back to the v3x. This is the latest 3rd generation (3G) phone and squarely puts me at the bleeding edge with cell phone technology. It brings back memories of using these phones back in the days of the lunchbox size phones over 20 years ago. While it has the Razr designation, I am told that the model number is actually the v1130

Here's what this phone is capable of doing, ordered according to its significance to me:

	Bluetooth wireless for both headset and stereo headphones!
	Ability to accept microSD or TransFlash memory modules (capacity of 2GB are available).
	Built-in digital audio player
	61MB of internal memory, which will fit about an hour's worth of music.
	Voice recognition so no training is needed to call someone in the phone's address book.
	Two cameras, a 2-megapixel on the front with 8x zoom and a macro mode, and the second placed on the hinge to be used for video calls.
	Video calling which awaits the day when Cingular turns on their 3G high-speed network.

Obviously this model exceeds all previous super-slim Motorola Razrs. So now my cell phone performs several functions and replaces separate devices:

	My new MP3 player replacing my Creative Labs MuVo.
	Calendar and address book replacing my Compaq iPAQ PDA, both are automatically synced upon command.
	In a pinch, my digital and video cameras in case I don't have either with me.

Size-wise my v3x is slightly thicker but that is just fine with me since I found the previous models too thin for my use. If you want the cool factor, then get the slimmest Razr which you can also get in the original silver, pink and other colors. Nowadays those are close to free after the new account activation rebate.

For a headset, I am sick of the tangle of wires so starting in 2002 I started using a Bluetooth wireless headset called Jabra. I have since updated from the original model by using the BT-250 model. Even this is now outdated as the current model is called the Jabra BT-250v and has a vibrate feature built right into the headset. Thus you can set your phone to be silent and you'll simply feel it in your ear and a quick tap on the Jabra will answer it.

In my car, I no longer need to use the Jabra. This is because my 2005 Acura TL has Bluetooth capabilities as standard equipment. Thus it is fully integrated with the 5.1 DVD-Audio stereo system with full voice command allowing me to dial from my TL's directory by saying the name. This integration also means that incoming calls will mute the music whenever the cell phone rings and the female voice announces this fact. All I need to do to answer the call is it. I still use the Jabra when I am not in my car and want a wireless headset, as was the case when I visited the 2006 Consumer Electronics Show (CES-06) in Las Vegas.

With the addition of Bluetooth stereo the v3x broadcasts my music wireless. This is something that is new and there are still very MP3 music players that can do this, in spite of the availability of Bluetooth stereo headphones from a handful of manufacturers (IO Gear, Logitech, Motorola, Bluetake). I know of only one other device that can broadcast music over Bluetooth wireless -- the iPAQ Pocket PC from Compaq.

With this new phone's Bluetooth capability I bought the Motorola HT-820 ($90). This unit is preferable over other models because the microphone is integrated into the earpiece. A similar product is available from IOGear for $80 net after a rebate, but the microphone is a detachable boom that is just one more thing to carry and possibly lose.

NOTE: I still use the Jabra when I don't want to carry the stereo headphones.

Of course the built-in 61MB of memory is not enough so I went out and bought a 512MB microSD memory card. I got a the great price of $18 after $12 rebate for a Kingston SDC/512. This will raise my v3x music capacity to several hours.