With most opting for the standard bar style or basic flip style, Motorola have opted for an entirely new form factor which utilises a flip out keyboard with a difference. The Backflip has a unique flip mechanism which swings an already exposed screen out to sit flush with the screen. The device is running Android, so access to the Android Market along with various Google applications comes as standard and the MotoBlur interface can be interacted via a very receptive touch screen.
The Motorola Backflip benefits from a 3.1 inch TFT touch screen which makes the most of its 320 x 480 pixel resolution to bring some colour rich visuals to the overall experience. Users will find the touch screen easy to use and an in-built accelerometer lets the UI follow the movement of the handset. When the QWERTY keyboard is in use a custom navigational pad called "BACKTRACK" becomes accessible; it allows you to navigate the interface without hindering your view of the screen with your fingers.
With the intelligent MotoBlur overlay in place users can enjoy a selection of social networking perks while navigating a colourful and vibrant user interface. The phone integrates your social networks into the user experience with dedicated applications representing the likes of Facebook and Twitter. A Happenings widget streams your friend's social network activity direct to your home screen with live news feeds, e-mail and messaging inboxes also available on the home screen.
The Backflip utilises both 3G and Wi Fi technology to supply reliable, fast connectivity, the WebKit browser is easy to use, especially in landscape mode with the keyboard and track pad in use. Motorola has also ensured users can access there various e-mail and IM accounts and a universal inbox will show users all of there incoming SMS, MMS and e-mails in one place. More cool features which the business user will enjoy are the phones Exchange Synch compatibility and Microsoft document viewer.
A 5MP digital camera comes fully loaded with zoom, flash and auto focus; stills can be captured in a range of modes and edited with a selection of tools. Video is shot at around 24fps and is supported by a highly capable video player which allows video streaming. The music player has integrated support for FM radio while a 3.5mm AV jack provides a headphone connection for users who like to take there music collection with them. Though the phone has plenty of space thanks to the 2GB microSD which come with the sales package, the Backflip will comfortably handle up to 32GB and anything in-between.
The Android powered smartphone packing plenty of support for messaging and various online activities, the Backflip uses a combined touch screen/ track pad method of UI interaction while a full QWERTY keyboard is in place for the serious messenger. Motorola have released the phone as a flip messaging device, but in my opinion the phone is an accomplished social networking tool and a web browser. The Motorola Backflip is perfect for users young and old who like to keep a steady social life.
