Having reviewed Verizon's version of the Motorola Q in the Oct. 06 issue (http://pocketpcmag.com/_archives/oct06), I was very interested to see if Sprint's new version of the same device held any advantages. I've been a Sprint customer for a long time, but was temped to switch to Verizon when it introduced the Q. I decided against it because the pricing of Verizon's EV-DO wireless Web service was nearly three times as much as Sprint's.
In addition to the pricing of the service plans, there are other differences between the two devices. The most obvious is the color and feel of the case. The Sprint Q is a charcoal grey device with a rubberized feel, compared with the shiny silver coloring of the original Verizon product. This makes the device look more like the popular Samsung BlackJack, while maintaining the Q design and hardware features. The color of the QWERTY keyboard is also opposite of the Verizon Q. The letters on the Sprint device are black, and the numbers are silver. Aside from this, the hard and soft key functions are identical. (Note: Verizon is now offering a black version of the Q, which is very similar in appearance to the Sprint Q.)
The Sprint Q (as well the Verizon version) also lacks built-in Wi-Fi capability—a feature I sorely miss.
Software from Sprint and Microsoft
The Sprint Q has a link to its "Customized Powerdeck" located in the Favorites menu of Internet Explorer Mobile. This feature allows users to access Featured Content on the Power Vision network, other optimized content links, and an online searchable User Guide for convenient access to tips, troubleshooting techniques, and how-to instructions.
Also included on the device is Sprint's exclusive NFL Mobile, which allows football enthusiasts to access NFL team content and check real-time scores and stats, and also has a "Fantasy Football" program and an online store for NFL downloads.
In addition, the device includes the On Demand solution, developed for Sprint by Handmark. On Demand allows you to customize up-to-date Web content such as sports, weather, news, money, and movie information.
The Sprint Q runs Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphones. This includes Microsoft's Windows Mobile OS and application. At the time of this review, neither Sprint nor Verizon have announced if either device will be upgradeable to the new Windows Mobile 6.
Choosing between the two "Qs"
Missing on the Sprint Q is the "Wireless Sync" feature found on the Verizon device. This allows users to sync their devices over the Internet. Sprint also didn't include the plastic belt clip that came with Verizon's Q.
Additionally, there is a problem with the labeling of the keys on both devices. On most cell phones, the number "2" is associated with the letters "A,B,C," the number "3" with "D,E,F," etc. This makes it easier to dial phone numbers that include letters (e.g., "for more information, dial 888-TELETYPE"). The numeric keypad on the Q does not display these letter assignments. Unless you have them memorized, it's very difficult to make calls to numbers like these.
In my mind, the purchasing decision hinges on the cost of the service plans. There's not much difference between the basic phone plans of Verizon and Sprint; both offer a 900 minute plan (with United States national long distance) for $59.99/month for the first phone on the plan. On Sprint's service, this includes free nights and weekends starting at 7 p.m. (Verizon's starts at 9 p.m.). Another difference is the cost of unlimited Internet (EV-DO wireless Web access). Sprint charges as little as $15/month; Verizon charges $44.99/month for a comparable EV-DO service. If you are going to use the data/Internet capabilities of the Q, Sprint is a better value.
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