It’s been a while since Motorola had a hit phone, but with the Motorola Dext they’ve done a lot of things very well indeed, not the least of which is using Google’s Android operating system as a base.
That as a base is said deliberately, since they’ve put their own interface on top of it, and that’s what makes a big difference. MotoBlur, as it’s called, is exceptionally impressive, allowing users to collate information from various social networks (specifically Facebook and Twitter), and will automatically display Tweets and updates on the screen.
One idea grabbed from the iPhone allows users to track lost Dext handsets using the built-in GPS function and, if necessary, wipe them remotely, which can save a lot of heartache.
There’s a pull out keyboard, although some mobile phone reviews have called it little better than average, lacking in backlighting, and with the alternative characters on the keys too small to be read comfortably.
On the positive side, the touchscreen is quick and responds very easily, with stylish, sensible icons, and a good number of additional applications to customise the phone available via the App store.
For all that, it’s one of the best Motorola mobile phones in a long, long time, solid in the body yet easy on the hand, and with plenty of oomph under the bonnet, even if it’s not perfect. True, it doesn’t compare to the very best smartphones, but it’s still good, handsome, and will do most of the things people require, and that’s the ultimate test.
