Billed as an entry-level phone, the Motorola v190 is actually a feature rich handset with quad-band global coverage capability. A speakerphone, instant messaging, MP3 ringtones, dual displays, USB connectivity and gaming support are all here-- a significant step up from entry level phones of the past. Design
The phone features a sleek clamshell design with a large 128 x 160 color display with 65,000 colors. The outside cover of the handset sports a supplementary 96 x 32 monochrome display that can display time, call information, battery and signal strength, and more. A stub antenna is placed on the top right side of the unit. Up and down buttons for volume control are placed on the left side. Most of the phone's features and on-screen menus are controlled by a five-way center button on the handset's control pad. Meanwhile, there's a USB-capable data port for data connectivity (the USB connector also supports charging), as well as a standard jack to accept universal hands-free headsets.
Calling Features
The V190 supports polyphonic ringtones as well as MP3 ringers, allowing you to use portions of your favorite songs to alert you to incoming calls. You can also assign pictures and ringers to your most common callers. A number of ringtones come preloaded on the phone, and ringer and Picture ID functions let you assign ringtones and pictures to your most common callers.
For those time when you want to be silent and discreet, the V190 has a vibrate ringer mode. Plus, a built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Voice activated dialing makes calling your friends, family and associates as easy as saying their names.
Messaging, Internet, and Tools
The V190 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging and Internet connectivity. The phone features support Wireless Village instant messaging (carrier messaging charges may apply). There's also a built-in web browser for wireless downloads and mobile web browsing. Traditional text messaging, as well as picture and sound messaging are also supported by the phone. iTap text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the V190 including a calculator, a calendar, and an alarm clock. The phone also supports the SyncML synchronization protocol, so you can sync it with your PC-based calendars and contacts.
Imaging and Entertainment
The V190's USB connectivity can be used to transfer pictures, sounds and graphics to the phone's memory from your PC. Screensavers, themes and wallpapers can be set to your tastes. And the phone is Java enabled, meaning it supports games and application downloads written on the Java platform.
Vital Statistics
The Motorola V190 weighs 3.46 ounces and measures 3.37 x 1.81 x .91 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 10.8 hours of digital talk time, and up to 542 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
