Review of Motorola's iTunes Phone, the ROKR E1

Motorola ROKR E1

Motorola ROKR E1

Motorola ROKR E1

Motorola had been teasing us with bits of information about the upcoming "iTunes phone" for many months before we actually got to see it. While some people are disappointed that the new ROKR E1, as the device is known, is not an entirely new handset design, I personally can appreciate that Motorola chose to base the new iTunes phone on their E398, one of my favorite handsets of all time.

The decision makes some real sense when you consider that the E398 already had built-in stereo speakers with simulated 3D sound. The E398's TransFlash/microSD memory card slot works well here, too, since Apple wanted to make sure that the E1 wouldn't compete directly with their new Nano. Currently micoSD cards are available in capacities as large as 512MB, which is what the ROKR E1 ships with, but I think we can safely assume that we'll see 1GB capacities in the not so distant future.

The ROKR E1's physical design

The ROKR E1 is a bit larger than some other modern candybar phones. Coming in at 110g (3.9oz) with SIM and TransFlash memory card, it is not the lightest of phones. Nor the smallest, at 108mm x 46mm x 21m (4.3" x 1.8" x .83"). But that mass (I don't want to call it 'bulk') serves a good purpose. This phone is very solid. Everything about the feel, fit, and finish suggest that the phone can dish it out as well as take it. The pearl white finish seems reasonably tough, and thankfully is not prone to amassing finger prints like so many other phones these days.

The Motorola ROKR E1 is a classically good looking phone. There is a lot going on with it, but it doesn't come across as busy. On the left hand side you have the volume control rocker (not ROKR) switch and the smartkey button, which in our handset brought up the media menu where you can find the camera and non-iTunes media player. The right side has the dedicated camera button. One thing that you don't see often is the presence of a speaker grill on both sides. This is due to the ROKR E1's stereo sound system (as in stereo polyphonic ringtones). The top of the ROKR E1 has the jack for the stereo handsfree headset (included) for calls and music. The rubber cover is attached, and can be rotated out of the way, which I appreciate. An adapter for using your own 3.5mm stereo headphones is also included, thankfully. A light sensor located on the body of the E1 will turn off the white keypad backlighting when it is not needed, which makes the keypad easier to read and saves power. The bottom of the ROKR E1 is where you will find the charger/data cable port, which is used with the included white USB cable for synching with iTunes on your desktop or laptop computer. The back of the phone houses the VGA camera, self-portrait mirror, and LED assist lamp.

Motorola ROKR E1

Motorola ROKR E1

Motorola ROKR E1

I found the keypad to be quite nice. The numeric keypad and the two softkeys and menu key all have a very nice feel. They are also very well lit when it is dark. The green and red call control keys are chromed and very easy to find, being nicely separated from the other keys. The 5-way joystick is located between the call control keys. The most important button on the device, though, is probably the new music button that is located to the left of the menu key. This button did not exist on the original E398, and when pressed will launch the iTunes application that I will discuss in a few moments.

 

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