Review: Motorola's Beautiful PEBL U6 in Orange

Motorola PEBL U6

Motorola PEBL U6

Motorola PEBL U6

Motorola PEBL U6

First shown in February of 2005 at the 3GSM show in Cannes, France, the PEBL U6 has certainly been a long time in coming. As you might expect from a handset first launched so long ago, the PEBL U6 does not sport the latest and greatest high tech goodies like a megapixel camera, EDGE data, or WiFi connectivity. But then again, that's not really the PEBL's thing.

The PEBL is targeted at people that want an attractive handset that is as distinctive looking as it is pleasant to hold. To that end, Motorola's latest version of the PEBL U6 in its bright "chroma" color schemes seem to suit the bill.

Physical Aspects

Apart from its being able to make and take phone calls, the physical design of the PEBL is probably its most important trait. Designed by Motorola's South Korean office, and styled after a stone that has been rounded and smoothed by exposure to running water, the PEBL U6 is probably Motorola's most unusually designed mobile phone. The rounded PEBL with its orange soft-touch paint weighs 111.5g (3.9oz) with a SIM card, and measures 88mm x 49mm x 21mm (3.5" x 1.9" x 0.8") when closed.

The PEBL's hinge is truly unique. Not only does it open the two halves of the phone like any normal clamshell, but it is spring loaded, and designed so that the top half of the phone can be slid towards the bottom of the device. This has the effect of releasing a magnetic clasp that holds the two halves together, allowing the spring in the hinge to open the clamshell under its own power. Managing this can be a bit of a task for new users, but it can be mastered easily with a bit of practice. And mastered it must be, since there is no other practical method of opening the PEBL.

But until you have it mastered, make sure you are extra careful. While the opening mechanism is dampened, it can still open a bit too quickly if you are holding the phone at the right (wrong) angle. So just bear that in mind, and keep a firm grip on the phone or else it might go splashing into the babbling brook from whence it came - or end up in pieces on your floor. This is not to suggest that the PEBL U6 isn't solidly built, because it certainly appears to be reasonably tough, but a 4 foot drop is never good for an electronic device.

In terms of the PEBL's exterior features, you'll find the volume control and the Motorola smart key located on the left side of the base. A dedicated voice dialing button can be found on the right side. The back of the PEBL is home to the speaker port and the back cover release, and you'll find an easily read, monochrome display with 96x32 pixel resolution next to the VGA camera on the top half of the folder. A miniUSB port can be found concealed under a rubber flap on the top of the device, embedded in the exterior of the clamshell hinge. It is used for headsets, power, and data connectivity.

Once opened, the PEBL's metal keypad is available for use. While similar to the etched metal keypad found on the original RAZR, I find the simpler design of the PEBL's keypad to be easier to use. The curved lines can trick the eye a bit, but at least the rows of buttons are lined up with each other as they should be, not curved in an arc like they are on the SLVR. The keys, if you can call them that, have a noticeable click to them that lets you know with certainty that they have been pressed. The d-pad controller is pretty nice, and has a separate middle select button that can be found quite easily by touch alone. Dedicated web and messaging buttons sit on either side of it, and the two softkeys and a dedicated menu button are found at the top, nearest the display.

Overall, the Motorola PEBL U6 has a very compelling physical design. In addition to the orange color of our test unit, the PEBL is also currently available in green, blue, pink, and black. Not all carriers will offer all colors, though.

 

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