Everything Motorola Q

 The new Verizon Q9m and the bottom line - IMO,  Saturday, 25 August 2007

Been using my Q9m since Thursday. Pretty much agree with the above post. Here's the bottom line as I see it, being a black original Q owner as well:

Same Q, just a different case

• Case has a more professional, BB-like look & feel
• Keyboard IMO is better
• Screen is slightly brighter
• Red accents on the case can be distracting
• Soft key area a bit too narrow, sometimes require two presses
• Battery
• Uses same batteries as original Q
• I'm seeing slightly better battery life (not a definitive test)
• Uses screen dimming technique to conserve more power

Accessories

• Uses same memory card as original Q (mini SD)
• Same batteries as original Q
• NOT compatible with original Q charging cradle
• IS compatible with original Q charging cords
• Windows Mobile 6 and built in software
• Overall, don't see much difference vs. WM5
• V-Cast applications (which I don't use)
• Docs-to-go Suite (edits Office files), compatible with WM5 also
• DTG PDF Viewer STINKS (Had to install ClearVue PDF), they should have kept Picsel's viewer

Speed/Performance

• App speed same as original Q (not any slower, not any faster)
• EVDO speed seems same as original Q
• Memory constraints same as original Q
• Exchange ActiveSync Security Policy Strongly Enforced
• I use an exchange server and, with this Q, my device lock is activated after a specified time period (I can select up to 24 hours) then I have to reenter my password to unlock the Q9m
• With my Exchange host (1and1) and my original Q, this does not happen (may be due to WM6)
• I have found a clever solution, a small app that will automatically defeat the security policy enforced by your Exchange server, it's called Stay Unlock, just follow the instructions here (requires one reg tweak then a cab install):

The Verizon Q9m and AT&T Q9h are two different animals. The Q9h, IMO, is more of a true upgrade with it's increased memory, better camera, snappier performance, etc. I still don't understand why Verizon didn't go with the Q9h feature set?

So, if you are an existing Q owner, don't bother with the Q9m, unless you're looking for a more professional case and keyboard, a la BB. If you install DTG on the original Q, you've got basically the same device. Not much of a difference either between WM5/6, IMO.

If you want to upgrade and would consider moving away from Verizon or Sprint, wait for the AT&T Q9h, it looks like a better device.