Motorola DEVOUR

All articles on this site are by Harry Skevington unless otherwise noted with another byline

Motorola DEVOUR FOR VERIZON
ANDROID and MotoBlur
Androids everywhere and still coming!
webdevourfacing Android phones start out with the same basic capabilities. For the most part they look, act, and run in a similar fashion. This is true up to a point. After testing a number of Android based phones that seemed to be quite similar I received the Motorola DEVOUR from Verizon for testing. It does have many similarities but Motorola has added a service called MotoBlur.

There are also a few changes in how things work. Not enough to cause issues but enough to require some time to learn the differences. My biggest one was answering a call. When I hear the ringtone I grab the phone. It is usually in Lockdown so I have to unlock it and then press the Green answer button. (You can make a 911 emergency call without unlocking it) The answer button is included in the touch screen and not the case. I know that is the way phones are going and it does give room for a bigger touch screen but, due to my slow moves, I lose the incoming call. Overall the Motorola DEVOUR is a good addition to the Verizon Android market.

In the box
Devour Phone
Battery
8GB microSD Memory Card pre-installed
Wall/USB charger cable and connector
Safety/Warranty Brochure
Quick Reference Guide

There is a 76 page User Guide available on line that has very good information and understandable instructions for setup and operation. To find the downloadable full manual CLICK HERE and look for the link under manufacturers users guide.

webdevourslider

The 3.1 Touch Screen is clear and bright with the exception of direct sunlight. There is a Home screen and 4 additional screens for you to organize your Apps and Icons. THE DEVOUR weighs 6.32oz and measures 2.4 wide X 4.55 high and .61 thick, It seems to be very sturdy. The silver case with black accents is clean and sort of “Droid” like. I have no problem getting it into a pants pocket.
The addition of a QWERTY Slider keyboard is great for me as I work better with one of those than the virtual ones.

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Camera/Video
The 3.0 MP camera is less capable than some and more so than many. If does give great photos and decent videos in full daylight. Nights are tough on the Video. There is no flash. The Zoom is controlled through the Volume Control buttons. The camera button is well placed. Pressing the camera button takes you directly to the camera. That is faster than finding the camera Icon. The slider keyboard may move when you press the camera button to take photos or start videos as they are close together.
To see my test Photos and Videos on Flickr CLICK HERE.

webslidesDEVOURsamples

As with all Android phones you can use the DEVOUR to find free or pay Apps online and download them directly to the phone. I suggest getting the phone setup so you learn what functions are included. Then, when you know what is missing, take a look at the Apps Market icon on the phone. I assure you there are many options.

webinstall-batteryandstorag

The Motorola Devour for Verizon moves the Battery and Memory card slots from the back battery area to a side access panel. It is much easier to access.
For more details on specs and functions CLICK HERE.

MotoBlur
This is Motorola’s answer to my sloppy way of keeping track of stuff. At first it seems a little unwieldy. After a few days I liked it. Text, messages, Social connections, photos, and many other things are collected on one area. It is also accessible on line. You have to plug the DEVOUR into your computer to transfer things between the DEVOUR and the computer.

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Overview of use
I saw 4 or 5 bars all the time. Connecting to the Internet was fairly quick. Bluetooth and Wi-Fi give many options. Although the DEVOUR comes with an 8GB Storage card you can use up to 16GB MicroSD cards. The easy side access panel makes it a snap to change cards on the run.

The DEVOUR runs Android 1.6. You need to decide if it is better to wait for version 2.2. I found no issues with this version. I would think there will be an upgrade to 2.2.1 at some point. Do your research well. There is an early Termination Fee of up to $350.

I was comfortable using the Motorola DEVOUR from Verizon. I am sure it does much more than I would ever need to do. On the other hand it is an answer for those who need most everything they do to be accessible through their phone. The Motorola DEVOUR for Verizon is a good choice to fill that need.

In order to provide clear samples of DEVOUR functions I used some shots from the DEVOUR Manual. These are the property of Motorola or Verizon.

To see full details on the DEVOUR and other Verizon offerings CLICK HERE.


	Harry Skevington has been involved with electronics since 1981. He has taught, written for, and provided support to, computer users since 1985. Information that will help consumers with buying decisions is more important than ever due to the current convergence of computers and other consumer products . Harry attends CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas on assignment as a working press writer each year to find and write about emerging technology that seems to fit the needs of his readers. Contact Harry

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