Motorola PEBL U6 Unlocked Cell Phone with Camera, Bluetooth--International Version with No Warranty (Fire Red)

Other products by Motorola

Product Features

• This unlocked cell phone is compatible with GSM carriers like AT&T and T-Mobile. Not all carrier features may be supported. It will not work with CDMA carriers like Verizon Wireless, Alltel and Sprint.
• Quad-band GSM cell phone compatible with 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies and GPRS capabilities
• Compact clamshell phone with unique oval shape and cool external monochrome screen; 5 MB internal memory (not expandable)
• VGA camera with video capture; Bluetooth for handsfree devices; full duplex speakerphone; access to personal email
• Up to 6.7 hours of talk time, up to 250 hours (10+ days) of standby time

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 3.4 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches ; 3.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• Note: Gift-wrapping is not available for this item.
• ASIN: B000JUT110
• Item model number: PEBL
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,251 in Cell Phones & Service (See Bestsellers in Cell Phones & Service)

Product Description

Amazon.com Hands-on Review
Motorola's PEBL U6 is the second model in Motorola's high-end "four-letter word" line, following the super popular RAZR V3. The PEBL takes some of the same materials and technologies used in the RAZR, and packages them into a completely different kind of clamshell handset. While the RAZR is all about thin, sharp angles, the PEBL is more about design, making use of soft curves and smooth lines throughout.

Screen shots from the PEBL.

The graphite black finish on the smooth, rounded exterior of the PEBL U6 manages to appear very glossy while still having a visual texture to it. The effect is very cool in person, but the downside is that the phone is an absolute magnet for fingerprints. But that's just the cost of high fashion, isn't it?

The PEBL's biggest claim to fame is perhaps not its shape and look, but its unique opening mechanism. A series of custom hinges, a dampening device, and some magnets allow the PEBL U6 to be opened up one-handed in a very smooth, elegant manner. When holding the device, you simply use your thumb to pull the top cover towards the bottom of the device a bit, which releases the magnetic latch that keeps the spring-loaded opening mechanism at bay. At that point you simply move your thumb out of the way and let the spring do its job. The motion is smooth and slow enough for the device to maintain its balance.

Once open, the PEBL's unusual keypad is ready for use. The directional controller and its center select button are very typical of mobile phones, but the rest of the keypad builds on some of the unique design elements we saw in the RAZR's keypad. The PEBL's keypad and softkeys are completely flat. The actual buttons are hidden behind a single sheet of metal that has a bit of give to it, allowing finger pressure to make its way to the switches underneath. Thin strips of translucent material let light filter in from behind, just as they do on the RAZR's keypad. The net result is a very distinct-looking keypad that probably sacrifices a little too much functionality in the name of fashion. Individual keys are simply much easier to find and press, even if they don't look nearly as sharp.

The inner workings of the PEBL U6 seem to be stock Motorola. The handset comes in two variations, each of which supports three GSM frequency bands and EDGE data. The North American version supports the 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 Mhz bands. The internal display is a 262k-color unit with a pixel resolution of 176x220. The battery should be good for over 6 and a half hours of talk time, or up to as long as 10 days of standby time according to Motorola. Bluetooth support more than makes up for a lack of infrared connectivity. The only aspect that seems a bit dated is the PEBL's VGA camera. For a high-end handset like the PEBL, you certainly would expect more resolution in the camera.

Other highlights include 5 MB of internal storage that can be used for MP3 or MIDI ringtones, photos and video clips, and downloaded Java games and applications. The addition of speaker-independent voice dialing and voice commands are welcome, and the PEBL's relatively low weight of 3.7 ounces (110 g) makes it quite pocketable.

Pros:

• Unique design
• Automatic opening mechanism
• Bluetooth

Cons:

• Low-resolution camera
• Difficult keypad

Motorola's PEBL U6 is a unique handset. Where it goes, stares and longing gazes will follow. It might not have the full range of high-end features inside, but for the see-and-be-seen crowd, it probably has everything to get the job done.

--Reviewed by Michael Oryl, editor in chief of www.MobileBurn.com


Product Description
Inspired by nature’s smooth curves and organic lines, Motorola PEBL is the essence of mobile sophistication and stylish simplicity. Hold it in your palm and you’ll understand its mysterious pull. Enjoy both form and function, with complete imaging, video capture and playback, and voice recognition features. Design at its most breathtakingly simplicity, Motorola PEBL reshapes the way you view mobile communication. No hard edges. No fussy lines. Just a sleek and smooth contour with an evolutionary single-touch open hinge.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful phone but with some limitations, January 13, 2007

By	Helen Hancox "Auntie Helen" (Essex, England) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

I love this phone. I love it so much when, having had it for just two weeks and accidentally immersing it in seawater so that it died, I bought another one. My original one was a free upgrade but after two weeks I was willing to spend £100 on a replacement. I liked it that much.

I've now had my PEBL for over six months. I still love it, but some of its limitations have become apparent. I'll list the pros and cons and you can judge for yourself.

**Pro the PEBL**
It's a clamshell - why would anyone ever buy a phone that isn't a clamshell and risk phoning someone up when kicking their bag in a pub (yes, I did this with a normal phone, but fortunately phoned the friend I was in the pub with so we realised; saved a huge bill!)?
Beautiful design and, as yet, I haven't found it at all flimsy
That fantastic opening manoeuvre which is just so cool
Some good standard ringtones
Battery life seems fine
Menus are reasonably customisable and there are lots of useful options
The phone is lightweight, fits in a lady's pocket and that smooth shape works well
Reception seems fine wherever I use it and it's always easy to hear people and for them to hear me

**Cons for the PEBL**
The camera is really pants. The one on my previous Samsung was 10 times better and that was an older phone. The video feature is equally pants.
Texting can be slow... you type quite far ahead of the actual phone sometimes, and I'm no speedy teenager at texting
The software that came with the phone doesn't work with my PC running WinXP (I think this is a conflict with my computer as it is meant to work); however, I have some other Bluetooth software which will work for transferring files and stuff, I just can't use all the address book features that are in the proper software

The main thing about this phone for me is the good design and it's very easy to live with. Despite the poor quality of photos I still give it 5 stars because I think it's that good. It won't suit everyone but that's why there are hundreds of different models of phone out there!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great mixed with a couple issues, April 4, 2007

By	Paola A. Nunez "Optimistic Mistic" (Bronx, NY) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I love the actual product but I couldnt access my voicemail by pressing 1 like ALL other phones can and I cant log onto the internet with TMOBILE from this phone. I just wish I would have known that.

5.0 out of 5 stars Gotta Love The Pebl!!!, December 3, 2007

By	Heather Jasko "Crazydropped" (Monroe,NJ) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

What's bad to say about the Pebl. Nothing!!!! I love this phone. Great speedy service, thanks!!!