Motorola ZN5 uboxing and review

[CrossBow]

I have just received my Motorola ZN5 "Motozine"!

This post is being made using it tethered to a Wibrain B1L UMPC (Linux) via USB cable. I was on earlier with it tethered via Bluetooth.

I have an unboxing video up at

Linuxslate.com

...and a full review will follow shortly.

So far, it is very nice. It really seems to be the Moto Linux phone with all the features.

While I am not an experienced modder, I did do some stuff like telnet, seem editing, etc. on my A780. I am anxious to get some stuff like that working on these phones. In the mean time, if there are any questions, or anything you dev's want me to test on this phone, let me know.

Since these things are in the wild, I would like to see a forum for it with the other MOTOMAGX phones.

[tmp_do]

what firmware in your zine? is have wifi?

[hunter2k9]

Hey crossbow

I saw your unboxing vid and loved it, which then led me to your website which I also really liked... anyways keep up the good work and I'm defenitly waiting for your review on the Moto ZN5, it's the next phone I'm buying.... I have a couple of Q's for u about the Zine:

1. How's the menu speed a lot of people have expressed concerns saying it's slow.
2. Does it have text message threading? you know, does it group your texts like an Instant Message conversation, if not, is this something you think can be created with an app -being linux and all-?
3. There's currently one selling on ebay but it's locked for the T-Mobile network, how easy would it be to flash this phone with unbranded firmware given it's still new -in terms of availability-... I don't know if to bid on the phone or not....

that's it for now...

NOTE TO ANY MODERATOR WHO READS THIS:
PLEASE MAKE A MOTOROLA ZN5 THREAD AS PART OF THE MOTO LINUX PHONE CATEGORY ON THE MAIN FORUM DISPLAY.... PLEASE!

[CrossBow]

Thanks for the Comments !!

Firmware info:
AP S/W Version
R6637_G_81.03.05R

BP S/W Version:
R6637_G_81.03.05R

Yes, it has WiFi, and WiFi can be used for anything that needs internet access. WiFi performance is also very good to excellent.

1. How's the menu speed a lot of people have expressed concerns saying it's slow.

Well, scrolling though Menus, Contacts, etc. is not nearly as fast or smooth as the iPhone, but I would not say it is slow. It is certainly acceptable by my standards.

2. Does it have text message threading? you know, does it group your texts like an Instant Message conversation, if not, is this something you think can be created with an app -being linux and all-?

I do not any setting for text message threading. It looks like it just uses the normal inbox/outbox format. Since there is no current hacked firmware, and the official Motorola Suite cannot currently create apps that really run on the handset, it is currently not possible to write any native (linux) app. I hope this will change soon.

3. There's currently one selling on ebay but it's locked for the T-Mobile network, how easy would it be to flash this phone with unbranded firmware given it's still new -in terms of availability-... I don't know if to bid on the phone or not....

Mine is unbranded/unlocked, Likely Chinese market. I am not aware of firmwares circulating around for this phone as of yet.

It also seems to have the same java memory problems as the other Linux/Java phones. Ref this thread:
http://www.motorolafans.com/forums/r...rmissions.html

I'll give away the punchline from the review: In general, I am very happy with the phone. It seems to have all the features, and with a few exceptions, they all work. It's unquestionably the most capable Linux phone out there. My biggest complaint is the inability to install native apps.

If you want an iPhone, buy and iPhone, if you want a real phone, that is not <del>infected with</del> based on Symbian or WinMo, and has bluetooth, USB, etc. that actually works, buy this phone.

Also, I agee: Moderators: PLEASE create the ZN5 forum. Thank you.

[CrossBow]

OK, here's a second plug for my website:

The Full Review of the ZN5 is here:

Review - Motorola ZN5 Motozine

I promise not to do this all the time, but in this case it is relevant.

[tmp_do]

hey man. can u cnock me with jabber? i can tell u how can we download your firmware and share it. tmp_do@jabber.ru

[nodramachicks]

@CrossBow

i'll gladly start a ZN5 sub-forum if we get 3-5 users posting here.

[Rooter]

Good idea. I have ZN5 also and sales in some countries starting very soon.

[tmp_do]

+1 zine owner

[Aditya_g8]

Hey I have a motozine, looking forward to modding it to the fullest, hopefully android on it