vB Easy Archive - My 1 day take on the Z9

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My 1 day take on the Z9
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Posted by: gunhed

I posted this in the Moto forum and thought I would post in the AT&T forum just to give you guys a small a bit informal review of the Z9.

I got the z9 yesterday at a corp. store for 269. I had a few bucks to blow on whatever I wanted so I went ahead and bought it. I am overall impressed with the phone coming from a v9 so the little tweaks here and there are noticeable right off. Like the fade in transitions going to the menu and the scaling pop up conformations on preference changes. One quirk that bugs me is after testing 3 phones the slider has somewhat a wiggle to it that was on all the phones. It doesn't feel cheap in any way or fragile it's just a thing that I notice from time to time. I haven't tried the video share yet so I can't really comment on that feature. The real reason I wanted this baby is the AT&T Nav feature that is surprisingly robust for being on a "Dumb phone" It has favorites and point to point nav with turn by turn voice( very low volume voice that is hard to hear to the point of being useless) as well as real time nav. Another thing I notices is that sometimes it takes forever to sync to the satellites and towers and other times it starts right up. Display is just a bit better than I hoped for as I was not expecting much from this software. It has 2d and 3d views and will even tell you traffic issues on supported roads and highways. Texting is taking some getting used to coming from the v3xx to the v9 and now the z9. The keys are slightly hard to push and are inset a bit but it's now getting to be second nature as my fingers are learning quickly where and how hard to push each key. Texting will be fine on the z9 once you learn the key configuration. The camera and light on the phone is great and has a quick shutter that does well to reduce blur. One note is that if the cam button is pressed while the slider is closed all the readouts and functions rotate so that you can hold the phone like a camera. As far as call quality is concerned I'm still making and receiving calls to see how this phone stacks up to the amazing call quality of the v3xx and the top dog V9. Right now I'm getting a hint of muffle in some of my calls to my wife but I can't say for sure that this is a real problem or just me being picky. The speaker phone seems about as loud as the v3xx and the V9 but as I said I'm getting a hint of muffle. The earpiece sounds about as nice as the V9 but is a bit harder to find the sweet spot for your ear coming from recent flip phones. In the coming days as I make more calls I can say for sure if the quality is the same. All in all I think I'm pretty satisfied with the z9 and would highly recommend it to anyone.

Posted by: cmatthews

I agree about the keys seeming hard to press, but after 3 days of use either I have gotten used to it, or they have loosened up a bit. I'm actually finding them pretty comfortable now. I have also had a few calls that sounded a little muffled, with one I was in a bad service area, and the other was with a friend that has a iPhone, and he always sounds muffled.
Like you, I'm also satisfied with the Z9, looking forward to keeping it for a while.

Posted by: albertr

What about the battery life?

-albertr

Posted by: gunhed

ok a little update for you guys. albertr the battery life is VERY dependent on what applications you run. I purchased this phone on thursday and have gone through one complete charge. When I first got it home I put it on the charger for 12 or so hours. The first charge consisted of 3 calls and around 50 texts and lots of playing with the thing. On the way home I fired up the nav for the drive home and the total time in nav was probably about 25 mins(the battery got really hot after about 10 mins). When I got home I had one bar left and made a call to my buddy for about 10 mins and got the low battery alert. With this being the first charge it probably going to be a bit lower charge than it will say 2 or 3 cycles in so I expect this to get better. The best option when using the GPS will be a car charger because this really killed the battery off in no time. So I expect this phone to be on par or better with the V3xx and V9 if you stay away from the nav on the battery.

Posted by: modred

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunhed

...On the way home I fired up the nav for the drive home and the total time in nav was probably about 25 mins(the battery got really hot after about 10 mins)....

gunhed,

Could you explain a bit how the navigation feature works:

* How do you get your destination address into the phone?

* Do you leave the phone on and connected to the AT&T network while driving?

* Does the phone give you voice instructions (e.g. 'turn left on Main Street in 200 feet').

* Do you have to have a data plan and do you incur minute charges or does the navigation fee include everything.

Many thanks!

modred

Posted by: gunhed

Quote:

Originally Posted by modred

gunhed,

Could you explain a bit how the navigation feature works:

* How do you get your destination address into the phone?

Just as you would use alfa/numeric input on SMS or internet browsers.

* Do you leave the phone on and connected to the AT&T network while driving?

Yes.

* Does the phone give you voice instructions (e.g. 'turn left on Main Street in 200 feet').

Yes, and if you miss the turn it will give you turn by turn to get back on coarse.

* Do you have to have a data plan and do you incur minute charges or does the navigation fee include everything.

I have unlimited data and yes you do incur lots of data while the GPS functioning.

Many thanks!

modred

Any other questions are welcome.

Posted by: modred

Thanks gunhed. I did have just one question by way of clarification.

If I recall correctly, the navigation option is about $10.00 per month or $3.00 a day (or thereabouts). I do not now have a data plan, so my cost for the monthly navigation option would be $10.00 PLUS whatever data plan I select. I hope this is not the case, because it makes navigation just too expensive for those of us without the need for a data plan.

Thanks again.

Posted by: gunhed

Quote:

Originally Posted by modred

Thanks gunhed. I did have just one question by way of clarification.

If I recall correctly, the navigation option is about $10.00 per month or $3.00 a day (or thereabouts). I do not now have a data plan, so my cost for the monthly navigation option would be $10.00 PLUS whatever data plan I select. I hope this is not the case, because it makes navigation just too expensive for those of us without the need for a data plan.

Thanks again.

I may be wrong but I believe you need the data plan plus the AT&T nav. I have an old unlimited data package that gives me access to everything media net for 19.99 then with the 9.99 nav it is kinda easy for me to justify it. It does suck that all these features require additional fees.

Posted by: modred

Thanks gunhed. Perhaps in time AT&T will come up with a Navigator option for non-data users.

I noticed that you previously used V3xx and V9 phones. I'll be interested to see how these and the Z9 stack up against one another reception- and voice-quality-wise over time.

Posted by: CaptShadow

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunhed

Can you give google maps a try and tell us how well it works?

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptShadow

Can you give google maps a try and tell us how well it works?

Google Maps seems works fine, I just haven't had time to to throughly check it out.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by albertr

What about the battery life?

-albertr

I'm not in a 3G area, battery life seems to be pretty good, the first couple of full charges didn't seem to last long, as expected. However, my last charging cycle made it a full 2 days, with about a hour and a half of calls, 200 or more text msgs, and some browsing using Opera Mini. I probably could've have made it ever longer, but decided to go ahead and charge it. I haven't had a chance to really push it by using nav, and even when it gets used I plan on having it plugged into car charger.

Posted by: CaptShadow

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

Google Maps seems works fine, I just haven't had time to to throughly check it out.

Does it give your exact location?

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptShadow

Does it give your exact location?

Unfortunately I don't think it does, the closest I could get it to show was within 1700 meters, at and one time I wasn't even with the circle it showed on the map.

Posted by: tstp

Hi,
Are you using the "talking feature" for incoming calls?
Is it clear and understandable?

thanks
tom

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstp

Hi,
Are you using the "talking feature" for incoming calls?
Is it clear and understandable?

thanks
tom

Actually, I had forgotten about that feature until you brought it up. I just tried it out, its not bad, but could be better. The volume could be louder, and the speech slowed just a little. I can hear it ok, but making out what it's saying all depends on the name it's trying to pronounce.

Posted by: gunhed

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

This is correct in my case too. The only way to hear the voice clearly is by chance you had the phone very near you and the surroundings were very quiet. The volume should be much louder on the "talking phone" feature.

Posted by: gunhed

Oh and one more note. Just out of curiosity I tried the update option in the menu and it asked to have permission to connect to the internet to search for an update! I have never had this happen on any other moto phone. The phone then said connecting to AT&T servers only to be denied again by a generic this option not available reply. It is interesting that this phone actually connected to the internet though.

Posted by: tstp

Hope u are having fun with your new toy.
Have u taken pictures/video yet?
I'm more interested in the camera features of a cell phone than the music end of it.

thanks again,

tom

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by tstp

Hope u are having fun with your new toy.
Have u taken pictures/video yet?
I'm more interested in the camera features of a cell phone than the music end of it.

thanks again,

tom

Here's a few quick camera shots.

Posted by: tstp

thank you

Posted by: panda885

cmatthews, i see your running leopard, just wondering if you can sync your contacts with your z9 to your mac?

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by panda885

cmatthews, i see your running leopard, just wondering if you can sync your contacts with your z9 to your mac?

iSync is showing it not supported, if there is a way to do it I'm not aware of it.

Posted by: MyPyle

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

iSync is showing it not supported, if there is a way to do it I'm not aware of it.

there might be a few ways to get around it.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by MyPyle

there might be a few ways to get around it.

If anyone knows please do speak up! The only moto's I've ever been able to sync with my mac was cdma ones and I had to tamper with I beleive the metaclaases folder in iSync.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

Here's a few quick camera shots.

My v9 takes WAY better shots. I'm pretty sure you just need to wipe the lense before you take a shot. It will make all the difference. If you did do that then make sure cam setup are set to "2mp" and "best" quality.

These are not particularly good shots either.

Posted by: keiri

i think though Duke that all of those places are either highly well-lit or direct sunshine whereas his shots are indoors with bad lighting (from what i can tell).

Let him take some on a sunny day and I think you'll be satisfied with the Z9's shots.

Posted by: plane

Isn't this phone somewhat on the big and heavy side?

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by keiri

i think though Duke that all of those places are either highly well-lit or direct sunshine whereas his shots are indoors with bad lighting (from what i can tell).

Let him take some on a sunny day and I think you'll be satisfied with the Z9's shots.

Incorrect. I knew somone would say that so I posted the last one. Although it appears very well lit the room that it was taken in has very dim lighting. I have found my V9 takes excellent shots in areas of low lighting as well, the automatic light setting adjusts, brightens the room and it looks like a bright picture.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

Thanks for the info, I just snapped those really quick. I do have it set for "2mp" and "best" quality. However, I didn't wipe the lens off,and that's probably the biggest issue.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

Thanks for the info, I just snapped those really quick. I do have it set for "2mp" and "best" quality. However, I didn't wipe the lens off,and that's probably the biggest issue.

I forgot, it should take even better shots in low lighting since my V9 dosen't have a flash either.

Posted by: cmatthews

Here's a couple of better shots, I remembered to clean the lens this time.

The outside photo seems to have came out ok, but the inside photo still doesn't look as good as I think it could.

Posted by: richv77

Does the Z9 have crystal talk technology like the V9?

Also, I did a comparison of the Z9 and V9 and it looks like the Z9 does not sync up with a computer (Outlook etc.).

Any issues with call volume - i.e. can you hear the other person in a somewhat noisy environment?

Thanks for your comments.

-Rich

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by richv77

Does the Z9 have crystal talk technology like the V9?

Also, I did a comparison of the Z9 and V9 and it looks like the Z9 does not sync up with a computer (Outlook etc.).

Any issues with call volume - i.e. can you hear the other person in a somewhat noisy environment?

Thanks for your comments.

-Rich

Yes it does have crystal talk. If the z9 is supported by Motorola Phone Tools(you will have to check) then it will sync with outlook just fine.

Posted by: blackengaard

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

Here's a couple of better shots, I remembered to clean the lens this time.

The outside photo seems to have came out ok, but the inside photo still doesn't look as good as I think it could.

Ha. The inside picture reminds me of what happens to my vision with my rigid-gas-permeable lenses when it gets dark.

Anyways, back on topic for me.
The picture look aight, probably something I could actually pull out and take a picture of a Kodak moment and actually show it to people.

But still, it's kinda subpar.

Posted by: DukeL

Looking at the pics it does look improved but I think the V9 takes better shots. My indoor pics do not have the hazy look, they look crisp like the outdoor pics.
Cmatthews, did you hold the camera sideways when you took those shots or does it capture photos in landscape by default? Perhaps it needs the flash for indoors.

Took These today..

Posted by: cmatthews

It rotates to landscape mode when the slide is closed, I should try using the flash. I think the lights we use in our house are part of the reason for haze, they are some type of screw in flourescent. It seems to happen with some other cameras too. Not really sure though.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

It rotates to landscape mode when the slide is closed, I should try using the flash. I think the lights we use in our house are part of the reason for haze, they are some type of screw in flourescent. It seems to happen with some other cameras too. Not really sure though.

That is interesting, the camera lense actualy moves/rotates? Could just be a weird light I suppose, the outside pic looks pretty good.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

That is interesting, the camera lense actualy moves/rotates? Could just be a weird light I suppose, the outside pic looks pretty good.

Pretty sure the camera lens it self doesn't rotate, I should've stated that it just switches to landscape mode.

As for the lighting, I took several pictures tonight at work under different lighting conditions with and without the flash/light on. Looking at them, I also think the V9 may take better photos.
Another reason I say it maybe the lighting at my home, is my dad borrowed a my digital camera one time, and called me shortly after asking what was wrong with my camera, and was saying everything had a extremely bad red tint to it. I told him it was working fine last time I used it, after he messed with it a bit and went to a different room and took pictures he realized it was the light bulbs in the room he was in. Think they were using a Sylvania Day Light bulb or something like that, so I know different light bulbs can affect it, something to do with different wavelengths of light. I can't really say for sure, I make paper for a living, and never have been really big into taking photos, just like having a camera available on my phone cause you never know when your going to be able to catch a Kodak moment.

This is a close up shot of dark area using flash from the phone.

Another area not well lit, but from a distance without flash.

This is a area with dark and light places, I caught it with the only light source blocked, no flash used.

These last 2 are just normal lighting conditions, no flash on either.

After having the Z9 for a week, I'm very pleased with it. Surfing the web with Opera works pretty well, especially in landscape mode, which the slider comes in handy for. Actually the message I posted a couple of hours ago, was posted using Opera on the Z9. Earpiece speaker is plenty loud and clear even when in noisy environments, I actually used it today with my ear plugs in, while in a some what noisy area and could still hear well enough to understand what my wife was saying. Reception has been spectacular, other than at a few areas at work, which is the case with all phones, and as you can see there is just to much metal around me. Without a repeater cell phones are useless in several areas there.

I also used the AT&T Navigator for the first time tonight on the way home, a 30 mile stretch, it also worked pretty well, but since my truck has it built into the dash I can't say I would use it much.

Battery life has also been improved after several full cycles, I was still showing 2 of the 3 bars left after it had been off the charger for about 16 hours, and being put through quite a bit of use today, including using GPS.

Never have really liked sliders in the past, but I have liked the Z9 so far.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

Looking at the pics it does look improved but I think the V9 takes better shots. My indoor pics do not have the hazy look, they look crisp like the outdoor pics.
Cmatthews, did you hold the camera sideways when you took those shots or does it capture photos in landscape by default? Perhaps it needs the flash for indoors.

Took These today..

I looked these earlier while using Opera on the Z9, so didn't really get to see them in full quality. They both look really good, just as you stated before the V9 may have a better camera, or my photo skills are lacking.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

After having the Z9 for a week, I'm very pleased with it. Surfing the web with Opera works pretty well, especially in landscape mode, which the slider comes in handy for. Actually the message I posted a couple of hours ago, was posted using Opera on the Z9. Earpiece speaker is plenty loud and clear even when in noisy environments, I actually used it today with my ear plugs in, while in a some what noisy area and could still hear well enough to understand what my wife was saying. Reception has been spectacular, other than at a few areas at work, which is the case with all phones, and as you can see there is just to much metal around me. Without a repeater cell phones are useless in several areas there.

Battery life has also been improved after several full cycles, I was still showing 2 of the 3 bars left after it had been off the charger for about 16 hours, and being put through quite a bit of use today, including using GPS.

Never have really liked sliders in the past, but I have liked the Z9 so far.

I am really trying to hold myself back from purchasing this phone since it is so close to my V9 and I usually prefer flips but not having 3G(my V9 dosent) means when I'm using opera my calls may not always reach me. I do miss having the 3G and the larger screen is nice.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

I'm not in a 3g area at the time, I keep hearing it's coming, but have been hearing that for a year now, so I've almost given up.

Posted by: CaptShadow

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

I'm not in a 3g area at the time, I keep hearing it's coming, but have been hearing that for a year now, so I've almost given up.

It's pretty sad that Marshall has it and and you guys don't. Maybe you'll get it in June when Shreveport (supposedly) does.

As for the indoor pics you might try manually setting the lighting conditions. The V3xx has indoor (home) and indoor (office) settings, the Z9 is probably the same. The (office) setting is probably for florescent lighting.

Posted by: RYOBI

I have the V9 and love it. The Z9 is not a flip, so it's out of the question for me.

Posted by: sithjedi333

I saw the Z9 in person today and it's seriously pretty big. Almost as big as my Blackberry 8800, slightly narrower though. The sales guy tried some Jedi mind tricks to convince me otherwise.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by CaptShadow

According to my neighbor, who happens to work for AT&T, June is when we will get it, although we were originally supposed to have had it last August, then it changed to December, then January, and now all the way to June. So who really knows.

I actually tried the "Office" setting and it helps quite a bit, but still looks alittle hazy compared to shots in a room with normal bulbs.

Posted by: fireonhigh

Quote:

Originally Posted by sithjedi333

I saw the Z9 in person today and it's seriously pretty big. Almost as big as my Blackberry 8800, slightly narrower though. The sales guy tried some Jedi mind tricks to convince me otherwise.

lol shove it

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by RYOBI

I have the V9 and love it. The Z9 is not a flip, so it's out of the question for me.

I was really thinking about the V9 for the same reason, but decided to give a Z9 the 30 day trial. Previously before doing this I hated sliders and always preferred flips just for the simple reason that the main screen is more protected when closed. Looks like I probably keep it now, love the fact that I can use Opera Mini in landscape mode with the slide closed and still have access to the d-pad and then just slide it open when I need to type something. Both are great phones, and I'm sure I'd be happy with either one.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

That is interesting... How do you switch it to landscape mode? So I assume the right and left on the d-pad become up & down and up & down become right & left? Could you possibly post a pic? Also in case you didn't know always make sure to turn "fit to screen" off in preferences for true html viewing.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

It's in the settings page of Opera Mini, kind of annoying that it doesn't have the option to switch back and forth with the opening and closing of the slide, but still looks awesome. I got the fit to screen setting turned on as well.

Posted by: RYOBI

Quote:

but not having 3G(my V9 dosent)

You mean the area you live in doesn't have 3G, not your V9 doesn't have 3G, right?

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by RYOBI

You mean the area you live in doesn't have 3G, not your V9 doesn't have 3G, right?

He has a black European V9, it won't work in the US.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

You want it turned to off.

Posted by: blacksrt4guy

Anyone with the Z9 have a loose and/or wobbly slider? I picked one up this morning after growing to hate my Shine and the slider is really loose. Even when its closed it has some wiggle to it, which I find strange. I called the store and they told me all the Z9's are wobbly. Can those of you with Z9's let me know how your slider is, either tight and no wiggle or yes it has some wiggle. Thanks!

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacksrt4guy

Anyone with the Z9 have a loose and/or wobbly slider? I picked one up this morning after growing to hate my Shine and the slider is really loose. Even when its closed it has some wiggle to it, which I find strange. I called the store and they told me all the Z9's are wobbly. Can those of you with Z9's let me know how your slider is, either tight and no wiggle or yes it has some wiggle. Thanks!

I have a very slight side to side wiggle when closed, and a slight bit more wiggle when opened, but not enough to worry about.

Posted by: fireonhigh

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

I have a very slight side to side wiggle when closed, and a slight bit more wiggle when opened, but not enough to worry about.

yes.same here,its very slight,no worries, i see you have the v3xx, i have one also,do you find the v3xx to have a louder speaker?? or is it just me?esp.when i use the mp3 player.. to my ears the v3xx is alot louder and has better clarity and bass,but i have to say im lovin this slider,,very clean lines

Posted by: blacksrt4guy

When my slide is up and Im typing a text I can feel the slide shaking and moving as I type. Seemed a little loose but maybe Im just being too picky.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireonhigh

My wife uses the V3xx, ringer is definitely louder, it seems that the Z9 speaker can easily get muffled when left sitting on a surface, almost like the opening for it gets completely sealed off. As for earpiece volume I can't really say for sure, it's been a while since I've used it in a call, may give it shot when she gets back in town with it. Also both ringer and earpiece speakers on my Z3 are louder than on the Z9.

I'm also really liking the Z9, and even though the speakers don't seem to be as loud, I can hear them just fine, and for me the sound quality in a call has been outstanding.

from me also.

Posted by: fireonhigh

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacksrt4guy

When my slide is up and Im typing a text I can feel the slide shaking and moving as I type. Seemed a little loose but maybe Im just being too picky.

my slide up texting is fine! i used one in the store and it was loose as a goose,take yours back and get a new one,maybe yours was a demo??my z9 is so fine and tight

and you know?? the color is not so bad,,in most light it looks very dark to black!! take yours back before the 30day limit!!i think you will be happy with this phone,,,mostly made of metal!!! how i fffing hate plastic phones

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireonhigh

my slide up texting is fine! i used one in the store and it was loose as a goose,take yours back and get a new one,maybe yours was a demo??my z9 is so fine and tight

I haven't noticed any movement in it while texting either, the only time I can tell it moves at all is by actually pressing it to the side. It just has a really small amount of movement (maybe 1mm) and springs back to it's original position. He should definitely swap it out for another Z9 before the 30 days is up.

I've actually have got use to the color as well, it almost looks like a dark maroon, or as you stated even black sometimes in lower lighting.

Posted by: fireonhigh

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

yeah try another one,you have 30days!!

i love mine ,i heard people complain of the weight of z9..lol they need to go back to the gym!!!!!!lol this realy is a nice phone,,although, i wonder why we wont get the z10?at least like i said before this phone is sleek!! lol ,,,i loves it

Posted by: gunhed

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacksrt4guy

My first Z9 was very loose when closed or open. I returned it for another one and this one is tight with only a small amount of movement when closed. Me thinks Moto is slapping phones together with all the drama going on in house...

Posted by: fireonhigh

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunhed

no drama,just lack of AMERICANZ WORKING

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by fireonhigh

just lack of AMERICANZ WORKING

Probably one of the biggest causes of problemed products these days.

Posted by: blacksrt4guy

Quote:

Originally Posted by gunhed

Yeah I think Im going to go try another one. A little bit of play is ok but I mean mine feels like its got loose screws or something when its open. Ive never had a slider that would wiggle in the opened position. Other then that, this is a much better phone then the Shine I had before. They made the tired old Synergy OS a little nicer with the animations and how snappy it is. Does the phone actually have a GPS radio in it or not? I noticed Google Maps doesnt act like theres a GPS radio.

Posted by: DukeL

Okay. I finally gave in. I just got back from att with my new Z9!!

Very slight bit of play in the slider but nothing significant. It is more compact than I expected, same width and thickness as a razr just a bit longer. Initial impressions and photo's to follow soon!

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

Okay. I finally gave in. I just got back from att with my new Z9!!

I wondered how long you were gonna hold out before you finally went and got one.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

I wondered how long you were gonna hold out before you finally went and got one.

And I got really lucky. The new rep gave it to me at the 2yr. price when I expected to pay retail. I wasn't eligible for upgrade. So I used the savings to purchase an awesome $150 Sony Stereo Bluetooth Headset!!

Sounds awesome with the Z9! My first pair ever. I always wanted one and I am very impressed with the volume of the audio. I can make it so the levels are way too loud if I want to.

Posted by: Wide_opeN

Unfortunately Moto's QC has been in hiding for sometime now.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wide_opeN

Unfortunately Moto's QC has been in hiding for sometime now.

Well so has apples. Nearly every iPhone produced nowdays has the negative black screen issue, thousands of people complaining about dead pixels and there is uneven cracks surrounding the screens of many iPhones where dust builds up. I think it is just mainly that cell phones are all made in China now, Moto is not the only manufacturer that has QC issues, and I know from LOTS of purchasing experience.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

Sounds awesome with the Z9! My first pair ever. I always wanted one and I am very impressed with the volume of the audio. I can make it so the levels are way too loud if I want to.

Sweet! I've been thinking about getting a stereo BT headset myself, now I may have to look into it.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

Sweet! I've been thinking about getting a stereo BT headset myself, now I may have to look into it.

I am really impressed. The audio volume is great, louder than you can take, range is great(I was playing pool with my phone on the table just now and was able to hear the music loud & clear. Audio quality is good and clear and bass is much better than in-ear headsets. I highly recomend the Sony DR-BT22 wireless stereo headset, they come in at&t branded packaging and cost $129 which I now understand why. Everyone who has seen them today was pretty impressed and they are not the type that hang off the back of your head but are more like a traditional over the top headset. The ear piece covers the ear instead of being an in ear headset and I believe that is what gives it the far superior bass reproduction. Of course it can also be used as a handsfree device for talking. I always knew I wanted a pair and often look online and in at&t stores, when I saw this pair it was the closest to what I had been wanting. Sorry Moto but in the BT Stereo headset dept. Sony has you whooped!

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

Looks sharp, I may have to look into those. I didn't see those in my local at&t store, so may have to order them, or check Best Buy. I originally wanted a pair of the in the ear type thinking maybe I could wear them under my helmet when riding my motorcycle, but decided that wasn't a good idea, just don't need the distraction.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

Yah, that probably isn't a good idea.

I have checked the att stores a few times and they never had these or else I would've bought them a long time ago. When I checked today they had the Moto S9 & the Sony's. Might want to call around to a few att stores if there are more than 1 near you. They definitely work great with the Z9.

I wanted to take some pics of the Z9 & wireless headset but apparantly I left the digi cam at work so it'll have to wait.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

Yah, that probably isn't a good idea.

I checked with my neighbor, she works at at&t, she say they haven't gotten them yet, and she will let me know when they arrive.

Posted by: mmaximus

Tethering works great! It seems the phone chargers while on USB unlike my 6682. I've been connected for an hour without the battery indicator changing. The phone isn't even warm. I'm pretty happy.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by mmaximus

Tethering works great! It seems the phone chargers while on USB unlike my 6682. I've been connected for an hour without the battery indicator changing. The phone isn't even warm. I'm pretty happy.

I've tethered mine to my MacBook Pro a few times, does work great, now if at&t would hurry and give me 3g.

Posted by: DukeL

One thing I am really enjoying is the animation in the menus & settings. Going to and from the main menu it fades in and out. The submenus pop up & down, left & right. Also notifications zoom in and out at you. Really some nice touches I've never seen on a synergy phone.

Posted by: THETRUTH#34

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

Have you use the s9's Duke, i have them but when the sony came out i wanted to get them and see how they were, i get 50% off them so it is a sweet deal for me.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by THETRUTH#34

Have you use the s9's Duke, i have them but when the sony came out i wanted to get them and see how they were, i get 50% off them so it is a sweet deal for me.

No I never used them. I just don't like how they are worn, plugged in your ear and hanging off the back of your head. Looks very awkward to me. I have also heard they are not very comfortable to wear for long periods of time and I am certain the audio quality is much better in the Sony's. In ear headsets never have the sound quality and bass reproduction of a full headset(unless of course they are cheapos), their two different worlds. It's like comparing an ipod headset to studio headphones. I use to be an audio engineer so I know some things about headphones & monitors.

With that discount I would definitely pick up a pair. Loud as you can stand, 33 feet range, good bass, not tinty sounding like most cell phone headsets. Haven't experimented much with voice but my main use will be for music and for this they really excel. Once paired volume is controlled from the headset and not the device so the volume levels are boosted quite a bit. They also fold up really nice for pocketing when not in use. They're basically everything I have always wanted in a BT stereo headset and sound reproduction greatly exceeded my expectations of what a wireless stereo headset could sound like. Everyone I have showed them to so far and listened to them were very impressed. They are nice!

Posted by: THETRUTH#34

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

No I never used them. I just don't like how they are worn, plugged in your ear and hanging off the back of your head. Looks very awkward to me. I have also heard they are not very comfortable to wear for long peiods of time and I am certain the audio quality is much better in the Sony's. In ear headsets never have the sound quality and bass reproduction of a full headset, their two different worlds. It's like comparing an ipod headset to studio headphones. I use to be an audio engineer so I know some things about headphones & monitors.

With that discount I would definitely pick up a pair. Loud as you can stand, 33 feet range, good bass, not tinty sounding like most cell phone headsets. Haven't experimented much with voice but my main use will be for music and for this they really excel. Once paired volume is controlled from the headset and not the device so the volume levels are boosted quite a bit. They also fold up really nice for pocketing when not in use. Their basically everything I have always wanted in a BT stereo headset and sound reproduction greatly exceeded my expectations of what a wireless stereo headset could sound like. They are nice!

thanks duke, ive tried the nokia 501's which had great bass reproduction, better than the s9 but i think im going to try the sony.

Posted by: dayday6

Quote:

Originally Posted by THETRUTH#34

thanks duke, ive tried the nokia 501's which had great bass reproduction, better than the s9 but i think im going to try the sony.

They have been on sale at Bestbuy for $99 for a couple of months.

Sound quality is excellent.

Beware
Sound drops out way too much, even when the device is within 2 feet it drops out. It continually pisses me off, but I still deal with it. I sat my phone down on the desk and walked around my apartment with no cutouts. When I am at the gym even if I just turn my head it will cut out.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by dayday6

Why would it work so well at your house but not the gym? Either way I have not had one single cutout so I would purchase them from the at&t store. You probably just got a dud or an early production.

Posted by: blacksrt4guy

Excellent sound quality with the S9's? You gotta be kidding, right? First, theyre not $99.00 at Best buy. I bought them there last week and they were still listed at 129.00. They will try to "make a deal" for you and sell them at 99.00. Second, they sound terrible and the fit was bad. They squeeze the life out of your head if its not small. I took them back as fast as I could and went back to my SE DS970's. The sound quality is night and day. Oh and the S9's cut out really bad! There seems to be alot of different experiences and opinions with these and mine was bad!

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacksrt4guy

Excellent sound quality with the S9's? You gotta be kidding, right? First, theyre not $99.00 at Best buy. I bought them there last week and they were still listed at 129.00. They will try to "make a deal" for you and sell them at 99.00. Second, they sound terrible and the fit was bad. They squeeze the life out of your head if its not small. I took them back as fast as I could and went back to my SE DS970's. The sound quality is night and day. Oh and the S9's cut out really bad! There seems to be alot of different experiences and opinions with these and mine was bad!

If you would read a little further you would see we were talking about the SONY DR-BT22. Pic and review a page back.

Posted by: blacksrt4guy

lol Im an ***! My bad.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacksrt4guy

lol Im an ***! My bad.

It's all good. At my local att store both the S9's and the DR-BT22's were $129.

Posted by: blacksrt4guy

I dunno but I prefer the in ear monitor type. I havent heard anything that compares yet.

Posted by: dayday6

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacksrt4guy

Yes, we were talking about the Sony headset, but I seen the S9 on sale at Fry's for $79.

You need to look around.

Posted by: blackengaard

I think S9's look cool but I much prefer using my iPod as a dedicated music player.
In the future, when my phone can hold more than my iPod, I'll probably get one or something.

Btw, I think we're getting a tad bit offtopic here.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackengaard

I think S9's look cool but I much prefer using my iPod as a dedicated music player.
In the future, when my phone can hold more than my iPod, I'll probably get one or something.

Btw, I think we're getting a tad bit offtopic here.

You should hear the bass on my BT stereo headset, blows away the ipod headphone listening experience. 8GB holds plenty of music for me.

Okay sorry, back on topic.

Has anyone been able to connect the Z9 to P2K commander? Whenever I try to it says Memeory full and I cannot access the file system.

Posted by: bonesb

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

Has anyone been able to connect the Z9 to P2K commander? Whenever I try to it says Memeory full and I cannot access the file system.

I received a Z9 yesterday, made a few calls - sounded pretty good on both ends. Launched P2K Commander, the Z9 was recognized immediately. The only SEEM edit I made was to disable AMR-HR, rebooted the Z9, checked the SEEM edit (it took). Called a couple of the people I'd talked with earlier (a hacked V3xx and a couple of landlines) and was told they could tell the difference, a big improvement

. I'm running an older version of P2K, v. 4.7 from last June, and have resisted upgrading to one of the newer versions. When I rebooted the Z9 and checked the SEEMs, the application window looked a little wonky, tho' - I got what I wanted and quit P2K, didn't want to press my luck right away.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonesb

The seems work but did you try to access a P2K file system? Whenever I do it says memory full and will not recognize the files.

Posted by: cmatthews

I also changed a few other things on mine, such as enabling the built in email client, now I can access my .Mac email account on it. Also disabled the ring style switching to loud when plugged into the charger.

I have viewed the file system, scanned through almost every folder without any trouble, just didn't make any changes. I used P2k Commander 4.9.E.

Posted by: blacksrt4guy

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

I also changed a few other things on mine, such as enabling the built in email client, now I can access my .Mac email account on it. Also disabled the ring style switching to loud when plugged into the charger.

I have viewed the file system, scanned through almost every folder without any trouble, just didn't make any changes. I used P2k Commander 4.9.E.

How is the built in email client? Id like to use this for my Gmail account if it works well.

On another note I was very surprised with the music players sound. I didnt expect such good sound quality and volume! Comparing it to my last phone, the Shine, its a huge improvement. Sound is very good on my Sony BT Stereo headset.

So after a few days now Im still very happy with the Z9. Battery life has been very good, sound quality is very good and signal great. I was a bit worried about the keypad but its surprisingly easy to use. Much more so then the cramped keypad on the Shine.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacksrt4guy

How is the built in email client? Id like to use this for my Gmail account if it works well.

It's no Blackberry by any means, but for just plain text email it's work fine. I haven't had a chance to check, but I'm pretty sure that HTML emails are not going to be viewable in correct format, and attachments probably not accessible. I have mine setup as IMAP with .Mac and syncing every hour for now, which may get changed later depends on battery life. Overall seems to work great I have sent a few emails from it and they were delivered without a hitch. If you really want the ability to view email on it, it's well worth the trouble of setting it up, just remember it's plain text only.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

I also changed a few other things on mine, such as enabling the built in email client, now I can access my .Mac email account on it. Also disabled the ring style switching to loud when plugged into the charger. I have viewed the file system, scanned through almost every folder without any trouble, just didn't make any changes. I used P2k Commander 4.9.E.

Whenever I hook up the Z9 it says "Zero memory recv'd" and I cannot access or manipulate the file system. I'm also using 4

Posted by: DukeL

The built in email client has great attachment support. You can send and receive these attachments....Email, picture, sound,Video, Voice, Contact, Calendar event or task etc.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

The built in email client has great attachment support. You can send and receive these attachments....Email, picture, sound,Video, Voice, Contact, Calendar event or task etc.

Ok, cool, I wasn't aware of that, I haven't had a chance to experiment with it. Been to busy golfing all afternoon.

Posted by: blacksrt4guy

I need to figure out how to get this working on mine. Right now Im using the Gmail client I loaded from google and it works ok. But I have to launch it to check mail. Id rather have a client that checked for me.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacksrt4guy

I need to figure out how to get this working on mine. Right now Im using the Gmail client I loaded from google and it works ok. But I have to launch it to check mail. Id rather have a client that checked for me.

Just find P2K Commander and download it, pretty simple after that, it has seem edits listed you just check the boxes and update the seems.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

Just find P2K Commander and download it, pretty simple after that, it has seem edits listed you just check the boxes and update the seems.

When you hook your Z9 up to P2K commander does it not say "Zero free space Recv'd" in the bottom left hand corner? Does it actually tell you how much free space you have?

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

When you hook your Z9 up to P2K commander does it not say "Zero free space Recv'd" in the bottom left hand corner? Does it actually tell you how much free space you have?

Mine does show "Zero free space Recv'd", and does not show how much space is available, but the transferring files works fine, apparently it just can't read the amount of space available for some reason.

My biggest problem is getting it to switch to P2k Mode, I have to try it numerous times to get it out of AT Mode. I bet it took 100 tries to get my Z3 to switch to P2k Mode earlier, and about the time I was going to give up, it worked. It works fine after that, just the initial connection that gives me fits. Do you or does anyone else have this problem?

It may have some something to do with the fact I'm running it on Vista on my MacPro through VM Ware Fusion, but not sure. I'm almost tempted to install Parallels again and put XP on it to see if it does any better there.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

What do you mean by AT mode?
I think were having the same problem here. I can easily access "a P2K seems" but when I try t access "a P2K system" it does nothing. I have to trick it by going to "a P2K seems" or "a P2K user" then switching back to "a P2k system" to get it to read the filesystem. Kinda janky, do you have this same problem or does it read "a P2K system" the first time?

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

No problem reading "a P2K System" for me at all, once I'm connected, the getting to connected is my problem.

The version I have has a file called P2k Autostart, i've been opening it, and sometime it shows that phone is connected as a AT Device, when it does this I can't access anything on the phone with P2k Commander, but once it shows up in P2k Mode then I can access files and seems no problem. I have tried just plugging the phone in and start P2k Commander without the Autostart, sometime it works and sometime it doesn't.

Also I should make it clear that I have more trouble connecting to the Z3 than I do the Z9.

Posted by: cmatthews

Here's what I see when I use P2k Commander, when it shows AT Device, I can't access phone, but when it shows P2k Mode I have full access without any trouble.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmatthews

Here's what I see when I use P2k Commander, when it shows AT Device, I can't access phone, but when it shows P2k Mode I have full access without any trouble.

Weird. We have are both having different problems?

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

Weird. We have are both having different problems?

I figured out how to avoid my problem, set my USB ports to manually in VM Ware then disconnected the USB itself from VM Ware altogether then reconnect it and plug my phone in the and open P2k Autostart, works every time now.

Posted by: ki4cgs

For those that own the Z9, how is the slider? I played with a display model at a store today and the slide seems to be hard to open and close (It took both hands).

Is this just because its a non-working display or is the slider really that hard to open and close?

Posted by: blacksrt4guy

Quote:

Originally Posted by ki4cgs

For those that own the Z9, how is the slider? I played with a display model at a store today and the slide seems to be hard to open and close (It took both hands).

Is this just because its a non-working display or is the slider really that hard to open and close?

Its very easy to open and close it one handed. Mine is actually a bit on the loose side but I looked at another one and it was the same way.

Posted by: bonesb

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

The seems work but did you try to access a P2K file system? Whenever I do it says memory full and will not recognize the files.

I was able to access the phone's file system without issue. I backed up the phone, deleted some of the nastya** ringtones, added a few ringtones of my own, then made a few more SEEM edits. No problems with the phone or the P2K application whatsoever. I'm stumped why I'm able to work with the phone and you're not - I wish I had more to offer in the way of assistance.

The only remaining edit I'd like to make is to somehow delete all of the demo games that came with the phone - I can't find them in the file system and can't find a SEEM that allows me to delete AT&T crapware from the device. Any help?

So far, having the phone for a little less than a week, I like it more than I thought I would.

Posted by: cmatthews

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonesb

I've been looking for the same thing, still no luck here either.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonesb

Were you using P2K commander?

There are two ways to delete the games & apps.
1. You can delete them manually from P2K commander. They are located in the kjava folder.

2. You can perform a seem edit and it will unlock the apps in the phone so you can delete them from the phone itself. See here to turn off Java protection... http://www.howardforums.com/showthr...0&page=37&pp=15

Posted by: bonesb

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

I was, and tried it again. Commander has been a little flaky with the Z9 for some reason. I tried again and this time showed the files in the a:/mobile/kjava/installed directory - I deleted several of the applications, rebooted, and the programs I didn't want are now banished from the Z9!

Made a few more SEEM edits to rid myself of the startup animation and sound and shutdown sound. I'm done for now with farting around with the Z9 before I brick it!

The java files are: 0) Billboard; 1) ATT Navigator; 2) Lumines; 3) Mobile Banking; 4) Mobile e-mail; 5) MobiTV; 6) Movies by IMDb; 7); Music ID; 8) My-cast Weather; 9) Scrabble Blast; 10) Super KO Boxing; 11) Tower Bloxx Demo; 12) XM Radio. Digging Navigator and the Movies applications, and might keep the Weather app (and pay for the fee).

Posted by: blacksrt4guy

I cant seem to get P2K commander to work. Can anyone point me in a direction that might help. Ive been reading a bit on here but I cant figure it out. I had a hell of a time just finding it. Maybe I got the wrong version?

Posted by: bonesb

Quote:

Originally Posted by blacksrt4guy

I cant seem to get P2K commander to work. Can anyone point me in a direction that might help. Ive been reading a bit on here but I cant figure it out. I had a hell of a time just finding it. Maybe I got the wrong version?

About using P2K, in my configuration I do not use autostart, have all of the options unchecked, and am using the mode set up for the V3xx (Safe mode, I think). I had used 4.9D but tried and was successful with 4.9E over the weekend. I run the application first, then plug in the phone; I'd started the app with the phone attached and found the application was unstable about 1/2 of the time. I also have the "zero space" indication in the status field at the end of the negotiation between P2K and the phone.

Keeping with the OPs subject, I have a little more feedback about the phone itself and AT&T's network in the PDX area since I got to use the phone a lot over the weekend. About the network, I encountered a few minutes of loud background hiss during a long call when on a 3G network; I have experienced the same noise using a SYNC and V3xx in the past.

About the phone, the slider mechanism seems solid so far. The battery meter stinks - the phone read full strength when I knew it couldn't be, showing "6" under "Phone Status" as well; a few minutes later I hooked up the phone to the charger and immediately the Battery Meter dropped to "2". The device can't lock onto a 3G signal to save itself, fluctuating between 3G and 2.5G during calls and short data sessions; during calls, I can hear a muffled "pop", but didn't drop a single call. The Z9 works with my Benz BT like a dream. AT&T Navigator seems to work pretty well after ......... it ............ starts ........................................ up; I've thought about ditching my Tom Tom a few times over the weekend.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonesb

I also have the "zero space" indication in the status field at the end of the negotiation between P2K and the phone.

Finally someone else will admit this problem. I knew I was not the only one. Were you ever able to remedy this?

Posted by: PPCMD

I picked up the Z9 last week and haven't had a chance to play with it much (use a BB8820 during the week). Rather than ask too many questions where can I go to better understand SEEM Edits, what they are and what ones will work with the Z9.
Thx.

Posted by: blackengaard

Hmm.
I have a few questions for you Z9 users.
If you've had the V9 or played with it, which one do you think is better and why?
I'm just deciding whether I should return my V9 and get the Z9 or keep the V9.

Posted by: bonesb

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

Finally someone else will admit this problem. I knew I was not the only one. Were you ever able to remedy this?

I have not been able to remedy the zero buffer message; for some reason, my ability to work on my Z9 does not be affected by the condition.

One more bit of feedback others might find to be of interest. When I received the device about 10 days ago, a new SIM was included in the box. I tried activating it over the web, following the included instructions, but it didn't take with a message on the AT&T site that the device had already been upgraded

. I popped in my 3-year-old Cingy 3G SIM and just used it. Two days ago, I had enough of the waffling signal and occasional popping noise when the phone was switching mid-call between the 3G and 2.5G networks - I went into a local AT&T store to try getting a new AT&T SIM activated, and did.

With the new SIM, the signal hunting and muffled popping has ceased. To my surprise, however, the "listening thru a sock" syndrome on my end went away completely and the persons I talked with told me that my calls to them sounded even better than earlier that day - and, my phone's battery life takes the phone thru more than one day, haven't charged it in almost 48 hours with about two hours of talk time and about 20 minutes of using Google Maps. And, I was at a job site in Sandy OR in a hole that several AT&T users never get reception - I had zero bars just two weeks ago with my E62 and V3xx up to about a month ago; Two bars, made and received calls, received data on the EDGE network. Solid signal, no more switching to the EDGE and back in SE Portland, calls sound great on both ends! Get a new, updated SIM if you've got an older one.

Posted by: DukeL

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonesb

I have not been able to remedy the zero buffer message; for some reason, my ability to work on my Z9 does not be affected by the condition.

Huh? I have to trick P2k commander to see the phone files. If I go to Ap2k phone system it will not recognize the files. I have to first go to aP2k seems and then switch to aP2k syastem to be able to access the files. Could you test this for me? Connect phone and once it says no memory or whatever, right off the bat go to the right window and select "aP2k system" and see if you can access the phones filesystem. Thanks!

Posted by: bonesb

Quote:

Originally Posted by DukeL

The quick answer? I've not experienced what you're describing, however, I am able to reproduce exactly what you're experiencing following your directions. I don't have an explanation for why Commander is working for me that way. It's a mystery to me...