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Motorola ROKR E8 First Impression Cell Phone Review - Hardware & Other Features

Mark Brezinski Published on January 08, 2008 Comment on this

Intro Value & Conclusion

Tour & Design

Imaging & Software

Hardware & Other Features

Hardware
One of the main features the ROKR E8 has is its keypad, which features localized vibrations for haptic feedback. The result is an incredible emulation of pressing a physical key. In all honesty, the keypad was one of the cooler things we saw at the show. Though this technology was used to some extent on the original ROKR, the extent to which the E8 employs it and the quality of the feedback is simply incredible. Its morphing controls are a bit under-used, however. We noticed they changed for the camera (still and video capture) and the media player, but everywhere else the standard 12-key array was displayed. This lack of innovativeness in the software interface is reminiscent of the failure to use the Razr2's external display to its full potential as well.

The d-pad feels as though it uses the same technology as the rest of the keypad, though its silver circle isn't lighted artificially like the rest of the pad. Around the d-pad is a scroll wheel that you can set to scroll automatically by holding your thumb on the side after making a full swipe.

The display on the ROKR E8 is 2 inches diagonally, which is a bit small; most modern handsets have a screen 2.2" or larger. The resolution is QVGA (320 x 240 pixels), which is average. It is capable of displaying 262,000 colors, which is only second to displays with 16 million colors.

The E8 has 2GB of built in memory so you can start loading it up with music right out of the box. Unlike the Razr2 V8 from T-Mobile where this wasn't supplemented by an expansion slot the ROKR E8 does allow you to add memory via Micro SD cards, with SDHC cards up to 4GB supported.

Other Features

The ROKR E8 can't be used as a dial-up modem natively, but carriers could add this functionality. There is no on-board GPS, and Push-to-Talk isn't supported.

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