Motorola W385 Cell Phone Review - Software
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Mark Brezinski Published on December 28, 2007 Comment on this |
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OS (3.0)
The W385 is equipped with a basic BREW interface. This interface, though not very powerful, is quite easy to learn and use. It's also responsive for the most part. Those familiar with the OS will wish they could change the theme, because the tabs in the main menu can't be navigated quickly with keypad shortcuts. Other than this, however, menus can be navigated with the keypad. Menu items are logically laid out for the most part. The only layout problem we have is our dislike for shoving organizer software several menus deep, because they make d-pad shortcuts a must. While the W385's BREW OS isn't the prettiest one out there, it does get the job done for a fair price.
Home Screen Score (2.5)
Extensibility (1.0)
There are about six different links to Get New Apps, which will allow you to download from Verizon's library of BREW applications. Well, it isn't so much a library as it is 12 different bad programs. Verizon phones typically aren't the most extensive devices out there.
Customizability (1.5)
We've already mentioned the extent of the customizability on the W385. You can change the wallpaper, set the d-pad shortcuts, and add a personal banner. We wish the shortcuts were a bit more open, because we were unable to reassign the soft key shortcuts, and recent calls is stuck on the Send button.
OS Responsiveness (6.0)
The W385 ran fairly smoothly. It wasn't the fastest OS out there, but we really didn't have any complaints. We did run into a bit of lag navigating menus that was exacerbated by the inability to continue navigation and wait for the phone to catch up; if you press a button before the phone's ready, said input will be lost. Large applications like the camera boot up fairly quickly, and pictures render fast as well.
Browser Features (6.0)
The browser is Verizon's old standby. HTML, WAP, images, basic encryption, and cookies are all supported. There is also an autofill, but it isn't very sophisticated. Java, Flash, JavaScript, and feeds are all over the browser's head. We'd recommend sticking to WAP pages, because the screen is tiny and the browser handles them far better than HTML.
Browsing Interface (3.5)
The browser interface is basic. Scrolling is done with the d-pad, select will click, and back will skip back a page. The right soft key holds all your options, of which there are many. We wish the first item in the menu was Go To URL, because that's the feature users will end up using most. Other options there include a search feature you should never use, a home page button, bookmark options, memory management, and settings. Memory management is extensive, allowing you to clear your cache, history, cookies, or autofill information.
History isn't saved from session to session, which makes the feature essentially useless. You'll therefore have to rely on bookmarks, which are handled well. You can organize them by folder and rearrange or edit them. They are stored online, however, so editing them requires network access.
Browser Access (3.33)
It took 12 steps to browse to a specific web site. This is a bit slow, especially for a phone with a default d-pad shortcut. The reason it takes so many steps to reach a page is because the browser inhibits you throughout the process, placing your cursor at the tops of lists when the necessary item is still a few d-pad presses away.
This timing test uses steps instead of time because network connectivity can throw off the time considerable. Counting the steps is the most reliable way to judge how involved the process is.
| Cell Phone | Steps | Score |
| Motorola W385 | 12 | 3.33 |
| Motorola Krzr K1m | 14 | 2.86 |
| Motorola Razr V3m | 13 | 3.08 |
| Samsung Juke | N/A | 0.00 |
| LG Chocolate VX8550 | 12 | 3.33 |
| Samsung Blast | 6 | 6.67 |
Gaming (0.0)
The W365 comes with no games, only the vague promise that you could, perhaps, Get New Apps.
Calculator (5.0)
The calculator is very simple, but it can perform basic algebraic computations. In addition to the four basic operators, the menu will give you access to exponents and parenthesis.
Alarm (4.0)
You are limited to three alarms at a time. Each one allows you to set the time, recurrence, and ring type. Recurrence is limited to once, daily, Monday through Friday, or weekends. Though basic, the recurrence options were nice to have.
Document Software (0.0)
The W385 doesn't have document software.
Other Software (0.0)
There is a world clock application included, but it isn't spectacular enough to merit additional points.
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