Backflip, Devour, or Cliq: Which Mobile Collaboration Device Should You Choose?

Motorola has grabbed some serious attention in the cell phone market at the start of 2010 with three new smartphone designs.  The Backflip, DEVOUR, and Cliq have or are planned to hit the market in the very near future, and there is one for nearly everyone as they have been picked up by three of the top cell phone carriers in the country- AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile.  So, what are the differences?

Motorola Backflip The Backflip was snagged up by AT&T and is expected to release on March 7, 2010.  This phone, for its unique design, has won a lot o attention since its first mention at CES in January.  The keyboard and screen, which are both exposed whether the phone is open or closed.  They come together to form a mini-flattened- laptop look as the phone, true to its name, opens backwards to any others we've seen before it.  Watching video clips (perhaps for research) is much more comfortable thanks to the half-open feature which allows the user to balance the phone on a nearby table while watching (or note taking).  The keyboard, which has raised keys makes it slightly easier for the on-the-go worker to send off important messages and emails, as well.

Motorola DEVOUR Aside from the fact that the name is annoying because of its all-caps ego mania, this phone is getting a bit of positive attention as well.  It is joining "this nation's largest 3G network" and will be available via Verizon stores and website mid-March of this year.  The DEVOUR is a slightly smaller, slightly less expensive version of the Motorola Droid, which is already part of the Verizon line.  Wrapped in a thin layer of metal, the phone speaks of sturdiness and shine, and the thumb pad makes for easy navigation of the computer-like screen setup- complete with desktop icons.  Again, a slide-down keyboard will make it easy to type on the go.

Motorola Cliq The Cliq, which actually released just before the start of the New Year, was the beginning for this attention grabbing three-part line-up.  Though the screen, keypad, and navigation keys look much the same as those on the DEVOUR, this phone has a sleek black design, and comes with the payment options that make its carrier, T-Mobile, so popular.

So, what do all these phones share in common that makes them extra note-worthy?  Motorola's MOTOBLUR, which automatically merges the contacts list, email contact accounts, and social networking friends, so that a single list is available to the user at all times. So, checking the list of your clients will reveal recent status updates, emails sent or received, as well as all necessary contact information.  Over all, these phones are sure to keep you connected- and you might not ever need to make a call to do so- but they aren't workhorses- lacking notepads and many of the apps of other smartphones.