Motorola Droid 4: Best keyboard on any phone (video)

Verizon and Motorola have just released the next phone in the Droid line, the Droid 4. The Droid 4 is one of the few Android phones with a physical keyboard, and a great one it is. The Droid 4 is not the thinnest, lightest, or fastest Android phone, but it is a solid addition to the crowded Android field.

Hardware specs:

• Processor: Dual-core 1.2 GHz
• Memory: 16GB internal RAM,  microSD slot (up to 32GB)
• Display: 4.0-inch (540×960)
• Cameras: 1.3MP front, 8MP rear, 720p HD video capture
• Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth 4.0, 3G/4G LTE
• Battery: 1785 mAh
• OS: Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
• Dimensions: 4.98 x 2.75 x 0.50 inches, 6.31 ounces

A look at the hardware specs show a smartphone with typical solid Motorola construction, with average components. The phone is actually thin for a keyboard phone, and is a little heavier than the thin phones common to today's market.

The story of the Droid 4 is the keyboard, easily the best keyboard I have used on any phone. The nicely rounded keys make thumb typing very easy with very few mistypes. There is a dedicated number key row and a set of arrow keys. Check out the video above to see the keyboard up close and personal.

The Droid 4 is available from Verizon for $199 with a 2-year contract. It works on the 4G LTE network and is not a world phone for international travelers.

Of interest:

• TechRepublic: Android 4.0: Eight new features that actually matter
• CNET Asia’s review of Samsung Galaxy Nexus and top five features
• CNET’s first impressions
• Top 10 features in Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich)
• Android 4.0 Ice Cream Sandwich is enchanting, easy, and makes you feel special
• Unwrapping Google Ice Cream Sandwich 4.0 (photos)