Motorola Q

Dopod C720W

When it first debuted, the Motorola Q was undoubtedly a knockout. The Windows Mobile device was sleek and sexy, unlike any other smart phone before it, and generally delivered on performance. However, when you're sitting there at the top, there's always going to be someone who wants to knock you down, and let's just say the Dopod C720W (a.k.a. HTC Excalibur) is ready for a fight. This new kid on the block is throwing up some big claims, with its own slim design, productivity tools, and wireless options. But don't expect the Moto Q to just sit there and take it. Grab a front-row seat as these two smart phones duke it out for the championship title. (Editors' Note: The Moto Q used in this article is a US-based CDMA unit equipped with Verizon's 3G EV-DO support. Some references to services and operators may not apply in Asia.)

Round 1: Sexiness

Hot or not?

Dopod C720W

Design and looks count for a lot when you're shopping for a smart phone, so here's where we examine the look, size, feel, and sex appeal of the devices. Our individual judges' ratings are based on a 0-to-5-point scale, which results in a final score of 0 to 15 per round.

Player	Veronica	Kent	Bonnie	Total
Dopod C720W	5 I really like the rounded edges and the soft-touch finish. Feels very comfortable to hold, and it looks hot, too!	5 I have to go with the Dash for sexiness. Though the C720W's profile is equally trim as the Q, I'm partial to its black and silver color scheme, plus its curved body makes for a more comfortable feel.	4 I had my doubts about the C720W, but once I got my hands on the device, it was all over. With the soft-touch finish, the curves, and the sleek black casing, I say, "Yes, please!"	14
Motorola Q	3 The Q is a sleek device, but it looks a little clinical for my tastes. Yes, even smart phones are allowed to have some personality!	3 I have to give credit where credit is due. As the original slim smart phone, the Q does strike a sexy pose. But ultimately it's too boxy and the silver hue's a tad dull.	3 Moto Q, you're still sexy to me, but there just happens to be a hotter ticket in town. It's still sleek, but after spending time with the Dash, the Q just seems blocky and hard to me now.	9

Winner: Dopod C720W

Round 2: Navigation

How do you use this gosh-darn thing?

Motorola Q

In round 2, we examine the menu navigation and the usability of the devices' controls and QWERTY keyboards.

Player	Veronica	Kent	Bonnie	Total
Dopod C720W	4 I love how easy My Faves is to use. The only downside was that the buttons on the keypad were a little too close together.	4 The C720W has a great navigation array. The toggle is large and tactile, and I like that the other navigation buttons are raised. The keypad buttons are also user-friendly, but ultimately they're too squashed together. And since neither device has a touch screen, that's a moot point.	4 The Dopod C720W was definitely easier to use one-handed, but its QWERTY keyboard doesn't compare to the spaciousness of the Q's keyboard. Plus, I'm not sold on that volume touch strip.	12
Motorola Q	5 The scrollwheel is very convenient for nav, and there's plenty of room for typing by feel. It might be a little less hand-cramp inducing.	4 The Q stumbles when it comes to the navigation array. Its toggle is large enough, but it's too slick for my tastes. Also, the other navigation buttons are flat with the surface of the device. On the other hand, the keypad is superior to that of the C720W. The keys have a more solid feel and are spaced farther apart. Overall I'd say it's a draw.	5 I have to give it to the Moto Q in this round. The scrollwheel on the right and the roomy QWERTY keyboard made it really easy to navigate the menus and enter text for messages.	14

Winner: Motorola Q

Round 3: Connectivity

Cutting the cord

Dopod C720W

Here we take a look at the wireless options of each device, and how they help you be more productive on the go.

Player	Veronica	Kent	Bonnie	Total
Dopod C720W	4 I generally like having Wi-Fi capability in a phone, so this is a big plus. I hang out in Wi-Fi cafes a lot!	5 No question here. The C720W's integrated Wi-Fi gives it a leg up over the Q. Throw in Bluetooth 2 with multiple profiles, e-mail, document view, and multiple messaging options, and you get a winner.	5 Integrated Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2, and EDGE support--that's a hat trick to me! In addition, it has push e-mail capabilities right out of the box.	14
Motorola Q	5 3G is where it's at! Faster than the EDGE connection in the Dash. Good for most other people, who actually work on the go.	3 The Q's lack of Wi-Fi is disappointing. Also, runs Bluetooth 1.2 and it doesn't support a dial-up networking profile. Yet that's not to say the Q doesn't have its connectivity strong points. It's a 3G EV-DO phone for starters, and it also offers e-mail and messaging.	4 Yes, the Motorola Q has the advantage of a 3G EV-DO network, but the Bluetooth restrictions and lack of Wi-Fi is a big downer.	12

Winner: Dopod C720W

Round 4: Multimedia

Smart phones want to have fun, too

Motorola Q

Smart phones aren't just about work. In this round, we compare the quality of the multimedia and entertainment features of the mobiles.

Player	Veronica	Kent	Bonnie	Total
Dopod C720W	4 I really like the options for the camera, especially since you can see the changes on the screen immediately. Don't like the speaker for music, though.	3 I don't see too much difference here. Both devices support a 1.3-megapixel camera and Windows Media Player 10.	3 The C720W's camera took some pretty poor photos, which isn't what I wanted to see after struggling with the confusing interface. The C720W redeemed itself a bit with good video playback.	10
Motorola Q	4 The stereo speakers on the back sounded really great for a phone, but I found the camera options a little confusing.	4 Despite the fact that it doesn't support V Cast streaming video, I give a slight edge to the Q due to its better-performing camera and stereo speakers.	4 Better camera, solid video playback, and an awesome speaker for listening to music--yeah, the Q knows how to party.	12

Winner: Motorola Q

Round 5: Call quality

Can you hear us now?

Dopod C720W

In the final battle, we check out the sound and clarity of phone calls and the quality of handsets' speakerphones.

Player	Veronica	Kent	Bonnie	Total
Dopod C720W	5 My call came in loud and clear, even though I don't usually get the best reception.	4 I couldn't tell much difference here. Call quality on both phones was very good, with clear audio and decent volume. The sound on the C720W was a bit hollow at times, but callers couldn't tell we were using a cell phone.	4 The Dopod C720W delivered with excellent call quality, both in-ear and speakerphone. My friends were impressed on their end as well.	13
Motorola Q	4 Call quality was pretty good, but sounded much like any other phone I could use. Nothing special.	4 Not a lot of difference between the two devices. The Q had some crackling on the line, but its speakerphone was great.	3 There was some snap, crackle, and popping that interfered with a couple of conversations, but the Q generally offers good call quality. Plus, the speakerphone is great.	11

Winner: Dopod C720W

The winner is...

Dopod C720W

Total points

Dopod C720W: 63
Motorola Q: 58

Winner: Dopod C720W

Motorola Q, you've been served. Though the Q broke new ground when it first debuted with its attractive and sleek design, its moment in the spotlight seems to be over. The Dopod C720W offers that same sex appeal, and manages to pack in the full gamut of features and solid performance, delivering that final knockout punch.