The original Motorola Cliq looks tired now, but back in the day (October 2009) was quite advanced. Slider "Android" is the first to launch Motorola Motoblur software which allows you to easily keep tabs on social networks using widgets and it creates a backup copy of your information in the cloud. Now the sequel has finally arrived: Cliq 2 ($ 99). This phone Android 2.2 sports a large display, fast processor and very funky keyboard. It's too little, too late?
Oval-shaped and honed with chrome accents Cliq 2 has higher-end look and feel than its predecessor. We also appreciate the struâsihsâ lid, which makes for a solid grip, although that piece of plastic feels flimsy when disconnected. 3.7-inch (854 x 480 pixels) screen represents a major step up from the original Cliq (3.1-inch, 480 x 320 pixels) and a pretty bright and sharp.
Up top, you will find the small power button next to standard 3.5 mm headphone jack. Steam volume buttons on the right side of grace, along with dedicated camera key switch and call.
Measuring 2 x 2.4.0.3 x 5 inches and weighing 6.2 ounces heavier than the Cliq, Cliq 2 (5.7 oz) because it has a large display. T-Mobile G2, another Android slider at T-Mobile, a little heavier (6.4 oz) but more luxurious brushed aluminium cover.
Sliding open the Cliq 2 shows its QWERTY keyboard that's unlike anything we've seen or touched before. Motorola uses a skin-tight membrane with honeycomb like watching. Bubble-like, rubberized keys are small and quite tough, but they popped up and down, provision of decent tactile feedback. Beautifully illuminated layout includes a dedicated search and @ keys and the arrow keys to move the cursor.
As for the keyboard touch Cliq Swype uses 2 as the default choice. This method writes a text that includes drawing lines through letters, makes it easy to type with one hand. Swype keyboard can be used to input touch, but a space strange the right of the screen.
By Android 2.2, Motorola Cliq 2 features Motoblur layered over the operating system. Motoblur pulls in information from your choice of social networks like Facebook, LinkedIn, (not available on the original Cliq) or Twitter. Users can also link multiple email accounts including Gmail Motoblur, and Yahoo. Unfortunately to configure Motoblur you must first create an account with Motoblur is anther e-mail and password.
Cliq 2 features seven custom home screens. A number of Motorola widgets inhabitants of these Windows, along with standard Google applets included with the OS. Handy suggestions from Motorola include tiles, social networks that display data from Twitter and Facebook, weather and switches to toggle Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. Some may feel that these widgets add too much clutter; in this case, we recommend the T-Mobile G2, from clean install Android 2.2.
Other useful applications bundled with the Cliq 2 include Amazon MP3, Blockbuster, the Kindle for reading electronic books and Wi-Fi calling T-Mobile.