Motorola's BackFlip at CES 2010
So apparently not too far away from the Nexus One booth at CES, Motorola is showing off its latest Android phone, the BackFlip.
Not sure how I feel about the hardware design here. Unlike a slider, the BackFlip folds open and shut, but not in the way you would expect – it leaves the QWERTY keyboard constantly exposed as essentially the “back” of the unit.
I can’t imagine who thought this was a good idea. Who’s going to want to set this phone down anywhere with it sitting on its keyboard exposed to dirt, moisture, etc.? Motorola also includes a laptop-like trackpad on the back of the display, which it calls the ‘backtrack’, which just like the phone itself leaves you asking, “why?” On a touchscreen phone, wouldn’t swiping and tapping at the screen accomplish the same functions as you would use the trackpad for?
The few things this phone has going for it (none of which makes it even worth considering, but putting them here just to be nice):
It will support all major 3G bands used worldwide, including the 850mhz 3G band used here in Costa Rica. Though who cares since the phone will probably be carrier locked.
A 1400 Mah battery which Motorola says will power the device for 6 hours.
5 MP camera with flash
Dual Microphone Noise Cancelation
3.5mm jack J
Motorola says it will be available in the second quarter but isn’t saying when. I think I’ll call a major #fail for the BackFlip.
