Motorola Rapture Review

With a name like "Rapture," the Motorola VU30 for Verizon Wireless sets itself up as an agent of bliss that can transport one to higher places. But here on earth, this is Motorola's latest addition to Verizon's cadre of multimedia phones that double as music players.

Combining a sleek, clamshell design with a high-speed, 3G connection, the phone offers a slew of multimedia options, including access to more than 5 million songs on Verizon's VCAST Music with Rhapsody. The phone's centerpiece is a touch-sensitive external display, which enables quick access to the music player and 2.0-megapixel camera. The Rapture also shoots video and records audio, which can be sent out in a multimedia message within seconds of recording.

For storing multimedia and songs, the Rapture holds up to 8GB of micro SD removable memory. Users can sync tunes or playlists to a computer PC using a USB cable (sold separately) with no restrictions on making copies. And when listening to music, users can jam wirelessly, because the Rapture supports compatible Bluetooth-enabled stereo headsets, as well as a standard earplug with 2.5mm headset jack.

Through VCAST, the Rapture delivers a constant stream on-demand video for an additional monthly fee on its vivid 2.2-inch 262K-color TFT screen. While the phone entertains, it also keeps users on track. The phone comes preloaded with Verizon's VZ Navigator, providing turn-by-turn directions as well as information about local businesses, ATM locations, and other places of interest.