Back in May the Motorola Atrix 4G caught my attention with its commercials. I think its pretty cool to have a computer that I could put into my pocket and carry around with me, and also use as a phone. Of course. Motorola approaches it a bit differently. they picture a phone that can also be used as a computer.

Fast forward to today I’m back writing about Motorola 4G phones, but this time its the Motorola Photon 4G. Watching the commercial, which was slightly reminiscent of the Atrix commercial I just kept waiting, and waiting. For what? I kept waiting to hear (or see) how Motorola had improved upon the Atrix 4G with this new 4G phone. However, it seems they’ve gone the other way and instead of taking the Atrix and improving upon its computing features, its more like they removed most of its computing features, except for the WebTop.

Of course, like many other smartphones, the Photon 4G plays games, has GPS, downloads apps and other “normal” smartphone stuff. Oh, one other thing it shares with the Atrix 4G is accessories. Although I’m sure there are more, the Photon site shows a vehicle navigation dock (more and more Motorola phones are getting these), HD station and a wireless keyboard (70 bucks!).

YESTERDAY’S REALITY IS TODAY’S MEMORY

So, Motorola didn’t go all “Atrix” with the Photon, so I should just get over it. Some will be happy to hear that the Photon sports Android ‘Gingerbread’ Operating system. Oh, price? $550 standalone or $200 w/ Plan. Compare the Motorola Atrix 4G can be had on the Motorola website with plans advertised as starting at $100 and Android 2.3 (Gingerbread) upgrade available.

PHOTON 4G: ACCESSING EMAIL WITH WEBTOP
YouTube Preview Image
OTHER PHOTON 4G VIDS ON YOUTUBE
Browse-N-Go
Using the HD Station
Mirror Mode
Using Quickoffice

SCREENSHOT: Motorola Photon 4G Accessories on 8/25/2011