Too buggy to replace a PDA
Strengths:Easy data connect /
Supports cable, IR, or Bluetooth
Weaknesses:Lots of bugs / Slow / Only syncs on startup (optional) or manually / Doesn't support partial sync (single entry, etc) / Poor calendar integration / Miserable phone tech support
Posted Feb 11, 2007 - I thought it would be great to use my phone for emergency data connectivity and as a temporary replacement for a PDA until I could decide which PDA to get and to finally get a backup of my phone, since it's only a matter of time before this Motorola phone freaks out and my data is lost like so many phones before (I know - I'm stupid for continuing to buy Motorola products - whatever). I got MPT 4.0 (the latest version) on the cheap at a Pricegrabber storefront. I probably should have let it register and update before I ever let it talk to my phone, but who would have guessed that I could never use Live Update after that.
I connected my RAZR V3 and several bugs became apparent. I forgot what most of them are (until I run across them, again), but I can remember some: When a calendar entry has to be truncated (phone only supports a certain length), I eventually end up with multiple copies in the phone and on my PC. If I try to edit entries in the phonebook from the PC, they don't show up correctly until I download the entire phonebook, again. Recurring appointments often don't end when they're supposed to (or they don't recur correctly). Most of the methods to retrieve SMS messages from the phone don't actually work (even if MPT knows that there are new messages).
But, by far the biggest bug is with Auto Update: I figured I'd see if I couldn't update the software to resolve at least some of the bugs I was fighting with. It tries to run Auto Update every time I start, saying that I need to update the software. So, I went ahead and started it once. It downloaded some patch and went to install it. But, as soon as it went to install, WinXP blue screened (crashed). At first I thought/hoped this was a pretty wild fluke, so I gave it a few more shots. I've tried shutting down all of my other programs and running it, and such, but it never fails... to fail.
Logically, I called Motorola tech support about the issue and the oh-so-unhelpful lady on the other end argued that I didn't need to upgrade! I asked if I couldn't just download the update somewhere, and she brilliantly said that I could download the latest version from Motorola's website... of course, I'd have to PAY for it, again! Okay, so I pressed the point, and she recommended re-installing. Well, I didn't have the CD with me, at the time, so I let her go. When I got the CD from home, I uninstalled (letting it delete all of my data and settings in the hopes of giving it every chance of succeeding). I restarted and let it register and auto update before talking to my phone, this time. And, what do you know... BSOD - Blue Screen, again! Well, that's isn't that just the cherry on top? Maybe I'll close all of my open apps and call support, again, someday when I need a good laugh.
So, I know there's folks out there (like I might be) that are going to think that I'm just some grumpy impossible-to-please id10t that probably had to take my coffee mug out of its cup holder, so I could put the CD in to install this software. So, to those folks, I encourage you not to waste any more money than you have to and get the cables and everything from a Pricegrabber storefront (I got mine at the malcomwireless storefront). I highly doubt the place of purchase had anything to do with the issues I had and I'm really glad I didn't waste all the money it would have cost at Motorola's site. And, who knows maybe you'll have a much better experience than I did and never run into any of the bugs I did. Good luck with that. :]
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Rated 
Works very well. but...
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Motorola Phone Tools 4.0- Carefull with Verizon Phones!
