Motorola Q Goes Global with GSM

By Nate Mook | Published February 12, 2007, 2:27 PM

Motorola's popular Q smartphone that debuted last May on Verizon's CDMA network has finally received a GSM counterpart, which will enable the device to be sold by U.S. carriers AT&T and T-Mobile, as well as in Europe.

The phone will come in two SIM card-supporting models: the MOTO Q q9 and MOTO Q gsm. The q9 can be considered a successor to the original Q, sporting a slightly thicker form factor based on Motorola's SCPL platform and running Windows Mobile 6.

It will feature HSDPA 3G connectivity, a micro-SD memory card slot and 256MB of built-in memory. A new screen automatically adjusts based on available light in order to reduce battery usage. USB 2.0 support additionally means fast transfers to the device.

While the MOTO Q q9 is designed to compete with Samsung's popular BlackJack, the MOTO Q gsm is largely a replica of the original Q with a quad-band GSM antenna and Edge support. Like the q9, it will run Windows Mobile 6, but will not support high-speed connectivity.

"Motorola redefined the QWERTY, and we're taking it to the next level with MOTO Q q9 and MOTO Q gsm," commented Ron Garriques, president of Motorola Mobile Devices. "Building upon the incredible success of the original Q we have created a stunning and experience optimized portfolio, so that now there is a MOTO Q for everyone."

The MOTO Q q9 is expected to ship in the second quarter; the Q gsm will follow in the second half of 2007. Motorola has yet to announce any carrier deals for the new handsets, or any pricing specifics.