Motorola Backflip – AT&T and Android Unite

Motorola Backflip

Yesterday was the first day you could pick up your very own Android phone complete with AT&T service in tow.  The Motorola Backflip comes with MOTOBLUR inside and AT&T 3G service pushing all that social network data your way.  Was the wait for an AT&T powered Android phone worth it?  Or should you hold out for one of the four remaining Android handsets coming to AT&T this year? 

The Backflip looks to be a solid entry into the mid market for smart phones.  It seems to be geared more towards the text crazed teens than the tech crazed or work crazed adults.  The Backflip does offer some unique features not available in an Android yet, a physical keyboard behind the phone that rotates forward, clamshell style, to present the keys below the screen.  Hidden behind the screen is a touch pad that offers some scrolling and interface interaction without having to block the screen with your finger, which could actually be a good thing, because the screen is a little on the small side.  In a review from Engadget they stated they were surprised by the keyboard and stated it was quite usable despite the membrane style design.

It’s far from a powerhouse, however, and it should be noted this won’t be running anything lightning fast.  It also lacks Google search, and opts for Yahoo instead.  I think the ability to change search engines shows how customizable Android is, however, it’d be much nicer if the user could select the search engine they’d prefer.  Also, in a trend brought on by the PC market a few years ago, this thing comes preloaded with tons of AT&T bloatware.  AllSport GPS, AT&T Maps, AT&T Music, AT&T Navigator, AT&T Wi-Fi Hotspots, Mobile Banking, MobiTV, MusicID, Where, and YPmobile.  I haven’t seen anyone commenting on this, and haven’t had a chance to try it myself, but I am hoping these apps are user removable…if not…let’s hope someone roots and unlocks it so users can get a chance to remove them the long way.

This is a good start AT&T, let’s get moving with those other Androids.