Motorola Rapture

The Rapture’s onyx-like finish and beveled edges give it a sporty look that’s matched by a sturdy feel in the hand. Sleek and pleasing to the eye, the flip phone is only available in black, but its varied textures make it appear two-toned. The front is made of hard black plastic that’s durable but also smudges easily. The back has a soft texture similar to leather, which makes it easy to grasp.

Compact, light and balanced, the phone weighs a mere 3.4 ounces and measures 1.9″ x 3.9″ x 0.67″. Because it’s on the thin side, it slides easily into small pockets. Compared to the RAZR, it’s thicker, but wraps in the hand more easily.

The Rapture was designed for playing music and snapping photos on-the-go with the clamshell shut. Its exterior touch-sensitive screen responds to commands with a vibration. When each program opens, a set of intuitive, touch-sensitive command keys for navigation appears on the small, 1.6-inch, 65K-color TFT screen.

Users can also make voice-activated calls without opening the phone. A smart key on the side of the phone opens the program, and a recorded voice on the speakerphone prompts the user to speak a command. On the left side of the phone, dedicated buttons include a volume rocker, a smart key that serves as a speakerphone on/off button and a micro USB port with protective cover. The right side of the phone is fitted with a 2.5mm headset jack (also protected with a cover), lock key and voice command key.

Verizon Wireless is releasing another handset on Tuesday. The carrier plans to release the Motorola Rapture VU30 to the mainstream market this coming October 14th. The Rapture VU30’s clamshell design has a touch-sensitive external display and was designed to quickly capture pictures and access music. Same with the Samsung Sway, the VU30 uses VCAST Music with Rhapsody to allow users to purchase songs and download the master copy to their PCs free of digital rights management software.

The Rapture VU30 has a dedicated shutter button for the 2.0-megapixel camera with enhanced imaging and video capture. With VZ Navigator, audible turn-by-turn directions locates directions, businesses and other places of interest. Users can expand the memory up to 8GB via the microSD port.

The Motorola Rapture VU30 is available for $129.99 after a $50 mail-in rebate and a new two-year customer agreement.