[scaffolderus]

I've had my V8 for just over a month now. It replaced my V3i. Before that I've had most V series right back to the Startac, so I'm a real Moto fan. What's Good?
* The operating system is vastly quicker, you notice it especially when transferring files linked to a PC and launching applications.
* The Music Player is excellent and with A2DP coupled to the S9 Bluetooth Headphones it's just amazing, bags of volume and bass too (the HT820s are a bit quiet).
* The screen's much better and sharper than the V3i and you can get lots more text on a screen with internet pages, etc.
* The text modes are better but take a bit of getting used to after the V3i. * I guess the interface is better, though I never believed the hype about it being rubbish on the V3i anyway.
* The camera's a vast improvement on the V3i - you can (almost) take "proper pictures"
* The best thing, though, IMO is the build quality - it's just superb and I actually like that it's slightly heavy. Nice.

What could be better?
* Mine is a SIM/Firmware free item but the ability to customise is really limited - the two soft keys and the camera key are locked (unlike the V3i)and then duplicated under the main memory. Maybe I'm missing something?
* The internet connection is tempramental - sometimes it refuses to go past "connecting" especially if you've been using other applications. If you drop the signal it often refuses to reconnect which is really annoying. It happens most with Operamini and Google Maps - which is a shame cos when they work they're brilliant. Perhaps there's a fix?
* The battery is no better than the V3i - lasts for ages on standby but using the internet and the music player drains it quickly. I end up charging mine most days.
* I'm not convinced by the micro USB slot - it's fiddly and I wonder how long it'll last?
* The worst thing IMHO is the appalling internal memory - 512KB of which only 420KB is accessible. That's about 7 CDs worth of music and a few pictures. If you get anywhere near to capacity (Office Tools - Options - View Memory) the phone slows and can freeze completely. I try to keep 15%free space to avoid this. Although it's not the end of the world (cos you can just change the music files & CDs quickly with a PC) it's still a pain. The 2GB version is supposed to be out soon, does anyone know when?

Overall, still a great piece of kit. I wouldn't go back or swap it - the N95 and i phone are both excellent products but - for me personally - the size of the N95 and the lack of A2DP on the i phone would be deal breakers.

Hope this is of interest.

Cheers!