Motorola Rival A455 Phone, Tin Silver (Verizon Wireless)

This pocket-friendly side-slider with QWERTY keyboard features one-touch access to both text and instant messaging as well as a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion up to 8 GB, bilingual interface (English/Spanish), 3.5mm headset jack, ability to use the phone as a modem with the optional Mobile Broadband Connect service, and up to 5.3 hours of talk time.

Stay ahead of the social curve with the new Motorola Rival.

In addition to the V Cast Music service, this phone is also compatible with the Verizon Wireless V CAST Music with Rhapsody, which enables you to access this exclusive digital music service for RealNetworks and for MTV Networks. V CAST Music with Rhapsody delivers unlimited monthly access to music on up to three Rhapsody-compatible mobile phones and players and online on multiple PCs and Web browsers. In addition, customers who purchase music over-the-air are able to download the master copy of the songs or albums to their PCs free of digital rights management (DRM) software that restricts how and where music can be played.

With this GPS-enabled phone, you'll be able to access the Verizon Wireless VZ Navigator service (additional charges applicable) for voice-prompted turn-by-turn directions, heads-up alerts, local search of nearly 14 million points of interest in the US (such as landmarks, restaurants and ATMs), and detailed color maps.

Getting on the Internet is easy using the Verizon Wireless Mobile Web 2.0 package, which allows you to read and send e-mails, exchange instant messages and view your favorite web content on your phone. The Verizon Wireless Media Center wireless download service is also fully compatible with this phone. This pay-per-download service features application downloads, games and productivity tools. You can also personalize your handset with ringtone downloads using the Media Center service.

A side– sliding, backlit QWERTY keyboard fires off IM–style texts as fast as your thumbs can move (see larger image).

With Mobile Broadband Connect (subscription required), you can use your smartphone as a modem for your notebook when you connect the two using a USB cable--or open a Bluetooth connection--enabling you to access the Internet or your company intranet. The tethered modem capability is ideal when you're traveling and need to use your notebook to check email, access corporate networks, or download large files like presentations and reports. And with Mobile Broadband Connect, you won't have to buy an extra PC Card or other devices.

The 2-megapixel camera makes it a snap to capture still photos and videos while on the go.

Out-thumb your friends with IM-style texting that organizes messages by contact, displaying them in a chat-like format. Messaging is made even faster with a backlit QWERTY keyboard that shows only the characters and numbers you need to use while texting in the dark. One-touch access to text message composition, emoticons, symbols and IM or email lets you quickly chime in and contribute to the chatter. Keep all of your important conversations handy by holding up to 500 text messages in your inbox and outbox.

The phone includes a digital audio player that's compatible with MP3, WMA and unprotected AAC/AAC+ formats. You can create and manage playlists directly on the phone as well as easily sync music from your PC to the Rival via an optional USB cable. You can store music on optional MicroSD memory cards, and the Rival is compatible with cards up to 8 GB in size.

Handsfree communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone provides the latest version of Bluetooth connectivity--version 2.1 + EDR (Enhanced Data Rate), which makes pairing with the included headset as well as other Bluetooth devices a snap. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server (additional charges or subscription applicable).

The 2-megapixel camera can capture still photos in four resolutions (1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, and 320 x 240 pixels as well as a small Picture ID size to add to your phonebook). It also features up to a 7x digital zoom (depending on resolution setting), white balance settings (Auto, Sunny, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Darkness), a self-timer, and multiple color effects. You can also capture video clips in QCIF resolution (176 x 144 pixels) for as long as you have available memory on an inserted memory card.

The Rvial has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging, too, with support for sending and receiving text, picture, and video messages as well as mobile instant messaging (IM). There's also a complete e-mail client on the device for POP- and IMAP-based accounts. And of course, the QWERTY keyboard makes it a snap to type your messages.

Left side.

Right side.

• Backlit QWERTY keyboard for faster messaging; keyboard lights up either characters, numbers or symbols based on entry mode while texting in the dark
• Mobile Email allows access to popular e-mail services such as Yahoo!, Hotmail, AOL and Windows Live
• Instantly connect with friends on AOL Instant Messenger, Windows Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger with Mobile IM
• One-touch access to text message composition, emoticons, symbols, IM and e-mail
• IM-style texting that organizes messages by contact, displaying them in a chat-like format; hold up to 500 text messages in your inbox and outbox
• Corporate Email capable (sync your calendar, contacts and email with Exchange 2003 or 2007)
• Up to 1000 phonebook contacts
• Airplane mode
• Voice commands
• Embedded ringtones, compatible with optional MP3 ringtones
• Vibrating alert and silent mode
• Hearing Aid Compatibility = M3/T3
• 3.5mm headset jack
• Bluetooth Profiles: Headset, Handsfree, Dial Up Networking, Stereo, Phonebook Access, Basic Printing, Basic Imaging, Object Push for vCard and vCalendar & File Transfer

Vital Statistics
The Motorola Rival weighs 4.4 ounces and measures 3.8 x 2.0 x 0.71 inches. Its 940 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5.3 hours (320 minutes) of talk time, and up to 510 hours (21+ days) of standby time. It runs on the CDMA 800/1900 frequencies as well as 1X/EV-DO 3G frequencies.