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Whoa, Don't Buy That Sexy Razr Phone Just Yet

Posted by Anne B. McDonald | Friday, March 10, 2006 4:26 PM PT

This just in from our friend Bob McMillan of IDG News Service: T-Mobile, Cingular will pull the Motorola Razr due to a glitch.

Bob says T-Mobile and Cingular Wireless have suspended sales of Motorola's Razr cell phones because of a bug that causes some of the ultra-thin mobile phones to drop calls.

The problem affects "a very limited number of Razr handsets sold for GSM [Global System for Mobile Communications] networks over the last four weeks," said Alan Buddendeck, a Motorola spokesman. Only T-Mobile and Cingular have suspended sales of the phones, he added.

"A handset that has this issue may disconnect calls, power down and then automatically restart," he said. Motorola is not saying what component of the Razr is responsible for the problem or what specific Razr models are affected.

Motorola and the wireless carriers have taken steps to ensure that customers can exchange defective phones, according to Buddendeck.

The two carriers suspended sales of the phones earlier this week so that Motorola could go through inventory supplies and recall systems with the affected component, a process that should soon be completed, according to Buddendeck. "Within the next week, we expected everything to be back to normal with respect to availability," he said.

T-Mobile began pulling Razr V3 phones from retail outlets on Wednesday, said T-Mobile spokesman Peter Dobrow. "There was a defective component in a limited number of shipments to us from Motorola during the month of February," he said. "Since there's no way to tell at retail which units, [were defective] for the best interests of our customers we pulled them from our shelves."

T-Mobile customers with defective Razrs should call the company's customer support line (611 or 1-800-937-8997) to arrange for a replacement phone, Dobrow said.

Cingular was not available for comment.

Thanks, Bob!

Comments (84)

If you got the phone when that first came out do you just contact cingular (Razr)? They are all the same model number are that difference.

allen
March 11, 2006
9:57 AM PT

Would you care to say that just one more time for those of us who didn't get it the 3rd time. :)

Chris
March 11, 2006
10:10 AM PT

If you got the phone when they first came out do you just contact cingular (Razr)? They are all the same model number or are they
difference.

allen
March 11, 2006
12:03 PM PT

I'm sorry, I still didn't get that. 1 more time? ;)

C
March 11, 2006
12:59 PM PT

All together now ...

A
March 11, 2006
1:12 PM PT

If you got the phone when they first came out do you just contact cingular (Razr)? They are all the same model number or are they
difference.

Cheech
March 11, 2006
1:40 PM PT

I don't follow.... it is when you got the phone when the first time come out Razr what ? And yes, they are all the different model with the same number.

KoRuS
March 11, 2006
2:09 PM PT

God dam some people are annoying

Bman
March 11, 2006
2:16 PM PT

Alright people, seriously...I have a RAZR that I didn't buy from Cingular (though I am a Cingular customer), and I've experienced this disonnecting and powering down as described above. Does anyone know if this is something that could be fixed if I brought it into a Cingular store, or something I should contact Motorola about?

Paul
March 11, 2006
2:26 PM PT

this doesn't affect the veriazon razr v3c does it??

Johnny
March 11, 2006
2:27 PM PT

Mine powered down, but I took the battery out and put it back in and it hasn't happened again. This is my second razr, however; the first one kept freezing up. Same problem???

Lois
March 11, 2006
4:00 PM PT

dude

Stephanie
March 11, 2006
4:17 PM PT

If you got the phone when they first came out just contact verizon

jon doe
March 11, 2006
4:25 PM PT

My razr won't power on even after taking out the battery and putting it back in. It won't even power on after being fully charged and with straight current.

Bart
March 11, 2006
4:28 PM PT

Has anyone experience any problem with dust on the inside screen? If so, any solution?

vc
March 12, 2006
1:37 AM PT

I have dust inside the screen it's driving me NUTS...don't have a solution yet.

Fran
March 12, 2006
5:43 AM PT

Yes, the dust sucks.

Anonymous
March 12, 2006
6:42 AM PT

i got my razr phone in January from T-mobile and last weekend, the buttons stopped working all of a sudden! I took out the battery and that didn't help. Not only were the buttons frozen, but the number "6" kept showing up on my screen as if I was entering it but I wasn't! Anyway I just ordered another on Friday. Has anyone else experienced this? (And it's not "locked" either b/c I can recieve calls)

Nic
March 12, 2006
7:50 AM PT

Yeah i have dust in my screen too- tried taking the phone apart too...no luck, but didnt want to pry off the outer layer of screen though, perhaps someone with a larger set of family jewels or more knowledge of how the screens are made could try?

Zootsuitpenguin
March 12, 2006
9:02 AM PT

http://reviews.cnet.com/5208-7817-0.html?forumID=74&threadID=150685&messageID=1763433

This guy has balls. :)

Zootsuitpenguin
March 12, 2006
9:09 AM PT

...NEVER buy a new technology product when it first comes out... Wait until the market works all of the bugs out of it THEN buy it-

Sparkjockey
March 12, 2006
9:32 AM PT

Verizon (& Alltel) phones use different technology than Tmobile & Cingular. I would imagine this defect only affects GSM carriers. As far as dust, most phones collect dust under their screen. The best solution is to get a case to cut down on the amount of lint & dust near the phone. The sticking keys are common because of the thin design of this phone & the design of the keypad itself. Usually issues like that aren't covered by motorola's limited warranty. A word to the wise for anyone who wants a RAZR: GET INSURANCE!!!!

Nick
March 12, 2006
10:04 AM PT

i wonder if this is a problem with most motorola phones, i have nextel i850 and i have had this problem with the phone shutting down and turning back on, also people calling me and not getting any missed calls. i then canceled nextel called cingular to buy the razor so the guy tells me that it would get to me in two to three days, and the next day i got an email saying the razor was on back order and "they don't know when they would get any in" i wonder if this is why.

sunagod
March 12, 2006
11:30 AM PT

oh dont forget to add the jolly ranchers

mikejones
March 12, 2006
11:49 PM PT

wtf are you on about?

Anonymous
March 13, 2006
6:21 AM PT

I thought this was a serious web site for ADULTS. Can we please stick to the ssubject??? The RAZR!!

SW
March 13, 2006
7:45 AM PT

What a bunch of whack jobs! I can't believe I read through this gargage! Stop taking your ****ing cell phone so seriosly. Get a life!

John
March 13, 2006
8:02 AM PT

just buy the sony w600

Jason
March 13, 2006
8:45 AM PT

For the dust problem it's easy enough to get the flip apart if you have a #5 torx driver. Just get the screws out then use a very small flat head screwdriver and pry gently at the holes on the sides of the flip (speaker outlest) until it pops apart Don't be afraid just be careful. Also beware that the housing is "glued" to the parts on the inside in some places so just pull them apart carefully. When you get it apart you'll need a can of compressed air with a needle nose to blow the dust out. And as quickly as possible put it back together after the dust is gone (because you're likely to get more dust in there other wise). Or you can just complain to Motorola....they take their quality seriously (at least they used to) and this is something they are testing for extensively. They might just exchange the phone for you.

Mak
March 13, 2006
9:12 AM PT

I already got a razr and it is awsome. WOOT!

BULLHAKLBLAH
March 13, 2006
9:41 AM PT

Has anyone contacted Cingular? TOTAL JERKS ABOUT IT!!!!! Uh sir if the phone is a recall phone but hasnt started doing the dropped calls even though there is a recall just keep using it till it happens. Hopefully you wont be in a situation where it is an emergency AND YOUR FREAKING SCREWED!!!!!!! Howd that be?

rt
March 13, 2006
9:56 AM PT

i have a razr and there is an annoying buzzing noise coming through the speaker. It happens when i just open the phone. not sure what its all about. i contacted cingular and they said i could get a new one but it would be refurbished. I would rather have a new one. any comments would be greatly appreciated.

Buck
March 13, 2006
10:00 AM PT

DO NOT GO SEE OPEN WATER!!! This is worse than Michael Flatly doing his Riversheit Dance.

UpYoursOpenWater
March 13, 2006
10:40 AM PT

yo wat is

master p
March 13, 2006
10:48 AM PT

You know it is funny - this is the same thing that has happened on all my GSM Motorola Phones - that and they would lock up and I woujld have to pull the battery if I activated call waiting to answer a call - really REALLY annoys the girlfreind though... Finally I got tired of T-mobile and Motorola's crap and Bought a Crackberry

Boston Shon
March 13, 2006
10:49 AM PT

It took me three months to get e replacement phone from cingular. I must have called 30 times. Then they said they sent one. It took another two hours to find out that it didn't get shipped, and they didn't know why.

I finally got to an escalation manager, he tried to another Cingular person to finalize arrangements to ship another. For some reason, she could hear him but he could not hear her on a call. So I ended up briging them on my conference phone !!!

Anyway, I finally got my replacement & a package to ship back the bad phone. I did. Then a week later, I got another phone, with a package to ship back the broken phone. Rather that try to call them and tell them about their mistake, I just mailed back the brand new phone they just sent me.

How screwed up does a company have to be that a customer would even have a story like that to tell ?

CEO@cingular.com
March 13, 2006
10:49 AM PT

Buck - any comments = you should wait at least an hour after swimming before going in to the buffet. I agree with John - IT IS JUST A CELL PHONE, get a life or leave those of us with one, alone. Assholes.

SIC
March 13, 2006
10:56 AM PT

What was that drink again? Vodka and Vicodeine??

Mike
March 13, 2006
11:05 AM PT

Open Water is a great movie, what are you talking about? A little tough to believe but very suspenseful!

Rent open water
March 13, 2006
11:08 AM PT

What does iodine, Sudafed, caps for a capgun, distilled water, denatured alcahol, have in common?

Mikee
March 13, 2006
11:09 AM PT

Open Water is a great movie, what are you talking about? A little tough to believe but very suspenseful!

Rent open water
March 13, 2006
11:09 AM PT

Has anyone been to the jackshack on Peidmont Rd? If so, let me know yuor experiences? Were the chicks hot? Do they speak english or are they all Asian? what kind of lotion do they use?

P Diddy
March 13, 2006
11:14 AM PT

If you got the phone when they first came out do you just contact cingular (Razr)? They are all the same model number are that difference.

Greg
March 13, 2006
11:16 AM PT

Seriously she was like "Ah me so hurny, me luv u long time!" I mean she was nasty.

RiverDanceUpInYa
March 13, 2006
11:17 AM PT

The Razr is a good phone to talk on when you are sniffing glue and fingerbanging your girlfriend.

Anonymous
March 13, 2006
11:22 AM PT

The Razr is a good phone to talk on when you are sniffing glue and fingerbanging your girlfriend.

doodie
March 13, 2006
11:23 AM PT

SIC, John....Why do you care what these people do about their cell phones? Anyway, what life do you have if you post messages in a cell phone blog telling strangers they care to much about their cell phones? If you feel that way why are you even on this website!?!?! Buzz off. Quit taking space.

Mark
March 13, 2006
11:33 AM PT

Does this mean i can get a razor for cheap now? T minus count down for ebay!

Anonymous
March 13, 2006
11:38 AM PT

gee, I guess this means that Bill gates has invaded Cell phone territory?! I.e., shipe the product before it's actually ready, and then leave it to the customers to do his beta testing.
Why can't he just leave well enough alone, and stick with ruining computer systems.

Sunny
March 13, 2006
12:24 PM PT

wow! we sure gots ourselves some funny people here... dillholes.

some one
March 13, 2006
12:30 PM PT

dropped calls on a cell phone, realllllllyy? i can't believe it

a
March 13, 2006
12:41 PM PT

i called up t-mobile asking for a replacement phone...they took away my phone and have not bothered to send a replacement.....its been two weeks now and i am frustated..what r my options now ???

idiot
March 13, 2006
1:04 PM PT

this list of group q/a emphasizes my point that IRC/discussion groups can be highly addictive, time consuming, and in many cases, a waste of bandwidth. did anyone have any problems with their RaZR? Ever hear about letting the model get bug tested first?

RBF
March 13, 2006
1:24 PM PT

sue them

lawyer
March 13, 2006
1:27 PM PT

We may know it by different terms -- such as griping, grumbling, whining, or belly-aching. In the King James version of the Bible, the common term used was ?murmuring.? But regardless of the word we use to describe it, complaining always has the has the same syptoms. The dictionary defines it as ?an expression of unhappiness, dissatisfaction, or discontent.? Complaining is the outward expression of discontent from within.

Kenneth
March 13, 2006
1:37 PM PT

As we look back into the Old Testament and see how God dealt with the Children of Israel, we discover that the Lord always considered their complaints as an act of unbelief directed toward Him. When they complained about their circumstances, their type of food, and even at Moses, God was displeased because they weren?t thankful for what He had provided them. He was disappointed that they refused to trust in Him to provide, protect, and direct the order of their lives. ?Now when the people complained, it displeased the LORD; for the LORD heard it, and His anger was aroused. So the fire of the LORD burned among them, and consumed some in the outskirts of the camp? (Numbers 11:1).

Kenneth
March 13, 2006
1:42 PM PT

Complaining is Evidence of Unbelief

Regardless of whatever circumstances may cause discontent or dissatisfaction, complaining is always an expression of unbelief toward God?s order in our life. You see, the whole premise of Christianity is that Jesus becomes the Lord (boss) of our life and our circumstances. They are in his hands. Thus, if believers complain, it really becomes an accusation against our Lord, in whom we?ve trusted our lives. ?...for the LORD hears your complaints which you make against Him. And what are we? Your complaints are not against us but against the LORD? (Ex. 16:8). (See also Psm. 106:24-26)


Complaining is unbelief in God?s Word which says ?...all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose? (Rom. 8:28). If the Christian really believes that the Lord is in control of their life, and is working ?ALL THINGS together for our good,? he will stop complaining and start thanking the Lord for the plan He is working together for us.


Even when the Devil comes against our faith with trials that are ?not so good,? God will even turn these situations around and ?work them together for good? as we remain steadfast in faith. Don?t become bitter and start complaining, but continue to praise God and give thanks to God ?in spite? of all things. This will prevent the Devil from overcoming you with discouragement and will send him fleeing. ?In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you? (1 Thess. 5:18).


Thanksgiving is the expression of gratefulness and faith in God, and is the very opposite of complaining. Giving of thanks expresses appreciation for what God has done, what He has promised, and the confidence that He is directing our life with His order and provision. God will answer prayers and work in the behalf of the thankful (Psm. 50:14-15).

Kenneth
March 13, 2006
1:45 PM PT

Complaining gives Place to the Devil


The Apostle Paul warned Christians to avoid the danger of complaining. ?...nor complain, as some of them also complained, and were destroyed by the destroyer? (1 Cor. 10:10). In this Paul indicated that complaining actually gives place to the Devil in our lives and opens the door to destruction by Satan (the destroyer). The Devil thrives in an atmosphere of complaining. Complaining can literally invoke a curse of destruction as it did in the lives of the Israelites who were destroyed in the wilderness.


The Israelites kept complaining that they were going to die in the wilderness (Num. 14:2-3), so the Lord finally got fed up with their whining and actually allowed their complaints to come upon them. He said, ?How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who complain against Me? I have heard the complaints which the children of Israel make against Me. Say to them, As I live, says the LORD, just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you: The carcasses of you who have complained against Me shall fall in this wilderness, all of you who were numbered, according to your entire number, from twenty years old and above? (Num. 14:27-29). The Lord allowed the Destroyer to answer their complaints with the very destruction that they confessed and predicted.


Kenneth
March 13, 2006
1:47 PM PT

Had a lot of cell phone problems in OT times did they?

David
March 13, 2006
2:36 PM PT

Quit complaining kenny.

Anonymous
March 13, 2006
2:47 PM PT

If you got the phone when they first came out do you just contact cingular (Razr)? They are all the same model number or are they
difference.

jackson's hole
March 13, 2006
3:16 PM PT

I have another piece of advice from someone who has had a couple of Moto hpnes--don't get them. They suck.

Billy
March 13, 2006
3:32 PM PT

If you got the phone when they first came out do you just contact cingular (Razr)? They are all the same model number or are they
difference.

Deja Vu
March 13, 2006
3:59 PM PT

same problems
just another ripoff

Anonymous
March 13, 2006
4:37 PM PT

My Razr is over a year old and I've had screen flicker/auto-rebooting problems with it for about the last 6 months.
blue tooth headaches also, I'm now on my 3rd motorola bluetooth earbud. (all 3 different models)
In carefully weighing the *hassle* of Customer SERVICE vs. a properly working product, I came to the following conclusion.
Guess What?
my next phone will be a nokia.

OldMotorolaGuy
March 13, 2006
4:39 PM PT

Yeah, you know that Jesus' first phone didn't work - had a similar problem as that described above. He took it back, got a new one, and has been in heaven ever since.

bud
March 13, 2006
4:44 PM PT

I just bought a Razr from T Mobile and I have had problems with it dropping calls it hasn't reset itse;f like others are stating... But when I use the Video Camera it seems to have some problems. It freezes and the cam clips can only run for 5 seconds.. I think its messed up. I have also noticed that the craphics that come pre loaded on the phone that move... do not move when you set them as a wallpaper or a screensaver. In fact... i've never even seen the screen saver feature work. I'm wondering if it will even be worth the hassle to contact them.

James Gordon
March 14, 2006
5:12 PM PT

I'm having the same problem with the v330. We have three of them on a family plan. I have been getting a run around by T-mobile and Motorola. They treated me like we had damaged our phones and there were not responsible.

Shari
March 14, 2006
6:36 PM PT

If you got the phone when they first came out do you just contact cingular (Razr)? They are all the same model number or are they
difference.

Brilliant

Keny
March 16, 2006
12:47 PM PT

I got my Razr (T-Mobile) in Feb. and the volume is unbelievably low. The highest setting is 7 and in order to hear anyone I have to have total silence..no radio, no TV, and in the car the windows have to be closed! Everyone sounds so far away & muffled. They can hear me fine though. I returned the phone and now the 2nd one is worse! T-Mobile says they are not aware of any volume problems ??...does anyone out there have a problem with their Razr volume.

AC
March 18, 2006
9:55 AM PT

if cingular stop sells on the razor phone then what phone will we get in exchange for the default phones?

Gamesta
March 18, 2006
2:37 PM PT

The old StarTac they worked all the time and a friend of mine still to this day uses his.

MotorolaSales
March 20, 2006
9:12 AM PT

My friend told me about the recall so I was trying to get more info, I have the razr but I have Verizon service so the recall doesn't affect me. I have had a small problem with my phone, I read through the comments to see if anyone else metioned this and have not seen it yet. I sometimes have a small bubble in my screen.....if I touch it it moves around and then eventually goes away but always comes back. Has anyone else had this problem? I am wondering if this is a manufacturer issue or insurance issue...Thanks for any info!

A
March 21, 2006
12:05 AM PT

i have all these issues with a razor and a t mobile phone.

They siggested to replace my battery and charge me shipping.

After I challenged them they remembered that there is a recall

I ma never buying a Motorola again.... I had Nokia for many years and had never a problem

zwie amitai
March 22, 2006
8:23 AM PT

Question: I have a razor phone w/cingular and it is messed up and the key pad doesnt work. The only button that will work is the power/end button. But I can still receive calls i just can't make any calls. does anyone know how or If you cant take the phone apart to get to the keypad?? Help

Crissy
March 22, 2006
9:37 AM PT

I am having a problem with the hinge of my phone. it seems loose? anyone?

Anonymous
March 26, 2006
8:50 PM PT

I have a new razor. can anybody help me? whenever I look to see who has called..its says "unavailable" It will show who i called. but not who called..driving me nuts!! help!!

Lynda
March 29, 2006
7:31 PM PT

help!! why wont my razor show me who has called? all it says is "unavailable" It will show numbers dialed out..not numbers received.

Lynda
March 29, 2006
7:33 PM PT

My razor just started having all its buttons stop working. Sometimes when i press something it'll say 7, but usually it does nothing. Taking battery out does nothing. I hope they replace it! I bought it in Jan 06.

Rob Anderson
April 07, 2006
7:44 AM PT

I've had nothing but trouble with the two that I have. We had to replace one and now mine is not working at all.

It said something about Emergency calls only and to insert SIM. I opened it up. Made sure everyting was good and it shut off from there.
Crap.

What I want to know is... can we get are fucking money back.

Anonymous
April 08, 2006
1:48 PM PT

Just went round and round with motorola customer support about the razr phone. Seems they haven't heard of any problems with dust behind the screen or keys. Tried to get them to replace it but I would have to send my phone to them first (then i'd be with out...grrr). My provider doesn't seem to want to help either, they say they need proof that motorola says there is a problem...now you see my issue. No one wants to take responsibility. Moral of the story----don't by a razr.

M&M
June 05, 2006
3:47 PM PT

I bought my phone off ebay, and it worked really great for a long time, but now its having problems! First the volume button on the side stopped working (I can turn the volume up but not down w/ ringtones, but I'm just stuck w/ super loud talking volume!) and then today my text messages stopped working! I can do anything but send texts! I can even recieve texts, but the moment I go to reply, my phone freezes up! The only way for me to get back to the normal screen is to take out the battery & put it back in.
ugh. I dunno what to do.
I had a nokia 6101 & it made me too angry. I deleted all the ringtones & wallpapers & screen savers it came with and it STILL said memory was too full!!! I even started deleting names out of my address book! The memory was still full!! Thats when I went to the razr!

ashley
June 09, 2006
11:06 PM PT

I have a razr that will no longer let me text. When I try the phone freezes up. I can use it for phone calls, however, when I try to use the text it freezes and I have to take the battery out to get it to work again. Anyone know what that means and how to fix the problem? Or who to contact. The phone was purchased through ebay without insurance or warranty. Thanks

Kim
June 16, 2006
9:42 PM PT

I heard that some RAZR phones actually catch on fire??? Now, that's really hot!!!

pirate
June 29, 2006
6:15 AM PT