Can Razr 2 Save Motorola?

In recent weeks, we've heard a lot about Apple's iPhone. We've heard so much about it, in fact, that few of us remember the sleekest cell before it. That of course, was the Motorola RAZR.

Desperate to regain some of its past glory, Motorola will release its slim handheld in an entirely new version. It's unsurprisingly (and un-originally) called RAZR 2.

This weekend will mark the release of Motorola's new device, a rather desperate attempt to remind consumers that extremely thin cell phones, and not extremely expensive and feature-laden devices, were once the toast of the market.

Behind the scenes, Motorola is depending on the RAZR 2's success. In fact, it's not an enormous leap to suggest that the company is in dire need of a resurgence in popularity. According to reports, Motorola lost an astounding $158 million in the second quarter of this year alone. With that loss went its market share, dropping like a rock some 31.6 per cent from this time in 2006. (Source: tgdaily.com)

There is hope for the RAZR, however. Support comes from far and wide, with Alltel, AT&T, US Cellular, Sprint, Verizon Wireless, and T-Mobile all pushing the device for a strong two-week period. Unfortunately, it's no real bargain next to the iPhone: Sprint will sell the RAZR 2 for $250 with a 2-year contract, with AT&T and Verizon Wireless asking consumers to fork over $300. Unlocked versions have made their way to the web already, with prices ranging from a very low $470 to the suggested retail price of $799.95. (Source: cnet.com)

The RAZR 2 follows its predecessor in its physical form. In fact, the new RAZR is 2 mm thinner than its papa, and many insiders argue that it's also built much stronger. That's because steel now comprises the inner frame, with aluminum, magnesium, and various plastic components making up the rest.

Features revolve around a 2.2" QVGA display, 2.0 MP camera, and either 512 MB or 2 GB of integrated memory. (Source: tgdaily.com)

Given past criticism of the RAZR's build quality, the improvements should appease those who haven't yet emptied their bank accounts for Apple's brawny competition.

But, is it too late for Motorola?