The phone is built on the Android platform 1.5. Motorola features Motoblur, which integrates multiple social network service sites on the homescreen. This cannot be uninstalled or disabled unless the phone is modified.
It has a full QWERTY keypad with a "reverse flip" design. When the device is closed and the screen is visible to the user, the reverse side is the keypad itself. Opening the device causes the screen to flip so that it rests above the keypad.
Specifications
The specifications according to the Motorola website in June 2010:
Hardware
Model MB300
Screen size: 3.1-in.
Screen resolution: HVGA
Weight: 4.7 oz
Size: 53.0 × 108.0 × 15.3 mm
Input devices: QWERTY keyboard, touchscreen, Backtrack navigation pad behind screen
Users may customize their phones by installing apps through the Android Market; however, some carriers do not give users the option to install non-market apps onto the Backflip. This has created some controversy with users, as the non-market apps are often seen as a useful way to expand a phone's capabilities. Users can circumvent this limitation by manually installing 3rd party apps using the tools included with the SDK while the handset is connected to a computer.
Reviews
Reviews are generally mixed to unfavorable. Michael Oryl, of "Mobileburn.com," likes the "Backtrack" trackpad on the back of the phone, but points out that large hands often activate it accidentally. Victor Godinez, of The Dallas Morning News, suggests that the phone is aimed towards social networkers, and points out that the price is higher than other options with additional features such as the iPhone.
On November 9, 2010, a downloadable update, AndroidOS 2.1 and a compatible version of MotoBlur was released by Motorola for AT&T Backflip customers, U.S. only. The update is unavailable over-the-air. Since then Eclair is available for phones outside U.S. that are rooted with custom recoveries installed and radio updated. CyanogenMod 7.2 is available through official releases. Other custom roms are also available.
Overclocking
is possible via overclocking kernels and direct overclocking. Overclocking is available up to 768 MHz on the official cyanogenmod 7 rom.
Multitouch
Since this phone lacks the multitouch feature, a patch was made available for the froyo rom. However many testers have reported problems with the touchscreen which becomes jerky and eventually ceases to operate.
