First things first: this isn't the first time (in the past quarter) that we've seen a handset vanish from Sprint's website, only to get fanboys riled up and it reappear days later when stock refreshed. That being said, quite a few Q9 / Q9c users are thinking the smartphone may be gone for good from The Now Network. For starters, neither phone is listed on Sprint's website. Furthermore, we're hearing reports that "discontinuation" has been confirmed by a number of Sprint representatives, though no official word seems to have leaked out just yet. Curiously enough, the carrier just posted the Windows Mobile 6.1 update for the Q9c earlier this month, giving us at least a reason to believe the lights aren't shut out entirely just yet.

[Via GearDiary]

It's been a rough couple months for Motorola's handset division -- rumors of a sale, two high-profile executive departures, layoffs, and that pathetic showing at Mobile World Congress -- but today it looks like the company might have some tricks left up its sleeve for CTIA. We're not sure where it came from, but this supposed marketing video popped up on YouTube with shots of several new handsets, all of which jive with rumors we've heard about Moto's upcoming devices, like the Linux-based Ming 2 and the 5 megapixel cameraphone developed with Kodak (pictured above). Other notables are a Q variant running Windows Mobile 6.1 and an odd new music slider that could be the ROKR E10. Of course, none of this is official (and Moto did release a hype-laden video just before MWC only to fall totally flat), but we'd be lying if we said we weren't hoping to see Moto try and come back around at CTIA -- we'll see what happens. Video after the break.

[Via Unwired View]

The first time we had our grubby little paws on the Motorola Q9; it was the 3G version for GSM. We recently had the chance to play around with the CDMA variant for Verizon Wireless labeled the Q9m. The device primarily focuses on being a multimedia centered device first and a Smartphone second. Even though this device is no replacement for your PMP, we feel the device does a pretty good job managing, downloading, and playing one's media library.

Seeing how the original Q came to CDMA first, it'd only make sense that the updated version of the now-ubiquitous QWERTY smartphone -- currently announced only in GSM / HSDPA form as the Q9h -- would return to its roots. Morning Paper (the folks that brought us the Palm Gandolf) is reporting that the Motorola "Nelson" is getting prepped as we speak, offering up Windows Mobile 6, a 2 megapixel cam, miniSD expansion, Bluetooth, and EV-DO data in an "ultra thin" package. As you might recall, the Q9h originally got passed around as the "Norman," so "Nelson" would be a totally appropriate name for a CDMA counterpart. Sprint's getting passed around as a potential carrier for this one (seems logical enough to us) but we'll have to wait this one out for a little more detail before calling it a done deal.

As expected, Amp'd Mobile has gone ahead and rolled out its "MOTOQ, Amp'd Edition," a somewhat fresh take on the now-ubiquitous Windows Mobile Smartphone from Motorola. Besides being offered in the newer, arguably hipper black hue, Amp'd's (isn't it weird to have two apostrophes in a single word?) variant uses a custom interface crafted in Flash Lite to give it a slightly less buttoned-up look and feel than its corporate cousins on Sprint and Verizon. Get it now for $199, and the darlings at Amp'd will even throw in a 256MB miniSD card for good measure.

[Thanks, Riles]

Amp'd first started talking up its upcoming Q a couple weeks back, and thanks to LetsTalk.com and a circulating rebate form, we have some information on pricing now, too. The "MOTO Q, Amp'd Edition" -- or simply "Q," if you're lazy like us -- will go out the door for a nickel under $200 before the application of a $100 rebate. The ubiquitous Windows Mobile Smartphone has some interesting tricks up its sleeves this time around, too (as well it should, considering that this is one of the first times the device has been explicitly marketed away from its business user roots), utilizing a Flash Lite-based app as its primary user interface. Of course, the handset will offer all of Amp'd's rich content, comes in black (more hip than the original silver -- black is the new black, after all), and should find its way into buyers' hands before the month is out.

[Thanks, hajmola]

Read - Official press release
Read - Rebate form [Warning: PDF link]

What's a surefire way to revive a smartphone when it starts to get a little long in the tooth? Why, pull a Nokia: bundle it with some relevant accessories and rebrand it as a "Music Edition," of course! To be perfectly clear, this here Q is the same old Q we know and love; Bell's simply given it a new face by throwing in a 2GB miniSD card, stereo 'phones, and a $25 (CDN, we're assuming) gift card redeemable through the MSN Music Store. Get it by signing up for a three-year contract on a voice / data combo plan -- if you dare -- for $130.

[Thanks, Terry]

Looks like some fool revealed Amp'd's next phone by leaving a user manual up on their downloads site. The irrational obsession with Motorola continues with the Amp'd Q, and while they obviously didn't say when it's coming or for how much, if you didn't already take the chance to buy this thing on Sprint or Verizon (and aren't interested in waiting for its predecessor, the Q q9) then you'll finally have a much hipper carrier option for taking one home. [Warning: PDF link]

[Thanks, Lee H]

Let's all breathe a collective sigh of relief here; we were inclined to think that the "Norman" (their name, not ours) was going to end up becoming the Q2, but a HowardForums member has hooked the world up with something that looks far more refined, and... well, 2007. To be fair, the original Norman picture could've been an early prototype that has since gone back for retooling because the newer picture seems to carry over some elements -- the shape of the d-pad, for example -- while offering up a more rounded exterior (that doesn't look like it was penned by a designer who wasn't loved as a child), a better keypad, and a nifty two-tone scheme. Of course, we won't know the lowdown with certainty until 3GSM next month, but this one looks more believable, no?

Anyone out there still care about getting their hands on the GSM / EDGE Q pictured after the break? Anyone at all? Come on now, don't be shy. Alright, well, anyhoo, Moto's recent webcast detailing its 2007 financial outlook makes mention of just such a device, brining all that love Verizon customers have been enjoying for many moons now to GSM users -- minus the 3G radio, of course. Perhaps the more provocative announcement, though, involves the mysterious Q2 (is that pronounced Q squared?), a device whose formal introduction is promised for 3GSM next month. All we know for now is that it'll come in EV-DO and HSDPA (finally!) flavors, but if we were the betting type, we'd say that this hullabaloo probably has something to do with the "Norman" we saw a while back. Anyone holding off on BlackJack purchases until this all gets sorted out?

[Thanks, Kelvin]

It looks like "around mid-January" is finally upon us, and those looking to grab a dark grey Motorola Q with that unmistakable yellow splash screen need not wait any longer, as Sprint is officially loosing its rendition of the smartphone to citizens everywhere. You've all had time to deliberate by now, considering you've seen all the sneak peeks and even read a hands-on review, so now the real question is how certain are you about locking yourself into a two-year agreement with a provider that won't carry that oh-so-anticipated iPhone? Regardless, Sprint's offering up its Q for $199.99 after all applicable rebates and in exchange for two years of your cellular soul, or you can buy it outright for $449.99 if you should so desire.


[Thanks to everyone who sent this in]

Q, meet BlackJack. BlackJack, Q. Now play nice, fellas.

Those of you patiently waiting for Sprint to officially launch (and make available) its rendition of the Motorola Q can finally breathe a sigh of relief, but you'll still have to wait just a bit longer to actually grab one. Slated to hit webstores "around mid-January" and retail outlets the month after, Sprint's Q isn't quite available to the masses just yet, but LAPTOP Mag got their palms around a pre-production release and promptly threw it on the testing block. Mimicking remarks we made earlier, reviewers noticed the lack of upgrades aside from the Sprint splash screen, logos, and unique "dark grey" hue, and they also found the "less rubberized" feel compared to Verizon's black version less enjoyable to handle. Noting the possibility of including a dedicated volume switch (as on the BlackJack), the crew was also let down by the omitted backlight underneath the keyboard, which Verizon's unit is blessed with. Additionally, surfing the web proved quite a bit slower when compared to Verizon's flavor, but Sprint suggested that "finalized units" wouldn't suffer the same fate. Nevertheless, not all was doom and gloom, as they did take note of the exclusive NFL Mobile functionality as well as the bundled Handmark application -- dubbed On Demand -- that loaded up "news, weather, directions, and other information optimized for the Moto Q's screen within seconds." Overall, this Q proved to be a bit of letdown considering what it could have been, and if only Sprint would've taken the time to add support for its Sprint TV and Music services, at least something would've stood out from the competition. As it stands, however, the Q still isn't a bad choice, and it was noted that Sprint's cheap unlimited data could swing contract-less buyers in its direction, but if you were hoping for a revamped, refreshed offering from big yellow, you'll be sorely disappointed.

Read - Motorola Q officially launches on Sprint
Read - LAPTOP Mag reviews Sprint's Motorola Q

We've still got our eyes on Sprint's Q-with-extra-sexy they've been prepping, but for now Verizon continues to bogart Moto's slim smartphone, and has just released the new medium-sexy Motorola Q Black as expected. The new Q bears the same $199 pricetag of its silver counterpart, but features a $50 rebate instead of the $100 rebate of its sibling, giving Black a $50 premium over its drab companion. Instead of the original's holster, the Black features a carrying case, and there's that "MOL2" update to enjoy, but otherwise there isn't much new to see here. The black coloring apparently isn't only skin deep, so scratches shouldn't reveal anything embarrassing, so that's good news. While you can snag this thing right now online, it won't be showing up in retail until January 12th, according do our tipsters last week. We should also be seeing that MOL2 software update, which irons out a few kinks and improves battery life, rolled out to those gen 1 Qs shortly.

[Via Qusers]

Release dates have played with our emotions in the past and we are sure they will be played with again, but this time we have some faith in our tipster. Looks like Verizon Wireless has decided to internally announce their newest Windows Mobile 5.0 Smartphone to the lineup, the Black Motorola Q. Now, we know that it looks similar to its silver brother externally, but it comes with a software update named MOL2. This update corrects such issues as the Goodlink data stall issue, adds jog dial control via Bluetooth headset and improves battery life. Expect this black bad boy to cost an extra $50 across the board and to be out on the web December 12th and in retail January 12th. So how far behind will Sprint be? Guesses, anyone??

[Thanks, Corys00 and HTC Kid]