Gadget Review
Reviewed: Acer Liquid [Android]
Rating 
I was quite surprised when I learned that PC manufacturer Acer, which is best known for its netbooks, also makes smart phones, and it is was a pleasant surprise as the Acer Liquid handset takes a minimalist approach while showcasing the best of the Android mobile OS.
The Acer Liquid smart phone comes in both white and black. I tested the white model and the first thing you notice about this phone is how big it is but not in a clunky or imposing way, and it's not that heavy, either. It feels like a proper, serious smart phone.
It actually has the same size screen as the iPhone and is about the same in terms of width and length but is a little thicker.
Various widgets on the Acer Liquid Android smart phone
My chief experience of the Android phone to date has been through HTC handsets and the Sense user interface. Acer has its own interface but this is quite basic with no bells and whistles so it is up to you to populate and customise your phone in the same way as you would your desktop - an approach I quite liked.
There are a few Acer widgets here: an analog clock, music player, video player (nemoPlayer), one for displaying your snaps and a calendar widget, too.
Aside from that, the world is your oyster inside Android Market and so far for Ireland all available apps are free.
As with all Android handsets, getting set up is straight forward and you sign into the phone using your Google ID. This phone is pretty cool but it is only as amazing as the apps make it and there are some great Android apps that the iPhone App Store doesn't yet have.
At 5 megapixels, the camera is more than capable of capturing good photos, and the screen itself is bright, clear and sharp although I would argue that the Nexus One screen is marginally better in terms of definition.
The screen itself goes black and blends into the overall black front of the handset while at rest, giving it stylish finish.
There are no physical buttons on the front of the Liquid: with a volume button on the right hand side and a power button on the left, the face itself - including the home button - is all touch.
One such app that makes this and other Android handsets so great is Google Goggles: a visual search app that uses your camera to point and shoot a logo, book, poster or other object and then trawls Google to find relevant links. It is quite accurate but don't expect it to recognise mugs, chairs or other innocuous objects.
Price: €349 RRP (SIM free)
Get it: Online from sites including Pixmania.ie (currently selling for €339 here)
Topmost photo: The Acer Liquid smart phone
By Marie Boran
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