Motorola ATRIX – Quick Review

So far my experience with the ATRIX has been the best. Right when I got it I did the system update to gingerbread 2.3.4. Since then, the only time its given me trouble is when I use N64oid- a N64 emulator; however, don’t take me wrong the emulator runs flawlessly. Its when you try to save states that the app becomes unresponsive, but that is a problem with the app.

The 2.3.4 keyboard is great, and this one includes Swype. Its extremely accurate and not in the slightest bit laggy! Of course, it works in landscape and portrait positions.

The gui in 2.3.4 as well as the stock MOTOBLUR 2.2.2 is “okay”, but you can use a launcher to easily change the appearance. I suggest Launcher Pro, if you want to replace the stock dock – its free, so the launcherpro widgets wont work unless you buy plus; however android widgets remain available for full use.

Advanced

With the new 2.3.4 update, the Atrix’s bootloader can now be unlocked through fastboot. Alongside this,  2.3.4 enables you to root the Atrix through fastboot as well. While you can unlock the bootloader now, there aren’t any custom roms available yet. Keep your eyes peeled for CM7, as developers are currently testing for Atrix. If your an xda dev you can go download a nightly build and compile/flash right now! BUT, if you are just an intermediate  user like me – it shouldn’t be too long until a final version of CM7 for Atrix is released.

Root

It can be done through fastboot using adb commands very easily. However, there isn’t much point to rooting the ATRIX at the moment unless you undervolt or use juice defender ultimate. Those who want to overclock, we once again play the waiting game for a custom kernel release.EDIT: If you know what you’re doing you can overclock to 1.1ghz with this kernel http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1165938, but don’t do it if your not familiar with this technique. Yet again, with the 1ghz tegra 2 processor there isn’t much point.