Motorola’s new phones include green effort

Motorola Inc. introduced three mobile phones last week at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, including the first in a developing line of “eco-Moto” products.

The Moto W233 Renew is in line with the unofficial green theme of the 2009 CES. Several product makers introduced items that consume less energy or are made of recycled materials. Schaumburg, Ill.-based Motorola is using recycled water bottles for the plastic housing of the Renew, which will be available at T-Mobile in the first quarter.

Motorola didn’t disclose a price for the Renew, but a spokeswoman said it will be “very affordable.”

Motorola also introduced the Tundra VA76r, a phone that can withstand drops, rain and severe temperature swings. The “rugged” phone will include two microphones to improve call quality and became available from AT&T on Tuesday.

Finally, the MotoSurf A3100 smart phone will be launched in Asia and Latin America in the first quarter. The touch-controlled phone will run on the Windows Mobile 6.1 software platform.

Motorola said there are no U.S. launch plans for the MotoSurf.

That’s a shame since U.S. consumers have been waiting for a follow-up to the Moto Q smart phone, launched in 2006.

XEric Benderoff writes about technology for the Chicago Tribune. Contact him at ebenderofftribune.com.

2009 Chicago Tribune