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As a supposed BlackBerry killer, one would expect the Q smartphone could instantaneously receive e-mail through push e-mail technology. The problem is Verizon and Motorola haven't delivered a usable client to enable push e-mail support on the Q with Microsoft Exchange. So it can't.

I say usable because a few days ago Motorola actually posted the update with the push-client, known as AKU2, as part of a larger software patch, but before you could say "BlackBerry Enterprise Server," they pulled it—only a couple of days later. The problem: It turned out the patch was only a beta.

In the meantime, Motorola requests that nobody install the software, which is fairly easy to obtain for the those who didn't do so while the company had it up directly on its Web site. And if Q owner does so, Motorola says it is at their own risk, as any damage caused by the patch won't be covered by warranty.

Some Q users are understandably peeved by the position Motorola's has taken on the matter. The file was up for two days with no disclaimer about installing it before Motorola pulled it after all. So they feel the bit about the cell phone vendor not having any responsibility is unfair to say the least.

In addition to enabling push e-mail, when completed and re-posted, the ROM update should also allow you to use the Q as a modem for a laptop through Dial-Up Networking (DUN). It also adds frames support to the smartphone's Web browser. You'll also be able to send SMS messages to someone's e-mail address and separate Bluetooth from Flight Mode so you can use wireless headsets on airplanes for listening to music.

When Motorola posts the update again, expect to see it here. You can sign up to be notified when it arrives as well.

See our review of the Motorola Q

Motorola Q
The Q, along with the Samsung SGH-i320, is the thinnest smartphone with a QWERTY thumb-keyboard - just 11.5 millimeters thick - yet. It measures a compact 4.6 x 2.5 x 0.45 inches.

Verizon sells it for only a consumer–friendly $199.99 after a $100 instant rebate when purchased with a qualified Verizon voice and a data plan with two-year service agreement. That’s half as much as comparable Treos from Palm, Inc.

Leveraging the Windows Mobile 5.0 for Smartphone OS , like the Samsung, the Q is built in the mold of RIM’s BlackBerry and Palm’s Treo. Like the Palm Treo 700w and 700p, it is supports high-speed EVDO (Evolution Data Optimized) broadband, which averages data connection speeds of 400 to 700 kbps.

Additional features of the Q include a 320 x 240-pixel screen - not touch because it is a Windows Smartphone and not a Pocket PC, not a Pocket PC like the Treo 700w - dual stereo speakers, Bluetooth 1.2 for personal area networking (connecting to headsets, printers) and a 1.3 megapixel camera with photo lighting for picture and video. There's a miniSD slot for storage expansion, 64 MB of RAM, 128 MB of Flash ROM, as well as a 5-way navigation button and thumb wheel.