Here comes another Android phone for Verizon Wireless.

The DEVOUR is Verizon's third Android phone - its second Android smartphone built by Motorola (everyone knows about the top-of-the-line DROID) - and its first to include Motorola's MOTOBLUR interface.

Motorola's DEVOUR is a solidly built, side-slider handset. The block-like, squared-off case seems to be constructed out of aluminum with some rubberized black plastic inserts on the sides. The screen covers a physical QWERTY keyboard and slides north to reveal the QWERTY, just like a Sidekick. There is an optical track-pad on the front - right under the screen. The slider action is smooth and the overall build quality is very high. It should be. DEVOUR weighs nearly 6 ounces.

The Guts

Inside is a Qualcomm MSM 7627 processor (just like the Palm Pixi has). For those who enjoy the Android version tracking game, the DEVOUR runs on version 1.6 of the Android OS. The screen is a 3.1-inch (diagonal) TFT design. There's a 3 megapixel still/video camera on the back, 802.11 b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, APGS and an 8GB microSD card inside, expandable to up to 32GB. The 1400 mAh Lithium-ion battery is said to last as long as 389 minutes - and as much as 443 hours of standby per charge. In the real world, expect to get a full day's worth of work out of your DEVOUR before it nods off.

The DEVOUR packs all of the usual bells and whistles you'd expect on an Android device (Gmail, Google Maps, Google Talk, Google Search and Android Market just to name a few), and also touts additional features from Verizon (V CAST Music with Rhapsody, Visual Voice Mail, V CAST Video, VZ Navigator, etc.). On top of that, you've got all the features associated with MOTOBLUR (Caller ID and a Phonebook that sync with your social networks, Photo Sharing via MySpace, Photobucket, Picasa and Facebook, special customized home screens and messaging options).

Surprisingly Spry, Splendidly Sturdy

The DEVOUR runs on Verizon's speedy 3G network so speed is never a problem. As a matter of fact, even though the DEVOUR doesn't use a high-end Snapdragon processor, the phone handles tasks very well. There's barely any lag between pressing an icon to start a program and the program actually opening and being ready for use - quite impressive for an entry-level smartphone.

And I must mention the sliding screen mechanism. It's terrific. Unlike some other sliders (from nearly all cell phone manufacturers - including Motorola) this one is solid and smooth. It's a pleasure to use and feels like it should stay that way after months of heavy use.

On the other hand (apropos, considering you almost need two hands to handle this bulky smartphone) the DEVOUR is solid but it's heavy. Sometimes a cell phone looks like it's heavy and you're surprised when you hold it in your hand. Sometimes a phone looks lightweight and it's not. In this case the phone looks heavy - and it IS! Let me put it this way: I wouldn't plan on carrying it in my shirt pocket without reinforcing the stitching.

Pricing is the icing on this Android Cake

I'm not too fond of the hardware QWERTY keyboard either. The keys have good feel but are placed way too far apart to promote speed typing of any manner. I actually found it easier to type on the DEVOUR's on-screen keyboard. One more complaint: I'm not sure why Motorola placed the optical track-pad on the side of the screen. I would have preferred to have the trackpad beneath the display and centered, like it is on a BlackBerry. This isn't a major problem, of course - it just bothers my sensibilities.

All in all, the DEVOUR is a somewhat mixed bag. But, there is one very compelling reason to consider this smartphone: The price. Expect Verizon Wireless to introduce the Motorola DEVOUR at $99.99 (or slightly less) with the usual tax, tip and two-year service contract. Oddly, the handset is already available at all Best Buy Mobile locations ($99.99, no rebate required).

At the magic $99.99 price point, the Motorola DEVOUR could actually be a contender.