|
Before the introduction of
Windows-powered Smartphones, many people resorted to carrying around two
devices...a Pocket PC and a mobile phone. Now that Smartphones have hit
the market, a majority are actually ditching their Pocket PC's as they have found
one device that suits their needs. Quite possibly, the most popular
device to hit the market is the Motorola MPX200 Smartphone. This
affordable and highly appealing device may look like your average cell phone,
but it is actually much more than that. So what exactly is a Smartphone and
what can you do with it? Well, to answer these questions, I will not only show
you this wonderful device in detail, but also run through some of the best
uses as well as third-party software applications available to unleash its
full capabilities.
The Smartphone
A Smartphone is basically a combination of a
both a mobile phone and a handheld PC.
These "all-in-one" devices can be either Windows-powered or contain another
Operating System such as the PalmOS or SymbianOS. This article will focus on
the MPX200 by Motorola, which runs the Microsoft Smartphone 2002 operating
system. Even though this particular
phone has been on the market for some time now, I wanted to feature it to not
only clarify a few things that have been inaccurately stated on some reviews,
but also demonstrate just what an excellent job the mobile phone giant has
done with this first generation Smartphone. While there are plenty of
happy owners out there, I've read quite a few complaints and negative comments
about this phone. I honestly feel that most of us nowadays are too spoiled
and don't appreciate the efforts of such companies. Sure, the MPX200
does have its flaws (no bluetooth for one) just like any other product does, but it is still an
excellent and highly useful device that will simplify your lifestyle. My hope is that this article will
shed some light on just how powerful the Smartphone can be.
|
**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
The MPX200 comes bundled with a USB cable, power
supply, convenient desktop cradle/charger, mono ear buds (for calls), stereo ear buds
(for music), manual and software CD. The MPX200 is capable of playing
MP3 & video files and is why it comes bundled with to sets of ear buds.
The USB cable doubles as a battery charger for your phone as well, leaving the
included power supply adapter free for charging when away from home.
|
**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
This phone is quite an eye-catcher. Unlike
a majority of phones on the market, it comes in a glossy piano black finish
with blue accents. Although a bit on the bulky side, its design is quite
impressive and unlike most clamshell phones on the market, it features an
internal antenna. One of the flaws of the MPX200, in my opinion, is the
external display. It features a 96x32 pixel two line display which shows
caller ID, time & date and status icons. The display is backlit and
quite legible when it is, however, it can be quite difficult to read at times.
Even after playing with the display's settings within the software, I didn't
notice much improvement. Motorola should have opted for nicer display like those found on the new V600
or even the older V400 models. Perhaps the MPX220 will have a nicer
external display.
|
**click to enlarge** |
**click to enlarge** |
On the right, you have your headphone jack and
MMC/SD card slot. The covers on these are a bit flimsy and if not
careful, they are likely to break off over time. The MPX200 supports MMC/SD
memory cards up to 1GB. There is conflicting information as to whether
or not the slot is SDIO. It is stated that it isn't, however, there is
an optional SD camera available for this phone. On the left, you'll find your jog dial, power
button and IR port. No bluetooth support.
**click to enlarge**
I've also read plenty of negative
comments regarding the display of this phone. From color saturation to
viewing angles. I can tell you that the 176x220 vivid internal TFT display is nothing short of spectacular
and can been seen quite well under direct sunlight.
**click to enlarge**
The other incorrect information that I've read on some reviews is that
the keypad does not have a backlight and that it mainly relies on the bright
colorful display for lighting. This is not correct.
Although not as intense as other mobile phones, the MPX200 does have a soft
blue backlight on all keys, including the d-pad button. It is not
noticeable in daylight, but in low light conditions, it provides
just the right amount of lighting. Overall, the keypad is well designed
and their is plenty of spacing between buttons. I'm not fond of the 6
chrome buttons though. It makes this phone look cheap or like some
non-working display model than anything else.
Call Quality
Call quality in the Miami, FL area with AT&T was
above average. The only issue I found was when indoors. The signal
strength was just not as strong as it was outdoors. Regardless, I did not
experience any dropped calls which plagued the T68i I was using previously.
Signal strength would be much better here if the phone supported the 850MHz
frequency. It has been said that the MPX220 will support it.
|
