Motorola MC55 Comprehensive Review and Pricing Insights

Overview of Motorola MC55

The Motorola MC55 is a versatile enterprise digital assistant designed to streamline business processes and improve workforce efficiency. Launched in May 2009, it is known for its robust design, integrated data capture capabilities, and efficient communication features, making it an ideal device for business environments requiring mobility, durability, and reliable performance.

Design and Build

The Motorola MC55 features a hard-wearing construction designed to withstand the rigors of everyday enterprise use. With dimensions of 152 x 77 x 27 mm and a weight of 336 g, the device is relatively bulky compared to modern smartphones, but its rugged build makes it suitable for demanding environments. The device incorporates a QWERTY keyboard, enhancing productivity by facilitating faster data entry. Its Mini-SIM slot supports basic telecommunication needs.

Display and User Interface

The MC55 is equipped with a 3.5-inch TFT resistive touchscreen display, offering a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. Although the 114 pixel-per-inch density is modest by today’s standards, at the time, it provided adequate visibility for standard operations. The display supports 65k colors, ensuring clear and vibrant visuals. The resistive nature of the touchscreen means that it relies on pressure for input, which is well-suited for industrial environments where gloves might be worn.

Hardware and Performance

Powered by a 520 MHz Intel PXA270 processor, the MC55 delivers sufficient processing power for its intended business applications. The device runs on Microsoft Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional, a popular operating system among enterprise solutions of its time due to its extensive application support and business-friendly environment. The built-in 256MB storage, paired with 128MB of RAM, provides basic capacity for storing applications and data, while its microSDHC slot allows for expanded storage solutions.

Camera Capabilities

The MC55 features a 2 MP main camera with autofocus, complemented by an LED flash to improve image capture in low-light conditions. Although modest, this camera setup offers reasonable performance for basic imaging needs, such as capturing documents or basic field data. The device supports video capabilities, although the quality is limited by its hardware constraints.

Battery Life and Power Management

One of the notable features of the MC55 is its robust power management options. It is equipped with a removable Li-Ion 2400 mAh battery, providing up to 100 hours of standby time and approximately 6 hours of talk time. For users requiring extended operation, an optional extended battery (3600 mAh) is available, increasing standby time to 150 hours and talk time to 9 hours. This flexibility in power options is essential for mobile workers spending extended periods away from charging facilities.

Connectivity and Communication

The device supports GSM networks, making it compatible with a broad range of telecommunication standards (GSM 850/900/1800/1900). It also provides GPRS and EDGE connectivity (Class 12), facilitating basic mobile data access. The MC55 includes Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g for wireless LAN access, Bluetooth 2.0 for personal area networking, and GPS with A-GPS support for navigation. While the absence of a radio and the older USB 1.1 interface might seem dated today, they were standard features for enterprise devices at the MC55's time of release.

Additional Features

While the MC55 does not possess advanced sensors found in contemporary smartphones, its feature set is appropriate for its intended use. The device includes basic internet browsing capabilities with a WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML browser, ensuring connectivity to essential web services. Sound capabilities are basic, with a loudspeaker included but lacking a 3.5mm audio jack for private listening.

Market and Use Case

Upon its release, the Motorola MC55 was valued at approximately 150 euros, positioning it as an affordable enterprise device. Its primary use case lies within industries requiring mobile data entry and processing, such as retail, logistics, healthcare, and field service sectors. The combination of physical durability, reliable performance, and versatile communication capabilities makes it a valuable tool for business operations.

Conclusion

While it has since been discontinued, the Motorola MC55 remains an illustrative example of early enterprise digital assistants. Its balance of rugged design, essential features for business productivity, and basic multimedia functionality exemplifies its role in transitioning towards more modern mobile enterprise solutions. For businesses in need of durable, reliable mobile computing tools, the MC55 provided a solid foundation on which to build enhanced mobile workforces.