Motorola MPx200 Unveiling Specs Prices Pros & Cons

Introduction to Motorola MPx200

The Motorola MPx200, launched in the third quarter of 2003, represents a noteworthy chapter in the early evolution of smartphones. At a time when mobile technology was beginning to explore more smart capabilities, Motorola offered a device equipped with Microsoft's Smartphone 2002 OS, setting the stage for features more aligned with computing than typical cellular phones of that era.

Design and Build

The MPx200 is characterized by its compact form factor, measuring 89 x 48 x 27 mm and weighing approximately 118 grams. This device was easy to hold and carry, fitting comfortably in pockets without becoming a burden due to its lightweight design. The phone was designed using Liquorice Black color, giving it a sleek and professional appearance that appealed to business users and general consumers alike.

Display Features

The device houses a 2.2-inch TFT display, delivering 65k colors with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. Although modest by contemporary standards, at the time of its release, this screen was capable of producing sharp visuals adequate for viewing basic graphics and browsing through the user interface, enabled by its 128 ppi pixel density.

Platform and Performance

Under the hood, the MPx200 is powered by a 133 MHz ARM925 processor, based on the TI OMAP 710 chipset. Although it represents limited processing power, it was sufficient to run the Microsoft Smartphone 2002 OS smoothly, manage personal information manager tasks, and handle light applications. The choice of Microsoft's operating system enabled features such as synchronization with Outlook, managing emails, and other productivity needs.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the phone offers 8MB of storage, which was a decent amount for storing essential applications and data back in 2003. For users needing more space, Motorola incorporated an MMC/SD card slot with support for up to 1 GB of additional storage, which provided flexibility in managing multimedia files and data backups—a valuable feature during its time.

Network and Connectivity

The Motorola MPx200 supports GSM technology, with coverage across 900, 1800, and 1900 MHz bands. This tri-band capability allowed users to utilize the device internationally, as GSM networks were becoming widespread globally. While it offered GPRS class 8 for internet browsing, the absence of EDGE or advanced mobile data connectivity options highlights its limitations in online data handling. For local connectivity, it afforded a mini USB port and an infrared port, essential for file transfers at the time.

Sound and Alerts

Audio capabilities of the MPx200 included a loudspeaker and support for downloadable polyphonic and WAV ringtones, appealing to users eager to personalize their phones. The phone did not offer a 3.5mm audio jack, which was somewhat limiting, yet typical for devices of that period.

Battery Life

Equipped with a removable Li-Ion 860 mAh battery, the MPx200 provided a standby time of up to 96 hours and talk time of up to 4 hours. These specifications ensured that the device remained operational for a significant portion of the day without the need for frequent charging, catering to the needs of mobile professionals.

Lack of Camera

The MPx200 does not feature a camera, which today seems like a glaring omission but was not uncommon for devices focused on corporate or productivity features during that era. This absence helped maintain a compact design and reduced costs, focusing instead on the communication and productivity tools provided by the Microsoft OS.

Conclusion

While the Motorola MPx200 might seem underpowered by today's standards, it was significant in its day as an early attempt to bring smartphone capabilities to a wider market. It laid down essential features—a mix of productivity tools, international network connectivity, and expandable storage—that pointed towards what smartphones would eventually achieve. Though discontinued, its contributions to mobile device design continue to be acknowledged by tech enthusiasts and historians.