Motorola MPx220 Smartphone (AT&T)

by Motorola

Product Details

Product Manual [2.13mb PDF]

• Product Dimensions: 3.4 x 1.8 x 0.9 inches ; 3.3 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0006I2HN4
• Item model number: mpx220
• Average Customer Review: 3.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (85 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #192,282 in Cell Phones & Accessories (See Top 100 in Cell Phones & Accessories)

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

The successor to the venerable MPx200, this quad-band GSM wonder packs lots of Smartphone power into a small package that can provide all your mobile office needs. Loaded with Microsoft Smartphone software, the handset features mobile versions of all the essential Microsoft applications you depend on, including Pocket Outlook, Pocket Internet Explorer, Windows Media Player, and MSN messenger. What's more, the unit's software is designed to sync seamlessly with email, contacts and calendar information on your PC.

Design

Click the image to get a closer look at the MPx220's features.

The MPx220's sleek clamshell form factor is more sleek and svelte than it's predecessor's, while retaining the internal antenna design. The 2.0-inch, 176 x 220, 65-color TFT screen dominates the inside of the cover. A smaller, full-color LCD screen, which displays pictures, incoming calls, current time, battery life, signal strength and other information is located on the outside of the cover. The megapixel camera and flash, as well as the speakerphone unit, are also housed on the outside of the cover. A five-way selection button above the number pad allows you to navigate and control the Windows Mobile interface. There are also up/down menu selection buttons on the left side of the device for easy access to basic controls. In addition to a headset jack, a miniSD memory expansion card slot is housed in the unit. The power key and infrared port are housed on the left side of the unit, while a universal charger/USB data port is present on the bottom.

Calling Features
The MPx220 has all the latest calling features folks have come to expect. The built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Vibrate modes and custom WAV and MP3 ringtones can also be set to your preferences so you know who is calling without having to look at the LCD. The included Pocket Outlook software features a contacts list that is cleverly integrated with the phone's dialing functions. Enhanced voice dialing supports voice-to-digit dialing and name recognition for speedy dialing of contacts. The MPx220's voice recognition software supports voice commands from any user, not just a pre-programmed user's voice. Because the MPx220 is Bluetooth enabled, wireless headsets can be configured with the phone for total handsfree operation.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
Designed as a complete solution for people who want to bring their office with them, the unit comes packed with pocket versions of Outlook, Internet Explorer and MSN Messenger. In addition to keeping track of contacts, Pocket Outlook features integrated calendar and email functions. Email support is provided for IMAP and POP3 accounts, as well as corporate accounts. Microsoft's ActiveSync software keeps the device synced with all of your PC's Outlook information (via USB, Bluetooth or infrared connection). Users who want Internet connectivity on the road with their laptop or PDA can select a Cingular data package and tap the MPx220's wireless modem capabilities. The unit supports VPN and proxy Internet connections.

You can use the MPx220's built in Internet Explorer browser for MEdia downloads and mobile web browsing. Cingular's MEdia service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. Traditional text messaging, as well as video, picture and sound messaging are also supported by the phone. iTap text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

A number of handy software tools are bundled with the MPx220 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a to-do list, and an alarm clock.

Imaging and Entertainment
The MPx220's powerful megapixel still camera also features video with audio capture capability. In addition to a flash, the camera features a self-timer, multi-frame shooting capability, white balance and color control, as well as a time stamp option. The video camera's capture capability is only limited by the amount of available memory in the unit. The inclusion of Windows Media on the MPx220 means that you can use the handset as an MP3 and a video player, as well. Once again, the amount of music and video you can store is only limited by the unit's memory. For gamers, the phone supports Java-based and Windows Mobile game downloads.

Vital Statistics
The Motorola MPx220 weighs 3.88 ounces and measures 3.93 x 1.89 x .96 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 5.0 hours of digital talk time, and up to 200 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Motorola MPx220 handset, lithium-ion battery, power supply, USB data cable, companion CD, user's manual.

Product Description

Work smarter - play more! Powered by Windows Mobile™ software, the Motorola MPx220 delivers great performance on the go. Call globally, where GSM network coverage and roaming agreements allow, or send an email. Take and send video clips and listen to MP3s on the move. Sync your PC and phone to transfer everything from contacts to video using ActiveSync®. Welcome to the efficient mobile office. Communicate via email using Windows Mobile™ software. Manage personal information - link your phone to your PC with ActiveSync® or Bluetooth® and fully synchronize your email, calendar, contacts and tasks. Join the jet set - roam globally with quad-band (where GSM network coverage and roaming agreements allow). Play harder! Shoot a clip with the video camera and play it back instantly or pass it on in an email. Take great color photos with the 1.23 megapixel camera and listen to MP3s you’ve downloaded and saved. Load your phone with fun – pack it with MP3 tracks, video, photos and more. Make the most of the expandable memory – miniSD memory cards are available.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

59 of 59 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Only comparable would be the Blackberry 7100t, December 18, 2004

By 

ASC (CA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Motorola MPx220 Smartphone (AT&T) (Wireless Phone)

I've had this phone (2 - another one for the wife) for a couple of weeks. I rate it superior to the Treo 300/600 and Blueberry 7230 all of which I have owned/used. It has all of the functionality of those devices plus a better camera, better reception due to the quad band feature, ability to play MP3s and a smaller form factor. Battery life is superior to the Treos.

The product comes with a battery, AC charger, USB charger/cradle, CD-ROM (for installing software on your PC), and a nearly 300 page manual. The manual is rather daunting until you realize that the contents are duplicated in Spanish. Most users won't bother to even open it up. The device is Bluetooth capable, but a headset is not included with the phone.

The internal screen is noticably smaller than that on the Treo/Blackberry devices, however the screen resolution is extremely fine and text can be read about as comfortably on the MPX220 as on the other devices. The screen is much brighter than on the other devices and I had no trouble using it outdoors in sunshine.

The Windows 2003 Smartphone software accomplishes its main task - enabling the user to access a MASS of features in an intuitive manner. I'd still rate the Palm OS and Blackberry desktops as slightly easier to use, but then again they have the advantage of needing to accomodate much fewer features. In contrast all three of these devices (Treo/Blackberry/mpx) are much easier to use than standard cell phones.

In fact given the low cost of the mpx device (mine was $300 for the pair), I can't see why anyone would get a normal (non-PDA) phone at anything over $100. People who are heavy users of email will still prefer full keyboard phones like the Treo/Blackberry. The mpx does have a text recognition AI system which does an excellent job when typing 90% of a message. However you'll still need to go into multi-tap mode when entering personal names, technical abbreviations, etc. As such, I think the closest comparable device would be the candybar Blackberry 7100t - but that device is more expensive, larger and lacks a camera.

I have noted that several reviews claimed the phone's volume output was too low. Either those people have an older version of the firmware (mine was 1.300) or they simply don't know how to use the phone. There are 8 (count 'em) profiles, each with their own range of sound volume and receiver sensitivity. The Normal setting's volume at the highest level is IMO too low. But this is easily solved by using a different profile. For example I use Max level on the Outdoor setting. Treo 300's had the exact same problem, which I solved the exact same way - I used the lowest volume on the Speakerphone setting.

Perhaps the advantages of the mpx are best illustrated by what happened to me two days ago. We had to drive to a business meeting about 40 miles away. My companion remarked about how frequently cell phones would be losing reception. On entire drive, my mpx was never less than 3 bars. Multiple times I was requested to place a call on my phone because the other phones would not function. On the return trip back, we popped the top on the convertible we were riding in. I placed a call in a top down convertible at 70 mph and had no difficulty whatsoever in hearing the call. Does that sound like a phone with a volume problem? Moreover because the Outdoor setting not only varies sound output but also reduces the range at which the microphone will take input, my voice output was not scratchy. The person to whom the call was placed later specifically remarked upon how normal the call sounded. Try that on a Treo on the speakerphone setting.

Bottom line: If you want a full featured phone but don't need a full keyboard, this is your phone. The dirt cheap price these phones go for compared to similar devices is simply insane.

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very good phone, May 26, 2005

By 

Luis A. Burgos (Miami, FL) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Motorola MPx220 Smartphone (AT&T) (Wireless Phone)

There are many conflicting reviews of this phone on the 'net. I was a bit skeptical at first and was leaning towards the SMT5600, but finally decided to try my luck and plunged into the Motorola MPX220 waters.

I've had this phone for 2 weeks. Bought it online, unlocked, OEM version (mobilecityonline). The manual is barely usefull, but I did not need it anyway. The windows mobile 2003 is intuitive enough to allow me to navigate the menus and configure it as I wanted.

My service is provided by T-Mobile USA. The phone reception is very good, the volume is good, not very loud, but loud enough. All features work as advertised. I currently use a bluetooth headset, a bluetooth GPS, and transfer files between the phone and my PC using a bluetooth USB adapter.

Data services also work -providing you pay for the service- very well. I have configured it to connect and syncrhonize with Exchange server every 5 minutes, so I'm up to date with my emails, calendar and contacts. MSN IM also works fine and Pocket Internet explorer also works well. Not all sites display correctly in the tiny screen. If you want to navigate the entire internet, I recommend getting Opera for smartphones.

The camera is not up the level of my expetations. It works acceptably well in sunny days in exteriors, but do not even try to use it in interiors or at night. The quality of the V300's camera is much better.

Battery life I've found to be very good. It last about 2 days, but if you consider that the phone establishes a GPRS connection every 5 minutes, in addition to my IM sessions, voice calls, file transfer, powering the mini-SD card, playing videos, etc, the battery is actually pretty good. Since this is a new toy, I'm constantly showing it off and playing with it. I exect it to last longer once I start using it normally.

I have found it compatible with every device I've used. From an iPAQ 4155 (both bluetooth and Infrared), to GPS devices, to other phones (like Sony Ericson models). Activesync also works fine and very fast.

This is my first clamshell so I'm getting used to it. The form factor is sleek, looks very professional.

I have found the voice recognition (not voicetags) is very efficient. it requires quite a number of interactions with the phone but even with my accent, the accuracy is amazing, even with the road noise as a background.

My headset device is a Bluetooth Motorola HS850. Before I was using a BodyGlove bluetooth earpiece. Both work well but the Motorola has a clearer sound.

The phone came originally with firmware 1.32 in chinese. That made me freak out at first when I got it out of the box, but slowly I found the Control Panel, then the regional settings and changed the language to English. I discovered the settings by looking at the icons. I currently have firmware 1.43 which is english only (and spanish), not chinese.

I am very satisfied with the MPX220. I have no complains so far, everything works as I expect. GPRS data connection is very dependable. The bluetooth headset is a blessing. the screen is very bright, although in very sunny and bright days it may be difficult to see, but in my experience, that happens to every phone I've had (mostly Nokias)

I have installed several applications: Opera browser, Agile messenger (Yahoo, AOL, ICQ), Sprite backup, Connected bits weather report, and Pocket TV MPEG player. All work very well. The phone hasn't hung or restarted itself ever

I do not like the fact that Motorola used its aold full connector, instead of a simple USB cable. I also would've preferred the phone used a standard SD card, and not the mini SD it uses, that had me buy yet another card for the phone. I currently have a 256 MB mini-SD where I store all the programs and documents, so I reserve the phone memory to run programs.

The clamshell design feels solid when fully open, but when closed, the door feels a bit more shaky, but again, this is my first clamshell, so I'm not sure if all are the same. My wife's Samsung feels more secure though.

The phone is also a quad-band world-phone [phone]) so it works everywhere (Europe, Asia, America). It is in my opinion, targeted to professionals who travel and need to keep connected all the time.

Final words: this is not a phone you need, this is a phone you want. If you have to have the lastest gadget, you like computers, and you are going to use all the features, and more important, if you can afford it, then go ahead. If you just want to ge a phone to make phone calls and take a picture, there are other cheaper models, easier to use available out there. Remember this phone is actually a computer that makes phone calls, it runs Windows (windows Mobile 2003 second edition) so you need to be familiar with computers, file managers, etc to work with it.

Many people complain about the phone and I realized that in many cases, they just don't know how to use the phone. If you are familiar with computers in general, and windows in particular, then the user interface is very intuitive, if you don't like computers, you are going to hate this phone. The documentation that comes with the phone is not going to help you at all, and you are going to be frustrated.

Hope this helps you make an informed decision when evaluating this phone.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Not bad, but cost/value?, March 25, 2005

By 

James R. Holtan "Info and more..." (Oakland, CA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Motorola MPx220 Smartphone (AT&T) (Wireless Phone)

When reading reviews on the MPX220, you see a lot of mixed feelings, and I guess that's what I have.

I love the size (compact and easy to carry), the feel and style (nice clamshell design), the call quality, the Bluetooth quality (with the exception of the inability to initiate voice commands from a Bluetooth headset).

The controls are good, and the menu offers easy navigation. It was easy to set up my POP3 email account to read my email on the phone (a major requirement for my decision to move to a SmartPhone). Internet browsing seems good, with the limitations that any mobile user will experience (let's put it this way: you won't give up your broadband connection). Unlike a previous reviewer, I have no problem using Cingular's basic multimedia package.

I'm one who prefers small size and can live without a small QWERTY keyboard. Screen offers good viewing quality, though as with most devices it's hard to see in bright outdoor light.

I guess it's pretty well documented that an earlier software fix has cleared up the volume problem early buyers of the MPX220 were experiencing. I'd say volume (and volume control) is good whether using the phone, bluetooth headset (I have a Cardo Scala 500), or speaker phone.

The camera, considering it's just part of a phone, really isn't too bad. The quality of photos is high enough that most people would be surprised they were taken on a camera phone. I get a kick out of what I call the 'vanity key.' They installed a button on the outside for the sole purpose of allowing you to take a self-portrait (since you must do this with the clamshell closed).

However, when I attempted to do a number of simple tasks that I could easily do with my 'obsolete' SonyEricsson T68i, I was disappointed. First, syncronization with Outlook can only be done using Microsoft ActiveSync. If your company doesn't support/allow it (mine doesn't), you're out of luck. (I was finally able to come up with a work-around where I transfer Outlook to my Yahoo calendar, then syncronize from home where I have ActiveSync installed. A pain, but it works.)

I find the alarm function on a phone to be handy, and was shocked to see how anemic and hard to use the alarm function was. I have learned you can buy 3rd party software to improve this, but I believe they could do a better job with the default alarm (really a Microsoft Mobile issue).

Same with text notes. I found text notes on my T68i to be a great way to capture short things (like passwords, addresses). On the 'sophisticated' MPX220, there's NO capability for this! (Again, you can purchase 3rd party software, but why should you have to?)

So, overall, I'd rate my experience with the MPX220 fairly high, but when you pay this much ($300) for a phone, you don't expect to encounter these minor annoyances and limitations.