Review GSM communicator Motorola The MPx

Standard kit:

• Smartphone
• Charger
• USB cable for synchronization
• Extra stylus
• Case
• Wire stereo headset
• Manual
• CD with software

Motorola MPx. Live pictures

Motorola produces smartphones using Windows versions certified by ODM-contracts with Thai manufacturers (Chi Mei and Compal companies). After the success of Motorola MPx200 model, three other models-Motorola MPx220, MPx100, and just Motorola MPx, first Motorola model based on Pocket PC platform, (see further in the review) were planned for the year 2004. It was only MPx220 model that made it to the market (as a booming follow up of the blockbuster model). The review can be found here. The remaining models attained little recognition. The outcome of cooperation between Thai ODM and Motorola manufacturers is to be regarded at the end of the review.

The MPx has always been on the most permanent models on the smartphones/communicators market. The first leakage of information (the pictures of penultimate design version, some specifications) happened in the second half of year 2003. The model was officially announced in February 2004 in Cannes (almost one year ago) during the 3GSM congress. The model was anticipated on the sales in the second half of 2004 but this never happened.

The active development of the device began in the first half of the year 2003, when the company Texas Instruments represented a revolutionary (for that moment of time) WANDA platform-Wireless Any Network Digital Assistant (Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GSM/GPRS-all in one, which was then considered an astonishing feature).

A lot of changes occurred during the model's progression from the first conceptual drafts and up to the finalized product. The observation of the process was quite interesting. The communicators/smartphones are now no more than the experimental fields and only few companies (such as Nokia, Sony Ericsson, HTC) that stand out for the well-functioning mechanisms and the products recognition on the market.

First, the name changed. It was initially planned for the product to enter the market under the name of Motorola MPx300, which was changed in favor of Motorola MPx. The product was also known in the network under the false name of MPx300-the model was never called that. Second, the design was changed for at least four times (the location of the camera and the keypad have undergone the major changes). On the first models a straight keypad, and a camera located above the main display was observed. The final product, while preserving the mechanism of double opening as its key feature, has considerably changed: the camera was moved to the outward panel, and the keypad became that of wavy curves. The inner mechanism was also modified from the outward display to the inbuilt camera. Unfortunately, the memory capacity was not extended in the final product.

Dual-hinge or the Unique Mechanism

If just a couple of years ago, we could talk of only two form-factors (mono-block and clamshell), now it is possible to compose a list of the existing form-factors or those that will emerge in the nearest future (this list avoids the strict distinction between smartphones and phones since it is not of primary importance for the matter).

• CandyBar - is a classical mono-block without any moving parts. Lately, a fashionable variation of this form-factor became popular (Pen Phone-Nokia 7280, Haier P6). This design is also found in horizontal alternative (for ex. Nokia N-Gage).
• Clamshell - this very classical model can be found in two form-factor variations-vertical and horizontal (Nokia 9500) one.
• Slider - this form-factor stands for a frame-case made of two parts moving in one direction along one line. Lately this design became popular (Samsung E800, Samsung D500, Siemens SL65). An 'upward-shooting' upper part of Nokia 8910 is one of the variations of this form-factor.
• Rotator - is a rotating opening mechanism (Motorola v80, Sony Ericsson s700i). Similarly to the 'slider', the two parts of the frame-case move in one plane (although it would be more fair to say 'in two planes'). The upper part rotates around one point (which can be called a rotating point). X or Ross are the other variations of this design and are basically the same with the only difference that the rotating point is found on the middle of one of the two parts of the frame-case (Siemens SK65, Samsung zl30) and the rotating angle makes 90 degrees instead of 180.

It might seem that all possible options for joining the two parts were exploited and it is impossible to come up with something very original. However, the developers went on combining different form-factors-the process that we are literally observing right now:

• Clamshell-Rotator - provides more room for the rotation of the internal display (Samsung Magic, Samsung p730).
• Slider-clamshell - has a double opening mechanism, which strikes one as unreal but will be soon represented in a Sony Ericsson model.
• Dual-hinge - is an extraordinary opening mechanism of Motorola MPx model. This mechanism combines both vertical and horizontal form-factor variations of a clamshell. The device is of two modes. In the phone mode, the device is no more than a considerably big clamshell. Switched to communicator mode, Motorola MPx is a folding communicator, like those produced by Nokia, with a keypad. It is worth seeing how such mechanism is operated.

The reaction of people who tested this device is truly notable. While closed, the model does not draw your attention and it is true for one of the opened-up modes. However, it just takes to demonstrate how MPx can be opened in two different ways and you will see astonished looks and hear endless questions about the functioning of the mechanism. In the phone mode, the model can be opened like any regular clamshell-with one hand. It will take a slight effort to shift the frame-case in your hand, which is not very convenient due to the size.

In order to open the phone in the communicator mode, one has to push a button on the butt-end thus unlocking the display. After a little practice, it will take no more than two to three seconds to switch from one mode to another and just the same amount of time to change the OS interface. Overall, there should be no problems with opening the device. All the cords connecting the two parts of the frame-case are channeled through one hinge clearly made of metal.

Design, Assembling Quality, and Practical Convenience

The MPx design is distinguished for its form-factor, which will remain original and unique for a long time. In many cases, the design will actually become the prevailing factor of the purchase. The disadvantages of the dual-hinge mechanism are found in the outward look of the phone. For instance, during the conversation (the phone mode), a little corner of the upper part seems to be non-existent (the lashing place in the communicator mode), which does not look esthetically right. In addition to that, there is a little rising in the communicator mode. The bottom line is: which is original is not necessarily ideal.

The frame-case is made of plastic of very high quality the feel and color of which remind you of Toshiba e800 (that is not surprising since the manufacturer is the same). There is no deception about the material of the frame-case since plastic does not maintain an illusion of metal. The quality of the material can be evaluated as the 'good' one. Two metal parts-the previously mentioned hinge on the meeting-point of the two frame-case parts and the edging around the outward display are found on the frame-case. In either one of the modes there is no distinct fixed position of the two parts-they just open up to the maximum.

The parts have both vertical and horizontal lashes and if one squeezes MPx while it is closed, it will become obvious that the hinge is not very safe. It might be a fair price to pay for only one hinge joining both parts. All together, the quality of the frame-case materials is traditional for the Compal products (speaking of PDA) while lash is the outcome of the specific design.

The dimensions of MPx are difficult to judge since it depends on what it is compared to and in which modes. While closed, the dimensions of the device are not big if judged against PDA or other smartphones. The weight of the device slightly exceeds the expectations.

• Qtek s100: 108x58x18.1mm 150 g
• Motorola MPx: 99.1x61.2x24mm 174 g
• Nokia 7610: 108.6x53x18.7 mm 118 g
• SE p900: 115x57x24 mm 150 g
• Asus p505: 108x60x22.5 mm 160 g
• Eten p300: 117x6x23 mm 165 g

When MPx is opened as a phone, it looks like a clamshell of a considerably big size. It might be smaller than Rover S2, but it is still bigger than regular clamshell phones. However, this problem can be easily resolved with conducted-through or Bluetooth headset.

While in communicator mode, the size of the device does not come into notice. In the communicator mode, MPx can be compared to Nokia 9300 (smaller width is compensated by bigger length).

The developers were quite concerned with convenience of keypad for both modes of the phone and communicator. This is how the original curves along with the joystick and numbers written in the 45 degrees angle appeared. The alphanumerical part of the keypad is of slightly different color. The upper row of the keys is the buttons of speedy applications call as well as buttons for OK and Start commands. The register is switched using the blue key.

The keys are located closely to each other; are easy to operate and give a respond to a command. Speaking of relative keypad convenience (the working convenience), it is fair to admit that it is better than that of Palm Treo 600, HTC Blue Angel, but worse than that of Nokia 9300 due the keys size. The backlight of keypad is great and the signs are distinguished under any lighting conditions. The location of the keypad is not to be commented on here for the reasons revealed at the end.

An overlook of the elements available to the user when the frame-case is closed.

The IrDA is located on the upper butt-end (SIR), a 2.5 mm stereo connector for the headset.

On the left side, the SIM-card connector blocked with the rubber muffler is found. It is a typical Motorola connector for the cable and battery synchronization (a standard cable can be used here). If the SIM-card is slid in while communicator is on, MPx will be automatically restarted. To take the SIM-card out, the battery will have to be removed as well in order to reach for the card located under the battery. Apart from the silo, nothing is located on the lower butt-end. Stylus of average size is very handy although it is easy to loose (on two of the four scrutinized devices, the stylus was missing).

On the right butt-end, the SM/MMC slot covered with the rubber muffler is found. On the backside there is nothing but a battery compartment.

Battery

Li-Ion MPx battery is of 980 mAh capacity. There are no advantages or disadvantages to be mentioned about the battery life - everything is of the expected quality.

Used for calls as PDA one hour per day and for half-hour in the talking mode, the communicator worked for approximately two days. In the electric phone book mode (with the minimal backlight usage and the phone part switched on), the smartphone worked for ten hours. The maximum working time is three hours forty-five minutes. MPx sustained working in the MP3 player mode for exactly seven hours. All together, the results are very decent.

External Display

According to the fashion standards, the outward display of MPx is colorful although it used black and white in the early development phases. The screen of the STN technology is of 96x64 pixels resolution. The image quality gives an impression of the good 256-colors display. When exposed to the sun, the information on the display becomes barely readable.

The screen displays the general information: battery charge, signal level, read/unread messages, date, incoming calls, and time in the stand-by mode. On the whole, all basic functions of the outward display are presented.

Three keys that extend the functional capacities of the outward display are found under the monitor. They allow a user:

- to change the profile;