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Motorola MPx

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By Marguerite Reardon
Dec 21, 2004

Motorola has been this year's standard bearer when it comes to radical design, with the supersexy Razr V3 bringing a new edge to mobile style. The upcoming release of the company's Windows Mobile-based PDA-phone may make you flip as well. The MPx sports an innovative form factor that aims to thoroughly integrate the device's phone and PDA functionalities. It also comes packed with high-end features that should please even the most demanding users. At press time, no carrier or pricing for the Motorola MPx had been announced, but the GSM device should hit stores in early 2005 with a wallet-stretching price tag.

Upside
At first glance, the Motorola MPx isn't the most attractive PDA-phone. Upon closer look, its utilitarian outward appearance belies an inner appeal rife with innovation. The flip device not only opens in the traditional manner for talking but also reveals itself lengthwise for use as a PDA, with the 65K-color touchscreen's orientation rotating to Landscape mode. Thanks to this dual-hinge form factor, the device is comfortable and ergonomic whether you're using it to talk or to type messages on the full QWERTY keyboard. As the MPx runs on Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, you get compatibility with Pocket PC applications, full email access, email and calendar syncing, and support for multiple file types. Further raising the cool factor are a 1.2-megapixel camera with flash, speakerphone, integrated Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, triband capability, video capture, MP3 playback and an SD/MMC memory slot with room for up to 1GB of additional storage.

Downside
With so much in one device, the Motorola MPx has an odd shape that is far from compact at 99 x 61 x 23mm and weighs a hefty 173g. The keyboard also has an alternative, wavy design that may not sit well with some users.

Outlook
If consumers can get used to the new design--and if the dual-hinge mechanism can withstand multiple openings and closings--the MPx could be a hit for Motorola. It can expect stiff competition from rival offerings such as the O2 Xda II mini, but the Motorola's Wi-Fi may give it an edge. Check back later for a full review.

 
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