Smartphone Thoughts: Clam Shell Beauty: Motorola MPx220 Smartphone Reviewed

Unveiling A Work Of Art
When I received the FedEx package, the size of the package made me wonder if it could contain the much hyped Motorola MPx220. The Smartphone ships in a small box that bears the Cingular logo. In spite of that and several other pointers, there have been quite a few rumors that this is not a Cingular supported phone. I would not want to argue that over here, let�s open the box.


Figure 1: The box clearly says it�s a Cingular phone. Click on the image for a higher resolution image.

I would like to give the Motorola�s packaging team points for creativity. Motorola has emphasized the phone�s beauty by placing it in the middle of the box. The rest of the package contents are hidden from the sight. So when you open the box you get a very dramatic effect.


Figure 2: Work of art unveiled! The packing presented it as a work of art or collector's item. Click on the image for a higher resolution image.

The phone ships with the minimal accessories. Motorola has adopted the trend taken by other Smartphone vendors, of not including the cradle, which I am sure many of you won't like. The thing that annoyed me was that it didn't come with a corded headset. I guess Motorola is expecting everyone to use Bluetooth headset. I was able to use my MPx200 headset. The kit did not contain a starter miniSD card. I would highly recommend buying at least a 256MB miniSD along with the Smartphone.


Figure 3: The box contains a CD (ActiveSync, Outlook 2002), User Guide, Cingular Startup guide, Battery, USB sync+charge cable, charger. And of course the phone and the battery cover. Click on the image for a higher resolution image.

Motorola has ensured that this stylish phone is delivered safely. The phone ships with a number of clear plastic cling-films to protect the phone from scratches during shipping. It�s a standard practice to cover the LCD displays but on the MPx220 it can be found over the camera lens, the earpiece, the Motorola logo on the back of the logo and few other places.

Once I was done removing the cling films, I proceeded to install the SIM card and battery. The SIM card holder has no clips or locks, simply slide the card in and install the battery. The SIM is held in place by the battery. The MPx220 being sold in Best Buy stores is SIM/carrier unlocked. I was able to use my T-Mobile SIM on this phone.


Figure 4: The SIM card holder. miniSD card in its slot. Click on the image for a higher resolution image.


Figure 5: The battery will keep the SIM card in place. Click on the image for a higher resolution image

I am very impressed with the build quality of the phone and quality of the materials used, except for the battery cover. It is made of thin plastic. And I believe I received my battery cover lid with two of the six tabs bent. As a result the first time I tried to install the cover, the tabs broke off. And now my battery cover is a little loose.


Figure 6: The cover with broken tabs.

Since the miniSD storage option is currently limited to a maximum of 512 MB, music lovers and folks who want to watch video would like the externally accessible miniSD slot. And the rubberized plastic cover offers nice protection. It is not easy to open the cover, and once you get it open, removing the card is a little bit of a struggle. And opening the plastic cover on the headset jack is even tougher. I am not sure if Wi-Fi cards can be made for miniSD slots or not. But if it is technically possible, then the MPx220 may be able to take advantage of it thanks to the external slot.


Figure 7: Externally accessible miniSD slot. Click on the image for a higher resolution image.