Introduction

Loyal consumers have long awaited the Motorola MPx. Since its announcement and showcase in early 2004, rumored release dates have been pushed back further and further; from initial reports of Q3 2004, to Christmas 2004, to now 2005.

Running Windows Mobile software, the MPx condenses the power of a desktop into the convenience of a handheld device; providing business consumers, and casual users alike, the tools for real-time on-the-go connectivity in a unique form factor.

With an integrated 1.2-megapixel camera, MP3 player, Wi-Fi access, dual-hinge landscape and portrait display modes, and full QWERTY keypad, the Motorola MPx promises to be well worth what consumers have been anxiously waiting for.

Design

Featuring clean lines and a sleek exterior, the MPx measures 100 x 61 x 24 mm and weighs 183 g; comparable in size and weight to most PDA-combo phones such as the Treo 650.

The front features an external color display for viewing basic information and network status. Situated below three function buttons allow users to accomplish simple tasks such as selecting profiles, rejecting incoming calls, and navigating the menu. When listening to MP3 music, the buttons function as Previous, Play / Stop, and Back keys.

A lens to the built-in 1.2-megapixel camera lies on the bottom right corner of the front panel, able to capture high-resolution images at up to 1280 x 960 px. For low-light conditions, a flash is included above the lens. Lastly, a speaker grill is situated on the bottom left, used when listening to audio media.

Along the left side, a power jack is placed for charging the MPx. Additionally a SIM card slot provides convenient exchange between GSM carrier accounts, while a CE bus (USB) connector allows wired connectivity with a PC.

On the right side, a LED signals charging level, RF events, and notification alerts by flashing combinations of red, green, blue, amber, magenta, and cyan. A SD / MMC card slot is included for when the MPx's internal memory runs out. And in case the OS locks up, a stylus-sized pinhole Reset button allows users to perform a soft reset.

A 2.5 mm headset jack and infrared port are positioned along the top edge, while a slot for the stylus, and external antenna port are located on the back.

The MPx features a revolutionary dual-hinge design, opening both vertically (as a phone) and horizontally (as a PDA). When opened, a 320 x 240 px internal screen is revealed, capable of displaying 65K colors. A curved QWERTY keypad contains shortcut keys to Windows Start, Email, Menu, and Camera functions. While a 5-way directional keypad is positioned to the right; flanked by the Talk, Cancel, and Left and Right soft keys, used for convenient shortcut navigation.

Out of the box, the Motorola MPx comes with a standard 980 mAh Li-Ion battery, stylus, headset, 128 MB SD card, travel charger, USB data cable, quick reference guide, software CD, and user manual.

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