Motorola MPx220 Gets a Setback

Motorola's new Windows Mobile smartphone, the MPx220, is being pulled off store shelves so a system upgrade can be applied to fix a major bug.

Currently, the MPx220 is only available at Best Buy stores, with service through Cingular. Since this smartphone went on sale, apparently many users have had problems with the device not being loud enough.

MobileGadgetNews is reporting that Best Buy employees have been instructed to take all MPx220 units in stock off the shelf so a system upgrade can be applied.

Unfortunately, those who already have a MPx220 won't be able to apply the system patch themselves. Instead, Motorola will send them a new phone, after which their current one will have to be sent back to the manufacturer.

Those interested in buying a MPx220 should look for an orange sticker on the box, which indicates that the smartphone inside has already undergone the system update.

An Overview of the MPx220

Like a lot of smartphones, this model has a clamshell design, with a screen on one side and a numberpad, buttons, and keypad on the other. On the outside is a small display for a clock and some phone-related information.

The MPx220 is among the very first devices to run Windows Mobile 2003 for Smartphones Second Edition. The major change in the smartphone version of Windows Mobile SE is support for new screen resolutions. The MPx220, however, uses the standard 176-by-220-pixel resolution. Unlike the handheld version of Windows Mobile SE, the smartphone version of this operating system does not allow the screen to be switched between portrait and landscape modes.

The MPx220 has 64 MB of Flash ROM and a mini SD card slot.

It includes a 1.2 megapixel camera with a 4x zoom and a flash.

Because it has Bluetooth 1.1, it is able to use the wireless headsets that many users want.

This smartphone is the replacement for the MPx200, which has been available since last year. The MPx200 runs Microsoft's Smartphone 2002 and lacks a camera and Bluetooth.

The MPx220 is a quad-band GSM/GPRS device (850/900/1800/1900 MHz), while the MPx200 lacks 850 MHz support, giving it poor reception in many areas.

The MPx220 costs $500, but drops to $350 with a one-year Cingular service contract. Those who sign a two-year contract also pay $350, but qualify for a $100 mail-in rebate.

Thanks to Engadget for the tip.

Related Links

• Motorola MPx220 Now Widely Available