Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Motorola MPx220

Dec 3, 2004 11:56PM PST

With all the contraversy surroundinding the new MPx220 I wanted to share my first impressions having had the phone for a week at this time.

I have used the MPx200 for the past year and although I love the smart phone features I have consistently been plagued with intermitent coverage. The reason is the MPx200 is a dual band phone, one for the US the other for Europe. With the new 220 it is quad band providing 2 US and European frequencys. I have spent the past week testing all of my well known call dropping areas without once repeating that experience.

This phone is also one that has the new ear speaker and firmware upgrade. So I did not endure the problems encountered when the initial release occured.

The camera is easy to use but the quality is lacking, if a camera is important I wouldn't recommend.

My initial impression of phone is positive and would recomend.

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Re: Motorola MPx220
Dec 6, 2004 5:46AM PST

I just bought the phone and returned it. Here's the reasons why. Let's forget about all the smartphone functions and the camera for a minute and talk about using this cell phone as, well... a phone. I have a 7-year old sprint phone which I used for comparative purposes. The volume on the MPx220 is horrendously low. When I'm walking outside in the city, it's almost impossible to hear clearly what people are telling me on this phone. Second, when women call me (or guys who have high-pitched voices), the receiver crackles and buzzes. Seriously, you cannot talk to people with high-pitched voices on this phone. Third, the button design is terrible. It's too easy for one's fingers to slide and accidentally hit the adjacent buttons. Third,the positioning of the volume adjust buttons is right where your thumb (if holding in left hand) or index finger (if holding in the right hand) is located. This is annoying because it's very easy to accidentally change the volume on this phone. Finally, the base of this phone is too thin and makes it awkward to hold, especially because of the location of the volume adjust buttons. I just tried the Motorola v551. It's not as flashy as the MPx220, but if your primary goal is to use your cell phone as a phone, then it is superior in every aspect. The last thing is that for those of you interested in the RazR. I tried that phone also and would not recommend it. You'll end up with many of the same problems as the MPx220. As far as the other features of the MPx220, I agree with the other reviewer Dave. But just remember why you have a cell phone in the first place. If you can't be comfortable using it as a phone, does it really matter if you have all the other bells and whistles?

- Collapse -
Re: Motorola MPx220
Dec 7, 2004 3:32AM PST

how did you get the phone? is it out in your state? where do you live? I've been waiting for the phone to come out for some time now.... how much did you pay for it?