The Longest MPx Review... Ever

[Janak Parekh]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.mobinaute.com/mobinaute/testMotorolaMPx.php' target='_blank'>http://www.mobinaute.com/mobinaute/...MotorolaMPx.php</a><br /><br /></div>If you're one of the many people waiting for an MPx, and want to see the MPx in <i>every possible angle</i>, look no further. This monster of a review has over 200 photos. 8O I have decent cable service at home, and yet this review took quite some time to load. It's in French, and unfortunately, the Google <a href="http://translate.google.com/translate?sourceid=mozclient&u=http%3A//www.mobinaute.com/mobinaute/testMotorolaMPx.php">English translation</a> seemed to give up halfway -- maybe the review is too big? -- but it's still useful, and of course the photos speak for themselves. 8) I particularly like the huge number of screenshots of both the external display and the internal dialogs, as they give you lots of input on how exactly the device will work. Come on, Motorola, release the unit already! We're all waiting!<br /><br /><b>Update:</b> Do note this is technically more of a preview, as it's an engineering sample, but it's still useful.

[galt]

After a few failed trys, I was able to get a good translation from Babelfish (and Mozilla seemed to handle the page much better than IE):
http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/trurl_pagecontent?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mobinaute.com%2Fmobinaute%2FtestMotorolaMPx.php&lp=fr_en

How can you "review" a beta device...? Shouldn't that be called a "preview"? :? Great pics though (and even a couple of short videos here:
http://www.mobinaute.com/photos/view_album.php?set_albumName=MotorolaMPX&page=17

One thing to note - this review is based on an Engineer's (beta) device with a VERY old ROM. I believe this ROM was dated April of 2004, The recent Ho-Fo threads where people have discussed their beta MPx's were based on ROMs from June & July.

[carphead]

Hmm....Come on M!

Until I saw the photo next to the IPOD I was still trying to decide what to buy. Now I know :)

For me this won't be a total replacement for my 22xx as I need the CF slot for day to day use.

But it will replace my phone along with extra functions that anything but a PPCPE device can do. The semless switching between WI-FI and GPRS is attaracts me to a PPCPE. The ability to use the same Inbox/Email packadge for SMS and Email is a bit bonus.

[Coe62]

Hi guys, new to the forum and really looking forward to getting an MPx.

Now my French is not great but the phrase "Le processeur trop lent " meaning "the processor is extremly slow" is worrying....Not "un peu lent" - a little slow or "plus lent" - very slow, but "trop lent" - not good :cry:

[stevew]

Only 21.24MB of memory RAM, 23.96MB of ResidentFlash memory ?

[palmsolo]

According to the Motorola event that Phonescoop attended, you won't see the MPx until the first quarter of 2005. That is a real bummer as this was one I was considering, but I am not sure I can wait that long :lol:

[Chris Spera]

I know I will wait. This looks like an awesome device. However, I am wondering if the low RAM amounts are just for the engineering samples. It just doesn't seem plausible that Moto would rlease a device with so little RAM...ESPECIALLY if it is a PPC-PE. The i700 is crummy with just 64MB of RAM. I can't imagine that they would release something so crippled...especially a device like the MPx. Its got so much potential and has so much market anticipation. I would think that Moto is really trying to get it right instead of pushing it out in a hurry...

Just a thought...

[yslee]

Unfortunately, too many people take the problems with engineering samples as the gospel truth. A little common sense would've told them that if it was perfect, it won't be called an engineering SAMPLE.

[Janak Parekh]

One thing to note - this review is based on an Engineer's (beta) device with a VERY old ROM.
Good point. I put a brief update on the frontpage.

--janak

[Kai920]

Nice pictures... but it's times like these that make me wish I'd paid more attention during French class in high school :oops:

[PPCMD]

The pics and screen shots make it clear for me that this is the replacement for my I700. The screen size doesn't bother me since I need mobile technolgy on the go not a giant screen that is mobile.

I finally had time to watch the video webcast that Motorola had from their annual financial analysts meeting held on July 27th with Moto's CEO. He stated fall of 2004 and the MPx was in there. I can't see them saying this at a major event if its not possible. Timelines can change and if they find huge issues they would delay it obviously. But the number of engineering samples is growing and the amount of feedback that is being generated has got to be helping Motorola.

[surur]

Only 21.24MB of memory RAM, 23.96MB of ResidentFlash memory ?

Its worse. After the system booted, and before you started any of your own software, only 10Mb is free, split between program and storage memory. In a production system I would be surprised if more than 16Mb is available. And unlike others, I dont think Moto is going to drop in 128MB before release.

Surur

[jglev]

Only 21.24MB of memory RAM, 23.96MB of ResidentFlash memory ?

The MPX handles memory differently than a typical PPC (I think it is in the specs of WM2003SE). The RAM is for running programs and the ResidentFlash memory asks as the storage (like a hard drive). Still, 21MB to run programs seems skimpy in this day and age when memory is so cheap. I don't understand these manufactures that release these cutting edge devices and then find some way to cripple them. Another case in point, the Treo Ace is rumored to have only 32MB of RAM; the same as what the current Treo 600 has.

[Chris Spera]

The pics and screen shots make it clear for me that this is the replacement for my I700. The screen size doesn't bother me since I need mobile technolgy on the go not a giant screen that is mobile.

... But the number of engineering samples is growing and the amount of feedback that is being generated has got to be helping Motorola.

Agreed 100%. I am also hoping that they are looking to enthusiast sites like this one to see what the feedback is like on the current hardware configuration(s). They must see that there is a RAM concern and issue. I am almost certain (via my own gut feeling) that the RAM issue will not exist in the production units. While it may not be 128MB of RAM, it will more likely be closer to 64MB with 96-128MB Flash ROM (for storage). But I am speculating at best. Moto is likely betting that people will buy large SD Cards to hold programs and what not on.

However, if they price it out of our ranges (> $599) then the likely hood of people being able to purchase 1GB SD cards for storage is very UNlikely. But my guess is that this is the thought...

[Zensbikeshop]

According to the Motorola event that Phonescoop attended, you won't see the MPx until the first quarter of 2005. That is a real bummer as this was one I was considering, but I am not sure I can wait that long :lol:

I just checked with a buddy at Moto and it's still on for Nov 04.

[Jonathon Watkins]

I just checked with a buddy at Moto and it's still on for Nov 04.

Good, good.

Like your new Avatar (http://www.pocketpcthoughts.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=29400&highlight=galaxy) by the way Zensbikeshop.