Motorola MPx200

The MPx200 is the second Microsoft-based smartphone to hit the market. Like the first - the SPV - it will be available initially only through Orange. A third - Sendo's Z100 - was withdrawn before launch last year after a spat with the Redmond giant.

Microsoft says the MPx200 software has benefited from SPV's teething problems, incorporating all the bug fixes. The OS has been rebranded Windows Mobile 2002 for Smartphones, but a more important change is in infrastructure. Microsoft's latest Exchange Server 2003 software facilitates synchronisation, email delivery and instant messaging over a GPRS link. It can pack up to 1GB in its SD (Secure Digital) slot, making this device suitable for business use.

It is well-pitched for consumers, too, with an elegant case that closes to the size of a cigarette pack. MP3 files, pictures and video can be stored on SD cards or downloaded and fed to the pocket media player. But the MPx200 doesn't have a camera.

A thumbnail screen showing the time, battery level, signal strength and caller number is visible with the lid closed. Around the edges are an infra-red port, on/off button, a context-sensitive jog control, a headset socket, the SD slot, plus a mini-USB/power socket that can be used for hardwired synchronisation.

Under the lid is a bright 35 x 45mm, 176 x 220 pixel full-colour screen, a recessed keypad and a four-way navigator with central select flanked by six more buttons - two context-sensitive, plus Home, Cancel, Call and Hang-up.

This design packs an office, web access and entertainment system into a trinket that can be operated with one hand.

Contact: Motorola 0500 802 080
www.motorola.co.uk Specifications:

• GSM 900/1,800/1,900
• GPRS
• ARM 0MAP710 processor
• 32MB Rom
• 32MB Ram
• USB/Irda ports
• Pocket Outlook/Explorer
• Battery life (claimed) 10 hours talk time