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| Microsoft Smartphone Finally Coming To US |
by Scott Raulinaitis, Editor - 9/15/2003 - 1:23pm EST
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Microsoft first touted their Smartphone (then called "Stinger") way back in the summer of 2000. At that time, they hoped to have products available to consumers by the end of the following year. While products like the Tanager have been available overseas for a while now, the first official US release of a Smartphone product is just now being realized. AT&T will offer the Motorola MPx200 MS Smartphone sometime during the fourth quarter. Furthermore, Motorola has announced that they'll be working with Microsoft to offer additional wireless PDAs and Smartphones.
Features include:
- 1.88" wide x 3.5" high x 1.06" thick (closed)
- GSM/GPRS 1800/1900 MHz
- Up to 4.5 hours talk time, close to 5 days standby time
- External Caller ID display
- Built-in software suite includes Microsoft Pocket Outlook PIM applications, Pocket Internet Explorer, MSN Messenger, and streaming music/video support
- 32 MB ROM / 32 MB RAM
- Mini USB connection
- IrDA port
- SD / MMC memory slot (rumored to support SDIO)
While the MPx200 looks to be a nice size, thanks to the clamshell design, it's sadly built upon last year's technology. There's no Bluetooth or built-in camera, and it's even rumored to feature the older Smartphone 2002 version of the OS. Price has not been announced, but UK's Orange plans to sell it for close to $400. If AT&T prices it similarly, that's awfully expensive. At a time when you can get a Nokia 3650 for free after rebates, complete with Bluetooth, a built-in camera, and an affordable unlimited data plan (via T-Mobile), one has to wonder how much appeal this will have. A compact, more professional look and the ability to play MP3's look to be its main highlights.
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