Rob Pegoraro did a nice review of the Motorola MPx200 Smartphone that was published in the Washington Post on Sunday. He likes the MPx200 for its minimalist user interface, saying "The awkward truth about handheld organizers is that many people operate them in read-only mode: They ignore the handwriting-recognition software or miniature keyboards on Palm or Pocket PC handhelds and enter data only when they synchronize these gadgets with their computers."

Therefore the MPx200, which works well as a mobile phone and excels at displaying information that comes from Microsoft Outlook via synchronization, has the very good mix of features, in his opinion.

I must be a different sort smartphone user than he is. I like my Handspring Treo for its keyboard and the data entry capabilities it provides. I use SMS (text messaging) extensively, so the keyboard really my improves my productivity.

I think this review is important because Pegoraro's perspective represents that of a significant percentage of the potential market for smartphones. Some people look at devices like the Treo or the HP iPAQ and wonder how users can stand them. Nevertheless, they want something more sophisticated than the kind of phone you can get with a pay-as-you-go plan.

The MPx200 is a very good phone, with a good combination of features. It's going to surpass the needs of a lot of Operation Gadget readers. And, with the deals available at Amazon.com now (FREE with the right AT&T Wireless contract), you'd be crazy not to seriously evaluate it.