Nope, from what I can gather, none of the firmware flashes will actually "unblock" the 900 band even though it will show it in network selections.  Some have confirmed the latest "fix" for the 900 band on the phone though, so I am considering flashing mine and taking it with me when I go over to be used as a backup, and to at least test.

I just bought an unlocked brand new (AT&T) MPX200.  Using it (or at least trying to) with T-mobile.  Have the same problem using original factory earpiece that came with the phone inside the box.  Calls hang up all the time.  I have not tried any other earpieces yet ...
-EJ

So I just got an MPX200 from my buddy... It's been upgraded to 2003 and unlocked the whole 9.  My major question is how do I use GPRS?  I have Cingular and on my old phone I just pressed a button and went to the cingular online news group/store. 

Also:
Can I use mp3's as ringtones?  If so, how do I select one as my ringtone?
How do I use an uploaded image as my backround?

Any other tips would be greatyl apreciated.  I'm not really up to speed on cellphones but I'm a fast study...

T-Mobile has the best, cheapest, most all inclusive plans out there.  Some providers have close plans, around $25/month.  But if I understand correctly they charge extra fees if you tether to a computer or Pocket PC.  It is only for the phone.  And some providers have plans that only include some content, and not others.  Then you would be worried about getting charges extra fees at the end of the month.  With T-Mobile, if you can get your phone to do it, it is included in the price.  There are no extra fees, even if you shouldn't have been able to use that feature (a prime example is all of us that were able to get unlimited, full internet for nothing!).  I had full internet access for about 6 months last year with the Included WAP plan, and didn't get charged a cent.  T-Mobile found out about it eventually, and just closed the port.  They didn't charge any fees or anything.  I now use the $19.99/month plan, and it is fantastic.  Worth every penny.

there's no 2003SE version for MPx200.

But, there might be 2005.

I've noticed big difference in usability after installing 2003, but maybe got a phone with bad 2002 if possible... If you're just basic user, don't upgrade. If you like taking the maximum of every device you play with, then upgrade...

I bought the 1200mAh battery from Germany just last week.

The original battery lasted for 3 days, and now I've been using the new battery for 4 days and still going strong. Maybe it'll last for 4,5 days..

I purchased a 1000mha battery from ebay and it works great. My battery before only lasted 10 minutes when talking and 6 hours standby. This new battery runs all day with phone calls without issues. So far I have gone 3 days with talk and standby. It's now time for a recharge.

Do you know where to get it & how to install it?

MP3's work now btw, i guess i just had to restart the phone before it played it from the SD card

this is the ebay website where you can find mpx200 battery 1200 mah

http://cgi.ebay.de/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=6393216101

you can try SmartIRC client for smartphone  http://smartirc.jexiste.fr/description.htm

Also, i downloaded betaplayer but it says that 'this isnt a valid windows CE program'

I would be interested to see.  I got a 900mAh battery on ebay when I had my MPx200, and it did improve battery life.  However, huckfinn has posted that the 1100mAh battery he received didn't improve any over the standart Motorola battery.

I have done some basic testing today.  I charged the battery to 100% prior to it test.  The test I did was playing a looped MP3 using Windows Media Player, with the backlight on and the screen on the whole time, in Flight Mode, using the built-in speaker at half (5) volume, and timed how long it took to get to 75% battery life (I didn't have the time or patience to go all the way to empty).  Here are the results:
The generic extended battery began playing at 12:12.40, and got to 75% at 1:30.55.  It took 1 hour, 17 minuets, and 15 seconds. 
The Motorola battery began at 1:59.30, and got to 75% at 3:05.30.  It took 1 hour, and 6 minuets.
The difference was 11 minuets and 15 seconds in favor of the generic battery.  If you use these figures to estimate if I ran it to 0%, it would mean 45 minuets more time out of the generic battery.  Again, this was just a rough test, and I am sure if repeated would yeald different results, but the extended battery would still be on top.

I got a higher mAh battery off ebay when I had my MPx200.  I'm not sure if it was this same one or not, but it did increase my battery life.  I did some timed tests, and it increaded my battery life exactly propotianal to the increased mAh.  I think it was 20% more mAh, and 20% more battery life (or some similar ratio).

... I bought a new battery 3.7v 1000mh and the buzz is gone. THe backlight on the keypad is still out but no buzz with the new battery...

or just bring to school usb cable connect to your phone download activesync form microsoft website and go online that will work for you