Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I'll just list out the aspects of the phone. More convenient that way.
-Touchscreen: Not as responsive nor as user-friendly and intuitive as the iPhone, but definitely usable, stylus (which is provided), and finger-wise. Sharp, bright colors, with an auto-adjust function that works amazingly well, even in bright sunlight. Slightly recessed, so it does collect dust and other debris (which I found surprisingly annoying, since even lint easily picks up from my pocket), but overall, very attractive and usable.
-Windows Mobile 6.1: Though there are still some bugs, a marked improvement over the last version. The one really annoying aspect of the system is still the slow loading time, and the main nagging thing I noted is that there's a HUGE lag after text messaging, after the message informing you that the text was sent. The system freezes for a good 5-10 seconds, and won't let you do anything during that time frame. Mostly just annoying, though certainly not a detractor, especially if you don't text a whole lot.
-The keyboard: Spacious, despite the compactness, and slightly curved, with an assisted spring mechanism that feel very, very solid. The one qualm I have is that they keys are nearly flush with the tray, and the top row can be difficult to press, since it's nearly flush beneath the screen. Other than that, with some use, it's easy to get used to, and doesn't add bulk or awkward feeling to the phone, like some full QWERTY keyboards. The keys are also backlit, which is a nice touch, especially in shadowed or darkened areas.
-The keys: There's plenty of softkeys and shortcuts available, and they're very well-suited for the phone. There's an optical joystick (passing your finger over the surface allows you to scroll without physically pressing the top/bottom keys, or the screen), which also serves as an "OK" key. I really liked that addition to the phone, since I'm not a big trackball fan, and the sensitivity is customizable, since a too sensitive setting can sometimes lead to wrong commands. There's a dedicated panel key, which is somewhat like a home-screen key, since it takes you to the main panel selection every time. There are also dedicated phone keys, a toggle on the side for volume, and a power/sleep button on the top. They don't detract from the phone, and the only sticking point is that they're sometimes a bit stiff to press. Other than that, it's a nice, somewhat comforting feeling to have dedicated keys available, unlike the iPhone.
-The panels: These have been touted as, and are, really, the main attraction of the phone. They're are an interesting, very positive feature, since they're customizable (you can even move them around, though this has to be done through choosing a panel and editing it, instead of just dragging it across the screen, which would have been much more intuitive), and varied, and give the Windows system a more personal feel. They can be a bit laggy, but they're fun and functional (the fish panel is just amusing, with the ability of the fish to change color, follow the touch, or swim away if pressed), though I've yet to find a use for the Google page, since it always defaults to Internet Explorer, which I don't utilize.
-Internet browsing: Pretty snappy and speedy, even on the Edge network. The area in which I live doesn't support the 3G bands on this particular phone (I have the overseas Xi, while the U.S. will ship the Xia), though bigger cities with the 1900mHz towers do. I don't use Internet Explorer, since it's still one of the most useless and dated mobile browsers out there. The phone is shipped with Opera Mobile 9.5 installed, which works similarly to Safari on the iPhone, though thankfully the cut and paste options are available, unlike the iPhone. (Trust me, after you've given up that option, and then come back to it, you'll really notice the difference. Why Apple hasn't picked up on that yet, I'll never know...) There is also the option of downloading Skyfire, which works very well, sometimes faster than Opera. Both platforms support Flash, and display the full-page layout, like you'd see on your PC. Either way, pretty enjoyable experience there.
-Text/Multimedia Messaging: Windows finally incorporated the threaded conversation for text messaging, much like the iPhone did, creating a more "IM" feel to conversations, and making it much easier to keep track of specific conversations. It lags a bit, as mentioned prior, but a great improvement, without a doubt. It also does Multimedia messaging, and for that alone, in some ways, it is worth more than the iPhone, since Apple still refuses to include that basic function.
-Camera/Video/Music: The camera is 3.2 MP, a very decent camera, especially considering the phone size. It includes a flash, and can be adjusted for various speeds, colors, effects, etc. There is also a video-camera, which records up to 30fps, though only 24fps, I believe, for the American version. Why the difference, I couldn't say. The music player is easy to access (it has it's own panel), and there is also a Sony FM radio included, which is a nice touch, and easy to use, though only with the headphones included, since they act as an antennae, apparently. Still, very decent media package.
-Construction: I have the silver finish, which is really just stunning. It's very has a very durable, solid feel to it, though can be somewhat slippery, and feels very comfortable in the hand. The size in my opinion is perfect, compact and sleek, and though this means smaller screen size and somewhat cramped keys, it's really my favorite aspect of the phone. Has the old, comfortable handset feel of a Nokia candybar phone, actually. Sony really put a lot of thought and effort into it, and it shows.
-Other features: The 3.5mm headphone jack is WONDERFUL. I had a Sony a few years back, and the one sticking point that kept me from using it as a full-time MP3 player was the fact that I was supposed to use Sony's headphones. The fact that Sony has branched out, and incorporated the headphone jack, along with the capabilities for a Micro SD card slot (located on the side, when you remove the back cover), really shows that they're creating a platform which is more friendly to users who branch between companies. (Sony usually has their own M2 storage card, which is more pricey than the Micro SD.) Whether it lasts or not depends on their continued association with HTC, I suppose, who designed and helped create the physical phone. I suspect that if they next phone doesn't run Windows Mobile (which has been rumored), those features might disappear. Oh well. The fact that they're included on the Xperia is really a very nice, convenient touch. The phone also connected with the network very easily, loaded all the information, and formatted the phone, without any heavy programming from me, which was awesome.
Overall? Fantastic phone, with very reliable software, convenient system, sleek and sturdy construction, speedy network connections (even overseas), and plenty of opportunities for personal tweaks and modifications, given the open platform from Windows. I'd love to give it five stars, instead of the four, but the price was ridiculous, especially considering that it's really just another Windows Mobile smartphone, albeit better-looking and more personal than some others. Still, it's without a doubt my favorite phone to date, when combining the ease of use and construction appeal. Well worth buying, if you can burn the money.
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Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 Cell Phone with 3G, 3.2 MP Camera, Wi-Fi, GPS, Bluetooth, MicroSD - International Version with No Warranty (Black)Combining a 3-inch wide VGA display and a slide-out full QWERTY keyboard, the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 enables you to work efficiently while on the move (thanks to its Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system) as well as enjoy your favorite entertainment--from music to video. It features a unique customizable paneled desktop that lets you quickly access the applications and functions you use the most. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth 2.0 connectivity for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, Wi-Fi networking (802.11b/g), assisted GPS, a large 400 MB internal memory that can be expanded via MicroSD memory cards, FM radio in addition to Windows Media digital audio/video player, and up to 10 hours of talk time (on GSM networks).
This unlocked cell phone can be used with a GSM network service provider and it provides quad-band connectivity (850/900/1800/1900 MHz). It also offers tri-band 3G HSDPA network compatibility (900/1900/2100 MHz). When paired with a compatible 3G network that uses HSDPA 900/1900/2100 MHz connectivity (such as in Europe and Asia), you'll enjoy a high-speed connection offering a variety of feature-rich wireless services--from data connectivity to your office to multimedia streaming, and take advantage of simultaneous voice and data services. In the United States and foreign territories where 900/1900/2100 MHz 3G networks are not available, you'll continue to receive data service via EDGE network (depending on network compatibility). This phone does not come with a SIM card, and it requires that you provide a SIM card for usage with your selected service provider.
Phone Features The XPERIA X1's 3-inch touchscreen has a 480 x 800-pixel resolution and a 65K color depth, and it features a full physical QWERTY keyboard that slides out the left side of the phone. In addition to touch controls, the phone also includes a four-way navigator and control buttons at the bottom of the face. The XPERIA X1's user interface is based on a nine-panel grid desktop, and touching a panel opens up the function or application. Remove, replace and add new panels whenever you want. The phone comes with a number of panels pre-loaded, and many more are available for download. Some of the pre-loaded panels include:
With the Windows Mobile 6.1 operating system, the XPERIA X1 supports Microsoft System Center Mobile Device Manager, which provides single-point access to line of business and corporate data such as applications, files and other information located on the corporate network. It also provides push email for immediate send and receive on Corporate Microsoft Exchange servers as well as editing of Microsoft Office documents. Additionally, it can handle personal email from POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP accounts.
This phone provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and audio/video remote control. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server.
Support is built in for sending and receiving pictures, text, graphics, and sound via MMS messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in still and video camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging possibilities. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit--a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.
The XPERIA X1 also supports RSS feeds, allowing you to use your phone to view up-to-the-minute news and other content from selected Web sites and blogs. Just subscribe to the feed and let it come to you.
Other features include:
3.2-megapixel camera with flash can capture video at up to VGA resolution (at 30 frames per second)
Built-in GPS receiver along with A-GPS for added accuracy via the cellular network
Secondary camera for making video calls (requires compatible network)
Music formats: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eACC+, WMA (including protected WMA)
PC synchronization: SyncML, ActiveSync
Speakerphone
Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), HID (support for mice or joysticks), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures), PAN (personal area networking), SPP (serial port profile)
Vital Statistics The Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 weighs 5.1 ounces and measures 4.3 x 2.1 x 0.7inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 10 hours of talk time on GSM networks (6 hours on 3G networks), and up to 580 hours of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as 900/1900/2100 MHz 3G networks (UMTS/HSDPA).
Powered by Windows Mobile 6.1 Microsoft's Windows Mobile 6.1 offers a number of handy features that make searching through email, editing Microsoft Office documents, and staying on top of your most important communications even easier. Emails can now be viewed in their original rich HTML format and now offer the ability to visit embedded links. It also includes Windows Live for Windows Mobile, which provides a full set of Windows Live services, such as the Windows Live Messenger IM application, which now enables you to chat with more than one person at one time or send a file.
With Windows Mobile 6.1, your phone will finally be able to emulate the power and features of your PC's Microsoft Office suite. You'll be able to neatly view, navigate and edit Word documents and Excel spreadsheets in their original formatting--without affecting tables, images or text--as well as view PowerPoint presentations.
Microsoft Office Word Mobile features include spell-check, Find and Replace commands, bulleted lists, text formatting, and support for tables for the first time.
With Excel Mobile, you're not just confined to editing charts: with the new Chart Wizard you can create charts quickly and easily.
PowerPoint Mobile allows you to view the full presentation, rehearse timings, check the order and any live links you may have in your presentation. You can then email comments back to the team or communicate via MSN Messenger for an immediate response.
After creating or editing a Word document or Excel spreadsheet, you can synchronize it with your PC and it will automatically be converted to the PC version.
All Windows Mobile 6.1 powered devices include Direct Push Technology for up-to-date e-mail delivery and automatic synchronization of Outlook calendars, tasks and contacts through Microsoft Exchange Server. It also offers a set of important device security and management features that include the capability to remotely wipe all data from a device should it be lost or stolen, helping ensure that confidential information remains that way.
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