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Sony Ericsson W760a Phone Red ATandT

June 26th, 2009 Cellphone Review No comments

Sony Ericsson W760a Phone Red ATandT




Packed with entertainment features and great innovations to take music and gaming interaction to the next level, the Sony Ericsson w760a for AT&T can quickly download video, music and more over AT&T’s lightning quick HSPDA 3G network. Additionally, this GPS-enabled phone can access the AT&T Navigator service for turn-by-turn directions as well as its Video Share serve, which enables you to send video of yourself to another compatible phone while making a voice call.

This Walkman phone includes the innovative “shake to shuffle” feature, which randomly chooses another song stored on your phone with just a flick of the wrist. This phone is also great for gaming, thanks to that built-in motion sensor that enables you to tilt the phone to control gameplay. Other features include a 3.2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth 2.0 for handsfree devices and stereo music streaming, Memory Stick Micro (M2) expansion, access to personal email and instant messaging services, and up to 3.5 hours of talk time.

Take advantage of AT&T services including Mobile Music, Video Share, and AT&T Navigator turn-by-turn directions.

AT&T Service Options
This AT&T phone can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas. The AT&T 3G network uses the dual-band UMTS 850/1900 MHz network, and this phone is also compatible with 2100 MHz 3G networks (found in international territories). The AT&T 3G network provides download speeds ranging from 700 Kbps to 1.7 Mbps, and upload speeds ranging from 500 Kbps to 1.2 Mbps. This makes it possible to enjoy a variety of feature-rich wireless multimedia services, and it gives you the advantage of offering simultaneous voice and data services. (For use outside the United States, an AT&T international data plan is recommended.)

In areas where the 3G network is not available, you’ll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it’s fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go. You’ll also enjoy quad-band GSM connectivity, which allows you to make calls in more than 190 countries and access data applications in the more than 135 countries where AT&T offers international data roaming.

With 3G connectivity, you’ll be able to access AT&T’s Video Share service, which enables you to send a live, one-way video stream to another compatible phone during a standard voice call. The service also allows you to switch the direction of the video stream during the same phone call. (Customers must be in an area served by the company’s 3G network and have a Video Share-enabled phone.) A majority of users in the architecture, engineering and construction industries rated the ability to share live video through Video Share highly, according to research commissioned by AT&T. Video Share lets you see progress on a job site or review the day’s work without having to drive from an office or other site to do so.

You can take advantage of the AT&T Navigator GPS software and service, a full-featured premium navigation application that includes audible turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates and re-routing options, and 3D moving maps (additional charges applicable). AT&T Navigator offers several other features to make your commute more enjoyable and reliable, including mobile access to Yellowpages.com. Additionally, AT&T Navigator is the only mobile phone-based GPS service that provides integrated speech recognition for address entry and points of interest search.

With 3G connectivity, you’ll be able to access AT&T’s Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. And you get access to AT&T Mobile Music, which enables you to buy tracks while on the, access the Napster and eMusic subscription music services, stream music video, discover what’s playing with Music ID song-recognition software, and find out what’s hot with The Buzz music news portal. (A MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T’s Internet, video, and music services.)

The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T’s MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more.

The integrated accelerometer lets you shuffle music by shaking and play games by tilting the phone.

Phone Features
The slider-style w760a features a top face with a 2.2-inch, 262K-color LCD screen (240 x 320-pixel resolution), five-way navigator (with music play/pause button in the center) and standard send/end and soft navigation keys. The phone slides smoothly up to reveal the alpha-numeric keypad. The phone has a 32 MB internal memory, which can be expanded via optional Memory Stick Micro (M2) media (up to 4 GB in size). The internal phonebook can store up to 1000 contact entries with space for up to 7 numbers per entry and support for picture and ringer ID.

This Walkman phone offers a full-function digital audio player that’s compatible with MP3 and AAC files, and it includes Sony Ericsson’s innovative “shake to shuffle” feature. With Shake Control activated, just flick your wrist and a vibration lets you know that the track has been changed–a new song from your current playlist is randomly selected and automatically played. Playback settings also include an equalizer, playlists, stereo widening, and shuffle and loop modes. This Walkman phone features MegaBass enhancement for added depth of sound, a flight mode that lets you keep listening to tunes with the phone’s network connectivity turned off, and the PlayNow feature that enables you to download new music tones directly to the phone.

Sony Ericsson’s SensMe technology is used to incorporate mood analysis into the track details, which allows you to create playlists that suit your mood. Select SensMe in the downloadable Sony Ericsson Media Manager software, and it will mood-analyze all MP3 files on the computer. When you transfer music from a CD or a PC to your phone using Media Manager, the tracks will automatically be analysed. Instead of selecting tracks for your next playlist, just select your mood.

With the W760, gaming is more fun than ever. The integrated accelerometer allows you to shake or tilt the W760a to simulate motion while playing video games, and dedicated A and B gaming buttons also allow extra control and interactivity. The intuitive Media User Interface rotates depending on how you’re holding the phone, so you can see everything you need at a glance. Auto rotate works for photos, videos and games.

This phone provides Bluetooth version 2.0 wireless connectivity with EDR (enhanced data rate), 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.

The built-in 3.2 megapixel camera captures stills and video–and playback of video or still pictures is only limited to the memory card size (or capped at 20 seconds for sending via MMS). You can choose from four resolution sizes and two quality settings for still photos, and it also features white balance and brightness adjustments, digital zoom (up to 3.2x), night mode, panorama, and multi-shot mode. It provides support for PictBridge technology so you can print your photos without the need of a PC (either using USB or Bluetooth). Video clips can be shot at up to QVGA resolution (320 x 240 pixels) at 30 frames per second (fps).

The phone also ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3 and IMAP4 protocols, while the included Access NetFront Web Browser allows you to surf full HTML web sites. It 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. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages. 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.

Other features include:

  • Flight mode allows you to safely use the non-wireless functions of this phone (such as music, games, or organizer functions) on an airplane during flight
  • Instant messaging via AOL, Windows Live, Yahoo!
  • Organizational tools: calendar, calculator, alarm clock, tasks, timer, notes, stopwatch
  • USB mass storage capabilities
  • Polyphonic and MP3 ringtones, vibrating alert
  • Speakerphone
  • Voice dialing and voice commands
  • Built-in FM radio

Vital Statistics
The Sony Ericsson w760a weighs 3.6 ounces and measures 4.05 x 1.9 x 0.6 inches. Its 930 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours of talk time, and up to 240 hours (10 days) of standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as AT&T’s 850/1900 MHz 3G frequencies (UMTS/HSDPA).

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars Nice phone but definitely not great!
I recently upgraded from my old w810i to w760a. Found that the phone is pretty much same as w810 w/o any much upgrades…Definitely don’t use GPS coz don’t have data plan. So that upgrade doesn’t matter me.

Goods:

1. Camera is better as always was

2. 3G capability

3. Navigator…those who don’t have GPS but have data plan (i wouldn’t like to have data plan unless i have iPhone)

4. better resolution

Bads:

1. Network – I used to get full signal with my old w810 at my home. Now with new 760 i no longer get full network. Also i have observed overall network strength has decreased at number of places. At places, some 10$ cheap nokia phone gives full network whereas my w760a doesn’t…Haven’t seen any noticeable change in dropped call but donno whether people have noticed it while reaching me…

2. Battery life – Compared to 810 battery life is half…My 810 used to last for 3/4 days for sure w/o much talking…But with same amount of talking my 760 doesn’t even last 2 days…Also takes little longer to charge the full batter as compared to 810.

3. Memory card – I had sony’s proprietary pro duo 2g card for 810. now its useless since they have changed the card format…its awful and i hate it…

3 Stars Just don’t like Sliders
I’ve owned a Motorola Razr for years and like the large keypad for ease of dialing. The Voice dial is exceptional and the keys are responsive, which takes me to why I had to sell the Sony W760a. The voice dial set up is terrible. Took me a long time to activate 3 entries and it is entry specific. The Razr allows you to voice dial ANY entry on your Sim card after you activate the feature. Also, the Sony has an annnoying delay after entry of numbers and data. The slider feature is attractive but several times when I thought the keys were locked, I was actvating the browser! It showed on my bill. So, I’m back to my Razr and other flip phones.

1 Star One HUGE Negative!!
The only way you can plug in your ear buds is buy a bulky accessory that plugs into where you plug it in to charge it, then it won’t fit into any carrying case. So if you want to listen to the walkman on earbuds you have to carry the phone around in your hand every where you go. I always do my homework before I buy a product. This time I didn’t. Great reminder to me – ALWAYS DO YOUR HOMEWORK BEFORE YOU BUY. That word “Walkman” cast a magic spell over me that got me to ‘assume’ you could of course plug your ear buds into it. Fooled me Sony Ericsson. Thanks a lot. NOT.

1 Star w760a is J U N K
i am on my 2nd w760a now. my replacement phone has the same problems as the previous one. lockups, shutdowns, problems with bluetooth (on multiple bluetooth devices). i got this phone because i was tired of carrying around a bulky “smart” phone…but this is ridiculous. I had a motorola razr that lasted for about 5 years with never any single issue what so ever. additionally, all the extra accessories you have to buy on this thing are ridiculous. i can honestly say i will never again purchase another sony phone, or probably any other product. oh, and all these problems happen with the ATT software, or debranded. if you have this phone and don’t have any problems, at this point i would recommend you buy a lotto ticket.

3 Stars Not perfect, but a very good non-smart phone.
I bought this phone to replace a Moto Slver S7. The reception and voice quality on this phone is generally superior and the screen is very nice. The sliding parts feel sturdy and I doubt they will break any time soon. This phone is also surprisingly light weight given how sturdy it feels.

The phone does have two issues which are big negatives for me. The battery life is generally short. Perhaps I expect too much since the Slvr had such fantastic battery life, but charging my phone every 2-3 days or so is irritating. From what I gather this battery life is about as good as other phones that are available now, but it is still disappointing. The second issue is that the bluetooth is bothersome to turn off manually. I only use bluetooth when I’m in my car and this phone either leaves it on all the time or off all the time. In order to turn it on and off you must flip through 5 menus. (You can link a shortcut to the handsfree menu, but not to the bluetooth menu.)

=====

EDIT: The problem that I describe above does not actually exist. I decided to investigate this issue a few days after I wrote the review and it turns out that you can set a button to automatically turn the BT on and off. No menus or any of that mess. It’s actually very convenient! I would add a star to this review if it were allowed.

======

Another odd thing is that they do not package an ear-bud or computer connection cable or memory card with the phone. I suppose that since I paid $.01 for the phone I cannot hold that against them.

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Sony Ericsson Z750a Phone Gray ATandT

June 26th, 2009 Cellphone Review No comments

Sony Ericsson Z750a Phone Gray ATandT




The Sony Ericsson Z750a clamshell phone is ready to access your favorite streaming music and video thanks to its tri-band 3G connectivity, which makes it easy to download music purchased from AT&T Mobile Music, stream tunes from Napster and eMusic, and watch video streamed from CNN and Comedy Central via AT&T’s Cellular Video. This phone also offers quad-band GSM connectivity for easy globetrotting. Stylishly accented with curved corners and a mirror-finish, the Z750a also has a hidden external display that only lights up when your phone is in use (such as when a call comes in). Other features include an internal 320 x 240-pixel screen, Memory Stick Micro expansion, full HTML browsing with RSS feeds, and Exchange ActiveSync for push email, calendar and contact synchronization.

The Z750a has an external display, but you only see it when your phone is in use.

AT&T Service
Compatible with AT&T’s 3G mobile broadband data network, which is available in most major metropolitan areas, this phone offers tri-band HSDPA/UMTS connectivity (850/1900/2100 MHz). You’ll get average download speeds of around 1.5 megabits per second (Mbps) and speed bursts up to 3.6 Mbps, as well as simultaneous voice and data services. Multi-task while you are on a call–search for movies times, look up directions, or send messages. You’ll also get more done with faster access to email, and enjoy speedy Internet connectivity with richer graphics and easy-to-use personalization options.

In areas where 3G network access is not available, you’ll continue to receive service on the AT&T EDGE network, which offers availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. Providing average data speeds between 75-135Kbps, it’s fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services, including high-speed color Internet access and email on the go. You’ll also enjoy quad-band GSM connectivity, which allows you to make calls in more than 190 countries and access data applications in the more than 135 countries where AT&T offers international data roaming.

With 3G connectivity, you’ll be able to access AT&T’s Cellular Video (CV) service and the Internet while on the go. Cellular Video features content from CNN, The Weather Channel, iFilm, Comedy Central and exclusive premium content from HBO and much more. It also features AT&T Mobile Music, which provides access to Napster and eMusic subscription services as well as Music ID song-recognition software, music videos and The Buzz music news portal. The handset is XM Radio Mobile-capable, so you can enjoy streaming live digital radio as well. (An AT&T MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T’s Internet, video, and music services.)

The Z750a 3G phone is compatible with AT&T Music, Cellular Video, and XM Radio services.

Phone Features
The Z750a has an internal 2.2-inch LCD that provides 262K colors for excellent depth and a 240 x 320-pixel resolution. The external monochrome OLED display has a resolution of 36 x 128 pixels, and it displays current time as well as battery level. It also offers four-way toggle navigation surrounded by a backlit ring, a backlit numeric keypad with tactile feedback, two soft keys, and a Web browser shortcut key. The phone has a slot on the left spine for using Memory Stick Micro (M2) media and a dedicated music player button on the right side. This phone can store up to 1000 contact entries, each with fields for five phone numbers as well as the ability to save callers to groups and pair contacts with a ringtone.

While this isn’t one of Sony Ericsson’s Walkman digital audio player-equipped phones, the Z750a does offer multiformat music playback that includes MP3, WMA (unprotected), and AAC, as well as such features as shuffle and loop modes, stereo widening, and an equalizer. Additionally, you’ll be able to purchase and download real-music ringtones (72-chord polyphonic) in a variety of formats (MP3, MP4, AAC, AAC+, eAAc+, WMA, WAV). You also get a built-in FM radio with RDS, which displays the name of the currently playing song (when tuned to compatible radio stations). With the TrackID service, you can identify any song that you can hear by just recording a snippet of sound using the microphone. It also includes a flight mode that lets you keep listening to tunes with the phone’s network connectivity turned off.

This phone provides Bluetooth version 2.0 wireless connectivity with EDR (enhanced data rate), 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.

The built-in 2.0-megapixel camera captures stills in three resolution modes (1600 x 1200, 1280 x 960, and 640 x 480 pixels), and it includes a number of options to help you create great shots, including a 2.5x digital zoom, two quality settings, three color effects, night mode, and white balance and brightness adjustments. You can also shoot video to your heart’s delight (as long as you have space on your memory card), or limit it to 25 seconds for sending to friends and family via MMS. It provides support for PictBridge technology so you can print your photos without the need of a PC (either using USB or Bluetooth), and this phone makes it easy to send snapped photos directly to a blog or an online photo, complete with text.

The phone also ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3 and IMAP4 protocols (with easy setup for receiving AOL, MSN and Yahoo! mobile mail), while the included Access NetFront Web Browser allows you to surf full HTML web sites. It 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. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messaging, and you can also chat via instant messaging with built-in support for AIM, Yahoo! and MSN chat services.

The Z750a is one of Sony Ericsson’s first mobile phones based on Java Platform 8 (JP-8), which supports a range of new Java programming features including instant messaging/chat and presence based functionality, banking and payment transactions, user identification and authentication through secure encryption technology, mapping, and other location-aware applications.

Other features include:

  • USB 2.0 wired connectivity with mass storage capability
  • PIM functions including calendar, tasks, notes, alarm, calculator, stopwatch, and timer
  • T9 text entry technology
  • Vibrating alert
  • Speakerphone
  • Voice recorder
  • SMS (text) and MMS (multimedia) messaging
  • Hearing aid compatibility: M3, T3
  • Bluetooth profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BIP (for sending images to another device), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), HID (support for mice or joysticks), OPP (object push for business cards or calendar items), PAN (personal area networking), PBA (transfer contacts)

Vital Statistics
The Z750a weighs 3.88 ounces and measures 3.83 x 1.93 x 0.79 inches. Its 950 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rated at up to 9 hours of talk time, and up to 400 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as the HSDPA/UMTS 850/1900/2100 network.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star We thought AT&T has raised the bars on the quality & service not just on the fees…..
We purchased from Amazon.com one Motorola RAZR2 V9 Phone and two Sony Ericsson Z750 Phones along with a mandatory 2-year contract AT&T FamilyTalk Nation 550 Rollover Minutes.

Pros: $0.03 for all three phones, Rollover minutes.

Cons: just to mention few…

- The worst talk and standby time on all three phones particularly the Sony Ericsson, despite the fact all three of us use our cell phones only for very necessary or in emergency situations.

- More dropped calls than the competition.

- The quality of voice (connection) is a lot to be desired.

- You cannot program the phone on speaker ahead of time. You can activate it only after dialing or receiving a call – A SAFETY ISSUE while driving.

- The buttons on all three phones are arranged in such a way so that one can easily get connected to internet inadvertently. Despite disconnecting it immediately, you get charged by AT&T. The AT&T advice was to either purchase a new plan (for additional high monthly fee) or have the option of internet connection totally disconnected (without reduction in monthly charge despite reduced service). We end up to having to choose the latter.

- The ring tone of RAZR2 V9 when on speaker phone is laryngitic.

- The choices for the ring tones are severely anemic, unless you purchase more tones from AT&T.

- The voice command, as I understand it, can be activated only with additional monthly fee. The competition gave that for free on the less equipped phones.

WHY DID WE NOT CANCEL THE AT&T PLAN during the first ONE month of grace period?

This one goes to Amazon.com and its new stifling way of business: If you cancel or reduce the plan within the first SIX months, you have to pay $250 for each phone!!!

Perhaps I was too generous to include “$0.03 for all three phones” as a Pro for this, seemingly, deal; or more seemingly, ordeal.

4 Stars Ericson z750a Phone battery life fix!
I had the same problem until I turned off the G network on the phone itself. I called ATT and they told me: “There’s no way to disable the G network” then I called Sony and they told me that the phone was built like that per ATT’s request. Since it was using ATT software on the phone’s operating system it was not able to disable the G network.

In summary this is the fix and i have tested on several phones and it worked:

Step 1: Replace your ATT Sim card with a different provider’s SIM card. This SIM card doesn’t even need to be activated. I used T-Mobile’s SIM.

Step 2: Once you use a differen SIM card your phone’s programming options will change. You will have a new option that will let you disable your G network as default. You can even turn it off. That’s what I have. Your phone will last at least 4 days or more.

Step 3: Reinsert your ATT SIM card and enjoy life. You won’t see the “G” on your screen anymore. You don’t need it.

4 Stars Great when de-branded takes 8G cards
This is my review which was on a different color version of this phone. Update: I picked up a 8G card for this, works fine in both branded and de-branded versions of the phone. Also, there are 900mAmp and 950mAmp versions of the battery, I have the 950.

I picked up this phone (2 actually) for $50 each after rebates. Call quality if excellent. Has Walkman-like media player for music and video and podcasts, audio books. Megabass for headsets, but no stereo speakers on unit (there are lots of external speakers available though). When on 3G you can surf and talk at the same time.

First, make sure you get a unlimited data plan. There is one for $15/mo. (at this time) since ATT doesn’t consider this a smart phone. You can tether with this phone on that plan. Download the PC software from SE’s website to sync the phone to your Outlook or other contact list. Can sync with bluetooth or data usb cable (proprietary but only about $5 at many websites).

Then decide if you really want TV or XM radio on the phone. The TV is clips few of which are updated daily unless you subscribe, a few music videos etc. XM is a $9.95 subscription. MLB Game Day is also an subscription. If you don’t want these things (and will never buy anything from the ATT Media Mall), then spend $16 or so, and debrand the phone and uncover a gem.

Here’s a partial list of what you can gain:

1. GPS – I get accuracy to 10 meters, works best in car with charger attached, can drain battery in 2 hours or less. Must use 2007 NavTec Google Map app in firmware, newer Google won’t work as well. Locator Services can be left active and minimized so that Google will immediately know where you are. But do it connected to a charger! Also AmAze navigator (the version for the C702, I think) will work on the phone giving you turn by turn navigation for free. (don’t look at the phone while driving it’s too small)

2. TrackId is now free rather than a subscription. I don’t know why anyone would actually pay for this monthly. While I am sometimes curious as to what I’m hearing, I’m not paying $5/mo to find out one or two songs. TrackId works fine on music from classical to country to rap/hiphop, the most abstract techno/disco strangeness you can come up with, and on generic firmware it’s free.

3. Blogging from camera as a ’send to blog’ (Blogspot.com) uses email account and data plan.

4. RSS Desktop – has as many features as an iPhone’s. Auto scroll, configurable updates. easy to add RSS, when browsing the RSS symbol will pop up and using the left soft key, you can add it to the listing. Updates anywhere from every hour to once a week.

5. Podcasts (video and audio) I believe that it may be configurable by the rss feeds rather than the PC Suite sync method, at least my phone seems to update them. PC Suite method will load podcasts daily, and sync with your phone. Media Suite needs data cable (about $6 from other Amazon sellers).

6. Exchange ActiveSync without any shortcomings (as have been reported elsewhere), specific Exchange sync.

7. SyncML for everything else. There are reports of it working with MyLife/iLife.

8. Email push client – works with ANY pop or imap server, and can filter out unwanted domains, etc from the ‘push’– you can select domains to accept from. No applications to view attachments, but you could bluetooth or use cable to transfer to a PC/laptop.

9. Network Sharing function, phone can be part of office network via USB or Bluetooth

10. Choice between ‘GSM & 3G’ vs ‘GSM’ only is now unblocked, fixing the battery life issues. Even in combined mode, if the phone isn’t updating it will drop down to GSM/Edge when not actually using the web. You can also search networks and simply not chose the 3G ATT network too. You’ll need SE’s webite and tools to reconfigure internet, picture and SMS services if you debrand. Recent updates may not show the z750a, use the z750i. You can also configure ANY ISP’s email from their site (including Gmail, Yahoo, AOL, any so called ‘residential’ carrier like Comcast or Cablevision, etc (but not MSN/Hotmail), and multiple ones on the phone.

11. You won’t accidentally open a Internet browser when pressing the central button, it’s a Message Center button now. Other buttons and shortcuts are also rearranged in a more logical fashion, camera button changes to MediaNet browser and all the softkeys are configurable including the ring around the central button.

There’s OperaMini for this phone, Yahoo Go!, AmAze, etc.

FM radio needs antennae phone jack to work, but if you want to use your standard stereo headsets you’ll need it too, to connect with since ATT didn’t include the part. FWIW, ALL SE phones use the came cables and chargers, so if you have a prior SE phone that came with cables use those. The are a ton of profiles built into the phone including the latest Stereo Bluetooth profiles, Bluetooth remote controls, etc. I bought a HBH-DS980 the Bluetooth Stereo wireless to use with this phone. You can’t use it with FM radio, however.

Voice command controls only for/with handsfree units, allows multiple commands per contact, multiple phone numbers per contacts, multiple addresses per contact. Just like Outlook or any other full blown contact manager. Contacts can have own ringtone and photo. Naturally if you are using your SIM card to store you can only have ONE phone number per contact. Download SE’s software to get the sync software to put all your Outlook contacts into the phone.

I don’t like that it’s hard to find appointments and you have to view each day to see a list, rather than a consolidated list of the appointments in order. Tasks as nice, multiple alarm timers.

Generally its a very nice phone, battery issues aside. Better, IMHO, unbranded. (Oh, and it’s SE Java8 platform, so no MS Mobile here.)

3 Stars Not a great phone
Overall, I really don’t like this phone much. Besides the short battery life mentioned in the other reviews, I have other problems with the phone. Flipping the phone is very stiff and I find myself sometimes sending calls to voice mail because I pushed one of the buttons on the side of the phone trying to get it open. The cursor control in the center of the phone is very inaccurate. I find myself constantly pushing the wrong part of the cursor control and misfiring, for example creating voice messages when I’m trying to create text messages. Also, the text messaging is not easy. There’s no easy way to type the same letter twice without waiting the second or two until the key resets. Other phones use the single space to trigger the end of the wait without a space but this phone doesn’t. The display on the outside of the phone is cute but mostly it’s a gimmick to make the advertising pictures look nicer. When the phone is sitting on my desk, nothing is displayed and it’s easier to look at my watch then it is to find the tiny button on the side of the phone to make the time display. (Yes, the tiny button that I seem to always press when I’m trying to open the phone to answer a call.) It’s true that the display shows the incoming call but usually by the time I look at it, the scrolling is only showing the end of the number so I miss who is calling anyway. It would be better if the phone let you put in a short version for your contacts (like “Jack” or “Mom”) and only displayed that.

The camera does take decent pictures and the voice quality is good but if I could get a new phone it wouldn’t be this one.

4 Stars Mid level phone user’s phone
The Sony Ericsson has all the bells and whistles that a super cell phone user may have but it may not be the most convenient for them. I for one don’t use internet hardly ever. I know it has it but too be honest I would just get frustrated being on it. It’s the normal flip phone and if you basically just text and use it as a phone then it’s probably the perfect one for you. I do like the fm radio feature but its required you get their earphones (sold separately) to use it and its not so convenient to carry them around also.

The one complaint everyone has is the battery life. Don’t believe the description it gives. The main thing about battery life is the capacity measured in mAh. The more of those = the more battery life. I think it has 950 mAh so it’s basically the same as any other phone. I usually charge it every night. I usually can go 2 nights without a charge but if you use the phone a lot you’d probably only get 1.5 days of life. Other than that its a decent mid-range phone. No problems and no big complaints.

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Sony Ericsson W580i Gray Phone ATandT

June 24th, 2009 Cellphone Review No comments

Sony Ericsson W580i Gray Phone ATandT




Sony Ericsson shakes things up with its new quad-band W580i Walkman phone, introducing an innovative “shake to shuffle” feature that randomly chooses another song stored on your phone with just a flick of the wrist. This thin, slider-style phone also features a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder, fast Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR connectivity with music streaming, Memory Stick Micro expansion, Web browser for viewing full Internet sites, email access, an FM radio with RDS, and EDGE data support.

The slim slider W580i measures just 0.55 inches thin and features a brightly colorful QVGA screen, external music keys, and a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder.

With AT&T’s Mobile Music service, you can access your Napster subscription service for music downloads to keep you booming out the tunes for up to 20 hours.

AT&T Service
The W580i operates on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks and can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T’s EDGE network (which stands for “Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution”), with availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. This third-generation, high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.

The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T’s MEdia Net service lets you do more than just stream videos–it enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. It also features AT&T Mobile Music, which provides access to the Napster subscription music service in addition to Music ID song-recognition software, music videos and The Buzz music news portal. (A MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T’s Internet, video, and music services.)

Phone Features
The W580i Walkman phone offers a full-function digital audio player that’s compatible with MP3 and AAC files. The front of this slider phone includes dedicated music control buttons, and it includes Sony Ericsson’s innovative “shake to shuffle” feature. With Shake control activated, press and hold the Walkman key and flick your wrist. A vibration lets you know that the track has been changed–a new song from your current playlist is randomly selected and automatically played.

With the TrackID service, you can identify any song that you can hear by just recording a snippet of sound using the microphone. After sending the file for recognition, you’ll have the name, artist and album sent to your phone. Other Walkman features include MegaBass enhancement for added depth of sound, a flight mode that lets you keep listening to tunes with the phone’s network connectivity turned off, and Disc2Phone software for easy transfer of song files between phone and PC. It also includes a built-in FM radio with RDS, which displays the name of the currently playing song (when tuned to compatible radio stations).

This phone provides Bluetooth version 2.0 wireless connectivity with EDR (enhanced data rate), 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.

The built-in 2.0 megapixel camera captures stills and video–and playback of video or still pictures is only limited to the memory card size. Picture effects and custom screensavers, backgrounds, and themes can be setup to fit your personality. It provides support for PictBridge technology so you can print your photos without the need of a PC (either using USB or Bluetooth). And the W580i makes it easy to send snapped photos directly to a blog or an online photo, complete with text. This phone is also compatible with RTSP/3GPP streaming video playback

You can even take your favorite tracks to the track with the W580i, which will count your steps, your calories and monitor your running speed/distance/time with the integrated motion sensor. Your workout results are stored in your phone so you can monitor your progress.

The phone also ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3 and IMAP4 protocols, while the included Access NetFront Web Browser allows you to surf full HTML web sites. It 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. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages.

The phone also supports the SyncML PC synchronization standard. This means the phone can be used with the included Sony Ericsson Sync Station software, which lets you synchronize your Microsoft Outlook calendar, contacts, notes and tasks on your PC with the phone.

Other features include:

  • 2-inch LCD with a 240 x 320-pixel resolution and support for 262K colors
  • Up to 1000 contact entries, each with five number fields
  • Built-in pedometer and fitness applications
  • Picture blogging with Google Blogger
  • Mobile email and messaging via AOL/AIM, Yahoo!, and MSN
  • Java support for online and offline 3D games (preloaded games include PacMan and Ms. PacMan)
  • USB 2.0 wired connectivity with mass storage capability
  • PIM functions including calendar, tasks, notes, alarm, calculator, stopwatch, and timer
  • T9 text entry technology
  • 72-chord polyphonic ringtones and MP3 ringtones
  • Digital audio file formats: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+

Vital Statistics
The W580i weighs 3.32 ounces and measures 3.9 x 1.85 x 0.55 inches. Its 930 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rated at up to 9 hours of talk time, and up to 370 hours of digital standby time; the phone will also play for up to 20 hours when in Music Mode. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies.

User Ratings and Reviews

2 Stars still kicking… barely
i bought this phone as an alternative to the iphone because my wife is on att so i wanted to switch over. i wish i had waited because now i have to wait until may to switch phones. the buttons on the phone cracked from over use (texting) but they still work, they just look broken and crappy. the whole left side of the phone was broken for about a week at one point but then decided to start working again when i had finally scheduled an appointment to return it. in all, not my best phone to date- the music stuff works ok, but not very fast. the speaker is distorted sounding now but when i first got it, it sounded ok. camera works ok outside, needs light.

4 Stars My Sony Ericsson W580i has served me well.
I purchased my gray Sony Ericsson W580i directly from AT&T in 2007 and spent $[...] after rebates. At the time, this phone offered the most features for a compact phone at a reasonable price. I usually keep a cell phone for longer than the two year contract period so I look for a phone with fun and techie features that will help make it easy to hang onto.

Pros:

- Compact size

- Capabilities & features (music/radio, 2MP camera, video, internet, bluetooth, speakerphone, organization and fitness apps, accepts memory card, etc.)

- Long lasting talk-time battery life

Cons:

- Proprietary accessories (headphone & power cable jacks, Micro M2 memory card)

- Small keypad and buttons (including exterior hot keys for music and internet that I’ve easily activated by accident)

- Continuous use of the Bluetooth zaps down the battery power

- Short ring span before callers go to voicemail (I’m slow!)

I am surprised by the number of reviewers that have commented about issues with the durability of the phone. My phone has suffered the depths of my overcrowded purse, been dropped onto the street, and gone sliding off of the dash onto the floor of my car, and does not yet look worse for the wear.

Overall, I am pleased with this purchase and would give this phone 4.5 stars.

2 Stars Limited life
Phone works well, but is too fragile. My husband and I both have one and they lasted less than a 18 months–out of warranty but too soon for us to qualify for new free phones from at&t.

Liked:

Calendar. (easy to use and can be synced with Outlook)

Camera. (took good pictures, easy to get them off the phone)

Mp3 player. (expandable memory, easy to use)

But:

I had to replace the screen when it cracked just a few months in (replacements are available online for about $30). It cracked again later and I’ve been using it with a black mark across the middle of the screen.

My husband’s screen went blank after 14 months and had to be replaced.

Mine stopped working completely at 16 months, even after trying a software update at the Sony Ericsson site.

My husband’s has started making loud buzzing noise during calls, audible on both ends, that prevents use, and is being replaced at 17 months.

The headphones use a phone specific jack, so if you loose them you can’t just replace them with inexpensive ones.

Overall this phone is too fragile and doesn’t last long enough to make it worth it. I think a well treated phone should last longer. We enjoyed them while they worked.

4 Stars High quality phone, for the most part…
I’ve had this phone for almost one year.

PROS:

-excellent, bright display

-easy to navigate interface, also very attractive

-sound quality

-external speaker for mp3 player

-good camera (2 mp)

CONS:

-keys split down the middle, though still functional (this is covered under the one year Manufacturer’s Warranty)

-slider design has it pitfalls (eg. accidentally hanging up on people)

-MEdia Net shortcut button accidentally pressed when in pocket or in purse (I got charged every month for this)

-only compatible with M2 cards, they are much more expensive compared to MicroSD cards

Overall, it is a very good MP3 phone. It’s stylish, and the display is excellent. If you don’t mind a slider-phone, then I recommend the w580i.

2 Stars Great phone, but poor quality
I have had the w580i for 1 year, 2 months now and I have enjoyed using the phone and most of its features. However, during that time I have experienced several quality issues. One of them (the ear speaker died) was probably isolated to my unit. But I also had my keypad crack twice. The cracked keypad seems to be a common issue with this model, just search online about it. I had to send in the phone twice for warranty repairs. Now, the left soft keys (select/back) have stopped working. Another search revealed this to also be a common flaw also. My warranty has run out, so Sony Ericsson will not fix this. Fortunately, there is a workaround by pushing hard on the area between the navigation keys and the LCD screen (where there is either the ‘W’ logo or the at&t logo), then the keys will work.

The bottom line though is that this phone has some serious quality flaws and therefore I do not recommend purchasing this model anymore. I give it 2-stars since the phone is still a very nice slider design with excellent software/interface.

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Sony Ericsson W580i Phone Red ATandT

June 23rd, 2009 Cellphone Review No comments

Sony Ericsson W580i Phone Red ATandT




Sony Ericsson shakes things up with its new quad-band W580i Walkman phone, introducing an innovative “shake to shuffle” feature that randomly chooses another song stored on your phone with just a flick of the wrist. This thin, slider-style phone also features a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder, fast Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR connectivity with music streaming, Memory Stick Micro expansion, Web browser for viewing full Internet sites, email access, an FM radio with RDS, and EDGE data support.

With AT&T’s Mobile Music service, you can access your Napster subscription service for music downloads to keep you booming out the tunes for up to 20 hours.

AT&T Service
The W580i operates on GSM 850/900/1800/1900 networks and can handle high-speed data connectivity via AT&T’s EDGE network (which stands for “Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution”), with availability in more than 13,000 US cities and along some 40,000 miles of major highways. This third-generation, high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.

The phone has a built-in web browser for MEdia Net downloads and mobile web browsing. AT&T’s MEdia Net service enables you to receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. It also features AT&T Mobile Music, which provides access to the Napster subscription music service in addition to Music ID song-recognition software, music videos and The Buzz music news portal. (A MEdia Max subscription bundle is recommended for accessing AT&T’s Internet, video, and music services.)

Phone Features
The W580i Walkman phone offers a full-function digital audio player that’s compatible with MP3 and AAC files. The front of this slider phone includes dedicated music control buttons, and it includes Sony Ericsson’s innovative “shake to shuffle” feature. With Shake control activated, press and hold the Walkman key and flick your wrist. A vibration lets you know that the track has been changed–a new song from your current playlist is randomly selected and automatically played.

With the TrackID service, you can identify any song that you can hear by just recording a snippet of sound using the microphone. After sending the file for recognition, you’ll have the name, artist and album sent to your phone. Other Walkman features include MegaBass enhancement for added depth of sound, a flight mode that lets you keep listening to tunes with the phone’s network connectivity turned off, and Disc2Phone software for easy transfer of song files between phone and PC. It also includes a built-in FM radio with RDS, which displays the name of the currently playing song (when tuned to compatible radio stations).

Slide the W580i up to reveal its 2-megapixel camera.

This phone provides Bluetooth version 2.0 wireless connectivity with EDR (enhanced data rate), 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.

The built-in 2.0 megapixel camera captures stills and video–and playback of video or still pictures is only limited to the memory card size. Picture effects and custom screensavers, backgrounds, and themes can be setup to fit your personality. It provides support for PictBridge technology so you can print your photos without the need of a PC (either using USB or Bluetooth). And the W580i makes it easy to send snapped photos directly to a blog or an online photo, complete with text. This phone is also compatible with RTSP/3GPP streaming video playback

You can even take your favorite tracks to the track with the W580i, which will count your steps, your calories and monitor your running speed/distance/time with the integrated motion sensor. Your workout results are stored in your phone so you can monitor your progress.

The phone also ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3 and IMAP4 protocols, while the included Access NetFront Web Browser allows you to surf full HTML web sites. It 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. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, video, graphics and sound via messages.

The phone also supports the SyncML PC synchronization standard. This means the phone can be used with the included Sony Ericsson Sync Station software, which lets you synchronize your Microsoft Outlook calendar, contacts, notes and tasks on your PC with the phone.

Other features include:

  • 2-inch LCD with a 240 x 320-pixel resolution and support for 262K colors
  • Up to 1000 contact entries, each with five number fields
  • Built-in pedometer and fitness applications
  • Picture blogging with Google Blogger
  • Mobile email and messaging via AOL/AIM, Yahoo!, and MSN
  • Java support for online and offline 3D games (preloaded games include PacMan and Ms. PacMan)
  • USB 2.0 wired connectivity with mass storage capability
  • PIM functions including calendar, tasks, notes, alarm, calculator, stopwatch, and timer
  • T9 text entry technology
  • 72-chord polyphonic ringtones and MP3 ringtones
  • Digital audio file formats: MP3, AAC, AAC+, eAAC+

Vital Statistics
The W580i weighs 3.32 ounces and measures 3.9 x 1.85 x 0.55 inches. Its 930 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rated at up to 9 hours of talk time, and up to 370 hours of digital standby time; the phone will also play for up to 20 hours when in Music Mode. It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star DO NOT BUY THIS PHONE IF YOU TEXT!!!
After I bought my phone, a friend at work who has the same phone warned me that the keypad likes to quit working. I told her I hadn’t had any problems yet and I figured she just got a lemon. Well, I bought it in October and NOW the keypad IS going out on me! It’s too late for me to return it, I suppose I’ll have to see if the warranty is any good. I doubt if I take it into an ATT store they’ll replace it since I bought it on Amazon. So far, it’s mainly the #/space button that doesn’t work. I have to hit it, on average, about 6 times for it to create a space in my texts. SO ANNOYING.

I love Sony Ericsson phones, just don’t buy this model!!

4 Stars Walkman FM radio +++ but small keypad
I bought this phone because it had Walkman FM radio, too. This phone is pretty (I got the PINK one), lightweight, has lots of whiz-bang menu selections, but doesn’t wow or impress me as much as the Samsung A737 or Samsung A747 models which I bought for my children. I listen to the radio a lot, more than MP3s and really thought this feature would be cool. If you like effects, it has 16 settings for flashing light patterns customized for every caller. It takes a day to find out how to set the patterns in all the menus….

The keypad is a bit on the small side, and feel like dry plastic. It’s OK for me because I have small hands, but I don’t think a man would enjoy using the small, non-descript keys. The letters on the keys are hard to see being so small. When I enter text, I still have to look–er, squint–at the keypad. I don’t pay for texting service, so it’s not a huge hassle, but if you text, I can’t imagine it would be much fun.

When I enter an phone number in the address book, it doesn’t put hyphens between the area code, prefix, and last four digits. That’s not fatal, but a pet peeve, and makes it difficult for me to figure out the numbers as they come up.

The M2 Memory Stick is not common, but Sony Ericsson uses it. They supply a 512MB one. Buying one with more memory will not be cheap. The access slot is on the top. It took me a while to figure out how to open the little, flat plastic door. Which side to open? It doesn’t have a flap, can’t open with a fingernail, so I use an unfolded paper clip or other similar-sized object to pry it open.

You need the wired earphones to have FM service. If you like radio, it’s just one more thing to carry around. The sound quality is EXCELLENT on this wire unit and the ear buds very comfy. It also works as “handsfree” phone device if you don’t want to do Bluetooth.

The display, although narrow, is bright and sharp. The sound is good, and it interfaces well with my Bluetooth earpiece and Palm device. The phone is very lightweight and slim. I dropped it a few times but the case didn’t scratch or crack. The pink IS pretty, and has little red “jewels” between the number keys (other color models have different color jewels). The speaker phone option works well and is clear to hear. The slider is a little unusual to work at first, but works very nicely. Sony Ericsson phone support is SUPER, too.

5 Stars Excellent slider. Great Value. Slick Design.
A long-time Motorola phone user now converted. Not only is this phone lightweight and amazing looking, it’s feature packed.

Pros:

- Crystal-clear calling. No static and loud when needed.

- The screen is amazing. The resolution is awesome. By far the best I’ve ever seen on a phone this size.

- This phone is tiny; in a good way. Super-slim and tucks nicely in your pocket. Being that it’s a slider, you’ll never have to worry about pocket-dialing. :)

- The software is very easy to navigate. This is nicely improved over the Motorola interface of my older RAZR.

- The MP3 player rocks; no pun intended. The Walkman software lets you sort by Artists, Albums, Tracks, Playlists and more. This is light-years ahead of the my old RAZR’s MP3 player. This one rivals any standalone MP3 device I’ve used.

- The stereo headphones that comes with it include a 3.5mm adapter. While the included headphones sound great, this adapter gives you the flexibility to use your Bose, Shure or other stereo headphones. A very nice option.

- Unlike “some” other sliders, the camera is protected and kept under cover when the slide is closed. This works great in keeping dust off the lens.

- The 2.0MP camera is actually pretty good. It takes great outdoor photos.

- I LOVE the fitness/step counter. It measures distance in steps and calculated miles along with the calories you’ve burned. It also keeps a daily average and each days results.

Cons:

- No 3G

- Sony Proprietary Memory Stick Micro M2 versus easy to find and less expensive MicroSD

- No LED Flash or Photo Light

In conclusion, if you are looking for a super-slim phone with great call quality and superb music capability, look no further. This Sony wears the Walkman name with pride.

Note: I bought a SanDisk SDMSM2-4096-A11M 4GB Memory Stick Micro (M2) and it works perfectly. 4GB of music!!!

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Sony Ericsson TM506 Phone Red T Mobile

June 19th, 2009 Cellphone Review No comments

Sony Ericsson TM506 Phone Red T Mobile




With an all around eye-catching design, the compact and stylish clamshell Sony Ericsson TM506 for T-Mobile keeps you connected to your closest friends and family members with T-Mobiles myFaves. It’s also Sony Ericsson’s first handset supporting T-Mobile’s HSDPA 3G network (in select markets), which provides fast web downloads and multimedia messaging. With built-in GPS and Telenav Navigator software, you can get turn-by-turn directions via voice and screen as well as see nearby restaurants, gas stations, and more. Other features include Bluetooth for handsfree communication and stereo music streaming, a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder, memory expansion via Micro Stick Micro (M2) media, digital audio player, and up to 9.5 hours of talk time.

The eye-catching, compact clamshell TM506 delivers an exceptional Web experience thanks to T-Mobile’s 3G network (available in select markets).

T-Mobile Service
The TM506 operates on GSM 850/1800/1900 networks and can handle high-speed data connectivity via T-Mobile’s EDGE network (which stands for “Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution”). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.

It’s also compatible with T-Mobile’s UMTS/HSDPA 3G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum. This phone is designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web or downloading content from the T-Mobile t-zones content portal. T-Mobile is currently rolling out its 3G network, and it expects by year’s end that its high-speed data network will be available in those cities where a majority of its subscribers currently use data services.

Call your favorite people with T-Mobile’s myFaves service, which allows you to call up to five of your most common contacts–on any network, even landlines–without using any of your minutes. You’ll also get free domestic long distance and no digital roaming charges anywhere across the US on all calls. (All myFaves plans require a two-year contract.) Learn more about myFaves from T-Mobile.

Download cool new games, HiFi Ringers (real songs by today’s hottest artists), MegaTones (instrumental versions of songs), and wallpapers quickly, as well as stay connected via the Web, instant messaging, and email.

Phone Features
The Sony Ericsson TM506 proves that good things come in small packages. Its compact design fits into any pocket, purse or briefcase for consumers on the move. A thin outer display (1.1-inch, 128 x 36 pixels, monochrome) on the sleek ebony gloss clamshell allows you to glance at caller ID without having to open the phone. It also provides current time, signal strength, and battery life. The interior screen measures 2.2 inches, has a 240 x 320-pixel resolution, and supports a 262K color depth. The alpha-numeric keypad has a unique overlapping circular design surrounded by lighted accents and they have a rubbery feel for easy keying.

The phone has 32 MB of internal memory, which can be expanded via optional Memory Stick Micro (M2) media, up to 4 GB in size. The internal phonebook provides storage for up to 1000 contact entries, with up to seven phone numbers per entry as well as an email address, street address, and web URL.

The integrated Bluetooth technology (version 2.0) allows handsfree communication with a compatible headset as well as the ability to exchange files with another Bluetooth compatible device. And, with the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. Additionally, you can connect to your PC using infrared or USB.

The 2-megapixel camera provides several resolution options for either saving for print or sending via MMS messaging. Other features include a 2.5x digital zoom (for use at lower resolutions), panorama multi-shot capabilities, white balance and brightness adjustments, night mode, multiple color effects and frames, and a self-timer. The camcorder function of the camera can shoot in two modes: for as long as you have available memory for saving or a maximum of 45 seconds for sending via email or MMS. Share special moments with T-Mobile’s My Album online sharing as well as the phone’s video blogging capability.

The in-phone media player supports video and audio playback–supported audio formats include MP3 and AAC–and it features playlists as well as shuffle and repeat modes. It also includes a “Music Mode” that shuts down the phone functions so you can listen on an airplane or anytime you don’t want to accept calls. Meanwhile, Digital Mega Bass and stereo widening combine to enhance your listening experience.

The TM506’s built-in aGPS (assisted GPS) navigation capability along with the Telenav application enables you to always know your location get turn-by-turn voice-assisted directions. It also provides the ability to add geotagging information to your photos so you’ll remember where snapshots were taken.

The phone offers a full range of email, text, and multimedia messaging options, including access to personal email viewed through the included Access NetFront web browser. It 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:

  • Messaging: SMS text, MMS picture and video
  • Email: From select POP3 email accounts
  • T9 predictive text entry
  • USB connectivity with mass storage capability
  • Organizational tools: calendar, alarm clock, tasks, notes, timer, stopwatch, calculator
  • Speakerphone
  • Compatible with polyphonic and real-music ringtones
  • Downloadable Java-based games
  • Supports Exchange ActiveSync for synchronizing your Outlook contacts
  • Bluetooth version 2.0+EDR with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BIP (for sending images to another device), 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), PBA (transfer contacts)

Vital Statistics
The Sony Ericsson TM506 weighs 3.6 ounces and measures 1.8 x 3.7 x 0.7 inches. Its 950 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rated at up to 9.5 hours of talk time on GSM networks (3.5 hours of talk time using the 3G network), and up to 250 hours of standby time. It runs on the 850/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as 1700/2100 MHz UMTS/HSDPA 3G frequencies.

Buy/More Info

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