Introduced in February 2008 during the MWC in Barcelona, the Xperia X1 has taken 10 months to arrive in our stores. Eagerly awaited by technophiles and professionals, the Xperia is presented as mobile convergence between the professional and multimedia. His slider makes it easy to capture, the screen displays a 3-inch high resolution 800 x 480 pixels and its overlay software consists of interactive displays optimal use. Finishes off and complete equipment, the Xperia playing in the high-end mobiles, but despite a prohibitive price, it is not free of defects.
Finishes off and VIP service
Sold 799 euros naked with a micro SD card 8GB, the Xperia X1 is not for every budget. If this price seems prohibitive, it is also clear that this tactile finishes ahead of a quality rarely achieved. Composed largely of chrome or brushed, the Xperia impressive and makes a real feeling of solidity.
The mobile has received all the attentions of the Japan-Sweden manufacturer and carry a design style bluffing where every detail has its importance, such as shortcut keys on the range that fit perfectly to the mobile.
Harmonious lines, originality, quality workmanship, nothing to say, this new smartphone is very attractive.
Besides the premium finishes, the Xperia has a service “VIP”. By buying this smartphone, you have a hotline with a specific support for Windows Mobile and the Xperia, and start using the free exchange of the mobile if you are abroad. VIP Service Agreement, but this phone is silent on the cover, curious given the price and the target of Xperia …
Equipment just right, but high resolution screen
To attract the widest target possible and the pill price, the Xperia has a proper equipment. You will find the Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, HSDPA / HSUPA, a GPS (A-GPS) and radio tuner. The configuration part of the standard Omnia, iPhone and Co with a 528 MHz processor, 256 MB of RAM and a 3D chipset. Provided there slowdowns in the execution of tasks and sometimes you have to arm themselves to see the patient before starting an application.
The Xperia relies heavily on its screen displaying a 3-inch WVGA 800 x 480 pixels. This high resolution strongly emphasizes movies and photos.
The record is impressive, accurate and realistic, the display is clearly one of the great strengths of the Xperia. It is also, for the moment, the only one to offer this resolution, pending the HTC Touch HD …
First surprise : the internal memory is limited to 400MB You will have to opt for a micro SD card of 8 or 16 GB to store your data. A surcharge to predict and a slight disappointment compared to a Nokia N96 or Omnia which have an internal memory plus a memory card slot for expanding storage to 32GB!
Second disappointment: the lack of an accelerometer. The display from portrait to landscape mode does not automatically make and it will slide the keyboard to enjoy the landscape. Really harmful especially during surf sessions.
Concerning Web browsing, the combination of the 3 inch screen and WVGA do wonders, provided you use the browser Opera Mobile 9.5 provided. Again, the web pages are displayed accurately and you will not have to zoom to the death to see the smaller characters. In fact, this screen offers amazing sharpness and provides real comfort in Web browsing. In addition, Opera Mobile 9.5 is the best browser on Windows Mobile and an excellent alternative to Safari on the iPhone. Attention contrary to what is announced, Opera Mobile does not support Flash.
To operate the GPS, the Xperia X1 has the Wayfinder navigation software, whose license is limited to three months …! A bit shabby for this mobile price. Once the license is complete you can always back on Google Maps.
An overlay software interesting and good ergonomics
To simplify its use, the Xperia X1 has a software overlay consisting of interactive panels. The interface can manage Xpanel 9 offices with access to main functions: calendar, weather, web, radio and multimedia menu. It is also possible to download new boards via dedicated website and to customize its interface.
The panel resumed its multimedia interface, a PSP or a PS3 and shines with simplicity and efficiency.
To support the touchscreen, the Xperia has a sensitive mouse as the Omnia. The touchpad provides real added value in navigating through the menus.
There is also a joystick, Windows shortcut keys and direct access to the interface Xpanel. The portion of the device home photo key and knob multifunction (volume control, camera zoom, zoom Opera Mobile). Only critical keys are flat and are sometimes difficult to access.
A smartphone for professionals and multimedia skills
The Xperia is a smartphone primarily for professionals. His slider bent arched facilitates the seizure, even if it seems less comfortable than Touch Pro.
The keys are flat and flush with the keyboard too. However there will always be more effective than the keyboard of a BlackBerry Bold or a Treo Pro.
If Windows Mobile OS is not as sexy, it has a large repository and can natively read and edit documents and manage the Office package and Exchange push. Special mention to the duo Messaging and mouse sensor that allow effective management of email, SMS and MMS with a flick. In contrast resolution WVGA touch screen may cause some software incompatibilities, especially with games.
Pity, because the Xperia just a chipset integrates 3D! Studios such as Gameloft already working on games specifically designed for this smartphone and the result looks like a nice visual breakdown.
If this is for the Touch Pro, it also provides multimedia functions. An output jack 3.5 mm, an FM tuner, a video player and a camera of 3.2 megapixels. If Sony Ericsson’s smartphone compares the Nokia N96, the reality is less flattering.
Unlike the N96, Xperia features a single speaker and has no video output, but it was for him an exceptional display. Logically, the high resolution 3-inch screen gives the film a clarity rarely seen on a mobile, real fireworks for the eyes.
If it does not mention Cyber-Shot, the 3.2 megapixel autofocus digital camera is effective and delivers quality photos of Hon. We like the tactile development and selective particularly original, the ability to capture video in VGA quality and very powerful LED torch, but the zoom is not very swift. Let us not deny our pleasure, it’s so rare to find a good digital camera on the Windows Mobile …
Its size of 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm 158 g does not make him a model of compactness even if it remains lighter than Touch Pro and more compact than N96, iPhone or Omnia.
Its 1500 mAh battery allows a self correct with just a talk time of 6 hours and a standby time of close to two days.
Available initially in SFR and Bouygues, is the 1GB version will be marketed by operators with a large subsidy.
Presented 10 months ago, the Xperia X1 was a sensation, but faced with tenors of mobility that is the iPhone 3G, the Omnia, BlackBerry Storm or Nokia 5800 smartphone from Sony Ericsson has more than double something exceptional. However, it can count on his good finishes, his charm and high resolution display. The design at any price?
More : Exceptional finishes, attractive design, high resolution screen, touchpad, audio output jack 3.5 mm, camera quality, slide-out keyboard overlay software interesting
Less : excessive pricing, limited internal memory, no accelerometer, no video output, sometimes too slow
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