Screen
Manufactured from OLED (Organic Light-Emitting Diode) technology, the
4-color grayscale 96 x 96 px external screen does not require a backlight
to function, using much less power than traditional LCD screens. Being less
vibrant as well, unfortunately the screen is quite difficult to read in
direct sunlight.
While the monochrome external LCD is disappointing, it mainly offers
quick and convenient access to text. Frequented information shown on the
screen includes battery charge level, signal strength, date, and time. The
LCD also doubles as a viewfinder when closed in Camera Mode, vaguely allowing
users to see where the lens is pointing.
Conversely, the internal screen is built from TFT (Thin Film Transistor)
technology. Displaying 262K-colors at 176 x 220 px, the 2-inch main LCD
provides bright and vivid imaging, but consumes a significant amount of
power.
Both OLED and TFT displays offer an ideal blend of power consumption
and image quality. Since users frequently glance at static information on
the external screen, OLED is logical to prolong battery life without sacrificing
much on imaging. Meanwhile, the sparsely used internal display offers exceptional
clarity and brightness for multimedia.
Audio
 Consumers
can copy their favorite MP3s to the T609 and take them with them on microSD
memory cards. The interface is minimalist with the directional keypad functioning
as the Rewind, Play / Pause, Forward, and Music List Keys. Providing a few
settings, listeners can choose Repeat Mode (Off, One, and All), Shuffle,
Visualization, Backlight, and Volume (0-10).
Unfortunately the T609 uses a non-standard Headset Jack, so only the
supplied headset (used for handsfree conversation) is possible for private
listening. Having only one earpiece, mono sound limits audio quality. Unplugged
music from the external speaker projects from the top hinge of the T609.
While the lack of stereo sound makes music listening rather poor, transferring
MP3s from a PC was fairly painless. More useful for MP3 ringtones than a
music player, users can easily set music tracks for incoming calls.
Messaging
The conventional raised keypad (with the middle row slightly offset)
is revealed by opening the T609. Featuring all the standard text messaging
formats, SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service),
and MMS (Multimedia Message Service) is supported.
As standard with T-Mobile devices, the T609 also comes preinstalled with
AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), ICQ, MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger. Providing
real-time chat from a wireless device, consumers no longer need to end the
conversation with family and friends. With the 609, users can keep the conversation
alive just as if they were sitting in front of a PC. Airtime charges may
apply.
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