Introduction

Targeting consumers who want to carry as few devices as possible, the sleek but hefty slider is often more like a point-and-shoot camera than a camera phone -- with features such as auto-focus, face detection and xenon flash with red-eye reduction for photos that are second-to-none among mobile phones today.

Apple's iPhone 3GS has a just 3.0-megapixel camera, and several other companies offer up to 5.0-megapixels: the Samsung Omnia 2 for Verizon Wireless, the Samsung Galaxy for T-Mobile and the HTC Hero for Sprint.

But while many rivals fall short in megapixels, the growing trend among handsets is to provide robust smartphone functionality -- running on Mac OS, Google's Android or BlackBerry OS. And unfortunately, the C905a seems to be a one-trick pony.

For those who want a high-quality camera without having to carry an additional device around -- the C905a provides high-quality photos in a small and multi-purpose package.

Design

Weighing a hefty 4.8 ounces, the C905a feels more like a digital camera than a handset. Fortunately, the added bulk doesn't mean added size, as its 4.09 x 1.93 x 0.71 inch dimensions are about the same as a normal phone.

Sony Ericsson designed the C905a to work in two ways -- vertically as most phones do, and horizontally as most digital camera do. Thus, its minimalist layout crams a large array of dual-purpose functions.

On the front, two clear keys function as gaming controls and also adjusts photo and video settings. The upper right has a rocking key that controls volume normally and zoom in camera mode.

The remaining keys on the right side simulate the buttons on a small digital camera -- so people get an intuitive point-and-shoot feel -- including a camera view key to open existing files, a camera mode key to toggle between still images and video and a key near the lower right corner to take photos or start recording videos.

Buttons at the bottom call, end call and turn on/off the handset. There are two selection keys, a menu key, a clear key and a central navigation key with a smaller key in the middle to make selections and open AT&T's MEdia Net browser application.

The left side houses the charger port and tab-covered memory card slot that takes Sony's proprietary Memory Stick Micro (M2) format -- up to 8GB in size.

Hidden behind a lens cover on the back of the phone is a flash and tiny self-portrait mirror.

The C905a slides open with a satisfying "clack" and in general, feels like this solidly built phone that can hold up through rigorous use.

It reveals a flat, black illuminated keypad separated by three thin, metallic bars. The keypad is generally large enough for comfortable dialing and texting, although users trying to type in the slightly cramped top row might find their thumbs bumping against the sliding portion of the phone.

Since the keys are so flat, it is difficult to dial without looking but at least the keys have a good, practical level of sensitivity to touch.

Out of the box, the Sony Ericsson C905a comes with a Li-Ion battery, phone charger, USB cord that plugs into the proprietary charger port, Quick Start Guide and CD with a user guide and tutorial.

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