Connectivity

The Sony Ericsson S710a supports multiple forms of connectivity including a built-in infrared port and Bluetooth technology. Multimedia can be downloaded and transferred wirelessly to and from a PC.

Peripheral devices can be paired at a range of up to 10 meters using Bluetooth technology. Link without cables to headsets, handsfree equipment, computer adapters, PDAs, printers, and more. The S710a identifies and maintains devices simultaneously to make sure everything you need is there.

The most interesting feature is the presence of Bluetooth HID (Human Interface Devices) profiles. Once the S710a is connected to a PC through Bluetooth, it becomes essentially a combined keyboard and mouse. By assigning specific combinations of computer keyboard key presses to each key on the phone keypad, users can control computer applications with the phone as a remote.

HID configuration files can be downloaded into the phone using the methods stated earlier. Configuration files are needed for keypad controls of individual computer application. These consist of an XML file for the keypad and an image for the display. Users can modify the files themselves on their computers. A few configuration files are pre-loaded in the phone that enables the user to navigate on a computer desktop, control presentations, and media players.

For fast synchronization, the S710a supports all the latest PAN (Personal Area Network) and OTA (Over-The-Air) technologies for synchronization. For synchronizing between the S710a and a PC, the phone is also SyncML compatible. SyncML is the common language for synchronizing all devices and applications over any network. With SyncML any personal information, such as email, calendars, to-do lists, contact information and other relevant data, will be consistent, accessible and up to date, no matter where the information is stored.

Conclusion

Blurring the line between camera and phone, the Sony Ericsson S710a takes integration beyond convention. The horizontal profile and 1.3-megapixel CCD camera captures exceptional shots, providing excellent color representation, exposure, and allowing several filters and post-processing features found on expensive digital cameras.

The swivel design fits the large 262K color screen into a compact size, allowing more versatility through games; allowing a horizontal gamepad much like a console controller.

There are few flaws with the S710a. Unfortunately, the display can be easily scratched with special care needed to protect the exposed screen.

Regardless, the strengths far outweigh any weaknesses. As a well-rounded device, the S710a is bundled with robust messaging functions, customizable multimedia and games, and connectivity features second-to-none. As one of the most anticipated phones, Cingular expects to carry the S710a at around $400 sometime in Q1 2005.

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