Introduction

Sony Ericsson's latest version of the Walkman phone, the W580i, adds a new level of multimedia functionality to the popular music phone while incorporating a sleek slider design.

Sony Ericsson W580i

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From the Walkman's new "shake to shuffle" feature that changes songs with a flick of the wrist to its "ID song' function that literally names that tune, the handset moves seamlessly between its function as phone, multimedia device and music player.

The phone also offers fitness-tracking functions that transform the phone into a training center by tracking exercise data that can be transferred to a computer.

The Sony Ericsson W580i offers Stereo Bluetooth 2.0 technology, an FM radio and a 2.0-megapixel camera and camcorder. Boasting good audio quality and connection, the phone's EDGE technology allows users to download graphics, games and ringtones as well as robust multimedia text messaging and web browsing.

Design

The W580i joins the ranks of sexy slider phones that pack music and multimedia into a slim design. Ultra light at 3.3 ounces, the phone fits easily in the palm of the hand and features a curved bottom edge for extra leverage.

Measuring almost four inches long and 1.8 inches wide, with a thickness of half an inch, the phone is shaped like a small brick. The body has brushed metal sheen that disguises the fact that it's made of lightweight plastic. In the hand, the phone feels almost too light at 3.3 ounces. Although the phone slides easily on its chassis, there's no easy place for the thumb to grip when opening the phone with one hand. The lack of grip coupled with the fact that the plastic is slippery makes for awkward one-handed opening, although after repeated use the motion gets easier.

A small power button on the top rear edge of the handset also requires a special hand trick to turn the phone on. However, its inconspicuous size leaves room on the top of the phone for an expandable Memory Stick Micro memory slot. A volume key is positioned the left side of the phone, and the headset, charger and handsfree connector is conveniently located on the right side of the phone.

The front of the phone features a navigation keypad and shortcut buttons that enable the user to make and answer calls, play games, browse the web or play music without opening the phone. A bright, 2.2-inch display (240 x 320 px) projects 262K-colors and uses TFT technology to produce crisp, vivid images.

Below the screen, the 5-way navigation keypad offers shortcut buttons of the user's choice for phone functionality, while the center key opens up the main menu. When the Walkman button at the bottom left of the phone is activated, the circular keypad becomes a music control with Pause / Stop, Forward or Reverse buttons. The MEdia Net key at the bottom right of the phone opens up the phone's web browser.

The W580i slides open to reveal a flat numeric keypad with a cool blue glow. The tight placement of the keys makes blind dialing difficult, but the keys themselves have a solid feel. Opening the slider reveals the 2.0-megapixel camera lens at the top of the phone.

The sides of the phone light up playfully in 16 color patterns when a call comes in. Colors range from Apricot to TuttiFrutti.

The phone lacks a designated camera key, so unless the camera is set as a smart key, users must navigate to the camera from the main menu to take pictures. Once the camera is activated, selection keys below the screen can be used to capture photos or change settings, while the volume keys adjust brightness and the up and down keys on the navigation keypad zoom in or out.

Perhaps the most innovative design feature is the W580i's "shake to shuffle" music control that changes a song at the flick of the wrist. When the Walkman is on, users can shuffle to a new song by pressing the Walkman key and shaking the phone.

Out of the box, the Sony Ericsson W580i comes with a standard 900 mAh-Li-Ion battery, charger, headset and USB cable. The box also includes a disc of Sony Ericsson's music management software for transferring music from the phone to the computer, Disc2Phone. The W580i is available in three simple colors: Style White, Boulevard Black and Urban Grey.

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