Internet
The W580i browses the internet using AT&T's MEdia Net service, which
provides access to email, websites and games. AT&T offers MEdia Net on a
pay-as-you-go service ($0.01 per KB) or as a bundled rate plan.
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Your Price:
Free!
with service
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The W580i also offers video streaming using MEdia Net's MobiTV application,
but users should be aware of the extra charges they might incur while watching
live TV on their phones, due to the large among data they will be downloading
while streaming.
MEdia Net uses AT&T's Enhanced Data for GSM Evolution (EDGE) network,
AT&T's data network, transferring at speeds between 70 and 135 kilobits
per second. The EDGE network is available in more than 13,000 U.S. cities
and covers 40,000 miles of highways. While faster than first generation
GPRS networks, EDGE is considerably slower than the newest HSDPA (High-Speed
Downlink Packet Access) 3G network offered by AT&T, which the W580i unfortunately
lacks. HSDPA-capable phones can take advantage of AT&T Music and Video services,
providing optimal transfer rates of 3.6 Mbps downloads and 384 kbps uploads.
Storage
 With
a scant 12 MB of internal memory, W580i users will need to use Memory Stick
Micro memory cards for any reasonable multimedia capabilities. Fortunately
the W580i comes with a 256 MB card; not a lot of memory, but able to store
50+ songs.
While virtually similar to the more widely used microSD format, Memory
Stick Micro is a Sony proprietary technology, meaning it will cost slightly
more than other memory cards.
Connectivity
The W580i supports Bluetooth connectivity, including Advanced Audio Distribution
Profile (A2DP) for stereo wireless listening to music. Bluetooth enables
users to connect the phone to other cell phones, computers and multiple
Bluetooth devices at the same time at a range of up to 10 meters (33 feet).
With Bluetooth, the W580i can be transformed into a wireless data hub,
enabling the transfer of data, pictures, video and music between the phone
and a computer. It also sets the user up with the option to use a vast array
of Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as other phones, stereos or printers.
Besides A2DP, the phone supports Basic Imaging Profile, Basic Printing
Profile, Dial-Up Networking Profile, File Transfer Profile, Generic Access
Profile, Handsfree Profile, Object Exchange Profile, Object Push Profile,
Headset Profile, Personal Area Network Profile and Serial Port Profile.
The phone also comes with a USB cable for syncing with a PC.
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