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.

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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