Introduction

Just as camera phones were the rage in 2004, music phones are the new battleground for manufacturers as evident with the Motorola ROKR, Samsung SCH-A950 and LG CE500. As each company releases their music phones, each hopes to grasp a hold on the fledgling market with the right mix of functionality, style, and accessibility.

Hitting store shelves this month, the W600i is the latest Sony Ericsson device to encapsulate music and mobility, leveraging the heritage of its parent companies to demonstrate their combined vision. Branding the W-series devices as "Walkman Phones," the W600i delivers an open-standard-based digital music player for the mass market.

Through the packaged Sony CONNECT software, downloaded songs and music copied from CD can be directly transferred to the W600i. Able to handle multiple file formats including MP3 and AAC, the W600i includes Disc2Phone PC software for convenient music transfer.

The Sony Ericsson W600i combines multimedia and functionality with mobility, allowing users to take calls while listening to music, capture high-quality 1.3-megapixel images and video, experience 3D gaming, and access the Internet and email, all while on the move.

Design

Using an innovative 360-degree swivel form factor, the W600i focuses on digital imaging and audio. Coming in three colors, Vibrant Orange, Universe Blue, and Orchid White, the W600i measures 93 x 47 x 23 mm and weighs 120 g; not small by any means, but not overly bulky considering the features included.

Taking expertise from Sony's imaging and audio divisions, Sony Ericsson incorporated a cell phone with true multimedia style. Exhibiting a unique swivel action design to allow a wide range of operating choices, the W600i's rotating operation allows consumers to use Browsing, Imaging, and Communication Styles depending on what the situation demands.

In Browsing Style, with the W600i closed, users can talk on the go. Drawing upon the prominently displayed 262K-color TFT screen, users can quickly glance at basic date and time information or view messages without having to open the phone.

Specially designed thumb buttons complement the full-color screen, enhancing the W600i's gaming experience. Two dedicated buttons above the LCD allow gamers to play horizontally as if on a console controller. Meanwhile, the 5-way navigation keypad is flanked by Right / Left Selection, Back, Clear, Internet, and Walkman keys to provide shortcuts to commonplace tools.

A Power On / Off button is situated on the top edge, while the Stereo Headset and Charger Connector is located on the bottom. Controls on the left allow listeners to Play / Pause the music, while Camera features along both sides contain Lock Switch, Turn Light On / Off, and Picture Zoom buttons. An Infrared Port, and oddly Volume keys, are located on the right. An amazing three External Speakers are also included on the left, right, and back sides.

The Imaging Style is accessed by swiveling the LCD closed, positioning the display opposite the camera lens located on the back to become the viewfinder. Designed to allow horizontal camera-like functionality, the back cover features an additional Mirror and Photo Light.

While the W600i can swivel any number of positions, fully open and in the Communication Style, consumers can speedily text message with T9 predictive text.

Out of the box, the Sony Ericsson W600i comes with a standard 900 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Home Charger, Stereo Headset, USB cable, Blue and Orange Faceplate and Back Covers, Application Software, and User Manual.

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