Basic Features
Released for Cingular Wireless, the Sony Ericsson W600i features GSM quad-band
(850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz) technology, allowing consumers to use the
device on compatible GSM networks in North America, Europe, and Asia, provided
the W600i is unlocked.
Using the familiar Sony Ericsson 3 x 4 grid, the consumer focused menu
is better than most user interfaces on the market. Sony Ericsson devices
tend to focus on functionality rather than having an online-store-focused
layout like many other devices.
Visually more appealing as well, consumers can not only customize wallpapers
and ringtones, but also design headers and change colors through themes.
Sony Ericsson rated the W600i's 900 mAh Li-Ion battery at an incredible
8.5 and 400 hours (16.7 days) of talk and standby times respectively. However,
those are under optimal conditions. Handset manufacturers and carriers often
list talk-time and standby-time ratings with disclaimers about variable
performance and often refer to the times they publish as maximum times.
Screen
 With
most devices still featuring 65K-colors, the W600i's 1.8-inch (176 x 220
px) 262K-color (18-bit) internal screen is state-of-the-art. Built on TFT
(Thin Film Transistor) technology, rather than STN (Super Twisted Nematic),
circuit transistors placed directly on the glass allow for faster refresh
rates from not having to scan each pixel location.
Aside from providing noticeably faster response times needed for gaming
or using the screen as a viewfinder, colors are rendered more vividly and
brighter.
Audio
Stepping into a new era of music integration, the Sony Ericsson W600i
Walkman Phone offers a great mobile music experience. Using the included
Disc2Phone PC software, users can transfer music from CDs or a computer.
Music files are transferred in an automatic Artist-Album-Title order, but
they can be sorted within playlists by any heading.
Through the digital music player, consumers can instantly access (or
minimize with the music playing) their favorite tracks with just one press
of the Walkman Key. Controlling the music through the navigational keypad
and dedicated Play / Pause Key on the left side, the W600i provides convenient
multitasking during application use, allowing listening without having to
move between menus.
 MP3s
up to 192 kbps can be stored for local playback. Even an Equalizer is included
for adjustments to Bass and Treble levels. Amplified with Stereo Widening
and Mega Bass audio effects, the W600i has two built-in external speakers
(on the right and back sides) for a surround sound open-air music listening
experience. For private listening, a Sony Ericsson HPM-70 stereo portable
handsfree headset is included in the box, attached through the Connection
Port on the bottom.
In addition to MP3s, the W600i supports MP4, 3GP, AAC, AMR, MIDI, IMY,
EMY, and WAV (up to 16 kHz) formats.
Should users tire of their MP3 playlists, the W600i also includes an FM
radio with eight preset channels to set their favorite radio stations.
Going above and beyond a typical mobile device, consumers can also get
nonstop access to music, news, weather and other information through RDS
(Radio Data Support) feeds. As digital text feeds sent out by the currently
tuned radio station, information appears directly on the FM radio screen
on the W600i.
Radio transmitters and receivers can be deactivated in Music Mode to
allow music playback in airplanes, hospitals, and other situations where
mobile devices may not be allowed. The W600i will play music for up to 15
hours with the phone on, or 30 hours with the phone in Music Mode.
 Similar
to Motorola ROKR (with iTunes), consumers can purchase music through Sony
Connect via the Internet from a PC for transfer to the W600i. However, the
W600i goes above and beyond what the crippled ROKR (capped at 100 songs)
could provide. Limited only by the amount of available memory (256 MB),
the W600i can store up to ten full length CDs or between 80 and 120 songs
depending on bit rate.
While comparable to the ROKR in storage, the addition of the FM radio
adds to the versatility of the W600i. With functions such as the built-in
Equalizer, Stereo Widening and Mega Bass effects, and preinstalled audio
software such as MusicDJ, the W600i music phone truly live up to its Walkman
label and provides the musical experience the ROKR should have.
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