Introduction

The worldwide popularity of Sony Ericsson's Walkman-branded handsets boosted its profits to record levels last year. Offering exceptional design and usability, devices such as the W600i outsold other music phones to become the handheld of choice for many consumers.

This summer, Cingular are planning to launch the W810i, Sony Ericsson's latest Walkman music phone. Offering similar imaging and digital music features as the W600i, the W810i integrates an improved 2.0-megapixel camera with autofocus, flash, and video recording capabilities, and adds Mega Bass for enhanced sound through the dual external speakers.

Blending together imaging and audio with connectivity, the W810i is also equipped with EDGE (Class 10) technology to allow quick and easy data transfers and Internet access, and Bluetooth for connectivity with handsfree headsets and sharing data with other devices. If the popularity of the W600i is any indication, the W810i should be a best seller in Cingular's portfolio this summer.

Design

The Sony Ericsson W810i evokes a sophisticated feel, with a clean, uncluttered design and a dark exterior. Rather than the swivel format of the W600i, the W810i is actually the offspring of the W800i, offering similar size, weight, and form factor but with a Satin Black finish rather than Smooth White.

The front of the W810i showcases a vivid 1.9-inch LCD, prominently displaying 262K-colors. Used as a viewfinder when Camera Mode is activated, the screen is built from TFT technology for vivid imaging and brightness in indoor and outdoor lighting conditions.

Positioned below the screen, the standard navigational keypad layout was replaced by an interesting three circular-section design. Offering increased convenience when listening to music, the keys serve a dual purpose, allowing users to comfortably navigate through the menu structure, while doubling as music player controls. The 5-Way keypad doubles as Play / Stop, Next and Previous Tracks, and Volume Keys while dedicated Left Selection, Walkman, and Back Keys are positioned on to the left side, and Right Selection, Activity Menu, and Clear Keys on the right.

The dedicated orange Walkman Key pulls up the music menu regardless of what other application on the phone is in use. The silver Activity Menu Key opens a list events, bookmarks, and shortcuts to let users view and manage them from almost anywhere on the phone.

The left edge features a dedicated Play / Pause Key, and a Memory Stick Pro Duo Slot (capable of accepting cards up to 2 GB in size), while the right edge houses Silent, Camera, and +/- Keys (that function as Volume, Camera Zoom, and Picture Zoom Keys). On top includes an infrared port and On / Off Key while the bottom has the Stereo Headset and Charger Connector.

Turned around the W810i reveals the 2.0-megapixel camera lens and flash. The speaker port is located on the back as well, for handsfree conversations and an open-air listening experience.

Out of the box, the Sony Ericsson W810i comes with a standard 900 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Home Charger, Stereo Headset, USB Data Cable, Application Software, 512 MB Memory Stick Pro Duo Card, and User Manual.

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