CES 2006
Sony Ericsson's W800 Walkman phone is one of the most popular music phones launched in Europe to date. Based on the K750, but with some different styling and software, the W800 has received rave reviews for its music functionality, camera quality, and all-around good performance and mix of features, style, and pocketability.
This week, Sony Ericsson finally announced a version of this popular phone for the U.S. The W810 takes the W800 and adds the features you might expect for a U.S. variant, such as GSM 850 and EDGE (just like they did with the S700 and S710.) However, it also includes some hardware changes, such as a larger and much brighter display.
The W810 looks and feels great. The ergonomics of the W810 are better than the W800. The number keys have a better feel to them, and those who dislike joysticks will especially appreciate the W810's d-pad. The d-pad also has the music playback functions marked on it, making music control slightly easier.
The one disappointment compared to the W800 is the lack of a lens cover. The W800 has a handy lens cover, which automatically activates the camera when opened, even if the keys are locked. Although the W810 lacks the lens cover, you can of course hold down the camera key to activate the camera, or assign it to a shortcut key.
The W810 should join the W600 in Sony Ericsson's Walkman lineup for the U.S. in the second quarter.
Sony Ericsson also demo'd a few new music accessories, including the MDS-70 high-quality speakers with remote control, and the interesting MPS-60 wired speakers that can positioned a couple of feet apart for good stereo separation (but unfortunately lack any good way to wind up the wires).
Helio Hero Video Tour
Review: Sony Ericsson W810
CTIA 2006
3GSM 2006
Review: Samsung T809
UTStarcom CDM-8945 / PN-230
Pantech PN-210 / PN-205
LG CU320
