Posts in Handhelds
Impressions of the Sony Ericsson X1
John Chan | Feb 11, 2008
Updated with live pictures!
The folks at Sony Ericsson were pretty strict about letting us try out the interface of the new XPERIA X1, but we were still able to get close enough to have a few good impressions.
Sony Ericsson has always been pretty hot when it comes to handset design, and the X1 is no exception. Looking at it, you forget that this is a Windows Mobile PDA-phone because, very often, the products in that category are pretty clunky. The keypad slides out at an angle and the keys look pretty well spaced-out for typing.
While the Today screen on its WVGA (800 x 480) display looks like the regular Windows Mobile Professional one, a button press will bring up a cool nine-panel interface. These look like shortcuts to other applications and are very attractive, though it looks like users still won't be able to fully avoid the regular WM6 interface when using the X1.
One of the most surprising things is the connectors. Along one side of the device, you can see there's a 3.5mm audio connector. This isn't common for Windows Mobile PDA-phones (2.5mm ones are the norm). More significantly, this isn't even seen on any of the company's Walkman phones, devices that are supposed to target music lovers. Along another edge, the X1 has a mini-USB connector. That's good news because you don't have to rely on the proprietary cables usually packaged with Sony Ericsson devices.
With a truckload of features including HSDPA/HSUPA, GPS and Wi-Fi, the X1 is poised to do battle with established names in this arena like HTC and HP. One worry is that the release date is set for the second-half of 2008, which is a long time from now. That gives competitors quite a bit of lead time to come up with even better-looking products. Let's just hope market availability is closer to the middle of the year than the end.
)
)
)
» Mobile World Congress 2008 show report
"Xtensor" claims CrackBerry rehabilitation
Mike Yamamoto | Feb 06, 2008
The Xtensor claims to be "the first product on the market to perform with true bio-mechanically correctness and treats the direct cause of this pain". That may be so, but to us it looks like a bowling glove combined with those elastic bands that pitchers use for to exercise their rotator cuffs.
In any case, the makers of the Xtensor say it can help rehabilitate habitual gamers as well as CrackBerry addicts. As for us, we'd rather be at the spa.
Via Crave CNET
V=stand stands tall
Juniper Foo | Feb 04, 2008
Turns out some firm has been trying to market its made-in-Singapore V=stand to companies. Measuring 2.5 x 5.2cm, this little gizmo sticks onto the back of any portable device--be it your MP3 player, mobile phone or PDA--to give it instant "prop up" status. The adhesive is quite strong, having seen a demo of its sticking power. And once applied, it protrudes from the back of the device which may not be to everyone's liking.
But otherwise, those without a docking cradle for their device may find this a cheap and neat solution, with eight adjustable angles to play with. There's just one catch. I.Q. Innovations is retailing this wholesale only. Bummer. (Update: The company is in talks to put this on shop shelves after the Lunar New Year, so that's a bit of good news)
MWg devices to have wireless charging
John Chan | Feb 01, 2008
While we are still waiting for MWg to release its first products, it has made another announcement. This time, it isn't new phones, but a partnership with UK-based Splashpower to provide wireless charging for its future devices.
When this is implemented, MWg's phones will not need to be plugged in for power. Instead, sitting it on a base station will allow wireless charging using electromagnetic induction. Such technology has been in the works for some time now, but till now, there's hardly any use of it in commercially available products.
Hardly any details have been provided by MWg so far. But given that the announcement is only about the agreement the two companies have made, we're not surprised. The first products will be equipped with the technology in the middle of the year.
New Toshiba phones will come to Asia
John Chan | Jan 30, 2008
Not too long back, Toshiba Europe announced two new handhelds which run Windows Mobile 6 (WM6), the Portege G710 and G910. The G710 is a smart phone on the WM6 Standard OS. It doesn't have 3G connectivity or Wi-Fi, but comes with built-in GPS for navigation. The G910, on the other hand, has it all. Along with all the connectivity options you can think of in a PDA-phone including HSDPA, Wi-Fi and GPS, it also has a WVGA (800 x 480) display, similar to the Portege G900.
Though we did manage to review the earlier G900, it was not for sale in many countries in our region. Likewise, the G710 and G910 won't be found everywhere in Asia. According to a spokesperson from Toshiba Asia Pacific, the G710 will be shipped in Q2 though the countries haven't been confirmed. The G910 will be available in just three countries in the region. Read our Windows Mobile devices in Asia update to find out if your local mobile phone shop will be stocking this new PDA-phone soon.
Crave is...
The name says it all. Crave is our new blog about cool gadgets and other crushworthy stuff.
Drop us an email if you have tips or suggestions.
Crave for...
» Mobile Phones (569)
» Digital Cameras (351)
» Notebooks (360)
» PC & Peripherals (369)
» Handhelds (210)
» Printers (35)
» Home AV (385)
» Music & Play (353)
» Gadgets (837)
» Future Tech (122)
Copyright © 2008 CNET Networks, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.
