Sony Ericsson txt pro
CNET Editors' Rating
Sony Ericsson has dedicated much of its resources making Android devices these days, but it still has a range of low-end devices for those who don't need a smartphone. The txt pro is one such entry-level product. Equipped with a slideout QWERTY keypad, it was designed for those who rely on text-based communication via SMS or Twitter.
The landscape-oriented four-row keyboard has keys that are quite small, but they are well spaced so you can easily distinguish one from another. The layout is pretty standard and we had no problems getting used to it.
The txt pro's interface is similar to what we have seen from many other Sony Ericsson touchscreen phones. The Home screen has four hot corners through which you can access commonly used features such as text messages and the browser. To access the menu, you swipe upward from the bottom of the capacitive screen. Targeted at those who use text to communicate, the txt pro comes with apps and shortcuts to email and instant messaging services. Being a budget offering, this device doesn't come with 3G connectivity but does include Wi-Fi so you can get on Facebook and Twitter when near a wireless hotspot.
While it has some java apps for instant messaging, the social-networking icons in the menu for Facebook and Twitter are merely shortcuts to the services' Web sites on the browser. We would have preferred standalone apps as they typically come with a better interface and are faster.
Upside
With dimensions of 93 x 52 x 18mm and a weight of 100g, the txt pro is compact and light. It is encased in black soft-touch finish plastic and metallic sides. The device comes across as being well built with the slideout mechanism giving an audible snap when opening or closing.The landscape-oriented four-row keyboard has keys that are quite small, but they are well spaced so you can easily distinguish one from another. The layout is pretty standard and we had no problems getting used to it.
The txt pro's interface is similar to what we have seen from many other Sony Ericsson touchscreen phones. The Home screen has four hot corners through which you can access commonly used features such as text messages and the browser. To access the menu, you swipe upward from the bottom of the capacitive screen. Targeted at those who use text to communicate, the txt pro comes with apps and shortcuts to email and instant messaging services. Being a budget offering, this device doesn't come with 3G connectivity but does include Wi-Fi so you can get on Facebook and Twitter when near a wireless hotspot.
Downside
Though the keyboard is generally fine, it could do with a few more navigation keys. There are occasions when you still need to tap on the screen to go up one level in a menu or to select an option. The QWERTY keypad doesn't take up the entire inside surface and there appears to be enough space for a directional pad and Back button.While it has some java apps for instant messaging, the social-networking icons in the menu for Facebook and Twitter are merely shortcuts to the services' Web sites on the browser. We would have preferred standalone apps as they typically come with a better interface and are faster.
Outlook
The Sony Ericsson txt pro is likely to be offered free with an operator contract. Though you can get a basic Android phone at that price, it is unlikely that you'd get one with a physical QWERTY keyboard. The txt pro will be available soon globally.
About the author
Editor John Chan's love for gadgets can be traced back to the days when he disassembled his toys and couldn't put them back together again. He practices great restraint in not opening up every review product that comes through the CNET Asia Labs, and before that, in his previous job at HardwareZone. He has reviewed items big and small, from mobile phones to projectors and feels everyone should carry a multitool at all times in case of MacGyver situations.
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