Nokia 8800 Arte

The Finnish manufacturer Nokia is the only one from the big boys, to offer a luxury line aside from the regular devices for the mass market. The phones from the 8800 series are very stylish quality products, aiming to distinguish their owner from the crowd, demonstrating a higher-class.



The Bluetooth handsfree included (BH-803), is made to fit the style of the phones. What makes it interesting is that you can control the volume, by only sliding your finger back and forth along the device.

Sapphire Arte:
Overall, the other version, called Sapphire Arte, has the same design as the main variant. However, it has a more extravagant and classy vision, bearing the “I’m rich” statement. This is due to the leather, covering a big part of the phone, giving it a warmer feeling when held and making it harder to slide, compared to the regular Arte.




-Camera: 3.15 MP
-Network: UMTS / GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
-Size: 109 x 45.6 x 14.6 mm, 65 ccWeight: 150 g
-Display: OLED, 16M colors, 240 x 320 pixels
-colour: Black
-Battery: Standard battery, Li-Ion 1000 mAh (BL-4U)Internal
-Memory: 1 GB
-Function: GPRS, EDGE, 3G, Bluetooth v2.0, microUSB, JAVA, MUsic player, Turn-to-mute




Interface:
As the other Nokia models of this class, both phones use the Series 40 interface. Here we have the latest, 5th Edition, used in the 7900 Prism, 6500, 5610 XpressMusic and others.

Motorola MOTO Z9

Introduction:
Just recently launched, AT&T has added the Motorola Z9, to stand alongside the RAZR2 lineup that was launched several months back. With the way things have been going for Motorola, we imagine that they are hoping to add onto the success of the RAZR2 with those handset to keep up with the competition. A quick glance over the specifications and just looking at the model shows that it wasn’t skimped on but the real question is how well does it perform? Well, let’s take a look and see.




Design:
Dressed in the same deep burgundy color that the RAZR2 V9 is, the handset looks very stylish. The high glossy material on the front just screams out for more attention. The display takes up most of the front showing very bright and rich colors. Even on medium brightness, it was easy to make out what was displayed in very bright environments. The D-pad, found just below it, is quite large and comfortable to use and its texture make it easily distinguishable from the rest of the handset.




Specifications:
-Bands/Modes: 3G HSDPA 3.6 Mbps, WCDMA 850/1900, GSM 850/900/1800/1900 EDGE /GPRS class 10
-Talk Time: Up to approximately 3 hrs.
-Standby Time: Up to approximately 12 days
-Operating System: Synergy
-Weight: 140g
-Dimensions: 114×53.6×13.99mm
-Display: 320×240 2.4″ 262k color
-Audio: MP3, XMF, RealAudio: MIDI, MP3, AAC, AAC+, Enhanced AAC+
-Bluetooth V 2.0, Enhanced Data Rate
-Integrated 2.0 megapixel camera with flash and 8x digital zoom
-3G HSDPA 3.6 Mbps
-AT&T Navigator
Side keys with vibrating haptic feedback




Performance:
We tested the Z9 around Chicago and were extremely impressed by the reception quality. Only once did we experience having no signal, and this was even tested in spots where most of our other phones worked. The ones that did managed at most one bar while this handset pulled off a steady four to five bars. It did struggle holding onto the 3G signal as we were constantly seeing it going back between 3G and EDGE, especially once indoors.

Sony Ericsson C902

Introduction:
Do you remember Sony Ericsson’s Cyber-shot series? Well, you can forget the whole words in the previous models, because from now on, you will only see the “C”. At the Mobile World Congress 2008 in Barcelona, the company presented the first two models from the C-series – C702 and C902. In this preview, we will discuss the second one, which is a successor to the K850 and is from a higher class with a 5-megapixel camera and a new type of flash, called PhotoFlash. The new generation doesn’t bring many improvements in the specifications, but has a new vision (slim design) and an enhanced camera interface.




Design:
The new C902 candybar has a totally new design, compared to K850. With dimensions of 4.2 x 1.9 x 0.4 inches (108 x 49 x 10.5 mm), the successor is about 40% slimmer and its overall appearance is much classier – good job Sony Ericsson! For that contributes the combination of metal and plastic (with the second one prevailing) as well. Both materials are in the same color, with the one we previewed being in Swift Black, but there also is a Luscious Red variant.




Sony Ericsson C902 Cybershot Mobilephone Features

-Quad-band GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900 MHz
-3G HSDPA 850 / 1900 / 2100
-240 x 320 pixels, 2.4 inches, 262,144-colours TFT display
-160 MB Internal Phone Memory
-Memory Stick Micro (M2) support, Upto 8 GB, 512MB M2 memory stick included
-1000 entries phonebook, Photo call, 30 received, 30 dialed and 30 missed calls record
-GPRS Class 10, 32 - 48 kbps
-3G - HSDPA, 3.6 Mbps
-EDGE Class 10, 236.8 kbps
-Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP
-USB v2.0 port, USB Mass storage
-5.0 Megapixels digital camera, 2.5x digital zoom, 2592 x 1944 pixels resolution, autofocus, Xenon integrated flash, Auto lens cover, Image Stabilizer
-Video Recroding in QVGA, 320 x 240 pixels resolution, 30 fps
-Secondary VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels) camera for videocalling
-MP3 Media Player, Supprts MP3, AAC, and MPEG4 file formats
-Integrated FM radio with RDS and 20 station memory
-Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync support
-Ringtones - Polyphonic 72 channels, MP3, and AAC
-Image viewer and Picture editor software, Blogging
-Voice memo recording
-Built-in handsfree Speakerphone
-WAP 2.0/xHTML Browser, RSS reader Application
-Colors - Luminous Green, Velvet Blue and Quicksilver Black
-Li-Ion Standard battery (optional)Stand-by Up to 350 hrsTalk time Up to 8 hrs
-Li-Po 930 mAh (BST-39) Standard batteryStand-by: 400 hrsTalk time: 9 hrs (3.5 hours using 3G)
-Dimension: 108 x 49 x 10.5 mm
-Weight - 107 gms




Interface:
The C902 runs on the new generation software that is also used in the K850, W910 and W890.
The innovations in the interface are characterized by the touch sensitive shortcuts added. In the previous model, there were two times less buttons, accessible via the third column of the numeric keypad.

Sony Ericsson G700

At MWC 2008 in Barcelona, Sony Ericsson presented its G-class. In contrast to Mercedes’ this one targets the mass consumer. Although they use Symbian UIQ, the phones presented should not be viewed as smart ones. They are rather average, easy to operate devices, for which the touchscreen and the OS are extras broadening their potential on the market.



Design:
The phone has the typical Sony Ericsson candybar look and dimensions of 4.2 x 1.9 x 0.5 inches (106 x 49 x 13 mm) and weighs 3.5 oz (99 g). In contrast to its older brother G900, the device has more of a fashion design. All edges are rounded and the back lid is ribbed, which adds a pleasant stability feeling while using it. We liked the colors used as well – the one seen here is in dark and light brown. We liked this one more than the official silk bronze and we wonder why it has not been announced.




Interface:
Still, there is something similar between the G-classes of Sony Ericsson and Mercedes – they cannot be inspected in one aspect only. The automobiles of the German giant are luxurious means of transportation off-road and on the highway, and the phones are a hybrid between a quality candybar and touchscreen handset.




-2.4 Inch 262k TFT Touch Screen (240 x 320 Pixels)
-Symbian™ OS
-3G Technology
-Bluetooth® Technology
-3.2 Megapixel Camera with 3 x Digital Zoom & Photo Light
-Media Player
-FM Radio RDS

Sony Ericsson G900

Introduction:
During the MWC 2008 show in Barcelona, Sony Ericsson announced three new classes for its devices: camera-oriented phones now will belong the the "C", "X" comes for "ultimate user xperience" and "G" - the line of the phone we will present here. G-series are advertised as easy to use phones, for the average customer, yet with enough organizer options. They are touted for the option to draw something in a note and send it to another person – for example a St. Valentine’s card to your beloved, or reminder memos one would usually put on the refrigerator. Overall, these devices should be accepted as phones intended for the normal user and the smart phone OS is only integrated here, in order for the touch-screen to be controlled (SE already has experience in this field) and to manage the extended organizer options.



Design:
There is nothing impressive about the appearance of the phone - a standard, slim candybar with dimensions of 4.2 x 1.9 x 0.5 inch (106 x 49 x 13) and weighing at 3.5 oz (99g), which reminds us to a great extend to the old M600 (without QWERTY keyboard). In other words, this is a clean, pocket friendly phone, it is not ugly, but it would have been nice if there was some bling-bling added (transparent materials, extraordinary colors, big golden dice etc.).




-5.0 megapixel camera with touch Auto focus and Multi-shot function
-One touch media experience
-Large 2.4″ display with single touch control menu
-One- touch media and organiser menu
-Wi-Fi™ for high speed data transfer and internet browsing




The 2.4” TFT display occupies the top half of the front face; it has a 240x320 pixel resolution and supports up to 262k colors. The video calling camera is positioned over it and the functionality buttons are below.

Samsung SGH-F480

Here at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Samsung announced a slew of new phones, one of which is the SGH-F480. It is a stylish slim candybar with combination of brushed aluminum and glossy black for the finishing. It is a top notch device both in terms of design and functionality, and is the first to use the new TouchWiz interface, which is the successor of the Croix. This interface makes the phone look really contemporary and uses the strong sides of the software, used in other Samsungs. The F480 definitely catches the eye, so continue reading this preview for more information.



Design:
Did someone say PRADA? Well, it really looks similar. We won’t go into details about the design in this preview as the images will say it all. The F480 can stand next to the Prada and Armani phones with its head high up as it definitely looks great. Additionally, it can have a leather cover on the back (half of it) and front, making it look as a fashion accessory. The unit we currently use is of this type, but we also saw one without the leather – it is just the battery cover which is different.




-Network: GPRS / EDGE /3G/ HSDPA 7.2 mbps;
-Band: GSM (900/1800/1900). WCDMA (2100);
-Display: touch-sensitive 2.8″ TFT LCD (262K Colors. 240×320) with haptic feedback;
-Camera: 5Mpix Camera Auto Focus, Power LED, Image Stabilizer, Face Detection. Smile Shot --Panorama
-Shot, Quic4 View;
-Music Player;
-MP3, AAC+. AAC+(e). WMA. AMR. WAV, Real, etc.;
-ÎÌÀ DRM v2.0;
-Background Music Play;
-Music Recognition;
-FM Radio (EDS);
-Video Recording & Editor (MPEG4. QVGA@15fps);
-Video Playback (MPEG4, H.263. H.264. WMV, Real);
-Mobile Blogging;
-Google Map/ email/ search;
-Mobile Printing (8PP, OPP. PictBridge);
-Connectivity: Bluetooth v2.0, USB v2.0 (High speed);
-Battery: Li-Ion, 1000 mAh; Talk time: 3hrs Standby time: 250hrs;
-Memory: 232MB internal memory + micro SD (up to 8G8);
-Size: 98.4 x 55 x 11.6 mm;
-Weight: 100.6g (with metal case);/li>
-Package Accessories: Standard Battery, Travel Adaptor. Stereo Headset, PC Data Kit Leather Case, Battery Cover



Interface:
As we said earlier, this is the first phone to use Samsung’s new TouchWiz interface, which is the successor of the Croix. It is very similar in the way it acts, but in visual aspect they have nothing in common: our main dislikes of the Croix were that it has monochrome look, and often the user must wonder what the icons actually meant. In the TouchWiz, everything is colorful, easily distinguishable, and has label with its function, so even the first time user will orientate easy.

Sony Ericsson Z555

Introduction:
Sony Ericsson showed a few new phones at CES 2008. The clamshell Z555 impressed with its extravagant design, similar to the one of Nokia Prism, and the gesture control present in W380 also. Mainly, the beautiful vision is what makes it attractive for people not ready to spend loads more on the famous Nokia model.



Design:
The design of Z555 is similar to that of the W380 Walkman, but its edges are more rounded and it has a relief diamond-like pattern, which gives it a quite stylish vision. The two colors, which the phone is expected to be offered in, are Diamond black and Dusted rose. On the beautiful front panel we find the camera, the speaker and the OLED display below them. On the left as well as on the right side the phone is identical with the W380 – it has a charger port and a memory card slot indication on one side and a volume control key on the other.




• Z555i - 900/1800/1900 Mhz
• Z555a - 850/1800/1900 MHz for America
• Z555 - GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
• 1.9 Inch TFT Display with 256K colors/176 x 220 pixels
• External OLED, mono Display 128 x 36 pixels
• Wallpapers & Screensavers
• Vibration
• MP3 & Polyphonic plus Download Ringtones
• 30 received, 30 missed & 30 dialed calls (Call Records)
• 1000 x 20 fields & Photo call Phonebook
• 12 MB built in memory plus Memory Stick Micro (M2) Card slot
• EDGE Class 10, 236.8 kbps
• GPRS Class 10 (4+1/3+2 slots), 32 - 48 kbps
• Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP
• USB v2.0
• Available colours are either in Diamond Black or Dusted Rose
• Games
• WAP 2.0/xHTML Browser plus RSS reader
• SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
• 1.3 Megapixel Camera with 1280×1024 pixels
• Dynamic themes & Gesture Control
• Media player & FM radio
• Java MIDP 2.0
• Organiser, Image viewer, Built-in hands free, Voice memo & T9
• Up to 360 hours standby time
• Up to 8 hours 20 minutes talk time
• 95 x 49 x 16.5 mm• 95 grams




Interface:
With the Z555 and the W380, Sony Ericsson introduces its new Gesture Control system. Unlike Nokia phones, such as the Arte series, there isn't a dedicated sensor, and the system uses the phone's camera. By waving your hand in front of the lens, the phone will "snooze" your alarm or silence the ringing of an incoming call and send it to the voice mail. Currently, only those two simple actions can be performed, but in the future we may see a smarter system which recognizes different gestures.

Sony Ericsson K660

Introduction:
By introducing the K660, Sony Ericsson “revealed” their new phone class – internet dedicated. After the camera dedicated Cyber-shot and the music oriented Walkman series, the K660 comes as the first mobile device of the company destined for active browsing, without the many complications of the average smartphone.



Design:
The first thing noticeable is the extremely clear design of the phone and its small dimensions – 104x47x14.7 mm and 95g. The second thing that we noticed was the striking resemblance the device has with the Nokia 6120 classic(size wise and because of the silvery lane on the front and back panels). Despite the obvious similarity the K660 has with the 6120, it still has the typical Sony Ericsson appearance. The company revealed its concept for stylish design in the last year – clear shapes in combination with original colors and materials. In this relation K660 looks like the top model K850. The transparent surface seen in the camera phone, present here also adds a very beautiful mirror-like effect. As a whole the model represents the modern vision of a mid-class unisex phone.



-Size: 104 x 47 x 15 mm
-Weight: 95 grams
-Colour: Lime on white and wine on black
-Talk time GSM: Up to 9 hrs
-Standby time GSM: Up to 330 hrs
-Talk time UMTS: Up to 4 hrs 30 min
-Standby time UMTS: Up to 330 hrs
-Networks: UMTS/HSDPA 2100; GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
-2 megapixel camera; 4x digital zoom; Picture blogging; Video recording




Interface:
As we mentioned above, K660 utilizes the latest SE user interface and we can even see resemblance to some higher-end phones. The media menu, granting access to the Photo, Music and Video shortcuts and the choice of landscape/portrait mode, is an example of that. In contrast to the previous models an auto rotation sensor is missing here. Even though it is branded as a Walkman, the phone disposes of a pretty complex music player (the same seen in the K850), TrackID and FM radio.




The phone performs well the function it is intended for. It loads the pages correctly without misplacing or deforming their content. Texts and images are viewed perfectly, in spite of the standard resolution, and the zoom out function makes navigating in sizeable sites, extremely easy. Overall, the browser of the phone is very good.

Sony Ericsson W380

Introduction:
In the end of 2007, Sony presented a few new phones including the W380, which we will introduce here. It is the third clamshell device with the Walkman logo and it falls in to the middle class. The phone is targeted mainly at the young generation and the people who can not spend a large sum, but love music and would not get a phone without a music player. The gesture control would be quite interesting for them…



Design:
W380’s design is characterized by the single color of the whole device and the sharp edges, which gives it an aggressive look. The device is shown on the official web site of the company and is expected to be released in three-color versions - black champagne, magnetic gray and electric purple.



-Sony Ericsson W380 Price: $360(Average based on 5 Stores)
-Released: March 2008
-Style: Flip
-Dimensions: 92 x 49 x 16mm
-Weight: 100g
-Colours: Purple/Black/Grey/Orange
-Camera: 1.3MP, Video camera
-Internet: HSCSD/EDGE/GPRS
-MP3 Player: Yes
-Bluetooth: Yes v2.0
-Games: Yes
-Texting: SMS, E-Mail, MMS, Instant Messenger, EMS
-Internal Memory: 14MB Shared
-Memory Card: Memory Stick Micro M2: 512MB Card Included with sale.
-Memory Card Capacity: 2-8GB
-Office System: TrackID, Java, Office Apps, Organiser, Image viewer/editor
-FM Radio: Yes




Interface:
The new addition to Sony Ericsson’s Walkman line runs on software identical to the one seen in W880 and not like the version in K850 and W910.




With the W380 and the Z555, Sony Ericsson introduces its new Gesture Control system. Unlike Nokia phones, such as the Arte series, there isn't a dedicated sensor, and the system uses the phone's camera. By waving your hand in front of the lens, the phone will "snooze" your alarm or silence the ringing of an incoming call and send it to the voice mail. Currently, only those two simple actions can be performed, but in the future we may see a smarter system which recognizes different gestures.