Sony Ericsson T68i

...as being compatible with the Sony CommuniCam (camera attachment).

The T68i is the smallest phone I have owned to date. I will list the exact dimensions below but let’s just say for now that it fits snugly into the palm of my hand. It has the standard keypad layout with the addition of an ‘options’ key and a ‘joystick’. The options key is for a quick link to specific menu options (such as silent and keylock) and the joystick is for ...
...book profile – Thank you Sony Ericsson!! You have finally acknowledged the fact that people have about 3 numbers for each person in their phone book! You are able to enter a Home, Work, and Mobile number for each individual in your phone book rather than creating various different entries for the same person. It is not a major function but I certainly found it more convenient.

 Volume key – This is the little sliding key on ... more

Up until the last year, every phone (bar one) that I had owned had been a Nokia. I was familiar with the way the menus were set out, and the main thing I used it for – text messaging. Every time I upgraded it just seemed like an improvement on the last model but without the hassle of familiarising myself with the phone’s navigation system.

Last year, however, my boyfriend bought the T68i and I thought it looked rather smart. When my Nokia went missing I decided to take the plunge and change brands. I went for the T68i because it is small, light, modern looking and it has Bluetooth capabilities as well as being compatible with the Sony CommuniCam (camera attachment).

The T68i is the smallest phone I have owned to date. I will list the exact dimensions below but let’s just say for now that it fits snugly into the palm of my hand. It has the standard keypad layout with the addition of an ‘options’ key and a ‘joystick’. The options key is for a quick link to specific menu options (such as silent and keylock) and the joystick is for navigating your way around menus – it can go up, down, left and right. To bring up the main menu you hold it down briefly – when in a menu this also acts as ‘select’.

I will briefly list the menu navigation below as it may help you to understand exactly how the phone is laid out:

1) PHONE BOOK – Pretty self explanatory really. Add names, edit entries, call people, add pictures to their profiles, add voice commands and personalise ring tones. If anyone is anything like my mum in using a mobile phone they will be glad to know that there is an option to add your phone mobile number and access it whenever someone asks for it. There is the option to personalise the information you wish to view in someone’s profile; such as name, title, home, fax, mobile, email address and work number (in the same profile).

2) MESSAGES – Everything under the sun. SMS (text), MMS, Voicemail, email, ‘chat’ and area info.

3) CALLS – Missed calls, call list (outgoing, ingoing, missed, voicemail), call options such as diverts and restrictions/barring or call waiting. Also included is a ‘time and cost’ menu which shows the duration of your calls and how many texts you have sent since you reset the counter.

4) FUN AND GAMES – This is where pictures are stored, you can also draw your own pictures (bit of a gimmick!) You can change the ‘theme’ of your phone – this changes the wallpaper and the colours used on the menus. There are various games in this menu along with the sound recorder, standard ring tones and composer, to make your own ring tones. The CommuniCam option is included in this menu but is grey (not available for selection) unless the CommuniCam is attached to the phone.

5) SETTINGS – Here you are able to change your ring tones, or any other sounds you wish to edit (text message tone, key sound, alarm ring, vibrate alert). You also have the option to include a ‘minute minder’ on your calls. This is a small beep every minute when you are talking to remind you how long you have been on the phone. I use this as it comes in quite handy sometimes and it’s too much of a nuisance. The ‘settings’ menu is one you will use a lot when you first use the phone as it is the basis of your whole setup (locks and codes etc) but once you have your phone personalised to your taste then it is not used very often.

6) WAP SERVICES – Something I have never used and never intend to. It contains sub menus such as ‘homepage’, bookmarks, inbox and various other internet options.

7) ORGANIZER – An invaluable tool in my life containing such functions as calendar, alarms, notes, reminders, tasks, stopwatch, calculator and code memo. Without this I would be lost.

8) CONNECT – The main menu for changing communication options such as ‘Bluetooth’ and ‘infra red’ to be on or off. Also contains information about GSM networks and data communication.

9) MY SHORTCUTS – And finally – A menu that you can totally personalise so it saves you trudging through the whole 8 other menus and numerous sub menus to find a function that you require quickly. This is a very useful addition but one which I frequently overlook.

In describing the menu I realise I have revealed various functions and capabilities, but here is a list of the whole specification because there are things that have not cropped up yet:

SPECIFICATIONS

 Colour LCD 256
 Picture editor
 Sound recorder
 Picture gallery
 Picture Phonebook
 Mobile chat
 Picture wallpaper
 Backlight display
 Email
 Camera ready
 Colour LCD
 SMS long (Text Messaging)
 Themes display
 MMS (Multimedia Messaging)
 MMS templates
 101x80 pixel display
 EMS (Enhanced Messaging)
 Screensaver
 Viewfinder display
 Predictive text input
 Melody composer
 Content Online
 Game embedded
 Start-up/Shutdown shows
 Sync ML
 Infrared port
 GPRS
 High-Speed Data
 RS232 cable support
 Synchronisation Apple®
 Synchronisation PC
 Bluetooth™ wireless technology
 WAP 2.0
 Modem
 OTA settings
 WTLS
 Vibrating Alert
 Joystick
 Menu shortcuts
 Icon Desktop 9
 Sleep mode
 Profiles
 Speed dialling
 Side Volume Keys
 Redial
 Option key
 Voice Mail
 Keypad lock
 SIM card lock
 Voice control
 Status view
 Code memo
 Calculator
 Business card exchange
 Calendar
 Tasks
 Stopwatch
 Clock
 Contacts
 Alarm clock
 Timer
 Phone book
 Conference calls
 PIM Sync
 Call list

EASE OF USE

I don’t profess to be any kind of technology whiz-kid but I will just point out that I do find it fairly easy to navigate my way around a new piece of gadgetry without instructions (so long as it belongs to me because then I don’t get told off if it goes wrong). If you can operate a digital camera without instructions I think you will cope perfectly well using this.

The way I operate new technology is to mess around first and then read the instructions for things that I can’t find and just to find out additional information that I could never have found out otherwise. I realise that not everyone will operate like this, but I am just adding it in to show how easy this phone is to use.

One annoying gripe I have with the phone, which I will mention now because it is relatively insignificant, is that the SIM card holder is really appalling. It is badly designed in that you have to pull the SIM card out with your fingers, it doesn’t flip out in a little plastic holder with ease. I almost broke my nails doing this but I suppose once your SIM card is in it’s over with, so it is no major problem.

As I mentioned earlier, I was used to the navigation menu of a Nokia (as many other people probably are). The Nokia menu used to go down (or up) but basically it just scrolls around rather than being a list in front of you. The T68i differs in that once you press the menu key you have the entire menu in front of you. The menu options are depicted by 9 different logos. Most of them are fairly obvious – a phonebook for your phonebook and a phone for your calling options. In any case, you get used to the layout and the logos are not really important.

The main difficulty I encountered in using this phone initially was the layout of the keypad in the text messaging function. It was totally different to the Nokia and I kept ending up with a full stop instead of a space. No big deal, but something to bear in mind if you don’t want the hassle of familiarising yourself with a new setup. As I text a reasonable amount it didn’t take too long for me to be up to full speed.

I would not recommend using the T9 dictionary (predictive text) as it annoyed the hell out of me and took longer than typing a normal message. My boyfriend, on the other hand, always has it switched on so I guess it’s all about personal preference, but at least it is there if you ever need it.

It is so simple to make calls – enter the number and press the green phone button and then press red to end the call. If you have the number in your phone book then just press down on the joystick (or alternatively go into the phonebook) and scroll down to the number then press the green phone. It could not be easier.

Generally the reception is fairly good, and I have never found myself wanting to make a call and having no signal, so that has to be a good thing. The battery life is fairly impressive too. I do not consider myself to use my phone excessively, but I text on a daily basis and receive about 10 minutes of calls a day and I would say on average I have to charge it about once every five days. I certainly can’t fault that.

There is nothing that I have had particular difficulty with, and anything I have wanted to find out about has been in the extensive manual.

THINGS I LIKE ABOUT THE T68i

This is not an exhaustive list (there would be too many to mention). It is just a small collection of the handy little things that come to mind at the moment that you may not benefit from with other mobile phones.

 Display note function – I realise that most phones nowadays have a note function but the T68i allows you to display the note on the main screen all the time (if you wish). It is useful to display notes such as ‘get some milk’ or something. It may seem minor to some people but I have found this really useful in reminding me to do things. There is an option to set a reminder alarm for a specific time, but I find this note function useful as it some reminders I require are not time specific.

 Multiple entries in phone book profile – Thank you Sony Ericsson!! You have finally acknowledged the fact that people have about 3 numbers for each person in their phone book! You are able to enter a Home, Work, and Mobile number for each individual in your phone book rather than creating various different entries for the same person. It is not a major function but I certainly found it more convenient.

 Volume key – This is the little sliding key on the top left hand side of the phone (if you are looking at it). It is a small but useful little gadget. It is primarily used for adjusting the volume of your current call. It’s great to stop people deafening you (without telling them to stop being so loud and possibly causing offense). This little beauty is not a one hit wonder though, it can also be used as scroll up or down when in certain menus. But that’s not all! Has someone ever asked you for the date and you’ve faffed about looking at your wrist even though you don’t wear a watch? (oh sorry, just me then?) When in the main screen (no menu on) if you slide this button down it reveals the date, your profile, standby time and talk time (battery life left) and GPRS status.

 Clear Screen – One problem I experienced before with my first mobile (an Ericsson) and have seen on other Ericssons was that the screen would accumulate a ridiculous amount of dust over time. I have had my phone a year and it is still as perfectly clear as the day I bought it.

 Time display – When your phone has gone into standby mode (screen dark grey, no other display) it will show the time in a lighter grey. This is useful as it saves you unlocking the phone to find out.

THINGS I DON’T LIKE ABOUT THE T68i

 Accidentally deleting a message/contact – Occasionally you will press two buttons in quick succession and nothing happens (for example C and YES to unlock the keypad). Unfortunately on occasion I have been impatient and pressed the two again before it has performed the function. I have accidentally deleted a text message this way before and my boyfriend has also had the same problem accidentally deleting a contact. Not a major problem, just be patient and don’t rush the phone if it is active.

 Voice Dial – Ok so it is not a function that I employ, but perhaps I would if it was a little better designed. I have recorded a voice sample to ring my boyfriend but about 8 times out of 10 it won’t work and ends up taking longer than just finding the number and dialling it. Not a major problem but worth mentioning.

 Clicky keys – I don’t mean a keypad tone, just that the keys click when you press them because they are hard plastic as opposed to soft rubber. It is not irritating when dialling or navigating through the menus but when sat in a fairly quiet room trying to text it is a little annoying.

 It can’t clean the house – Sorry, I know I’ve limited to 5 things I like but I honestly can’t think of any more things I dislike about it. It has been the best phone I have owned to date.

COST

The Sony Ericsson T68i costs around £200 to buy outright, but who really buys phones like that? It makes more sense to shop around and buy it on contract. Mine was free on my contract last year, and I don’t know anyone who has paid the full £200 for one.

See www.carphonewarehouse.com for further information.

OVERALL VERDICT

My phone is the Arctic Blue version, although it is also available in Stellar Grey, which is equally as stunning.

A small, (100 x 48 x 20 mm) smart looking mobile weighing in at a mere 84g including the battery it is brilliant for anyone who doesn’t like the bulkiness of carrying a mobile in their pocket (or indeed weighing your handbag down).

Although this phone has fantastic capabilities it would be suitable for both the mobile phone novice (ahem, mum) or mobile fanatic. It is easy enough to navigate the basic functions without the assistance of a manual, but there are enough functions to be experimenting with (even after a year of owning it).

My dad had the CommuniCam with his phone so I would often borrow it and mess around with it. It is fun to use and couldn’t be simpler to upload pictures to the computer via Bluetooth. To do this requires a Bluetooth USB connection on your computer called a Dongle – (yes, it’s really called that! We laughed asking for it in the shop). This costs around £30 but will be compatible with any Bluetooth device, which we have found very useful.

I have dropped this phone a few times (although never on a hard floor) and it has not sustained any damage on the exterior and the software has not crashed as a result, which I have experienced with other phones.

I was offered a free upgrade to a Motorola v525 last week. I was very reluctant to accept the phone as I absolutely love my T68i but figured that I could have a go on the v525 and sell it if I hated it. I am rather attached to it now as it has a built in camera, but it was not an easy decision leaving my T68i. I am glad I found a new home for mine with someone on eBay because it served me well and was still in top notch condition when I sold it – definitely recommended.

 carly_pussycat - Ciao UK ©
 

...less