... My phone of choice was the Sony Ericsson W980. Understated, elegant and, first and foremost, a mobile phone. It's a flip-design that, when opened up, reveals a classic Sony Ericsson simple design and familiar interface. The keys are responsive, nicely laid out (except for the clear key ... Read review
The Sony Ericsson W980i Mobile Phone is the latest phone to be introduced as part of the more
highly successful Walkman range. The W980i comes equipped with 8GB meaning it can hold up to 2,000 of your favourite songs while the stereo speakers will ensure they are played in all their glory.
The Sony Ericsson W980i Mobile Phone is the latest phone to be introduced as part of the more
highly successful Walkman range. The W980i comes equipped with 8GB meaning it can hold up to 2,000 of your favourite songs while the stereo speakers will ensure they are played in all their glory.
The Sony Ericsson W980i mobile phone is available in black and comes on the O2 network. more
The W980i features a built-in MP3 and is also equipped with a built in FM radio for on the go use, and the 1GB memory card included in box allows you to store more of your favourite tunes. With a 3.2 megapixel camera with video recording, you are able to capture important moments no matter where you are. This Quadband phone also features a Bluetooth connectivity and can access internet style pages using WAP.
Advantages: Good looks, easy use, great MP3 player, built-in transmitter Disadvantages: Slow start-up procedure, no flash on camera
...phone of choice was the Sony Ericsson W980. Understated, elegant and, first and foremost, a mobile phone. It's a flip-design that, when opened up, reveals a classic Sony Ericsson simple design and familiar interface. The keys are responsive, nicely laid out (except for the clear key which I keep getting confused with the back key when typing messages, often resulting in the message being deleted) and of a size that, despite the phone's diminutive ... ...mistake.
The Sony Ericsson user interface is easily operated: a simple grid that allows you to move from messages to contacts to options, settings, applications and so on quite easily by the little directional pad. Sony have ditched the fragile thumb-stick in favour of a circular pad and this works much better, but the navigation is the same as Ericssons have been for some time.
The world of mobile telecommunications these days is a complicated one. Not because of the satellites involved, or the are-they-or-aren't-they-carcinogenic transmitters that litter our landscape these days in order for us to speak and text. Nor is it complicated because of the array of different providers you can get, from a Tesco Value Pay As You Go mobile phone to a steel-clad device made by Tag Heuer.
It's made complicated by trying to decide which phone to buy. These days, you can't simply walk in to your local People's Phone and ask for a mobile that will make a telephone call. Advances in devices mean that it is all but impossible to buy a phone that doesn't have a camera on it. Indeed, trying to buy a phone that is simply a phone with a camera built in to it is hard enough, such has become the complexity of these devices.
Mobile phones are lifestyle choices now. They say a lot about the person who holds it, and as much thought is put in to the type of phone you own as is put in to the type of car you drive or the colour you choose to paint your bathroom.
Should you be seduced by the fashionista, names such as Prada, or should you go for the phone of the moment, the iPhone? Do you want a phone that plays music, shoots high quality video or can thrust your e-mail at you at any given moment of the day? Does the screen need to be high quality enough to replay your latest selection of illegally downloaded films, and should the camera be of a sufficient resolution to take comic up-skirt snaps of your girlfriend, sans culotte, for later viewing by your mates in the pub?
Buying a camera - sorry, phone - these days is so complicated that there are literally hundreds of shops scattered across our high streets, all with glossy magazines detailing the benefits of each and every telephone in order to try and help you make a decision. And if you still can't make your mind up, there's always the commission-incentivised sales person to guide you in the right direction.
"The N96, sir?" he'll say, his voice sounding as if his throat has been lined with satin. "Not a very good phone, I'm afraid. Lots of faults. I'd recommend the Blackberry Storm..." But next door it'll be a different story: "yes, of course. The N96 is an excellent choice. The Storm has such poor battery life quality..."
I'll let you decide which way around they were being heavily commissioned.
So when I went shopping for a new phone recently, I already knew in my mind what I wanted: it had to be a phone, it didn't have to have any fancy gubbins on it, but I would like it to play music. I like music, but I didn't have an MP3 player. The choice, as far as the mobile shops (and the websites, gadget mags and, to be fair, most of my customers) were concerned was simple: it had to be either the iPhone, with its multi-touch screen, Olga Kurylenko looks and much-heralded iPod music player built in, or Blackberry's new Storm which, despite being more Penny Smith to the iPod's Natasha Kaplinsky, is fitted with as much, if not more, software and a very clever 'clickable' touchscreen.
But I wanted neither. My phone of choice was the Sony Ericsson W980. Understated, elegant and, first and foremost, a mobile phone. It's a flip-design that, when opened up, reveals a classic Sony Ericsson simple design and familiar interface. The keys are responsive, nicely laid out (except for the clear key which I keep getting confused with the back key when typing messages, often resulting in the message being deleted) and of a size that, despite the phone's diminutive proportions, could be pushed easily by Chris Moyles' thumb without making a mistake.
The Sony Ericsson user interface is easily operated: a simple grid that allows you to move from messages to contacts to options, settings, applications and so on quite easily by the little directional pad. Sony have ditched the fragile thumb-stick in favour of a circular pad and this works much better, but the navigation is the same as Ericssons have been for some time.
The screen is bright, clear, legible. Sound quality in conversations is crisp. The biggest failing of this device as a phone is the length of time it takes to switch on. You'd think it was pre-loading Windows Vista, rather than trying to figure out whether you want it to switch on in Phone Mode or Flight Mode but, once it's up and running, it's responsive.
Like most phones, this one does have a built-in camera (two, in fact, one facing you in case you want to do video calling) but it isn't this phone's priority. A 3.2megapixel lens gives adequate quality images for a mobile phone, but the camera software is sluggish and there is no built in flash, meaning night-time or indoor pictures can be a bit dark and grainy. Unusually, Sony Ericsson haven't even bothered putting their BestPic software in there either. The camera on this phone is clearly nothing more than a gesture towards having one.
Its party trick, however, is its built in MP3 player. Sony Ericsson have set out to prove that you really don't need all the gimmickry of an iPhone or Storm in order to listen to music on your phone. The Walkman software can be accessed while the phone is open, giving a nice clear display of what is playing and even showing album covers but, when the flip is closed, the front comes to life with a small screen and neat touch-buttons that allow you to deftly navigate your music.
Haptic feedback means that the phone vibrates briefly in your hand each time you touch a button, letting you know it's responded to one of your commands, and you can even flick the phone right or left to change tracks or up and down to adjust volume. All very clever, but possibly a little disconcerting for passengers on the train if you're doing that in your pocket whilst commuting...
Navigation of tracks, artists, genres etc. is all very easy, thanks to version 2 of Sony's Walkman software being preloaded and a built-in (but not expandable) 8gb of memory space allows for more than enough songs to see you through a London to Edinburgh train journey.
Music can be played through the phone's built-in speakers, which is okay when kept at low volume but ridiculously tinny and muted when turned up. The provided stereo headset is more than adequate for anybody other than Pete Waterman, but a connector is provided to allow you to choose alternative headsets if you desire.
It's piece d'resistance, however, is that it has a built-in FM Transmitter. No need to spend extra money on anything separate, the W980 simply provides you with it. Start up the MP3 player, go to the options and select Transmitter, choose a frequency and then tune your car stereo in to it and, hey presto, there's your music. Blaring nicely through your car stereo. The RDS receiver on the car's head unit will even display the artist's name and track details so that you don't have to fumble around looking at the phone and getting in to trouble with any passing policemen.
For amusement, a small disco light flashes at the bottom of the phone in time with the beat of the music. Handy for those of you spending a night alone in a hotel and looking for some amusement when you've realised the screen isn't really that great for watching pornography on.
Finished in a glossy piano black, this truly is a chic phone, pleasing to the eye, although the gloss finish will need constantly wiping to prevent thumb and smudge marks from detracting from its svelte looks. Small and neat when closed up, it's large and easily usable when opened.
In fact, the only true downside to the phone is the fact that, when the flip is closed, the front screen announces the arrival of text messages. Sadly, you cannot switch off this function, and neither can you stop it from simply announcing the arrival of a message. Instead, if you leave it on the side, it will proudly display Message Received From: Your Mistress. Message: Hi Sexy...
This can have rather awkward repercussions. Sadly, I don't have a mistress right now, but I keep my phone hidden in my pocket anyway...
In short, if you want a simple phone that plays music but have absolutely no desire to have your e-mail constantly pushed in your face, or the need to have widescreen movies at your command at any given moment, I'd recommend the W980. It's small, good-looking, functional and great-sounding.
Free on most contracts, this is a must for your pocket.
Advantages: Sound quality, music player functionality, aesthetics Disadvantages: No camera flash
...mind that it is a Sony Walkman phone, not a Cybershot! I would certainly recommend this phone because it fulfilled my criteria. I wanted a phone that could replace my iPod and camera on a day to day basis, and that is exactly what the Sony Ericsson Walkman phone does for me. Oh, and it even works well as a phone :) ...
Joanne_UK 06.09.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Sony Ericsson W980i
Advantages: A Flip phone with style & a music player, with a touch screen on the Front Disadvantages: No flash, Otherwise a very good Phone
The W980i is an immaculate portable MP3 Player/Mobile phone. The beautifully shaped flip-phone is packed with features that will be useful and entertaining for anyone who buy's this phone, features such as a touch sensitive external body, a 3.2 MegaPixel Camera & Video recorder, 8Gb (Non-Removeable) Memory in the package should already have you interested. The W980i however is a phone that you cannot just read about, its a phone that you have to ... ...futuristic device when it is untouched, but activate it, and its glowing orange lights light up the phone with arrows and play buttons urging you to play music. Even its sleek and elegant look captures the eyes of passers-by as you use this phone, its small closed body after you have ended the call instantly transforms into a MP3 player with glowing attractive lights for instant entertainment. The phone may just sound like it would only benefit those ...
badman302 10.04.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sony Ericsson W980i
Advantages: massive 8GB storage, great sound quality Disadvantages: easily scratchable front, average camera
This is a great, light weight phone, with a massive memory. You can store all the songs you need and even movies too, which can be easily transfered from your computer via a USB cable. It's a perfect size and looks classy and modern. The picture quality is excellent, and the sound is even better. It has all the necessary standard features and despite being a flip phone it has the modern touch screen front. For those of you who are looking for a music ...
EllieJ44 27.08.2008
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sony Ericsson W980i
Advantages: touch screen buttons for playing music, mass storage Disadvantages: "crashes" occasionally, no flash
I would and wouldnt recommend this phone, it has good and bad points as with most products. If you can put up with your phone "crashing" every now and again then i would recommend it, other than there being no camera flash it is the only flaw I have experienced since purchasing it in september last year. The mass storage is a major bonus, but i think that is what may cause the problem where it "crashes", however when it does crash it is back to normal ... ...that often. The music quality of the phone is very good, i currently have no cd player in my car and use my phone to play music whilst driving, and i can hear it perfectly fine. It is also very easy to use, with the touch screen buttons on the front of the screen you can easily browse your music and select a song you wish to listen to. there is also a button on the side of the phone that allows you to lock this so it doesnt start playing music in ...
aminy09 16.01.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of Sony Ericsson W980i
Look & Feel
Durability & Robustness
Battery standby time
Value for money
Range of features
Quick review of Sony Ericsson W980i
I tested this in Australia. It is astonishing. The wi-fi (via HSDPA) connection is phenominal making web browsing and email a pleasure. videos are great as is the whole audio set up. the headphones are really cool and relaying the sound through a bluetooth sub and satellites was awesome.
Looks great, sounds great and works like a charm. Where can I buy one? ...
Fat-cat 24.04.2008
Ciao members have rated this review on average: somewhat helpful Review of Sony Ericsson W980i
Digital camera, 2nd camera, FM radio, digital player
MPN
1208-2877
Body Colour
Piano black
Depth
17 mm
Height
92 mm
Service Provider
Not specified
Cellular
Technology
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
Band
WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900
Phone Design
Folder type phone
Vibrating Alert
Yes
Polyphonic Ringer
Built-in
Additional Features
PictBridge direct printing, Radio Data Service (RDS), melody composer, built-in FM transmitter
Bluetooth Profiles
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP)
Call Timer
Built-in
Voice Recorder
Built-in
Speakerphone
Built-in
Conference Call Capability
Yes
Communicator features
Synchronisation With PC
Built-in
Messaging & data services
Cellular Messaging Services
MMS, Nokia Smart Messaging, SMS
WAP Protocol Supported
WAP 2.0
Included Services
Video Call
Messaging / Data Features
XHTML Browser
JAVA applications
Built-in
Internet Browser
Built-in
EDGE (Enhanced Data Rates For Global Evolution)
Built-in
GPRS (General Packet Radio Service)
Built-in
Mobile Email Client
Built-in
Multimedia features
Downloadable Content
Audio files, video files, games, ring tones, screensavers, wallpapers
Digital camera
Digital Zoom
3.2
Sensor Resolution
3.2 Megapixel
Organiser
Additional Timer Functions
Countdown timer, stopwatch
Alarm Clock
Yes
Calculator
Basic
Reminder
Built-in
Calendar / Event Reminder
Built-in
Display
Type
LCD display
Technology
TFT
Display Resolution
240 x 320 pixels
Colour Support
Colour
Display Illumination Colour
White
Features
LCD touch screen, wallpaper, screen saver
Colour Depth
262,144 colours
Multi-language Menu
Built-in
Display (2nd)
Type
LCD display - colour
Digital player (recorder)
Supported Digital Audio Standards
AAC, MP3
Memory
User Memory
8 GB - shared
Battery
Talk Time
Up to 540 min
Standby Time
Up to 300 h
Miscellaneous
Included Accessories
Power adapter
Manufacturer's product description
The Sony Ericsson W980 brings an unrivaled music experience that gives you every excuse to lose yourself in acoustic blissThis Walkman phone promises to get the most out of your music. Its unique audio enhancing technology, together with the Walkman on Top design, sees the W980 cement Sony Ericsson's position as a true market leader in the world of music on your mobile.The W980 Walkman phone is designed to allow you to listen to music as it should be heard. Clear stereo enables the music to sound like the original recording. Clear bass delivers distortion free sound even at higher volumes. These features combine with the premium headphones, the Stereo Portable Handsfree HPM-77, to deliver an incredible clear audio experience and music that sounds as true as possible to the original recordingThe W980 Walkman phone has a built-in FM transmitter, which allows you to send whatever's playing on your phone to other devices with a built-in FM radio receiver. This gives you the ability to share your music with all those around you, whether through a friend's hi-fi or your car stereo.Quality music is made for sharing with the W980. Unplug your headset, sit back and let the music flow through the integrated stereo speakers for all to enjoy. Select a track from the extensive music library - the W980 lets you store up to 8000 songs - or tune in to your favorite radio station and listen out loud. No need to plug in an FM Receiver, since this is on-board with the W980.With the recent evolution of PlayNow arena, Sony Ericsson's popular over-the-air (OTA) and web download service being launched this May, you will be able to access up to 5 million tracks to maximize your music collection. The W980's TrackID feature, which can identify any track that you just can't put a name to, will be fully integrated into PlayNow arena. This makes the W980 a genuine gateway to great music, as you can download the track instantly once it has been identified.You can tailor the W980's Walkman player to the music that you're listening to. This latest Walkman phone provides a choice of eight equalizer presets, each of which contains a distinct profile that is suitable to a range of music. So whether you're listening to jazz, pop or heavy metal, you've can always choose the best sound for the song.The Walkman on Top feature on the W980 gives you the full functionality of a Walkman player without even having to open your phone. The entire Walkman player that would normally be displayed on the inside of your clamshell is also replicated on the outside of the phone, so navigation through your music library is effortless.Every music enthusiast knows that a great audio experience requires great quality speakers or headphones. The W980 Walkman phone comes with the new Stereo Portable Handsfree HPM-77; a headset that lets you enjoy music in powerful stereo sound. The HPM-77 also allows users to take their calls handsfree, and its sleek design and in-ear wearing-style mean that it's both comfortable and reduces background noise to the bare minimum.Whether listening via the headphones or the stereo speakers, the W980 Walkman phone is a must-have for those who want an unrivaled music experience, which they carry with them every minute of the day.
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