It Must be the Panels... (1/4)
Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 with Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional
INTRODUCTION
The X1 is somewhat of a prodigy. It brings an intriguing Panel interface to the world of Windows Mobile, plus a slick design and arc-sliding keyboard. Sony Ericsson is calling the X1 a "game changer" - throwing unseen marketing might behind the device in hopes of getting attention from those from the entire smartphone community, not just that of Windows Mobile. Is this really a game changer? We have the answer. Read on for the thorough review!
WHAT'S HOT
Let's talk specs. The XPERIA X1 is running on Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional. The particular unit I'm using is the X1i - and there are bound to be several different versions like the X1c and X1a, depending on region.
It's using a Qualcomm MSM7200A CPU clocking in at 528MHz, and includes 256MB of RAM (~200MB accessible) and 384MB of ROM (~280MB accessible). The touchscreen is 3.0" and has WVGA resolution, which is 800x480, making for a pixel density of 310ppi (compared to 285ppi on the Touch Diamond/Pro and 164ppi on the iPhone). It's a quadband (850/900/1800/1900) GSM device with triband (900/1900/2100) UMTS, plus HSDPA, though it is quite possible that the X1i has the UMTS 850 band, but there's not enough evidence right now to validate or nullify this claim.
The X1 has aGPS, WiFi (b & g), Bluetooth 2.0, miniUSB for charging and syncing, a 3.5mm headphone jack for audio, and microSD expansion, plus an optical joystick used as a D-Pad. The camera on the back is 3.2MP with LED flash, and has autofocus and selective autofocus. The camera on the front is VGA resolution for video calls. Powering the entire unit is a big 1500mAh battery.
(all images link to larger versions)
The X1 comes in black and silver. This unit is black.
The X1 features a unique Panel interface. We'll cover that in detail later in the review.
In comparison to the HTC Touch Pro, the X1 is 1mm thinner, plus taller and less wide. Click here to compare the specs of the X1 and Touch Pro. More comparison pictures of the two later.
WHAT'S IN THE BOX
Here is the unboxing video for the XPERIA X1, which was memorable.
This is the box for the X1.
Inside the box we get a charge/sync cable, a charge adapter (though no standalone charging adapter), earphones with eargels, headphone passthrough (with microphone), extra stylus, the device/battery, and plenty of reading material in full color. Missing is a case and screen protector.
THE DEVICE
The front of the device has a real brushed metal Panel that gives the devices a high quality feel.
The X1 deviates from the flush touchscreen trend and has a recessed screen. This allows for fantastic screen sensitivity, but also creates a groove in which dust can become trapped.
Closer in on the top, we see the light sensor on the left, and front facing video camera on right.
On the bottom Panel, we have a left and right soft key (which are programmable), a call start and end key, a button to bring up the Panel interface (more on that on page 2), and an OK key. In the center is a rectangular optical joystick used for scrolling and selecting. Surrounding the optical joystick is a standard D-Pad. Missing is a Start menu button, which would help with one-handed usability.
The sides of the device are adorned with chrome. On the first side, we have a dual action camera button on the left, and a volume rocker on the right.
On the top we have a hexagonal on/off button, plus a 3.5mm headphone jack (nice!). Also, note the placement of the stylus to the right of the headphone jack.
Here's a shot of the stylus, which is of the non-collapsible variety.
On the left side, we have miniUSB for charging and syncing, plus a speaker over on the right side towards the bottom.
On the bottom of the device, we have a microphone on the top half and a lanyard loop below that.
On the rear we have a real brushed metal Panel covering up the battery. Above that is the 3.2MP camera, with flash.
Taking off the battery cover, we see the 1500mAh battery.
And unfortunately the microSD slot is under the battery cover. There is a soft reset hole back here near the stylus silo.
Let's take a look at the spring-assisted keyboard. It has four rows, with a super-oversized spacebar. The number buttons are embedded within the letters, and to access them, you must press the blue button in the bottom left corner.
The arc-slider design, a first for any phone, positions the screen at a slightly positive angle. According to Sony Ericsson, this helps with viewing angle and weight distribution. I'm not sure about the former, but the device is definitely well-weighted when the keyboard is open.
And here's a close up of the keyboard. The buttons are quite flat, but have a small ridge to help you feel for them. They're made of plastic, and have a slight rubbery coating.
The keyboard of the X1 is backlit.
And so are the spaces between the buttons on the front - cool, eh?
Here, note the two multi-color LED indicator lights. These blink depending on system status, and they're also on the other side. To see more about them, see the 2nd software tour video.
COMPARISONS
Here we have a shot comparing (from left to right) the Samsung Omnia, HTC Touch Pro, Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1, AT&T Tilt (TyTN II), and Apple iPhone.
Here they are stacked in reverse order.
And here is a profile shot. The X1 (middle) is thinner than the Touch Pro (second from top).
Here's a shot of the Touch Pro and X1 together. The keyboard on the X1 has larger keys and bigger spaces between the keys. Be sure to check out the comparison chart of these two devices.
Click on over to the next page where we'll cover the Panel interface plus included software.
