vB Easy Archive - My Review on W910i

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My Review on W910i
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Posted by: kits

Ever since the iPhone was released, I was looking forward to upgrading my phone as I wanted to have one perfect stylish and unique looking well built mobile phone for listening to music which has some cool features to occasionally browse web to check out sports scores and maybe a little browsing. iPhone had everything I looked for and it was so tempting to buy it because of ocean of accessories that can be found for it. But, I just couldn't accept the size of it. For me, it's too wide to be a comfortable phone PLUS I love to have keys to interact with the phone/Walkman. So, I was looking for candy-bar type slider phone as I didn't want to give up on screen size.

Before I bought W910i, I considered Nokia; N-95 and N81, Sony; W580i, and W500i, and few Samsungs, Windows Mobile Phones, etc. I saw almost most of the phones I considered except N81. I've been a long time Nokia user including their 770 Tablet. I wanted to stay away from Nokia for now as I had screen problems with couple of their devices. After owning W580i for one day, I decided to go with SE phone as I loved the interface in W580i. It only lacked exceptional build quality which I was trying to have. Especially, the slider mechanism had to be rigid unlike some Samsungs and even W580i that felt little loose(wobbling or rattling).

I decided to buy W910i based on the fact that it will be Sony's flag-ship walkman slider phone. After playing with it for over 20 hours, I am glad I have no buyer remorse for owning W910i without waiting for user reviews or price drops to happen. I feel it's almost the perfect phone for people who are looking for walkman based phone with huge screen, great build quality, and perfect slider mechanism. I am hoping it stays like that even after extensive use.

Build Quality
It's a solid feeling phone that is perfect fit in hand. It feels solid as the side casing is metal. Back side is a hard rubberized material which looks very stylish and at the same time is scratch resistant. Front top and middle slider top is hard plastic which is finished to look like metal. I am thinking this material might be better option for a silent operation of slider mechanism for long time to come. The keypad has a smoother plastic buttons and feels very smooth. The battery cover is very easy to open and close unlike W580i which was ridiculously designed.

Screen
This is going to be the highlight of this phone. It's of perfect size for basic browsing (scores, stocks), picture viewing, youtube videos, etc. Picture looks very sharp and colors are very vibrant and the themes the phone came with really help showing of the screen quality.

Speaker & Headset
I am actually able to enjoy listening to music on phone speaker unlike few other phones I tried before. I can't say it's perfect as I prefer to have stereo feel to music I listen. So, I would just say, it stands up to its size. The clarity of through Headset is as good as standalone MP3 players. I haven't tested to audiophile standards. I used Zen, iPOD,
Sony VGF-AP1L before and I seem to have enjoyed it as much as I did on those. I didn't get to listen to them side by side as I no longer have any of those. I compared with Z300 and W910 is in a different league, both with built-in speaker and headset.

Walkman & Menu Interface
The basic Menu functionality is similar to other Walkman phones from SE but the screen makes it feel all different. The walkman interface is all new to the phone. Based on the themes you have your phone set, it could be very much like PS3/PSP interface. It comes with 5 great looking themes installed. The Shake Control and Screen Auto Orientation for Media applications is very cool. In games you get to choose the orientation.

Accessibility & Functionality
All the features can be accessed without having to open slider. Except to enter data, I was able to manage every function just from the top and side buttons. I was able to turn off sound in games and listen to my own music and still play games. Also, when I am on call I was able to play games(sound will be disabled for the game). All buttons and keys are very well laid out and easily accessible while operating with one hand.

Battery
So far, I am very surprised at it's strength. I haven't used any of my previous phones for listening to music. So, I was expecting the battery to drain faster as I am listening to lot of music. But, it's holding the battery strength well. I played music for hours on speaker and the battery was holding very well. I am used to charging phone every night. I think I will be very happy with this phone battery even if I miss charging some nights.

Call clarity & Phone features
It is very clear and loud enough. It's much louder than my Nokia 6230. So, I am a happy about it. The phone features like logs, profiles, vibrate mode, etc all seem great. Various themes help enhance the look of these features.

Camera
It's still a camera phone. 2MP is history. Fortunately, I am not expecting to have a good camera in my phone. It still does a good job to handle some surprise and fun photography needs or to post to a blog. If anyone is looking for a serious camera in a phone, this is not for you. And I doubt if there is a great camera phone out there! The fact that the camera has no flash means, it's almost useless to take pictures in dark situations.

Things I didn't expect
1. Five very good themes included. Maybe the screen is making them look even better.
2. Three very nice games and motion control works with one Marble game.
3. Wii like motion sensor working in games and PSP like menus.

Things that could have made this even a cooler phone
1. A flash to use with camera
2. Standard headphone jack for people who prefer not to carry two cable sets to use their own headphone set
3. Auto Screen orientation at all times. The auto orientations works automatically only in Media applications like Walkman, Pictures, Video, etc. For browsing, and games you have to choose from Menu.
4. Didn't find Sleep mode clock which some of the older Ericsson phones have (Maybe, it's there but I didn't look hard enough.
5. Ability to tag a track I am listening to pre-defined mood (This again might be something that is already there but couldn't figure it out as it's not mentioned in manual).

Features I didn't care to test
1. Video calls
2. Browse youtube videos (played some video pre-loaded on the phone and they play fine)

Who should buy this phone?
Anyone looking to have a stylish, well built, candy bar type slider phone, with excellent Walkman features and a HUGE screen. I love the SenseMe Music Moods feature. I never thought about using that but now, that's the way I am listening to my music. I let the Media Manager do the moods recognition for my collection and it did a fair good job.

P.S. Please check the official W910i thread for several pictures I posted including pictures taken by the camera in this phone.

Posted by: nicktuso

Very good write up, changed my mind about the phone. Its always good to have actual user reviews.

Posted by: Outrigger

very good writeup. I was concerned mostly about the build quality, sliding mechanism, sound loudness/quality. I could care less if it was .3MP or 2MP cam. Great job.

Posted by: bodeh6

Pics of the phone?

Posted by: Outrigger

its in the official w910 thread.

Posted by: randomtask77

On the W850, the top "gaming" buttons allowed you browse through the pics (when on stand-by screen) that were on the phone. Does the W910 also do this or do the buttons do something else altogether?

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomtask77

On the W850, the top "gaming" buttons allowed you browse through the pics (when on stand-by screen) that were on the phone. Does the W910 also do this or do the buttons do something else altogether?

Gaming buttons on 910 won't work to browse to through pictures. Moreover, it's not need on 910 as it has the round control below screen to navigate through pictures.

Posted by: randomtask77

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

Gaming buttons on 910 won't work to browse to through pictures. Moreover, it's not need on 910 as it has the round control below screen to navigate through pictures.

So on the standby screen, if you press any of the top buttons, it doesn't do anything?

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomtask77

So on the standby screen, if you press any of the top buttons, it doesn't do anything?

Wow! I just discovered what you are trying to find. Standby screen is not when locked. While I am at Home screen, if I press those buttons one brings up photos in index mode that are take with the phone camera. The other brings up the last photo taken.

Posted by: randomtask77

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

Okay, that's what I thought it would do. I was just curious if they did something different this time, but I guess they retained that feature for the W910. Thanks for confirming.

Posted by: break-r

So there's auto orientation?

So if im watching a movie and i tilt it sideways, will it automatically switch to landscape?

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by break-r

So there's auto orientation?

So if im watching a movie and i tilt it sideways, will it automatically switch to landscape?

Yes! I even double checked for you

Posted by: lastdon00

do u know the sar rating for this phone or does it only have the EU rating?

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastdon00

do u know the sar rating for this phone or does it only have the EU rating?

I remember seeing a small sheet of paper included on which SAR rating was mentioned. I will try to locate it when I get home and post the value here.

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

Yes! I even double checked for you

Oh man thats sick!

now im even more stuck between w910 and 6500 slide

Posted by: Mojo_LA

Can you test the Bluetooth range? Can you put the phone in your pocket and still get a good signal on bluetooth headphones?

Does the phone do a good job at sorting id3 tags? Does it recognize album track numbers?

From pictures of the phone it looks like the lens of the camera creates a "bump" on the back of the phone... is the lens exposed and open to scratches if the phone is placed down? Does the phone lay flat or does it "wobble" because of the lens?

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo_LA

Can you test the Bluetooth range? Can you put the phone in your pocket and still get a good signal on bluetooth headphones?

Does the phone do a good job at sorting id3 tags? Does it recognize album track numbers?

From pictures of the phone it looks like the lens of the camera creates a "bump" on the back of the phone... is the lens exposed and open to scratches if the phone is placed down? Does the phone lay flat or does it "wobble" because of the lens?

I dont recall the camera lens creating a "bump"
Its flush with the back

Posted by: Mojo_LA

Break-r, do you HAVE the phone?

Look at this picture:

http://www.myphone.gr/gallery/showp.../18348/cat/3253

The lens is clearly raised from the surface of the phone. It makes it looks like the phone may not lay flush on a flat surface AND the lens looks like it could easily be damaged.

Posted by: nokian73

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo_LA

Break-r, do you HAVE the phone?

Look at this picture:

http://www.myphone.gr/gallery/showp.../18348/cat/3253

The lens is clearly raised from the surface of the phone. It makes it looks like the phone may not lay flush on a flat surface AND the lens looks like it could easily be damaged.

ya man ur right...hmmm

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo_LA

Sorry i was just going by what I remember when I checked it out on the weekend

hence why I said I dont RECALL

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by lastdon00

do u know the sar rating for this phone or does it only have the EU rating?

The SAR Information sheet says, "The highest SAR value for this model phone tested by Sony Ericsson for use at the ear is 0.90 W/kg (10g)"

It also states the SAR limit recommended by the ICNIRP is 2 W/kg average over ten (10) gram of tissue.

Whatever that means!

Posted by: bigb252

I think the camera bulge in the back is level with the bend in the bottom of the phone. I'm not sure, but it sounds probable.

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo_LA

Can you test the Bluetooth range? Can you put the phone in your pocket and still get a good signal on bluetooth headphones?

I have a very cheap bluetooth head set by Anycomm which I bought over 2 years ago from amazon when it was $25. Even with that, I didn't have problem. I even had my phone in pant pocket and talked on Bluetooth headset.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo_LA

Does the phone do a good job at sorting id3 tags? Does it recognize album track numbers?

Yes it does good job with that. I think that is all done from Media Manager software that comes with it. I didn't see the track number information when I viewed Information on MP3 file. But, I see the tracks are ordered like on CD. So, I assume it keeps them but doesn't display.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo_LA

From pictures of the phone it looks like the lens of the camera creates a "bump" on the back of the phone... is the lens exposed and open to scratches if the phone is placed down? Does the phone lay flat or does it "wobble" because of the lens?

Yes it does have a small bump and the lens is protected around with a steel ring like casing. So, it won't get scratched as lens is slightly recessed into this steel casing. This bump actually is on one end of phone and at the bottom end has curved bump that has the speaker. So, when you rest the phone on it's back, these two bumps balance the phone well and you have an open space underneath. This design helps speaker sound good even when it's rested on table as there is openness for speaker. I hope I wasn't confusing

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo_LA

Look at the bottom in the picture below.

That is speaker and it's bumped out too. So, this helps support the phone on one end and the lens on the other end. So, phone stays flush when placed on it's back side. The lens is recessed inside the steel ring casing. So, it's well protected.

Posted by: Mojo_LA

I get it, thanks for the info... that's really cool, that the 2 ends of the phone allow the middle to be raised enough when laid down so that the speaker has room to "breathe" and be heard. That's pretty smart and the reflection of the sound off a table would help the volume a lot!

Posted by: nokian73

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

0.90 is alot.. my e90 is 0.65

Posted by: Mojo_LA

if you're using Bluetooth or any headset it doesn't matter if the phone emitts high band gamma radiation, you're fine.

Oh, and the idea that your phone will give you a brain tumor is BS anyway.

Posted by: kits

I am playing almost full-time with this new toy and am loving it more each moment. I installed Google Mobile Maps, GMail, and browsed SE's Play Now site, and some RSS feeds. Loving it so much.

I got AT&T's 5MB and 400 Text Messages plan for 9.99. Is that good for first month when I will be playing with phone a lot or should I get a better plan? I wish they had unlimited plan for $19.99

Are there any links to sites that have good movie trailers to download to PC and then transfer to Phone?

Posted by: lastdon00

Quote:

Originally Posted by nokian73

0.90 is alot.. my e90 is 0.65

well that 0.90 is in the european union

not sure what it is here in canada

guanrateed around

1.34 out of 1.6

cause the k850i is 1.14 in europe so in canada it's like 1.56

Posted by: davidrobe10

Does the phone lag in Eclipse "style" mode ? I'v noticed some video's on youtube that show a laggy reaction time to the accelorometer.

I was also under the impression that you could plug in your 3.5mm headphones straight into the phone, however you would lose the remote control, is this true?

Another quick question - How do you put a song in the device, im under the impression again that you install Disc2Phone(or somthing) and drag and drop your music.
I know with video's its abit diffrent, but my plan is to buy this phone as a media device (mp3,videos and mabey pictures) and a mobile phone over the iphone because im overseas. and transcode my TV shows then watch them on the train (For example)
Would you say this phone is adaquite?

If you have some spair time it would also be nice to know what annoys you about not having
"Auto Screen orientation at all times."

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidrobe10

Does the phone lag in Eclipse "style" mode ? I'v noticed some video's on youtube that show a laggy reaction time to the accelorometer.

I didn't feel in any lag. The video could have looked like that if they left couple of application running. But, in general accelorometer has little inconsistant lag but nothing like more than few seconds. It's not something as quick as in iPhone and at the same time it's not too slow to bother.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidrobe10

I was also under the impression that you could plug in your 3.5mm headphones straight into the phone, however you would lose the remote control, is this true?

There is nothing to directly plug-in normal headphones. Phone comes with a ES style adapter to which you plug in the headphones. This is standard will almost all SE phone I saw.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidrobe10

Another quick question - How do you put a song in the device, im under the impression again that you install Disc2Phone(or somthing) and drag and drop your music.
I know with video's its abit diffrent, but my plan is to buy this phone as a media device (mp3,videos and mabey pictures) and a mobile phone over the iphone because im overseas. and transcode my TV shows then watch them on the train (For example)
Would you say this phone is adaquite?

Disc2Phone is used if you want to copy directly from CD to phone. If you already have MP3 collection you can use the Media Manager software that comes with the phone. That is the one you will use for doing Mass storage transfer of MP3s, photos, and video. If you think the screen size if good enough for your needs, it sure will please you as the screen is gorgeous.

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidrobe10

If you have some spair time it would also be nice to know what annoys you about not having "Auto Screen orientation at all times."

Well, initially I thought why didn't they have all the time. But after each extra hour of time with it, I actually prefer to be in portrait mode most of the time except for videos because it actually looks like a 'PAGE' in portrait mode. It's a want feeling but that's is not need, really!

Posted by: ken.vs.ryu

So will youTube.com play?

Posted by: Paul in SoCal

So no standby clock when idle?

Posted by: pop lover

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul in SoCal

So no standby clock when idle?

yup.......not even K850

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

They did this on the W900 as well, however the w900 "bump" isnt as noticable
But its a good strategy for amplifying sound

Posted by: g12bey

Can the slide be set to end calls when closed? I can't belive that closing W850 doesn't end a call, is this the same?

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by g12bey

Can the slide be set to end calls when closed? I can't belive that closing W850 doesn't end a call, is this the same?

Wondering this as well

Kits, Im not sure if I pm'd you this question or not, but can you check to see if you have any dust under your screen? Its a REALLY big pet peeve of mine, and i HATE dust under my screen..

Its only really visible under sunlight or directly under a lightbulb, and you'll have to look quite closely..

Would it be too much to ask you to check yours?

Posted by: Dinan

Quote:

Originally Posted by break-r

I'm wondering this as well. Is there clear plastic over the phone that's part of the front fascia or is it the bare LCD (like the N95/P1i).

Posted by: Outrigger

My phone is on order, and while I don't have the phone in my hand, I do believe that like many sliders, you cannot end a call by sliding it close. They did this intentionally as they claim that many people wish to close the slider but still want to continue the conversation. Nokia did the same thing with their N95.

I'm one of those people that prefer to not to terminate a call by closing the slider.

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by g12bey

Can the slide be set to end calls when closed? I can't belive that closing W850 doesn't end a call, is this the same?

Thanks for asking me this question. I found another feature to your favor. There is an option to end call when you close the slider and I tested it to work.

In call set up there are two options
1. Open to answer
2. Close to end call

Each of those have YES or NO options to choose.

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by ken.vs.ryu

So will youTube.com play?

I keep getting Playback failed message when I try to play video. I went to m.youtube.com.

I also tried Classic view option displayed on homepage but that seems too like full fledge webpage. So, I stopped in the middle as my monthly quote for 5MB will be over which loaded couple of those pages as I already downloaded boatload of Halloween themes and wallpapers

to use up my first month limit.

Posted by: kits

Review on web browsing

I will be using my phone for very minimal browsing. It will be used mostly to check my GMail e-mails (not important but for the heck of it), sports scores, and maybe download themes, wallpapers, ringtones, etc from Sony Ericsson or other mobile based sites.

When I tried to check my GMail, google smartly suggested me to download GMail client to my Sony Ericsson phone. I did that and boy, I was impressed with the GMail application. E-mails are very neatly formated to used the BIG screen of this phone and I actually decided to check my mail occasionally when I get tired walking behind wife in shopping malls. Even on edge network, the GMail application was pretty fast. Maybe, I should say fast enough!!

I also installed Google Maps and it's pretty neat looking. I haven't dug deep into it to figure if it will be useful but it sure WOWed me!

Also, I tried bunch of RSS news feeds, Sony Ericsson's Fun&Downloads site, AT&T MediaNet and they all looked pretty neat. I downloaded like half a dozen Halloween themes (Free) from SE site. All these themes have lot of black and the great screen of W910i excelled like a cute little LCD TV.

I also tried to play video from youtube but I kept getting "Playback Failed" message. I will give it another day after some research on playing youtube on SE Phones.

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by break-r

Kits?

Posted by: nokian73

Saw the W910i today:

Phone: Nice Looking, 100% plastic
Feel of the phone: A feather
Keypad: doesnt feel like your typing anything, well flushed.
Slider: Firm but not that appealing.
Interface: Same
Joystick: To small, but i guess cause so is the phone.
Would i buy it: NO

Posted by: hyperunknown

does anyone have any idea if the n81 will perfrom in the same sluggish ways as the earlier n series ?
I have an n73 , over all it's good in every way except for the interface , SLOW AS HELL !
what's the price tag on the se910i anyways ?
Im getting one hopefully

Posted by: Baldilocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by nokian73

Saw the W910i today:

Phone: Nice Looking, 100% plastic
Feel of the phone: A feather
Keypad: doesnt feel like your typing anything, well flushed.
Slider: Firm but not that appealing.
Interface: Same
Joystick: To small, but i guess cause so is the phone.
Would i buy it: NO

Wow, you are just a ray of positive sunshine on both the w910i and the k850i arent you ?

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by break-r

Kits?

OK, I just checked under the light blub and I don't see anything. I changed my wallpaper to complete black and then to very light white. I didn't see any specks. Hopefully, it stays like that.

Posted by: Baldilocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

OK, I just checked under the light blub and I don't see anything. I changed my wallpaper to complete black and then to very light white. I didn't see any specks. Hopefully, it stays like that.

I think I will get a crystal jewel case for mine... at least a nice screen protector.

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldilocks

I think I will get a crystal jewel case for mine... at least a nice screen protector.

Can you link to me to a good source of these for 910? I was looking in local stores and couldn't find anything convenient. I hope vaja comes up with something soon. I like to have a nice case that let's me use phone without haveing to take it out of the case like Sony sells.

Posted by: Baldilocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

I just ordered from eBay. Just searched for w910i and all kinds of clear cases came up. Most of them are cheapo's but it's better than nothing at this point.

Posted by: Mojo_LA

Quote:

Originally Posted by nokian73

WHAT joystick?

And WHERE did you see it?

Posted by: Baldilocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo_LA

WHAT joystick?

And WHERE did you see it?

LOL. Yer right. It doesnt have a joystick.

Posted by: Outrigger

Just got my black w910 from phonesource. Very impressed with their shipping speed. It showed that it came from HK, left on Tues, and got here Today at 10am, now that shipping fee was worth it.

I've been using the K800 and it was a good phone, great UI, just wasn't crazy about the candybar style. Been looking for a good slider for a while. Tried the N95, and even though it was heavier which I kinda liked, it felt cheap and hallow, so returned it before the 30 days were up.

Very impressed with the build quality of the w910. I was worried that because it is even lighter than the smaller 580, it would feel cheap, but on the contrary, it is very well built with no creaks and groans. The feeling of the slider is great, not as great as the w850, but close enough that there's no complaints from me. It is very thin, but not too thin that its uncomfortable to hold. I wouldn't mind if it was a bit wider and taller cause thats how I like my phones.

The UI is very similar to the K800 which I expected and love with some minor tweaks. The only complaint I have at this moment is the small buttons. There is more than enough room to make the buttons bigger and attractive, and there is no reason for SE to make the buttons as small as they are.

The front part is quality plastic, the silver side isn't really metal but a different plastic with metal coating, and the back is the hard rubber, same as the w880's back.

Overall, it was worth it for me to get it now and I'm very happy. Oh, and it came with 2GB or flash memory.

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

I wouldn't mind if it was a bit wider and taller cause thats how I like my phones.

The UI is very similar to the K800 which I expected and love with some minor tweaks. The only complaint I have at this moment is the small buttons. There is more than enough room to make the buttons bigger and attractive, and there is no reason for SE to make the buttons as small as they are.

Also, it would have been great if they pulled off a bigger screen with same dimension buy reducing the border frame around screen like iPhone did. For me, the width is fine. Any wider might feel too wide. But, I agree that they could have made is just a tad longer and moved around button close and bigger and made screen biggest possible. I guess, they intentionally saved that for the next versions when WiFi might become standard.

Posted by: Baldilocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

But the screen does look huge compared to the w580i

The screen on the w910i is actually 2.44"

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldilocks

I just ordered from eBay. Just searched for w910i and all kinds of clear cases came up. Most of them are cheapo's but it's better than nothing at this point.

Thanks Baldilocks! I didn't know cases could be so cheap

. I ordered one clear case, and also a screen protector in case I don't like the clear case.

Hope someone makes something like this:
http://www.vajacases.com/home/home_...8r&c=6&it=1&s=1

Top leather should flip over screen and the bottom should have tight fitting with slider.

and this with flip going to top.
http://www.case-mate.com/phones/apple/iphoneflip

Posted by: Baldilocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

Thanks Baldilocks! I didn't know cases could be so cheap

I'm sure someone will at some point. I just hate the fact that most of the screen protectors and jewel cases from eBay take a while to arrive.. since most of the vendors are in China.

Posted by: Paul in SoCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

Just got my black w910 from phonesource. Very impressed with their shipping speed. It showed that it came from HK, left on Tues, and got here Today at 10am, now that shipping fee was worth it.

Is it the non-Chinese keystroke model from Phonesource?

Posted by: Baldilocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul in SoCal

Is it the non-Chinese keystroke model from Phonesource?

I'm pretty sure that all of the ones available on eBay right now, don't have the Asian keypads.

At least, i'm hoping!

Posted by: Rigo_Star

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

Just got my black w910 from phonesource. Very impressed with their shipping speed. It showed that it came from HK, left on Tues, and got here Today at 10am, now that shipping fee was worth it.

Did you order it from the site www.phonesource-USA.com ?
I wanted to know if I can trust this site because I almost ordered it from hi-mobile but it was more expensive.
Phonesource looks like they have a better price for both phone and shipping.

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rigo_Star

I ordered from them but through ebay as it was cheaper when I ordered last week. I ordered later afternoon on 10th, they shipped on 11th and it was outside my door by 9am EST on 12th.

Keyboard is all english. No other language

Posted by: Paul in SoCal

Any comparison with K790a and ear piece volume?

Posted by: Outrigger

The keypad is the non asian version, like your regular US keypad.

I ordered from phonesource-usa.com and they're very good with shipping. They're based in vegas, but the w910 (at least mine) was shipped from HK.

One thing, I was playing around with the phone yesterday and I noticed that on the top, by the power button, there are two small nicks. I'm going to give them a call to rectify the problem. Being that this is my only phone now, I can't send it back and wait for them to send me a new one which will probably take up to a week or more.

Does anyone have any experience with them regarding refunds? I would like to buy another one and return this one once I receive the new phone. Would they refund me? I only had it for a couple of hours before I noticed the nicks.

Volume wise compared to my K800 is a bit louder, but is your typical SE volume. Speakerphone is on par, not much louder. But one thing that IS worse is the vibrate which I can't feel when its in my pocket. I believe its because of the thinness of the design. When I had the W880, I couldn't feel it when it was vibrating either.

Posted by: Outrigger

well apparently, they don't do refunds. so I would have to do an RMA and send it to them and they will decide if they will send me a new one. this sucks as I probably won't receive a new one til late next week.

Posted by: randomtask77

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

well apparently, they don't do refunds. so I would have to do an RMA and send it to them and they will decide if they will send me a new one. this sucks as I probably won't receive a new one til late next week.

Sorry to hear. I was about to order one from them as they recently acquired the red version (through eBay). But plemix beat them to it, so I'm hoping to get my Hearty Red W910i from them by tomorrow (hopefully).

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

Volume wise compared to my K800 is a bit louder, but is your typical SE volume. Speakerphone is on par, not much louder. But one thing that IS worse is the vibrate which I can't feel when its in my pocket. I believe its because of the thinness of the design. When I had the W880, I couldn't feel it when it was vibrating either.

Dont know if you have noticed, but does the phone rattle when it vibrates?
I know the D900 had this problem

Posted by: Outrigger

No it doesn't rattle at all. Problem is because of the hard rubber coating, it kind of absorbs the vibration making it less noticeable when it does vibrate. If I flip it on its face, the vibration is more noticeable.

The one thing that sucks about getting through online retailers is that if there's a problem, it takes time to resolve as opposed to walking into a store and do an exchange on the spot. I have no choice but to send it in and wait for a new one.

Posted by: Paul in SoCal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

The one thing that sucks about getting through online retailers is that if there's a problem, it takes time to resolve as opposed to walking into a store and do an exchange on the spot. I have no choice but to send it in and wait for a new one.

That's one reason I do try and buy from Amazon. Excellent return policy. Though they are more expensive and they don't always have the latest models right away.

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

No it doesn't rattle at all. Problem is because of the hard rubber coating, it kind of absorbs the vibration making it less noticeable when it does vibrate. If I flip it on its face, the vibration is more noticeable.

The one thing that sucks about getting through online retailers is that if there's a problem, it takes time to resolve as opposed to walking into a store and do an exchange on the spot. I have no choice but to send it in and wait for a new one.

Good to hear!
if it doesnt rattle, then just more evidence that its a well built phone

Posted by: pop lover

Quote:

Volume wise compared to my K800 is a bit louder, but is your typical SE volume. Speakerphone is on par, not much louder.

There is an owner over esato Forum tell me that the loudspeaker in W910 louder than W850 one and it's nearly to W550 One

Posted by: Outrigger

Quote:

Originally Posted by pop lover

There is an owner over esato Forum tell me that the loudspeaker in W910 louder than W850 one and it's nearly to W550 One

the loudness of the phone or its speakerphone is pretty subjective. I came from a long line of nextel phones which are known for its super too loud speakerphone. so when you go from that to a SE or pretty much any other phones, its not going to sound loud at all. its all relative.

even though this phone is a lot lighter than the n95, it feels a lot more solid and no hallowness.

Posted by: break-r

Has anyone mentioned the shake feature?

How well does it work?
Do you just sort of jolt the phone a certain direction to change songs or what?

Posted by: randomtask77

Quote:

Originally Posted by break-r

Has anyone mentioned the shake feature?

How well does it work?
Do you just sort of jolt the phone a certain direction to change songs or what?

I'd imagine it would be a little harder to do with the W910 being that the walkman button is at the top of the phone. And I think to enable the feature, you have to hold down the walkman button and then shake the phone. So to me, wouldn't that be a little difficult to do with the phone slid open (hard to get a good hold of the phone while holding down the button)?

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomtask77

You have a good point there, but what I was really asking is how sensitive are the sensors?

Do you have to REALLY shake it? or just lightly wobble it side to side?

Posted by: Baldilocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by break-r

You have a good point there, but what I was really asking is how sensitive are the sensors?

Do you have to REALLY shake it? or just lightly wobble it side to side?

Makes it look ever funnier if you have the red w910i. The kids will think you are shaking an Etch-A-Sketch!

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldilocks

Makes it look ever funnier if you have the red w910i. The kids will think you are shaking an Etch-A-Sketch!

I'm like picasso (sp?) on etch-a sketch

Not really

Posted by: pop lover

Posted by: randomtask77

So did you finally get a W910 for yourself?

Posted by: sichigo

Great review. Jus ordered one today, hopefully it'll be here tomorrow.

Posted by: pop lover

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomtask77

So did you finally get a W910 for yourself?

nop.....
W910 will be with me this Tuesday and I will post a lot of pictures and Youtube videos of my W910 Nobel Black as much as I can

Posted by: break-r

saw you post that on esato

Posted by: pop lover

Quote:

Originally Posted by break-r

saw you post that on esato

Posted by: Outrigger

Because of the placement of the walkman button at the top of the phone and the thinness of the phone itself, its very difficult and awkward to hold and shake the phone unless you have very small and thin fingers.

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

Because of the placement of the walkman button at the top of the phone and the thinness of the phone itself, its very difficult and awkward to hold and shake the phone unless you have very small and thin fingers.

I think if that button is too easy to press, people would complain about accidentally skipping songs because of shake feature

.

I have medium size fingers and am able to use the feature well after initial slow learning curve. Initially, I wasn't sure if I am not shaking it well or didn't press the button well. Now, I am able to get it right all the time.

Like someone here asked, it would be a great feature to be able to sort tracks by date uploaded to phone and play in that order. That way, we will be able to play the most recent tracks we own without having to create a queue. I hope there is a hidden feature for this that I might have overlooked.

Posted by: Baldilocks

Thanks for all the good info Kits. Mine should be here on the 23rd. Starting to drool already

Posted by: Outrigger

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

I think if that button is too easy to press, people would complain about accidentally skipping songs because of shake feature

This shake control feature is a little on the gimmick side but by no means a deal breaker for me. I didn't even think of it til someone mentioned. This is a great phone with great features and I'm impressed by how much they crammed into a thin body like this.

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

The fact that it auto rotates to landscape is good enough for me

Btw, you guys should get a load of the crap people are saying on esato..

Its hilarious

Posted by: bigb252

I didn't even realize the Walkman logo under the screen was touch-sensitive. COOL! (I'm waiting for the white w910 - SE I hope you're listening

)

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

I agree. I am probably using it more while giving a demo to friends. I think after a while, we may not use as we might look odd to people around to be shaking phone and also, who knows too much shake may not be good for hardware inside!

Posted by: kits

One major thing that bothers me when using it as walkman is the auto locking of keys. I played around to see if I can avoid making phone from locking. While listening music in office, I don't want to use shake to skip tracks. So, I am forced to unlock the phone and then press SKIP button.

Anyone know to make change auto lock keys to off?

Posted by: Outrigger

Quote:

Originally Posted by bigb252

I didn't even realize the Walkman logo under the screen was touch-sensitive. COOL! (I'm waiting for the white w910 - SE I hope you're listening

)

the walkman logo under the screen is touch sensitive? where did you get that from?

Posted by: Outrigger

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

One major thing that bothers me when using it as walkman is the auto locking of keys. I played around to see if I can avoid making phone from locking. While listening music in office, I don't want to use shake to skip tracks. So, I am forced to unlock the phone and then press SKIP button.

Anyone know to make change auto lock keys to off?

Easy

go to settings, profile, security, and then auto keylock, and presto!

Another note is that I noticed there is about a 1 second lag whenever I click the call button to make a call, or when I slide it open, the screen would take about 1 second to light up. don't know if its just me or anyone else has experienced this.

Posted by: break-r

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

Most phones are like that I think

I cant recall a slider where anything was instant

Posted by: randomtask77

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

the walkman logo under the screen is touch sensitive? where did you get that from?

There was like a three part video series on youtube that shows the red W910 and it was demonstrating the demo video.

Because it was coincidence that the user happened to touch the bottom center of the screen (where other people think it's touchscreen) and the video ended.

If you go through the video again, you'll notice that the time of the youtube video and the time the demo video ended is at thirty seconds. So what looked like that the user stopping the video by "touch" just happened to be a timely coincidence that gave the wrong impression.

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

Thanks dude. That was easy. I thought security is for some password protection. I am used to pressing keys to lock with Nokia's. Now, I can enjoy more glazing at the screen more.

I downloaded several free Halloween themes from SE fun site. Most of them are very nice.

Posted by: Outrigger

Too bad there isn't a setting where you could dictate how long before the screen dims or goes out completely. I count only about 20 seconds when the screen goes out completely just like the K800.

Posted by: randomtask77

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

Too bad there isn't a setting where you could dictate how long before the screen dims or goes out completely. I count only about 20 seconds when the screen goes out completely just like the K800.

This should go under the "what I want from sony ericsson" thread.

I think it's great when it comes to video that you don't have to worry about the screen going in sleep mode, but I wish it was the same thing with games as well.

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Outrigger

I noticed the same when you try to dial from logs. The logs show up fast but when you press dial, it just pauses and dials the number. This doesn't seem to happen when u dial from Address book.

The screen seems to light up pretty fast from dim mode and just a fraction more from complete dark mode. But, I don't think this is noticeable much like the dial from logs.

Also, I hate how the default call log 'ALL LOGS' is designed. They should show each address book entry only once and should let the side arrow browse through other numbers for that entry like in NOKIA phones. Since this phone uses the ICON of the log entry, each address book entry with same number shows up once for Received call, Once for Dialed Number and another one if he has a Missed call. This is so annoying as you will have to scroll through so many duplicate names. So, I always move directly from ALL LOGS to Dialed or Received to browse through logs faster.

Posted by: jay84virgo

For the people who actually have the phone (W910i)...How are "EDGE" speeds coming along?

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by jay84virgo

For the people who actually have the phone (W910i)...How are "EDGE" speeds coming along?

I am using phone to surf web for the first time so my opinion is based on first time use and have no idea how fast 3G feels. I visited mostly SE's Fun & Download site and it felt OK. GMail is a beauty. Fortunately, I use GMail so, I love it.

I also tried to use AT&T's MediaNet. One day it loaded fast. Today it took a while. I assume that to be more of a network problem than EDGE or Phone.

If you plan to use your phone as modem to browse on laptop, EDGE will probably be like browsing during 56K modem days or maybe even less. You will need 3G for that.

For basics like checking e-mails from Gmail, Google Calendar, Google Maps, or sports scores(I use Cricinfo.com mostly for cricket scores), theme downloades, etc, EDGE is satisfactory. I haven't tried things like publishing to blogs, etc. Maybe, someone can chip in on these features.

I couldn't test youtube video on my phone as I keep getting "Playback error". A user from here PM'd me saying that AT&T blocks streaming content from working on phones that are not supported by them. I really hope that is not the reason as it doesn't make sense for AT&T to do that.

Posted by: Baldilocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

If you plan to use your phone as modem to browse on laptop, EDGE will probably be like browsing during 56K modem days or maybe even less. You will need 3G for that.

I couldn't test youtube video on my phone as I keep getting "Playback error". A user from here PM'd me saying that AT&T blocks streaming content from working on phones that are not supported by them. I really hope that is not the reason as it doesn't make sense for AT&T to do that.

I usually get anywhere from 120-220Kbps when I tether with EDGE on the AT&T network. SO hopefully w910i users should expect the same.

And for the second part of your post. I doubt very much that its blocked.

Posted by: chilko

here is some unboxing photos made by me - http://www.flickr.com/photos/875448...57602550324706/

Posted by: Baldilocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by chilko

here is some unboxing photos made by me - http://www.flickr.com/photos/875448...57602550324706/

Very nice! Phone looks great in red. You are lucky, those of us in North America who purchase this phone will never see the H (HSDPA) Icon unless we travel to Europe

Posted by: break-r

very nice pics!
the red has a very metallic look to it!

Posted by: pop lover

Many People said that W910 Loudspeaker is bad and it's sound very Tiny just like W880

Is that True?

Posted by: break-r

Im gonna go look at it again today and play around with it more
If I like it i'll buy it and report back

Posted by: pop lover

Many People said that W910 Loudspeaker is bad and it's sound very Tiny just like W880

Is that True?

Posted by: Mojo_LA

Just about EVERY cell phone's speaker sounds tinny, that's just the way it is.

Pop Lover is that the only thing you care about? I think every post I see from you is always asking about a phone's built-in speaker... you just posted the same question twice!! The phone offers so much and the speakers in the phone are just a convenience, they are not meant to have good sound quality!!

The only way to know if you're satisfied is to hear it yourself, but it seems crazy to me to base a decision on a hi-end phone on how the built-in speaker is for music.

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by pop lover

Many People said that W910 Loudspeaker is bad and it's sound very Tiny just like W880
Is that True?

If phone Loudspeaker is your primary listening device, this phone is not for you.

But, if you want to know how I feel about the speaker.

Music sounds decent enough but I doubt if I will ever use it to listen to music. My kids uses it while playing games and he is not complaining about sound.

As speakerphone it's like any other speakerphone I'm familiar with. SE W300, Nokia 6230, & Nokia 7610. Maybe one might be slightly better than the other but I never tested as I feel the speakerphone is adequate on all cell phones except my 6230 whose speaker is messed up right in the first month of use and it always made rattling sound.

Posted by: Baldilocks

Hey Kits,

Did you get your clear plastic jewel case yet? If you do let us know how it looks/feels on the phone.

Thanks

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baldilocks

Hey Kits,

Did you get your clear plastic jewel case yet? If you do let us know how it looks/feels on the phone.

Thanks

It was shipped couple of days back. Will post some pictures of it with phone.

Posted by: Baldilocks

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

It was shipped couple of days back. Will post some pictures of it with phone.

Good deal, good deal!!

Posted by: Mojo_LA

Hey can you put MP3s in multiple sub-folders?

I thought just about all music phones made you stick all your MP3s in one "music" folder, but much to my surprise, today I found out my Sansung a717 actually recognized sub-folders! That makes organizing music MUCH easier.

Does the w910i let you do this? I am guessing it would be more of a walkman 3.0 feature than one specific to this phone, but since this is the phone I want to get, let me know if it does it!

Posted by: augustborn99

walkmans can recognise subfolders. but all music gets sorted using id3 tags in the media center. you can access the subfolders only if you create playlists, or tap it on the organiser

Posted by: stty

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mojo_LA

Hey can you put MP3s in multiple sub-folders?

should be.

Even my 1.5 year old w810i, which is walkman1.0, can support putting songs in sub-folders.

however, when you play songs in player mode, you can only see(and select) songs by artists, albums, themes etc, not by folder. I guess it's still so in w910i. stand corrected if I'm wrong.

Posted by: chilko

yes, you can't play specific folder

Posted by: break-r

Just got my w910i yesterday FINALLY!

Im loving it so much!

I'll have my own review up in a few days after I've played with it more

As for the music through speaker question, yes it does sound tinny, but its adequate enough to be listened to.
If its a big issue for you, then maybe go back to an older walkman phone

The good of this phone highly outweigh the bad

Posted by: kits

Quote:

Originally Posted by break-r

Just got my w910i yesterday FINALLY!

Im loving it so much!

I'll have my own review up in a few days after I've played with it more

As for the music through speaker question, yes it does sound tinny, but its adequate enough to be listened to.
If its a big issue for you, then maybe go back to an older walkman phone

The good of this phone highly outweigh the bad

Congrats and it's good to know u like it. I am still facinated by it even after couple of weeks with it. I should be getting the clear case and screen protector anytime and will let you all know if they are worth the amount I paid.

Did you try to place the phone on a wooden table or something while listening to music from it's speaker? I think that helps it sound a 'tad' better and clear.

Posted by: Mojo_LA

hey, everyone should be posting their 910 comments in the official thread, let's not dilute things in splinter threads unless it truly is a new w910i topic...

Posted by: dannie520

I had a W850i, so this was a free upgrade. For me Sony make the best phones on the market as far as build quality.

There isn't that much difference between the 2 phones. The w910 is lighter & thinner, it has a better & bigger screen. That's about it. Oh the software is a bit better as photos & music is all in the media option (in a PSP style).

Will be keeping this phone as it's so lightweight, you don't know you have it in your pocket (the w850 was a little heavy), if this is important to you. Maybe girls don't have is problem because they have handbags!So I cant restrain my frantic wife.

Posted by: natalie1981

Hi. I posted a short Sony Ericsson W910i Review on my blog and I hope you could post your feedbacks about this phone on the comment section so my readers could get a more thorough review. Thanks all.

Posted by: _!GameKinG!_

Quote:

Originally Posted by kits

4. Didn't find Sleep mode clock which some of the older Ericsson phones have (Maybe, it's there but I didn't look hard enough.[/B]

lmao there is a sleep mode clock after screensaver dissapears press the volume key and the clock appears with a greyish background lol well on mine there is anyways have you had any problems with the phone? i have, the phone shuts down then it vibrates then the red light at the back comes on then the phones switches on by itself after a while again because alot of people have had this problem

oh yea and i think im the only one in the england who has bought a w910i good condition with a 1gb m2 memory and charger for a very very very cheap price which was for £90 lol what a bargain and the shop was selling it for that price

lmao i know alot of people wanted it but he had reserved it for me lol

Posted by: miekk

Well I wasn't going to post it, but natalie posted her review so I guess it's alright? My W910i review is here at:
http://www.buying-a-mobile-phone.co...ericsson-w910i/

Posted by: sizzlin_me

which adr sony fones have auto orientation? wht r d SAR ratings?