Sony Ericsson W380i manual Menu and Software, Communication

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The interface of the camera is very basic and very poor in features: Effects, White balance, Self Timer and Night mode.

Furthermore, sample pictures clearly show that, if you want a good camera phone, then you better pick another device as this one will not do.

Menu and Software

Sony Ericsson W380i runs the same firmware specific to all Walkman series handsets. The most attractive feature of the phone is, without doubt, the Gesture control, which requires you to keep the camera module open. That will clearly drain your battery energy faster, so I suggest more restrain when using this features. Anyway, how does it function? The concept is very simple: when you get a call and you are in a meeting and want to mute the phone, just move your hand in front of the camera and the phone will simply stop ringing turning to 'Mute'. You can do the same thing when snoozing the alarm. Don't forget to turn ON the feature, as the clamshell comes with the Gesture control feature set to OFF by default.

Besides the usual productivity tools included (Calendar, Notes, Calculator, Image viewer, Organizer, World time, and Tasks), multimedia lovers will be happy to discover the usual applications that are not missing from any respectful Walkman series handset: MusicDJ, TrackID, Sound recorder, but also some games (ExtremeAir Snowboarding, QuadraPop and Sims 2). The phone can be customized to look more stylish by taking advantage of the Flash Lite themes support.

The File manager of the phone does a great job and features 3 list modes: All (both memories), phone memory and external memory. MP3 and MIDI files can be added as ringtones, if you want to change the default ringtones. The embedded HTML browser is also poor in features and, because of the small display, it offers a 'crippled' browse experience.

The Java emulator works with just about any compatible application, I had no troubles running any benchmarks, games or productivity software. Nothing really changed into the ‘ol' good’ Sony Ericsson's interface, which makes the user forget that he is using an entry-level phone. Overall, SE's W380i user-interface is very easy to use and offers maximum functionality to a 'noobish' user as well as to a mobile phone freak.

Communication

Only the standard features have been included into W380i clamshell, but that is more than enough, especially if these are working within the parameters. The phone features GPRS and EDGE Class 10, as well as the High-Speed Circuit-Switched Data speed transfer. EDGE speed benchmark revealed average results – 107 Kbit/s download and 53 Kbit/s upload, but it is much better than GPRS at least.

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W380i specifications

The Sony Ericsson W380i, launched in early 2008, is a notable addition to the company's Walkman series, designed for music lovers who appreciate on-the-go entertainment in a stylish form factor. This clamshell phone combines advanced features with a sleek design, making it a popular choice for consumers at the time.

One of the key highlights of the W380i is its dedicated music capabilities. The phone is equipped with a robust media player that supports various audio formats, including MP3, AAC, and WMA. Users can easily access their music library through a dedicated Walkman button that provides instant access to music functions. The W380i also features a built-in FM radio, allowing users to tune into their favorite stations wherever they go.

In terms of sound quality, the W380i boasts impressive audio enhancements. It supports stereo Bluetooth using A2DP technology, enabling users to connect wireless headphones for a better listening experience. The phone also comes with powerful speakers and a feature called TrackID, which allows users to identify songs by recording a short sample and sending it to an online database for recognition.

The W380i is designed with a 262K color display, offering a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels, which is adequate for viewing images, videos, and navigating through menus. The clamshell form factor not only protects the screen but also adds to its portability. Additionally, the phone has external music controls, allowing users to change tracks without opening the device, making it convenient for music playback.

Camera-wise, the W380i features a 2-megapixel camera capable of capturing decent quality photos and videos. While it may not compete with higher-end smartphone cameras of today, it offers essential shooting features like digital zoom and a self-timer.

The device provides expandable storage through a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot, allowing users to save additional music, photos, and files, which was a significant advantage for those who required more space for their media.

Battery life is another highlight, with a talk time of up to 9 hours and standby time extending up to 400 hours, making it suitable for extended use.

In summary, the Sony Ericsson W380i blends style, functionality, and music-oriented features, making it an attractive option for users seeking a portable multimedia device in a compact form while enjoying quality sound and reliable performance.