8 April 2008

By: Cosmin Vasile, Communications News Editor

 

Sony Ericsson W380i Review

 

Funky music phone with Gesture control function

 

Sony Ericsson W380i is a low mid-level ranged clamshell, which introduces new features

 

into the handset market. Besides the external touch music controls that seem to take

 

advantage of the 'haptic feedback' technology, the clamshell also features gesture control. It

 

is surprising that the Japanese-Swedish joint-venture decided to test new technologies by

 

embedding it onto entry level products. Still, this policy will probably make these handsets

 

sell much better than any other device in their range. Without impressing too much through

 

its design, Sony Ericsson W380i proves to be an excellent choice for those music lovers

 

that cannot afford an expensive Walkman series mobile phone.

 

Announced in November 2007, Sony Ericsson W380i clamshell was out on the market four

 

months later, in March 2008. Even if it is cheaper than its Walkman series predecessors

 

are, W380i is still worth no less than USD 320$ (SIM free) and is available in four colors:

 

Electric Purple, Magnetic Grey, Black Champagne and Black Orange.

Design

Sony Ericsson W380i features a clamshell form factor, but it will not stand out in the crowd. The phone can very easily stay in a youngster's hands, as well as in a businessman's. It looks funky, but serious at the same time. Measuring 92 x 49 x 16 mm and weighing 100 grams (including battery), the handset fits perfectly into a medium sized pocket. The excellent plastic used gives the phone a stylish and trendy look, but W380i is still far from being a fashion phone. Unfortunately, unfolding it with a single hand is out of the question or at least very hard to carry out.

External keys are limited to a dual volume key found on the right side of the clamshell, and the three touch controls placed near the secondary external display. On the left side of the phone, the proprietary Sony Ericsson port enables users to attach the headset that comes in the sales package, the charger, or the USB cable for synchronization. There is a bad part and a good part about this kind of port. While you cannot charge the phone and listen to music to the headphones also, instead you can charge the battery of the phone during synchronization with a PC. This will definitely take more time, but at least you get this option that is not available for too many handsets. The front part of the clamshell features the secondary external OLED mono display (128 x 36 pixels resolution), which is not visible until you activate the music player or unfold the phone. At a first glance, the 3 external music controls placed right under the small OLED display seem to have only an ornamental purpose, but they're touch keys that control the music player and feature 'haptic feedback'. You don't need to press too hard on the keys, but only pat them gently as they are very responsive.

The 1.3 Megapixel camera has been placed above the small screen together with the speakerphone. On the back of the phone, you will notice a small keylock that unlocks the external touch keys, so you can start the MP3 player without unfolding the clamshell. The

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Sony Ericsson manual Sony Ericsson W380i Review, Design
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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.
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