Communications

Sony Ericsson's W960i is a 3G communication device that lacks EDGE technology. I had no problems in testing the 3G data transfer speed (306 Kbit/s download and 109 Kbit/s upload) or GPRS (46 Kbit/s download and 21 Kbit/s upload) and results are within the parameters. You won't have any problems with those and it's very easy to set up such a connection.

The smartphone is also compatible with Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP technology and features USB 2.0, all of which worked like a charm. Still, the most important thing about W960i is that it features a WiFi receiver, which fortunately works, unlike its P1i predecessor that had serious problems.

Sony Ericsson W960i offers a complete email solution and is compatible with various services such as: Push email, BlackBerry Connect, Microsoft - Exchange ActiveSync. For Internet navigation, W960i includes Opera 8.65 which is the default Web Browser. It supports HTML, XHTML, JavaScript, frames, CSS, and TSL and SSL security protocols.

The triband (GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900) network compatible smartphone has a good GSM signal reception, but very poor 3G signal reception. The sound is very clear and loud enough for you to be able to talk on the phone in crowded areas with absolutely no problems. Nevertheless, the vibration is somewhat mediocre in intensity and cannot be set to higher levels.

Processor and Memory

Sony Ericsson W960i features an ARM9 family processor running at speeds up to 180 Mhz. This is the same low CPU that has been embedded in P1i smartphone. This is not nearly what it should be, especially for such a rich operating system like Symbian UIQ 3.0. I believe it's time that Sony Ericsson aimed higher and implemented much better CPU's in its smartphones (see Nokia). The low CPU makes the interface of the Walkman series handset sluggish; still, it cannot be compared with P1i.

The smartphone comes with 128 MB RAM and 256 MB flash (96 reserved for Symbian and 160 user memory). The phone lacks any microSD slot card for memory expansion, but it comes with 8GB storage memory, which makes the slot card useless.

Multimedia

The Walkman series' latest addition, W960i, features one of the best and feature-rich music players that have been included into a mobile phone. Still, there are some pros and cons,

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Sony Ericsson W960i manual Communications, Processor and Memory, Multimedia

W960i specifications

The Sony Ericsson W960i, released in 2007, was a standout model in the company’s Walkman series, which was renowned for its focus on music playback and multimedia capabilities. This sleek smartphone boasted a stylish design that combined functionality with aesthetics, catering to users who desired both a fashion statement and a powerful device.

One of the key features of the W960i was its impressive touchscreen display. The device was equipped with a vibrant 2.6-inch QVGA screen that supported 240 x 320 pixel resolution, providing sharp images and an enjoyable user interface. This touchscreen allowed for easy navigation through menus and music selections, enhancing the overall user experience.

The W960i came with a robust 8 GB internal memory, a significant amount at the time, allowing users to store thousands of songs, videos, and photos. Additionally, the phone supported expandable memory via Memory Stick Micro (M2) cards, making it easy for users to increase storage capacity as needed.

Music was at the forefront of the W960i's appeal. The device featured high-quality audio output and supported various audio formats including MP3, AAC, and WMA. Its Walkman player was renowned for its engaging interface, offering features like playlists, album art, and a DJ feature that allowed users to remix tracks. Additionally, the W960i was equipped with stereo speakers, providing an immersive listening experience without the need for headphones.

In terms of connectivity, the W960i supported 3G networks, allowing for faster internet browsing and video streaming. The device also featured Bluetooth 2.0, making it compatible with a variety of wireless accessories. Its built-in camera, boasting 3.2 megapixels, allowed for decent photography, enhanced further by features like autofocus and digital zoom.

The W960i also included several useful applications such as web browsing with support for various formats, email access, and a series of productivity tools. Its operating system, Symbian UIQ 9.1, offered a range of personalization options, allowing users to tailor their experience.

In summary, the Sony Ericsson W960i was a pioneering smartphone that successfully fused music and technology. With its stylish design, impressive storage, high-quality audio features, and robust connectivity options, it catered to the needs of music lovers and tech enthusiasts alike, solidifying its place in the mobile phone landscape of the late 2000s.