[Eug Wanker]

Sony Ericsson K700i

Without question... this is my next phone. Gallery





GSM of course.

[Link]

Why can't sony make an equivilent to that in clamshell (nice thin, no funky curves, nice screen, etc

Oh and available in the US! >_<

[tooki]

They can make it in clamshell as long as that's not the only way they package it, as everyone seems to be doing. I for one don't like clamshells (except when they contain a yummy clam for me to eat), and I despise that a lot of the handset makers are making all their phones in that format only now.

tooki

[Eug Wanker]

I personally don't like flip phones. Part of the reason is they're usually thicker, but part of the reason is that I just prefer non-flip phones.

[mdc]

that is a nice phone. i am using the t616 now and i really like it, that one looks similar.

i did not bother reading it, when does it come out?

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by mdc:
that is a nice phone. i am using the t616 now and i really like it, that one looks similar.

i did not bother reading it, when does it come out?

Not for some time I believe. A few months?

Basically it's a similar concept to a phone to the T616 but with a bigger and higher resolution screen, and a MUCH better camera, along with 35 MB (!) memory. There is also an FM radio strangely enough, as well as a bunch of other things.

[TheMosco]

I don't know if i would say this is better than the nokia 6230.

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by TheMosco:
I don't know if i would say this is better than the nokia 6230.

Yeah, that Nokia is a serious competitor.

I have also preferred Nokia's menu system on their other phones too, compared to SE's. The Nokia UIs seemed more intuitive. However, I don't like the aesthetics of the 6230.

It will be nice to get these side by side to test though.

[tae667]

Nokia 7610 is my next phone which should be out within a month. It's a smartphone with megapixel camera, MMC slot, etc.s

I've owned SE z600 for a few months and I don't like flip phones anymore. They look cool, but that's about it.

[Zoom]

Originally posted by tae667:
I've owned SE z600 for a few months and I don't like flip phones anymore. They look cool, but that's about it.

I'm Jonesin' for the Z600. Anyone know (a) when it will be out and (b) which service will have it in the States? I've decided that I don't like the candy bar format. I hate having to lock the buttons all the time. If you wear it on a belt clip or carry it in your pocket, you end up hitting buttons accidentally, so you have to lock them all the time. Plus, a clamshell is longer and angled better to fit your face, and there's generally more real estate for the buttons and display.

I was originally planning to get the Motorola MPX220 when it comes out (MPX200 with BT and a camera), but after looking at the iSync support page, it looks like Apple doesn't want to play with Moto (or M$). I definitely want BT iSync'ing.

If anyone knows anything about the Z600, I'd love to hear it.

[JHromadka]

The K700 will probably be my next phone unless PalmOne updates the Treo with a better screen and Bluetooth. I found a really nice review with lots of pictures and even video of the camera in action.

It'll be out in Europe next month from what I've read.

[Link]

Motorola has had syncing with isync for ages.. there's no BT support yet because there aren't any BT phones to support!

I'm a clamshell fan because they're easier to use (open/close vs locking the keypad), wear down better (the clamshell protects the inside from typical wear and tear on the keypad/LCD), etc...

I'm not very impressed with the ways companies are handling the clamshell design right now though.. seems the fad is all rounded and bulky and crap when the original idea was for them to be smaller than the standard flat phones.

Having said that, I don't mind a flat phone too much myself but I am spolied with my clamshell and my mom loves not having the thing go off in her purse when she borrows it..

It's a preference thing I'm sure but it'd be cool if companies made clam/flat versions of all their phones and made the clamshell ones as unique and well designed as their regular ones (I haven't seen a well designed clamshell since the startac days)... the current stuff isn't all that bad but could be 'flat' instead of having the rounded edges and crap. >_<

The KE700 there is an awesome phone because it's just simple... it's one color theme and doesn't have any silver trim or bright colors.. looks all nice and professional -- which I really like in a phone

The Z600 was cool, but lacked a few good fetures I've seen in other clamshells (better cam placement, better topside screen, the hinge just does NOT work on a clamshell).. hrm.. yeah.

[Eug Wanker]

Motorola has had syncing with isync for ages.. there's no BT support yet because there aren't any BT phones to support!

Yeah. For me though, no Bluetooth = no sale. This is for two reasons:

1) iSync wireless syncing.
2) wireless headset. (I hate wired headsets.)

I'm a clamshell fan because they're easier to use (open/close vs locking the keypad), wear down better (the clamshell protects the inside from typical wear and tear on the keypad/LCD), etc...

The keypad locks automatically (after a specified time period - eg. 10 seconds). And you don't need to unlock the keypad to answer the phone - when the phone rings just press Talk to answer the phone.

I'm not very impressed with the ways companies are handling the clamshell design right now though.. seems the fad is all rounded and bulky and crap when the original idea was for them to be smaller than the standard flat phones.

Yeah, I would like the clamshell phones better if they weren't so damn fat.

[krove]

Originally posted by tae667:
Nokia 7610 is my next phone which should be out within a month. It's a smartphone with megapixel camera, MMC slot, etc.s

Mmm...my pick as well. I can't wait to trade up from my bulky Nokia 3650.

[dracoleb]

Originally posted by Eug Wanker:


Yeah, I would like the clamshell phones better if they weren't so damn fat.

I don't know what your talking about, I just got my LG VX-6000 the other day and the thing is the same thickness as my old SE T-300 when closed. I love this phone, much nicer to use than my old 300.

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by dracoleb:
I don't know what your talking about, I just got my LG VX-6000 the other day and the thing is the same thickness as my old SE T-300 when closed. I love this phone, much nicer to use than my old 300.

The LG VX-6000 is 24 mm thick. My T610 is 19 mm thick, and I'd prefer even thinner.

It's moot anyway though, since the LG VX-6000 has no Bluetooth, so it's not an option for me.

[Link]

IIRC, there's a clamshell with bluetooth BESIDES the Z600.. but I can't remember who makes it.

Either way, I'd love a P900.. if only they didn't cost $900

[tae667]

Originally posted by Link:
IIRC, there's a clamshell with bluetooth BESIDES the Z600.. but I can't remember who makes it.

Either way, I'd love a P900.. if only they didn't cost $900

Motorola has two: V600 and V500, but they don't work with iSync. Addresbook and iSync are very, very nice features I couldn't live without. . P900 costs ~700€ with 22% VAT in here, but it's too bulky for me

[Eug Wanker]

Yep. iSync/Bluetooth/Address Book/iCal compatibility is very important for me, but so is size.

I just want a T610-like design or smaller, but with more functionality with iCal (all-day events) and Address Book (addresses/notes), with Bluetooth, and with a 1 MP good quality photo image, and I'll have my perfect phone. My T610 is a reasonable substitute (with only partial Address Book and iCal support, and with a el cr@ppo camera) for now because I don't want something as big as the P900.

[Jens Peter]

I have a clamshell - Motorola V60i - anmd I love it. My next phone is also going ti be a clamshell. The same reason as other posters; no lock/unloc problems, dust and size. Mine is a bit thick ~24mm but I prefer that to a long flat phone.
I have never used iSync, because neither the phone or my mac have bluetooth, and I haven't bothered to get a cable, but I could imagine it is a nice feature.

My next phone is defentaly a clamshell model...

[k2director]

Originally posted by Eug Wanker:
Yep. iSync/Bluetooth/Address Book/iCal compatibility is very important for me, but so is size.

I just want a T610-like design or smaller, but with more functionality with iCal (all-day events) and Address Book (addresses/notes), with Bluetooth, and with a 1 MP good quality photo image, and I'll have my perfect phone. My T610 is a reasonable substitute (with only partial Address Book and iCal support, and with a el cr@ppo camera) for now because I don't want something as big as the P900.

Eug,
Are you sure the K700 has full address book support? Ie, that it can store addresses as well as phone #s? Most of SE's phones don't handle addresses, and I couldn't find any specs on the K700 either way. I have a P800 now, and have often thought about a smaller phone, but the deal killer for me has been no addresses in smaller models...

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by k2director:
Eug,
Are you sure the K700 has full address book support? Ie, that it can store addresses as well as phone #s? Most of SE's phones don't handle addresses, and I couldn't find any specs on the K700 either way. I have a P800 now, and have often thought about a smaller phone, but the deal killer for me has been no addresses in smaller models...

I'll have to check the reviews again, but I'm not convinced it will support full addresses either. Soooo... it won't be a perfect phone, but it will still be high up on the list for my next phone (given its size and Bluetooth/iSync support).

I'm just hoping for full address book support in the K700 (even though I don't expect it). FWIW, it does have 40 MB so there is certainly room to store addresses.

But yeah, my comment above was a wishlist, but I don't think such a phone (in a small non-flip form factor) exists (yet), even with the K700.

Actually what I want more than address support is full iCal support. Right now the T610 does not support all-day events. It just completely ignores all-day events. I have compensated by putting a time in iCal for my all-day events so they will show up on the T610, but this is of course not ideal.

[k2director]

Hey, I recently confirmed that the K700 supports one address per contact. That's a big relief for me, as I look up addresses in my P800 frequently.
I also learned that the K700 has a flash, which is a big plus as well.

So....this could easily be my next phone as well. I'm getting a bit tired of some of the P800's klunky interface issues and its bigger size--plus, I seem to be using it as a web browser and email device less and less. I'd miss its Notepad feature the most, but could probably live without it.

[Crusoe]

It's certainly a nice phone but I needed something ASAP so I got a Nokia 6230. Side by side I would have picked up a K700.

The M$ smartphones Moto MPx200 (and soon to come x100, x220s) have iApp support with 3rd party software. I ordered and cancelled an iMate due to a 13 day wait.

I was highly surprised to get passthrough EDGE in Italy going with my PB 17", didn't see if the K700 supported any of the new higher speed data techs.

I'll likely get a K700 cause the first time I drop my 6230 I think it'll explode

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by k2director:
Hey, I recently confirmed that the K700 supports one address per contact.

You mean street address, not just email right? If so, w00t! Link? Any support for all day events?

I can't deal with something like a P800. It's just too big.

[Randman]

Too bad every SE phone has the worst reception of any phone on any market and the build quality has been pretty questionable as well.

[aaanorton]

Originally posted by Randman:
Too bad every SE phone has the worst reception of any phone on any market and the build quality has been pretty questionable as well.

Too bad you got burned on that t68i and just assume that nothing has changed since 2001.

[Macfreak7]

Originally posted by Randman:
Too bad every SE phone has the worst reception of any phone on any market and the build quality has been pretty questionable as well.

The newer SE's have a much better build quality. Newer as in: P900, K700, Z600, Z1010, etc. Also reception hasn't ever been a problem. My SE works in most places other phones work, and vice-versa.

[Randman]

Originally posted by Macfreak7:
Also reception hasn't ever been a problem.

Yeah, right *sarcasm mode on full*

[Eug Wanker]

My reception is good with my T610. Then again, I don't don't live in the boonies. Maybe it's worse in the boonies.

[Randman]

Originally posted by Eug Wanker:
My reception is good with my T610. Then again, I don't don't live in the boonies. Maybe it's worse in the boonies.

You're right. Let's see which boonies I had trouble with SE reception: New York, Sydney, Melbourne, Munich, Salzburg, Singapore, Hong Kong, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Albuquerque and a few other outposts on the fringe of civilization.

Maybe they've improved, but I had too many problems with the brand that it would take the greatest mobile (Ever, not "evar"). Maybe the quality has improved but I don't get that impression yet from friends who own (and somehow) swear by the brand.

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by Randman:
You're right. Let's see which boonies I had trouble with SE reception: New York, Sydney, Melbourne, Munich, Salzburg, Singapore, Hong Kong, Phoenix, Los Angeles, Albuquerque and a few other outposts on the fringe of civilization.

Maybe they've improved, but I had too many problems with the brand that it would take the greatest mobile (Ever, not "evar"). Maybe the quality has improved but I don't get that impression yet from friends who own (and somehow) swear by the brand.

Which phone? Obviously you've had problems, but obviously we have not.

Now, if you're using a world phone without the 850 band, you may have problems in the US. I use my T610 all over Canada. No problem, but I'm always within major centres. I've also used it in places like Atlanta and other US cities, no problem either, even though I don't have the 850 band either.

[Landos Mustache]

Yup, it is really nice but not THAT much better then the t61x.

I like the s700 more:

http://www.sonyericsson.com/s700

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by Landos Mustache:
Yup, it is really nice but not THAT much better then the t61x.

I like the s700 more:

http://www.sonyericsson.com/s700

Nice phone, but it's too big for my tastes.

[Landos Mustache]

Originally posted by Eug Wanker:
Nice phone, but it's too big for my tastes.

When closed looks the same size really.

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by Landos Mustache:
When closed looks the same size really.

The thing is an inch thick, and quite a bit taller than the T610/616.

[tekno_geek911]

I thought about getting the K700i but im gonna pick up a P900 or wait for the S700.

[Socially Awkward Solo]

Originally posted by Eug Wanker:
The thing is an inch thick, and quite a bit taller than the T610/616.

I don't like flip phones but when you are on them they are much more comfortable as they are longer, I think that is what I like about the s700.

[Macfreak7]

Originally posted by Randman:
Yeah, right *sarcasm mode on full*

What phone are you talking about? I've had experience with a t28(not SE) and a P900. Both had fairly good reception. Perhaps living in a bigger city helps, since they probably have more towers around.

[Randman]

Originally posted by Macfreak7:
What phone are you talking about? ... Perhaps living in a bigger city helps, since they probably have more towers around.

Gee, you don't think the cities I mentioned were big enough? I had a t39 that was adequate and a T68 that was nothing but trouble. My G/F also had one and it was only slightly less travel. I have to travel often for work and have also travelled when vacationing and I found the reception wasn't great in many places, I had to take it for repairs several times and the build quality was lacking. Also, the smsing feature was slow.
As a Yank who's travelled about a good amount, I can seriously state that the US really lags behind when it comes to phones.
If you're happy with an SE, bless you.
I've switched to Nokia and find its reception so much better. The 6600 is handy, has a great screen, very good battery life and the series 60 offers so much more as far as features. Throw in a 128mb mmc card and I'm good to go.

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by Randman:
Gee, you don't think the cities I mentioned were big enough? I had a t39 that was adequate and a T68 that was nothing but trouble.

So in other words you haven't tried any of SE latest phones like the other post said earlier.

[Randman]

Originally posted by Eug Wanker:
So in other words you haven't tried any of SE latest phones like the other post said earlier.

Nope. But I have looked at them and heard that the reception problems aren't isolated to the mobiles I had, and that many, many others have had.

Don't plan to either. Rather get a good phone.

[aaanorton]

Originally posted by Randman:
Nope. But I have looked at them and heard that the reception problems aren't isolated to the mobiles I had, and that many, many others have had.

Don't plan to either. Rather get a good phone.

Nothing like blind obstinance. You heard wrong. The t68x sucked. Everyone who knows about cel phones knows this.

[JHromadka]

I haven't had connection issues with my T610, and I've been in the boonies of Southeast Texas and on road trips to OK and FL. I agree that the T68i had poorer reception, and I've heard nothing but good things about the K700's reception. Hope the import price is good.

[Randman]

:
Anyway, with the 6600, all you need to do is use a bluetooth headset. Or just use the Speakerphone if you don't have a handsfree set (though it comes with a wired handsfree). Or, and use voice commands. Push a button, say a name (such as *g/f's name*, office and it dials her at work.
Or push a button and activate an application via voice, such as "date" and the calendar shows (that's been synced).
I can play n-gage games, I can watch videos, I can listen to mp3s, I can surf the web, I can check e-mail, even on my .Mac account via third-party app.
My phone reads signals I've programmed into an app that makes it change profiles at certain locations. When I go to my fave movie theatre, it automatically switches to a silent mode and an automated sms is sent to any callers or smsers that I'm unavailable for the time being and will get back with them.

Battery life is very good. The screen is excellent in daylight. The sound good, the reception is very, very strong and I've had no problems with it so far in the US, Asia, Europe and Australia.

Now that, imho, is a phone worth having.

I posted that in the thread about new Nokias. Now, are there are any SE phones that can do all of that? And do it effortlessly? And not be a brick? And not be a brick with poor reception?

[Macfreak7]

Originally posted by Randman:
I posted that in the thread about new Nokias. Now, are there are any SE phones that can do all of that? And do it effortlessly? And not be a brick? And not be a brick with poor reception?

Surely you haven't touched a P900 by SE.

[k2director]

Every end-user report I've read regarding the K700 has cited really good RF. Stories about getting reception in elevators that were known to kill T610/30s, etc, etc. That sounds pretty encouraging to me.

Also, every Mac-specific report I've read, except for one, says that it synchs with iSynch out of the box, no problem.

Again, sounds good to me, and I just ordered one for delivery on Friday. $480 Buy It Now option off ebay from a NYC dealer.

As for the Nokias, they have good specs, but Nokias in the past haven't been particularly Mac friendly, and they've had spotty Bluetooth support (lots of stories about unreliable pairings with computers, headsets, etc). Maybe that's fixed, but until I hear real end-user experiences with the new phones, and see a lot more iSynch support, then Sony seems like the best bet.

[Socially Awkward Solo]

I like that k700 but I ain't touching it unless they come out with a 850 band version. 850 is a dream come true,

[Eug Wanker]

Originally posted by Socially Awkward Solo:
I like that k700 but I ain't touching it unless they come out with a 850 band version. 850 is a dream come true,

I wonder if it's just Rogers' implementation of their network. I have no experience with Rogers, but ClearNET/Telus' CDMA network sucked @ss when it was first rolled out. More coverage area, but spottier coverage in that coverage. Fido had solid coverage, but over a smaller area. That would seem to agree with the tower maps, which seemed to show that the ClearNET towers were spread further apart. It's improved now though.

I wonder how robust Rogers' non-850 network is.

[Socially Awkward Solo]

Originally posted by Eug Wanker:
I wonder if it's just Rogers' implementation of their network. I have no experience with Rogers, but ClearNET/Telus' CDMA network sucked @ss when it was first rolled out. More coverage area, but spottier coverage in that coverage. Fido had solid coverage, but over a smaller area. That would seem to agree with the tower maps, which seemed to show that the ClearNET towers were spread further apart. It's improved now though.

I wonder how robust Rogers' non-850 network is.

Rogers is the only one in Canada allowed to use it.

So far everyone with an 850 phone and rogers thinks it is the best thing to happen to cell phones in ages, I have to agree with them.

I look at my friends phones on the 900 band on rogers and they always have 2 or 3 bars tops, I always have full in the same situation. When theirs are dead I get 2 or 3 bars.