Toshiba this morning announced their latest Windows Mobile device, the TG01, set to take on the HTC Touch HD and iPhone 3G at their own game. The Toshiba TG01 is a skinny 9.9mm running Windows Mobile 6.1 Professional with a 4.1-inch WVGA 800 x 480 384k pixel resistive touchscreen, 3G HSPA, WiFi, GPS and A-GPS. It also features Toshiba’s own 3D user interface, and is the first device to use Qualcomm’s 1GHz Snapdragon QSD2850 chipset. More info after the break along with some videos showing the UI, gaming and video playback.
The HP Voice and Data Messenger devices are now in stock at online retailers in the UK after what seem like a long wait since they were first announced. There are two models available the Voice Messenger which is a Windows Mobile Standard Device (no touchscreen) and the Data Messenger which is a Windows Mobile Professional device (with touchscreen). Full specs after the break.
As if the choice of Walkman phones from Sony Ericsson was not big and confusing enough, then be prepared as it may just get a whole lot harder to choose with the introduction of the Sony Ericsson W980.
The Sony Ericsson W980
What’s in the box?
- Sony Ericsson W980i Walkman
- Battery (BST-38)
- Charger (CST-70)
- USB Cable (DCU-60)
- Stereo Portable Handsfree (HPM-77)
- Sony Ericsson PC Suite
- Media Manager
- User guide
Have a look at Matt’s Sony Ericsson W980 unboxing video for more.
Sony Ericsson W980 specification:
- Size:92.0 x 46.0 x 17.0 mm
- Weight: 100g
- Main Screen: 240 x 320 pixels – 2.2 inches
- External screen: 176 x 176 pixels
- Memory: 8GB Phone Memory – Stores up to 8000 songs (eAAC+ format)
- Networks: GSM 850, GSM 900, GSM 1800, GSM 1900 & UMTS 2100
- Camera: 3.2 megapixel camera, 3.2x digital zoom
– Picture blogging
– Video blogging
– Video recording with 4x digital zoom
– Photo fix
– Auto rotate
– x-Pict Story™
– PictBridge printing - Music: Walkman® player
– Clear stereo
– Clear bass
– Album art
– FM transmitter
– Shake control
– SensMe™
– PlayNow™
– TrackID™
– Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP) - Internet: RSS feeds, Access NetFront™ Web Browser
- Entertainment: Music tones (MP3/AAC), 3D games, Java™, FM radio with RDS
- Connectivity: Bluetooth™ technology, Modem, Synchronization
- Messaging: Email, MMS (Multimedia Messaging)
General
The W980 certainly sets itself apart from the rest of the Sony Ericsson Walkman range in that it is only one of two clamshell Walkman devices. However looks are only skin deep so does the W980 stand out in a range already full of feature filled, stylish & practical mobile phones.
As I mentioned earlier the W980 is only the second Clamshell, flip phone in the Walkman range with some some cool features, the front when closed is home to a number of touch buttons allowing you to access the phones multimedia functions without opening the device. If you are wondering what the clear strip at the bottom of the device is, it is a ‘light bar’ which flashes orange along to the music.
Sony Ericsson W980
When opened the device shows off its glossy black finish, with its well spaced, well sized numerical keys, above which are the navigational buttons, A central menu and select button is surrounded by the directional controls, with the call buttons either side and shortcut keys for accessing contacts, messages, media controls etc.
Sony Ericsson W980 keypad
The right side of the phone similar to other Sony Ericsson Walkman devices houses a lock slider for locking the device when not in use, next to this is a quick access key and finally there is a two way volume control button. Another interesting addition to the W980 is a stereo speaker located just below the lock slider.
W980 right side
The left side of the phone is rather bare, button wise however it does house the familiar and rather large Sony Ericsson proprietary connector and also another stereo speaker the same seen on the right side of the device.
W980 left side
Highlights & Lowlights
+ Good Connectivity
+ 8GB In-built memory
– No additional memory support
– Lack Of Camera Flash
Review
So another day another addition to the Sony Ericsson Walkman range, so what does the W980 have to make it any more appealing than the other great devices currently available in this ever growing range.
Well as it is the first thing you will notice about the W980 lets start with its appearance, as I mentioned earlier the W980 is only the second clamshell device in the Walkman range and it is a style which in the past I have liked however the problem with the W980 is as anyone with a glossy HDTV or Playstation 3 will tell you that piano black = dirt, scratches and a general pain to maintain. However that said I do think the W980 has a certain quirky appeal and actually has distinctive retro styling, which may not be to everyone taste. The W980 feels pretty light while reaming fairly sturdy and robust.
As for Using the on a day to day basis, that is exactly what I have been doing for the past week or so and I have to say as with all the Sony Ericsson phones I have experienced the W980 certainly continues with the simple navigation menu layout which will be familiar to any current or previous Sony Ericsson users. The simple menu allows for easy access to the phones features whether it be multimedia or messaging. The touch display on the front of the device is also simple to use and a useful addition for quick access to music and to launch the FM radio.
The phone has a 3.2 mega pixel camera packed in and although not fantastic the quality of the camera is surprisingly good compared to other Walkman phones, however the lack of a flash or even an LED is a disappointment, video recording is also supported but the quality is nothing to write home about but OK for capturing those spur of the moment situations.
Featuring the letter W in the devices name is key to how Sony Ericsson market there Walkman phones, so incase you had not guessed the W980 is a Walkman phone, but can it rival others in the market and maybe more importantly for Sony Ericsson can it really challenge a dedicated MP3 player. Well first of all a good news bad news situation, the good news is the W980 comes with 8GB of internal memory straight from the box for you to fill it up with all your favourite media however when you have filled it up I’m afraid that is it, the bad news being then that the W980 has no support for additional memory which is not as big a disappointment as it would be if the internal memory was any smaller however given that Sony Ericsson are attempting to take on dedicated MP3 players with memories of over double that of the W980. That said 8GB is not a bad size and still allows for many of your multimedia files of which the W980 supports many, MP3; ACC; ACC+; eAAC+; WMA; protected WMA; WAV. All files are easy to find whether it be through the phones menu screen on the touch screen navigation on the front of the device. The FM radio is another little feature which has been included on a number of Walkman phones and one that is always a great one to have.
Features & connectivity wise the W980 are certainly acceptable but not fantastic, Bluetooth is of course included and is always useful for a Walkman phone with file transfers etc. A problem I have had with Sony Ericsson phones in the past and the W980 continues this trend is the size and position of the proprietary connector, the fact it is on the side of the phone does lead to the phone being less comfortable in your pocket , although a small issue for many if at all I do think it would make more sense to locate it on the top or bottom of the device or introduce a standard headphone jack. The features of the phone besides the obvious multimedia capabilities include the standard games etc. include the Walkman features such Video DJ, Music DJ & Photo DJ, as well as the extremely useful track ID. Battery life is quoted at 210 minutes talk time and 300 hours standby which is not fantastic but as with any mobile this will vary depending on the use of the phone.
Conclusion
Overall the W980 from Sony Ericsson is a decent addition to the Walkman range with a number of features and functions it is a great phone for music lovers. Despite this there is little to set it apart from its competition and indeed the other Walkman phones in the range. The lack of support for external memory is certainly a disadvantage when trying to compete with dedicated MP3 players. I imagine given the somewhat limited memory of the W980 it may put hardcore music lovers off however as I said 8GB is certainly not a bad memory and will surely be plenty for many to store all their tracks and multimedia files, making it a perfect mobile for younger music fans or indeed those looking for an all round multimedia led device.
Review by: Nick
[ Post Tags: Sony Ericsson, W980, Walkman Phone, feature phone, tracyandmatt.co.uk ]
We have just heard that the much anticipated Acer DX900 dual SIM Windows Mobile Professional phone should be available in the UK by the end of this month. What is special about this phone is the Acer DX900 is one of the world’s first dual-SIM and dual standby Windows Mobile handsets to support HSDPA and EDGE. The DX900 is a simple solution to an increasingly in-demand requirement for consumers who need access to two mobile communications services, but don’t want to carry around two devices at the same time. In a nutshell this phone supports two SIM’s that are both active at the same time. More details after the break.
Just read this article over at msmobiles and thought it was such a good story it was worth sharing. Apparently popping up in charity shops over in the Seattle area of the USA are many different Microsoft T-Shirts apparently that are worn by employees of the software giant but no longer required. The shirts are a fun glimpse into the company’s internal culture and mindset and I am all for being proud of the products you are involved with, so to me there is no problem with them. People may laugh at the picture above, but why, Windows Mobile can do many more things than the iPhone, the problem is it just doesn’t do it as easily or without a little tweaking here and there. Lets see what Microsoft come out with at MWC later this month before we make a final decision. A few more of the T-Shirts are after the break.
Tracy and Matt have managed to get hold of the Mobinnova Ice Windows Mobile professional handset and have posted a video unboxing. The Mobinnova Ice is a very high spec phone with a 3” WVGA screen, a secondary 128mm x 96mm OLED panel which is used as a touchpad, Tri-Band HSPA and WiFi b and g. It looks similar to the Samsung Omnia. Looking at the specifications it is lacking in a few areas like only 128 megs of Ram and a 3.2 Mpx autofocus camera. The main weakness appears to be the battery, its only a 1080mAh so should be interesting to see how that works out. Video and full specifications after the break.
Good news for us Canon EOS users, Canon have announced the launch of their new EOS Professional Network which aims to provide a wealth of information on Canon imaging products.
Canon today announces the launch of the EOS Professional Network (EPN) across the UK & Ireland. The Network will consist of EOS Professional Centres and EOS Professional Stockists. The EPN has been developed to provide the very best retail experience within the professional imaging market, and capitalise on Canon’s unique position to be able to supply a complete input and output digital workflow solution.
Lee Bonniface, Special Retail, Sales Director CCI UK & Ireland said “We are delighted to launch the EOS Professional Network which will give photographers greater access to Canon imaging products. It has been developed to equip our retailers with the very best tools, to support, demonstrate and supply the complete Canon solution to photographers”.
The framework of the EOS Professional Network has been built around key criteria which will be monitored to maintain a high standard of service. The Network will be made up of two categories, EOS Professional Centres and EOS Professional Stockists.
EOS Professional Centres and Stockists will have specialist trained staff able to demonstrate Canon’s unique workflow solution from capture through to print on PIXMA inkjet and large format printers using Canon’s range of premium papers and inks. The EPN will hold a wide range of Canon imaging products including EOS system, DPP software, lenses, projectors and scanners, and stage regular demonstration days and pro events.
In addition, EOS Professional Centres will offer photographers the chance to try Canon professional kit within a dedicated studio with professional lighting. Centres will also hold a full range of rental stock. Members of Canon Professional Services (CPS) will be able to use EOS Professional Centres to drop off and collect kit for repair or sensor clean.
For more information and a current list of EOS Professional Centres please visit: www.canon.co.uk/eospro-network
Posted by: Matt
Some time ago we started looking at the Sanyo Xacti HD1010 which is the updated version of the HD1000. You may have seen my Sanyo Xacti HD1010 unboxing video wherein I mention some of the new features added to the camera. One feature that we have been asked about a lot is the ability to shoot at 300 frames per second!
There is a drawback from shooting at 300fps though and that is that you are limited to 448 x 336 pixels in that mode and your subject will have to be well lit to get the best results. (have a look at the video below for some samples)
Other advantages of the HD1010 include the ability to now shoot in 1080p, improved AF, improved CMOS sensor, 7fps continuous still shooting mode and photo-wide mode.
In the video below I quickly recap what the HD1010 has before talking through the menu options and the moving on to some sample footage. I recorded all of the sample videos at 720p (except for the slow-motion bit) but do bear in mind that YouTube compression will have affected the quality and that I have uploaded everything at 640×360 so just use this as a guide!
My final words of advice for anyone shooting in HD with the Xacti HD1010 (and probably any flash memory based HD camera) is to make sure that you get a good quality fast memory card. My initial testing was carried out with a no-name 8GB SDHC card and I ended up having lots of problems with the footage breaking up. This turned out to be because the SDHC card was not fast enough. After swapping the card for a decent SanDisk one I had no problems with the recordings and transferring to the Mac was a lot faster too!
Posted by: Matt
[ Post Tags: Sanyo Xacti HD1010, camcorder, video cameras, tracyandmatt.co.uk ]
Looks like Evernote have tee’d off the New Year with a bang. A nice new update to their already tidy service adds GPS functionality, they’ve won an award for being the new kids on the block and they’ve secured monies to keep them going for a while. Have a read of their full announcement after the break.
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