Sony Ericsson P910a Smartphone
Out of stock |
Similar in Cellular Phones
- Installed Memory: 64 MB
- Operating System: Symbian
- Design: Mobile
- Style: Smartphone
- Network Type: GSM 850 GSM 1800 GSM 1900 GPRS GSM
- Overview
-
Reviews
-
Compare Prices
User ReviewRead All Reviews »
All Around Great Performer!!
Pros
Relatively light, intuitive, expandable memory, great screen
Cons
Larger than current gen mobile phones, Sony Memory Stick (proprietory), no WiFi
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
If you need a tool to get organized but hate multiple devices, get the P910.
It has been a while since my last review and I have now moved back to SE Asia, specifically Singapore. Having to "start" a new life here, I will be collecting new gadgets along the way and so I hope to add some reviews. I hope that you will find them useful!
The first new "toy" that I purchased was the Sony Ericsson P910i PDA Phone. The phone comes in 3 models - the 910i, 910a and 910c. The primary difference is the language associated with the unit. The "C" unit is a Chinese market model.
As mentioned I have the 910i, which is a small time upgrade from the 900 (which was preceeded by the P800). The P series PDA phones have been very popular in Europe and Asia but was never really launched in the US, and I am still confused as to why ... (not to spread conspiracy theories, but is M$ locking them out of the market?)
Well, let's not waste anymore time - the phone is a beautiful little gadget and I'll start by listing the reasons why I purchased it:
1. All in one package
2. Synchronization capable
3. Bluetooth
4. GPRS
5. Web browsing
6. Expandable Memory slot
7. Camera
8. Intuitive Navigation
Here is a more in-depth look:
All-in-one package
As a working professional, I've always faced the dilemma of how to best organize my life.
-Option 1: Get a Mobile + PDA
-Option 2: Get a PDA/Phone or Phone with PDA function
I got along OK for a while with option 1 (using a Palm and a Sony Clie) but it got tired having to remember 2 items every day. Also, there is so much overlap in the data between the 2 systems. There is no easy way to manage the PC, PDA, and Phone records. It drove me nuts.
Coming to Asia meant I needed to re-evaluate my strategy. I decided that I'll take option 1 this time, but what to choose - a Symbian option or a Windows Mobile Edition option. It was a tough choice, compounded by the fact that there are several good options. Ultimately I decided to go the Symbian route as the phone's miniscule keyboard was deemed a necessary evil.
So what do I get in the package? Well, there is the
1. Desktop recharger - with built-in USB connector for PC synchronization
2. 32MB Memory Stick - surprisingly, it was a SanDisk brand MS
3. Lanyard
4. Extra Stylus
5. Belt Case
6. 2 CDs - Pc Suite & Applications
7. Earphone with Mic - special note here that instead of a single bud handsfree unit, it is a two bud earphone with mic handsfree unit. You will need to find out if your current unit works.
Synchronization capable - Software Included
This is a big thing for everyone and many people might ask "Isn't this a given?". I agree - but being a mobile, many people always have the problem of not being able to back up their information. Many times an owner will need to purchase a 3rd party software to make this a reality.
The synchronization is with Outlook (I'm currently a MS user - so no idea about the Mac side) on the following items:
1. Notes - Jotter
2. Inbox Mail - Messages
3. Tasks - Tasks
4. Contacts - Phone Book
5. Calendar - Calendar
Not only can you synchronize, you are able to back up your data to your computer. This is definitely a big plus!
Bluetooth
I've been a convert to the Bluetooth revolution since I started using my T68i. Unfortunately my first headset was a piece of crap. But things have changed in the past 3 years - definitely for the better!
With the right equipment you can keep your phone in the holster and just have an earpiece to answer your phone calls. Your PC can use the Bluetooth GPRS (see next) to access the internet. I even use Bluetooth on my Canon i80 printer to reduce the clutter on my table.
GPRS
Yes, yes, yes - for the people on the bleeding edge - GPRS is OLD OLD news. They are either looking for EDGE or full fledge 3G.
This is my argument - GPRS is able to achieve a good rate of about 43kbps of internet access. You may be asking - isn't that modem dial-up speed??? Yes it is. Don't expect to do video streaming ... but if you need quick access to your emails and other important information - like maybe a quick view on your banking account balance, this is definitely doable.
Depending on your service provider you can actually do well with GPRS - I was able to do technical support through Remote Desktop Connection on my laptop through my T68i while my colleague was driving on I-80 in central NY state. So don't discount GPRS yet - it is a stable and mature technology that is here NOW!!
Web browsing
There are two options for the P910 - the built in browser or the supplied Opera browser. The built-in browser is so-so. Make sure you install the Opera browser supplied with the CD. It is a must!!!
I wasn't able to access hotmail through the default browser but had no problems with the Opera browser. Speed is acceptable and the graphics are clear (a testament to the 262K color screen).
Expandable Memory slot
Just like any PDA - you will be able to add memory to your phone. What for? Well - you can load up music on the MS so that you can listen to it on your commute to work.
Let's look at it another way - if you were a rail (MRT in Singapore) commuter, then instead of using 3 separate items - PDA, phone, mp3 player - you will have 1 unit that does it all for you. [you can even get a bluetooth headset with mic]
The music quality is good (it is after all a Sony product) and it is easy to manage.
Sony now has up to 1GB Memory Sticks available. There are some people who will say that it is a proprietory system, but with the opened licensing of the technology - Lexar and SanDisk are 2 licensees - it is definitely cheaper and more accessible nowadays.
Camera
Many people are staying away from this PDA/Phone with the argument that it is ONLY a VGA camera (640x480 resolution). That means it is not even a megapixel. With digital cameras now approaching 8mpx - a sub-1mpx camera is very low quality.
My argument is that the camera is not a substitute for the real thing. I use it primarily for capturing pictures of my business associates and friends. Once captured, I associate the photo to the personal record of the individual. That way when the phone rings their picture is shown and I can immeidately remember what they look like. It is a great tool for sales people who meet new clients or prospects on a daily basis.
I personally use the Sony DSC-T1 for snapshots ... a mini marvel with 5mpx resolution!
Intuitive Navigation
For the crowd that is used to seeing the Palm and Windows PDAs, you will be familiar with the navigation control.
Sony and Apple are the 2 companies that have done with the the wheel. Apple did well with the Scroll wheel on the iPod. Sony initiated the jog dial since the Clie.
The current version is a much improved version found on the Clie. It is a five-way jog dial. It is very well placed on the LEFT hand side and is meant to be handled with your left thumb. While you hold the Stylus in your right hand and manipulate data, you can use the left thumb to navigate. Once you get the hang of it you will find it easy to manage and navigate within the P910i.
Conclusion
On the whole, I find that it is a good tool to have. I don't have to worry about the Palm's OS disaster of running of battery (thus losing ALL information), nor think too much about M$ viruses.
I miss the lightweight of the T68i but feel that it is a good compromise - considering that most of the Windows based systems and also the Nokia are heavier.
I was quite disappointed that there was no Wi-Fi, but with an unlimited GPRS plan it is definitely not a disadvantage. For the US based customers, T-Mobile had a unlimited data plan for $19.99 which worked quite well in most metropolitan areas. It was even a good substitute when I couldn't get a hi-speed internet connection in my hotel rooms while on assignment.
Other Notes
When you compare the P910 to the P900 you will find that there is a built in QWERTY Keyboard. It is quite small and can be difficult to use. The keyboard is actually hidden behind the number keypad. Thus you have multiple ways of doing data input - either through tapping through the number keys, using the keyboard, or writing (which is a more natural style than the Palm Graffiti).
I have yet to use much of the keyboard but do find that it a convenience to have, when I have trouble remembering how to input special characters.
For the people who like the look of a PDA - you can actually remove the keyboard/keypad, and you will be left with the full screen. You can the use the soft keys when you need to dial special numbers.
The ONLY problem that I encountered with the system so far is that I was not able to read and write Chinese on my P910i. This was quite quickly resolved when I brought the phone into the SonyEricsson service center. They installed a third party software that will allow for Chinese input - simplified (for those who care). However, they had to flash the whole phone to make sure that everything was OK. So please make sure you back up your data before you do this. This service was performed free of charge.
Thank you for your kind attention and I hope that you enjoyed my short review of the phone.
Last Updated: Feb 17, 2005
The first new "toy" that I purchased was the Sony Ericsson P910i PDA Phone. The phone comes in 3 models - the 910i, 910a and 910c. The primary difference is the language associated with the unit. The "C" unit is a Chinese market model.
As mentioned I have the 910i, which is a small time upgrade from the 900 (which was preceeded by the P800). The P series PDA phones have been very popular in Europe and Asia but was never really launched in the US, and I am still confused as to why ... (not to spread conspiracy theories, but is M$ locking them out of the market?)
Well, let's not waste anymore time - the phone is a beautiful little gadget and I'll start by listing the reasons why I purchased it:
1. All in one package
2. Synchronization capable
3. Bluetooth
4. GPRS
5. Web browsing
6. Expandable Memory slot
7. Camera
8. Intuitive Navigation
Here is a more in-depth look:
All-in-one package
As a working professional, I've always faced the dilemma of how to best organize my life.
-Option 1: Get a Mobile + PDA
-Option 2: Get a PDA/Phone or Phone with PDA function
I got along OK for a while with option 1 (using a Palm and a Sony Clie) but it got tired having to remember 2 items every day. Also, there is so much overlap in the data between the 2 systems. There is no easy way to manage the PC, PDA, and Phone records. It drove me nuts.
Coming to Asia meant I needed to re-evaluate my strategy. I decided that I'll take option 1 this time, but what to choose - a Symbian option or a Windows Mobile Edition option. It was a tough choice, compounded by the fact that there are several good options. Ultimately I decided to go the Symbian route as the phone's miniscule keyboard was deemed a necessary evil.
So what do I get in the package? Well, there is the
1. Desktop recharger - with built-in USB connector for PC synchronization
2. 32MB Memory Stick - surprisingly, it was a SanDisk brand MS
3. Lanyard
4. Extra Stylus
5. Belt Case
6. 2 CDs - Pc Suite & Applications
7. Earphone with Mic - special note here that instead of a single bud handsfree unit, it is a two bud earphone with mic handsfree unit. You will need to find out if your current unit works.
Synchronization capable - Software Included
This is a big thing for everyone and many people might ask "Isn't this a given?". I agree - but being a mobile, many people always have the problem of not being able to back up their information. Many times an owner will need to purchase a 3rd party software to make this a reality.
The synchronization is with Outlook (I'm currently a MS user - so no idea about the Mac side) on the following items:
1. Notes - Jotter
2. Inbox Mail - Messages
3. Tasks - Tasks
4. Contacts - Phone Book
5. Calendar - Calendar
Not only can you synchronize, you are able to back up your data to your computer. This is definitely a big plus!
Bluetooth
I've been a convert to the Bluetooth revolution since I started using my T68i. Unfortunately my first headset was a piece of crap. But things have changed in the past 3 years - definitely for the better!
With the right equipment you can keep your phone in the holster and just have an earpiece to answer your phone calls. Your PC can use the Bluetooth GPRS (see next) to access the internet. I even use Bluetooth on my Canon i80 printer to reduce the clutter on my table.
GPRS
Yes, yes, yes - for the people on the bleeding edge - GPRS is OLD OLD news. They are either looking for EDGE or full fledge 3G.
This is my argument - GPRS is able to achieve a good rate of about 43kbps of internet access. You may be asking - isn't that modem dial-up speed??? Yes it is. Don't expect to do video streaming ... but if you need quick access to your emails and other important information - like maybe a quick view on your banking account balance, this is definitely doable.
Depending on your service provider you can actually do well with GPRS - I was able to do technical support through Remote Desktop Connection on my laptop through my T68i while my colleague was driving on I-80 in central NY state. So don't discount GPRS yet - it is a stable and mature technology that is here NOW!!
Web browsing
There are two options for the P910 - the built in browser or the supplied Opera browser. The built-in browser is so-so. Make sure you install the Opera browser supplied with the CD. It is a must!!!
I wasn't able to access hotmail through the default browser but had no problems with the Opera browser. Speed is acceptable and the graphics are clear (a testament to the 262K color screen).
Expandable Memory slot
Just like any PDA - you will be able to add memory to your phone. What for? Well - you can load up music on the MS so that you can listen to it on your commute to work.
Let's look at it another way - if you were a rail (MRT in Singapore) commuter, then instead of using 3 separate items - PDA, phone, mp3 player - you will have 1 unit that does it all for you. [you can even get a bluetooth headset with mic]
The music quality is good (it is after all a Sony product) and it is easy to manage.
Sony now has up to 1GB Memory Sticks available. There are some people who will say that it is a proprietory system, but with the opened licensing of the technology - Lexar and SanDisk are 2 licensees - it is definitely cheaper and more accessible nowadays.
Camera
Many people are staying away from this PDA/Phone with the argument that it is ONLY a VGA camera (640x480 resolution). That means it is not even a megapixel. With digital cameras now approaching 8mpx - a sub-1mpx camera is very low quality.
My argument is that the camera is not a substitute for the real thing. I use it primarily for capturing pictures of my business associates and friends. Once captured, I associate the photo to the personal record of the individual. That way when the phone rings their picture is shown and I can immeidately remember what they look like. It is a great tool for sales people who meet new clients or prospects on a daily basis.
I personally use the Sony DSC-T1 for snapshots ... a mini marvel with 5mpx resolution!
Intuitive Navigation
For the crowd that is used to seeing the Palm and Windows PDAs, you will be familiar with the navigation control.
Sony and Apple are the 2 companies that have done with the the wheel. Apple did well with the Scroll wheel on the iPod. Sony initiated the jog dial since the Clie.
The current version is a much improved version found on the Clie. It is a five-way jog dial. It is very well placed on the LEFT hand side and is meant to be handled with your left thumb. While you hold the Stylus in your right hand and manipulate data, you can use the left thumb to navigate. Once you get the hang of it you will find it easy to manage and navigate within the P910i.
Conclusion
On the whole, I find that it is a good tool to have. I don't have to worry about the Palm's OS disaster of running of battery (thus losing ALL information), nor think too much about M$ viruses.
I miss the lightweight of the T68i but feel that it is a good compromise - considering that most of the Windows based systems and also the Nokia are heavier.
I was quite disappointed that there was no Wi-Fi, but with an unlimited GPRS plan it is definitely not a disadvantage. For the US based customers, T-Mobile had a unlimited data plan for $19.99 which worked quite well in most metropolitan areas. It was even a good substitute when I couldn't get a hi-speed internet connection in my hotel rooms while on assignment.
Other Notes
When you compare the P910 to the P900 you will find that there is a built in QWERTY Keyboard. It is quite small and can be difficult to use. The keyboard is actually hidden behind the number keypad. Thus you have multiple ways of doing data input - either through tapping through the number keys, using the keyboard, or writing (which is a more natural style than the Palm Graffiti).
I have yet to use much of the keyboard but do find that it a convenience to have, when I have trouble remembering how to input special characters.
For the people who like the look of a PDA - you can actually remove the keyboard/keypad, and you will be left with the full screen. You can the use the soft keys when you need to dial special numbers.
The ONLY problem that I encountered with the system so far is that I was not able to read and write Chinese on my P910i. This was quite quickly resolved when I brought the phone into the SonyEricsson service center. They installed a third party software that will allow for Chinese input - simplified (for those who care). However, they had to flash the whole phone to make sure that everything was OK. So please make sure you back up your data before you do this. This service was performed free of charge.
Thank you for your kind attention and I hope that you enjoyed my short review of the phone.
Last Updated: Feb 17, 2005
