WMExperts Gets First Look At Xperia X1

[Nurhisham Hussein]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.wmexperts.com/reviews/smartphones/review_first_impressions_of_th.html' target='_blank'>http://www.wmexperts.com/reviews/sm...ions_of_th.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"We finally got real hands on the Xperia X1 (we're done putting “Xperia” in caps, btw). Let us tell you - the hardware is simply top notch. It's a decent weight, not too heavy, and feels remarkably thin for all the power they've got under the hood. Sony Ericsson also made a good decision by making this phone not feel too “wide”, it's less wide than a BlackJack II, in fact. Overall this might be the best hardware I've ever seen on a Windows Mobile device."</i><br /><br /><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/500/spt/auto/1207270981.usr14226.jpg"><br /><br />There's been a lot of excitement over this device, and with good reason. WMExperts have scored a good first impressions review, and at the same time managed to talk to SE's Director of marketing. The hardware and build quality look real good (how come SE manages to optimize the video drivers for the Qualcomm chip and HTC can't?), even if the software is still being worked on. Click the link for more!

[palmsolo]

Actually, HTC makes the SE Experia X1 so they do know how to get it right when the hardware is designed for higher graphics support.

[JonnoB]

Unless something goes terribly wrong with this device or something else comes out that surprises... this will be my next phone and replace my Kaiser.

[JonnoB]

Actually, HTC makes the SE Experia X1 so they do know how to get it right when the hardware is designed for higher graphics support.

From reports, HTC is only manufacturing the device, the hardware design and software drivers are all being done by SE. If this device lives up to the excitement, HTC can learn a thing or two from them about taking advantage of the hardware underpinnings.

[virain]

Still there's nothing clear with T-Mobile USA 3G support. SE Experia quad band HSDPA and then again, 1700 mHz are not the one that T-Mo uses? Very confusing, plus T-Mo promises every 3 months to open network.... It's getting very annoying, I'm thinking of going ATT even though I hate this company with all my hart.

[starstreak]

I posted this in the main review but maybe someone knows the answers:

I'm one of those waiting for a i-mate 9502. Which should be in about 2 weeks. But then this Sony came about. I have a few questions.

1) Does it have the annoying touch lag that my Tilt has? Where you try to press a button or screen tap and it won't register it unless I hold down the button or screen tap for like 2 seconds?
2) Will I be able to run a 3rd pary app like TomTom and have it recognize the program? And if so, will it use the larger screen?
3) While hi-res, I remember how bad windows mobile was when introducing a new resolution like 640x480 before. The 800x400 isnt 320x240, but it isn't 640x480. Is windows mobile 6.1 good at handling the new resolution?
4) How good is the aGPS? Is it better than the Tilt? Siirf III (whatever it's called)
5) Did the camera have a flash and is it autofocus? I like to mainly use the camera on the pdas to take shots things to remember like a price tag or something while shopping.
6) How loud is the speakerphone and how well does the vibration work?
thank you!

[alese]

I want this device...

No, wait I need this device, badly!

[starstreak]

I posted this in the main review, but maybe someone knows the answers.

I'm one of those waiting for a i-mate 9502. Which should be in about 2 weeks. But then this Sony came about. I have a few questions.
1) Does it have the annoying touch lag that my Tilt has? Where you try to press a button or screen tap and it won't register it unless I hold down the button or screen tap for like 2 seconds?
2) Will I be able to run a 3rd pary app like TomTom and have it recognize the program? And if so, will it use the larger screen?
3) While hi-res, I remember how bad windows mobile was when introducing a new resolution like 640x480 before. The 800x400 isnt 320x240, but it isn't 640x480. Is windows mobile 6.1 good at handling the new resolution?
4) How good is the aGPS? Is it better than the Tilt? Siirf III (whatever it's called)
5) Did the camera have a flash and is it autofocus? I like to mainly use the camera on the pdas to take shots things to remember like a price tag or something while shopping.
6) How loud is the speakerphone and how well does the vibration work?
thank you!



Update to my comment. It seems there was an error in the review that said it was 800x400. Its really 800x480. OK, so.. 640x480 apps COULD work if they stretched (I think that would make it look bad), actually used the extra space(which I doubt unless they redo the programs), or just simply display BLACK or some other "gadget: in the lost 160x480 pixle area. Which if all else fails, I hope they do, just to make programs more compatable with this unit.

[DaleReeck]

===how come SE manages to optimize the video drivers for the Qualcomm chip and HTC can't?===

Because HTC is a bunch of cheap moneygrubbers who think saving a few pennies a device by shortchanging software development is far more important than putting out a quality product.

[efjay]

When this was first announced I had this on my shortlist for my next phone. Unfortunately this preview mentions one thing that makes this device unacceptable to me - new panels will have to be approved by Sony. This effectively means freeware panels will probably not be developed and goes against the openness and freedom of owning a WM device. I also dont see anything hardware wise (apart from the screen resolution which may or may not be an issue for applications) that hasnt been done before. Definitely a nice device but after careful thought not the device for me.

[cab124]

Still no indication of when this device will be available. Next week? Second quarter? Next year?

[virain]

When this was first announced I had this on my shortlist for my next phone. Unfortunately this preview mentions one thing that makes this device unacceptable to me - new panels will have to be approved by Sony. This effectively means freeware panels will probably not be developed and goes against the openness and freedom of owning a WM device. I also dont see anything hardware wise (apart from the screen resolution which may or may not be an issue for applications) that hasnt been done before. Definitely a nice device but after careful thought not the device for me.
Actually, the article says quiet opposite here's a quote:
= "though they don't have plans to try to “lock out” people from creating and loading their own panels that aren't “Sony approved.”=
Either my English gets little rusty, or you should read more careful.

[JonnoB]

If you watch the end of this video demonstration (http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=4399), it appears that the device may be using 3d acceleration with the fish status panel.

[netboy]

how come they able to produce VGA, err WVGA, device for SE that fits in pocket while their own HTC devices only with QVGA if u want to put it in pocket!
i guess those greedy @#$@@$@ just care about their wallet! QVGA must be cheaper to get, so they make more profits on QVGA!

[starstreak]

netboy- While I'm a firm believer in high resolution (haha, where talking 640x480) HTC help make that phone per Sony's request. Sony paid them to make it the way they wanted. Not that HTC had the phone and Sony bought it and slapped a name on it. HTC is out to make a buck, and for 90% of people out there, qvga is fine... And since that means there is so little VGA (or even WVGA) screens for those 90%, they don't know what they are missing.

Two things that makers hate about VGA, the cost and battery life. We all know how they fibb on the battery life in specs. If they had to remove a few hours of standy and yet, make the unit cost more, most people wouldn't buy it. They need a reason to have such a phone.

Example: I thought WIFi on my pda was stupid 5 years ago. There was hardly any Wifi. The home Wifi was hundreds to buy. Now, most people can afford wifi, and have broadband connection, so wifi would be a good option. If they didn't make it back then, they might not be able to make it as small and battery saving as it is now for pdas or even phones. I hope given time, VGA or higher will be on everything small.

[angler]

There are talks claimed that there is no significant impact on battery consumption for VGA display. I doubt it relates to most consumer just do not feel the difference for the screen resolution and not demand these device. On the other hand manufacturer seem can drive more profit on QVGA product in current market price. When consumers demand for mainly VGA device and the day QVGA device will be vanished in the market. Just like device without wifi connection is rather rare now even it may lower the standby time and cost more.

[MTM]

Many of you seem to forget that this phone is still a long way from hitting the market. Its release date is officially H2 2008, which probably means it will be out in about half a year from now.

Several new HTC devices with VGA screens will, if nothing goes wrong, be out before this is released on the market (hint: MDA Compact IV) - including a TyTN II successor with VGA screen.

I'm personally keeping my eyes open for announcements of new HTC devices really soon :)

[starstreak]

What tytn II update with VGA? Have you seen pictures?

[Foo Fighter]

This wouldn't lure me away from iPhone, but it's pleasing to see one less QVGA device enter the mobile world. My stomach turns and heart breaks whenever I read the specs of upcoming Smartphones and see Display: 320x240 QVGA . And someone desperately needs to set HTC and other ODMs set straight to that fact that 2.8" displays are TOO SMALL. For full-screen devices, 3.5" displays now set the standard in "large" screen on smartphones.

[bkerrins]

So how do I get on the beta team? I really want to try one of these out. I have a HW6945 now, so I like having GPS, wifi and WM in one device. Quad band is important since I'm on ATT but I'd be willing to try anything. I do like this design better since the keyboard slides out. Had a SX66 before which was okay until it started to get loose.
I plan to buy two when available so both my wife and I can use the same charger no matter who's car we happen to be in. :)

[Nurhisham Hussein]

Actually, HTC makes the SE Experia X1 so they do know how to get it right when the hardware is designed for higher graphics support.

If you read the article, SE was at pains to point out that HTC are acting purely as the manufacturer - SE is doing the software development and optimization.

[Nurhisham Hussein]

1) Does it have the annoying touch lag that my Tilt has? Where you try to press a button or screen tap and it won't register it unless I hold down the button or screen tap for like 2 seconds?

<a href="http://www.brighthand.com/default.asp?newsID=13925" target="_blank">Brighthand</a> also has a preview up - check out their video. While you can't expect hi-res devices to perform as fast as a QVGA device, the X1 looks relatively snappy, even with beta software.


2) Will I be able to run a 3rd pary app like TomTom and have it recognize the program? And if so, will it use the larger screen?

See last question below.


3) While hi-res, I remember how bad windows mobile was when introducing a new resolution like 640x480 before. The 800x400 isnt 320x240, but it isn't 640x480. Is windows mobile 6.1 good at handling the new resolution?

The problem isn't the OS - it's almost always the application you're trying. WM5 <b>and</b> 6 handle larger resolutions pretty well. It's typically applications with a rigid UI that have problems.


4) How good is the aGPS? Is it better than the Tilt? Siirf III (whatever it's called)

aGPS strictly speaking isn't GPS at all - it uses cell towers to provide navigation information. You're not receiving satellite data directly at all. If you're in a good cell coverage area, it'll probably perform better than a standard GPS chip, especially in an urban environment. On the road and in bad coverage areas, aGPS could do worse or not function at all.


5) Did the camera have a flash and is it autofocus? I like to mainly use the camera on the pdas to take shots things to remember like a price tag or something while shopping.

Flash, I don't know - AF, definitely. Here's hoping they put a decent lens on the X1, that's more important for decent pictures. My previous phone was a SE k800i, and damn if I never bothered using the flash at all - the lens and aperature size were good enough that you could actually take decent pictures in low-light conditions.


6) How loud is the speakerphone and how well does the vibration work?

Too soon to tell yet.


Update to my comment. It seems there was an error in the review that said it was 800x400. Its really 800x480. OK, so.. 640x480 apps COULD work if they stretched (I think that would make it look bad), actually used the extra space(which I doubt unless they redo the programs), or just simply display BLACK or some other "gadget: in the lost 160x480 pixle area. Which if all else fails, I hope they do, just to make programs more compatable with this unit.

I'd check out reviews of the Toshiba Portege G900, which has the same WVGA resolution (here's <a href="http://www.4winmobile.com/forums/4wm-reviews-hardware/11595-toshiba-port-g-g900-review.html" target="_blank">one</a>). There's also a software compatibility list floating around somewhere, but I can't seem to find it at the moment.