sony ericsson, itself

[luiscamino]

hmm looks like mobileburn forum members who are sony ericsson fans are really passionate :) well, what's more amazing is that sony ericsson forum already has more threads and posts than nokia forum :D well, another sony ericsson community? wellcome!

sorry i didn't introduce myself, i'm luis from clubsonyericsson.com (sorry for not having published any of the latest news but i've had serious problems with the host).

i opened this topic because i was curious to know about your feelings about sony ericsson. just a couple of questions. ask yourself, why do you like this brand? is it features, style, design, spirit, charm, a mix of it all, any model in particular? AND do your friends (your LOCAL friends, not ciber friends :)) or family feel the same? what's the situation in your country? (hey it's not a survey, it's just my curiosity :p).

best regards for everyone!

[Michael]

I'll start. The Bluetooth works.

Otherwise I don't care much. Looks, color, sound....all fluff. I need a phone that can make and take a call, and has workable Bluetooth so I can use my headset and PDA with it.

In general that rules out most manufacturers....

[incognito]

Well, I guess that SE has started to make its way to create a new paradigm in the cell-world. I myself is used to be one of those "nokia-forever" types, but the T-610 with its bluetooth ability and slim & sleek design has completely change my mind. I'm quite happy that now I can talk on the phone with my Bluetake BT400GII headset while driving without have to worry with those stupid cables and wires danggling around my neck. So i couldn't agree more with Michael that it's the technology that count. well, of-course futuristic and handy (not bulky like the P-800 or N-6600) design will also be on the top of the list. I couldn't wait for the new Z-600 and Z-1010 to make its debute in the marketplace (anyone knows when are they due to be launched:confused: ) I gave two thumbs up for SonyEricsson!! ;)

[The Roo]

Good build quality, tech that works, great styling and presentation.

They all (usually) have a great combination of style & substance, which is why SE are taking over Nokia's title as the world's most popular handsets.

[The Roo]

Incognito>>

"Philip Rambech, Sony Ericsson's UK and Ireland managing director, told journalists that the Z1010 was being put through its final paces at the moment.

"It will ship in the first few weeks of 2004 -- it's in the final stages of interoperability testing now," said Rambech, speaking in London as Sony Ericsson launched three new phones and several accessories."

Full Story (http://news.zdnet.co.uk/0,39020330,39116147,00.htm)

[plwh888]

I'm from Singapore.

I like the new Sony-Ericsson phone design, not those Ericsson phone with a Sony-Ericsson badge.

SE Phones are Value For Money, eg. T610, you have everything ! Other brands tend to have this function but forsake that function.

The Bluetooth works very well.

When it come to multi-lingual SMS, we can change language while inputting SMS, other phones need to go to phone setup | language to switch language which is troublesome. We in Singapore love to speak/sms in multi language (English, Chinese, Malays and er, Tamil ???).

SE is Mac-friendly ! Not many phone can claim that honor.

The Z-series is very japanese inspired ! Well done, makes the lust factor goes further !

QuickShare is really GOOD Share, i can use any Palm/PocketPC/Laptop to beam/Bluetooth files, ringtones, etc. No need propriety software (eg. PC Suite).

Gosh... So much goodies ! er, do i get a FREE Z600 ??? No ??? OK, i will buy both Z600 and Z200 when its out.

Z200 will be my weekend/clubbing phone with attached cam when necessary.

Z600 will be my Business Phone.

I really hope Z600/Z200 will appear in October 2003 as stated in CNET ASIA. I'm going to buy them as my own birthday presents !!!

Lastly, will Sony-Ericsson port S505i to the GSM World ??? PLEASE !!!!!!!!!!!!! PRETTY PRETTY PLEASE !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jellyellie]

Great quality, good looks, easily-navigatable UI. Well designed with ease of use in mind.

I don't have any friends who love SE like I do, but then again I don't know anybody as mad about phones as me.

[incognito]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by The Roo

"It will ship in the first few weeks of 2004 -- it's in the final stages of interoperability testing now," said Rambech"

Thanks for the info Roo!! Gee.. 2004!! I can't wait.. I can't wait!! it's everything i've ever wanted in a cell phone.. Hope tht they can speed-up the process.. it will be a nice Christmas present :D

[Jalal]

I've been an Ericsson user since 1994. Ericsson and Sony Ericsson phone have all the features that anyone would want (I know they don't have hands free speakers, its not important for me). The phones are easy to use, nicely styled, good service from their service center and most importantly they have Bluetooth. I have bought and used different phone but, always come back to SE phones. I actually find E & SE phones easier to use then Nokia which a lot of people say are the easiest phones to use:confused: One phone that I used for a whole year was the Phillips Genie. It was a feature packed phone which unfortunately didn't make it into a second generation guise.

[Ghibli]

I think Sony Ericsson is simply not experienced enough. It shows in the new Z600, they simply have no experience in maknig clamshells, and you'd be forgiven for thinking they didn't already make such models for Japan.
The Z600 is, simply put, very poorly designed. The top half is layered on the lower part like a sandwhich, not smoothly integrated like Motorolas or Samsungs. And that's before you consider its size.
Of course, SEs have an appreciable attribute of Ericssons, that of technological completion and advancement. Sony Ericssons are always ahead of everyone else feature-wise, and implement the most advanced technologies better than everyone else, eg. Bluetooth.
But that's missing the point. A mobile phone, in my opinion, should be centered around the user's needs. That's why a Siemens M55 with 'hotkeys' would be more useful to someone than a T310 with IrDA, because in the first place most buyers of either phone would not even know what the little black patch of smooth plastic is on the left side of their T310, let alone need it.

[Michael]

I don't see a problem with the clamshell design. I don't see how the typical Samsung/Mot way of building the hinge is any way better than what the Z600 has.

[luiscamino]

That's why a Siemens M55 with 'hotkeys' would be more useful to someone than a T310 with IrDA, because in the first place most buyers of either phone would not even know what the little black patch of smooth plastic is on the left side of their T310, let alone need it.

or say

That's why a T310 with IrDA would be more useful to someone than aSiemens M55 with 'hotkeys', because in the first place most buyers of either phone would not even know what the unknown spare keys around the M55 keypad are.

;)

it would be just fine that t310 had hotkeys or m55 had irda. your point or the way you raise it is not very convincing...

[sean]

Originally posted by The Roo
Incognito>>

"Philip Rambech, Sony Ericsson's UK and Ireland managing director, told journalists that the Z1010 was being put through its final paces at the moment.

"It will ship in the first few weeks of 2004 -- it's in the final stages of interoperability testing now," said Rambech, speaking in London as Sony Ericsson launched three new phones and several accessories."

Full Story (http://news.zdnet.co.uk/0,39020330,39116147,00.htm)

so they said about the P800.. I think the better answer would be "When it's done"

[The Roo]

true, true.

[Ghibli]

Originally posted by luiscamino
or say

That's why a T310 with IrDA would be more useful to someone than aSiemens M55 with 'hotkeys', because in the first place most buyers of either phone would not even know what the unknown spare keys around the M55 keypad are.

;)

it would be just fine that t310 had hotkeys or m55 had irda. your point or the way you raise it is not very convincing...

Do you even know what 'hotkeys' are? They're not spare keys, it is simply a handy function where all the alphanumerical keys from '2' to '9' can be assigned to a specific function in the phone. For example, '3' can be 'Internet', while '7' could be 'Games'. Just hold down the key to access the function.

The same cannot be said of Infrared. To use it you would need a laptop with Ir, a PC with Ir, another phone with Ir, or a PDA with Ir. Many people are not going to bother with those things, all they want is to use their phone, and nohing else. People who would use those functions would buy an S55 or T610, not a T310.
Having IrDA in the T310 is simply an injustifiable waste of money.

[Ghibli]

Originally posted by Michael
I don't see a problem with the clamshell design. I don't see how the typical Samsung/Mot way of building the hinge is any way better than what the Z600 has.

I'm not talking about the hinge, that is fine. But it's the way the top half sits awkwardly on the lower half that is so unsightly and contributes to the overall thickness of the phone. And it's a great thickness at that.

[incognito]

Originally posted by Ghibli

The same cannot be said of Infrared. To use it you would need a laptop with Ir, a PC with Ir, another phone with Ir, or a PDA with Ir. Many people are not going to bother with those things, all they want is to use their phone, and nohing else. People who would use those functions would buy an S55 or T610, not a T310.
Having IrDA in the T310 is simply an injustifiable waste of money. [/B]

:rolleyes: Ehm, i can understand that some people are still reluctant to accept the latest technology.. I myself see it that the Irda port is much more useful than the "hotkey" (still have to memorize what "2" is for?, key "3" is dedicated for what? and pressing "4" is who?.. where i can just flip to the menu and click game, as simple as that! -- that is why i choose a cellphone with a user friendly menu.. not as complicated like most siemens' have) With Irda port you can exchange ringtones, transferring data, sync your appointment calendar, etc without have to worry with finding a data cable (yes they need a counterpart that has Irda port, but which latest gadget doesn't have one?) But then again, it just my opinion, i do respect yours. But I don't see the point of being in the forum where most of the people are so eager to see the advacement of the technology, when you're satisfied enough with just a simple hotkey, make/receive a call, write an sms, stick with Siemens M55..! or a Nokia 5110 will do :D

[Ghibli]

I'm not talking about myself when I say that simple and easy-to-understand features are more useful than more advanced technologies, I am openly receptive to them, but this thread is about sony ericsson as a company, and what I have to say is that they're strategy is the wrong one. While the select few people like us who bother to go into forums to discuss mobile phones appreciate technology, the magority of buyers do not, and that is where the profits come from. That's why Nokia and Siemens are ahead of Sony Ericsson in terms of market share.

And to people who think Siemens' UI is clunky, all I have to say is that the best menu system you can buy has simply outsmarted you!:D

[Michael]

Actually, I find the Siemens UI a bit counter-intuitive compared to most others. It has its moments, of course, but some things just don't seem well though out.

Better than they were 2 years ago, but still in need of work.

The SE and Nokia systems seem pretty damn brainless to me. Samsung's changes too much. Mot is finally getting a clue after years of awful menu systems.

[ekarat]

My first mobile phone was a Moto StarTac (C90 I think) that was 5-6 years ago then Ericsson T28 came out and really blew my mind with such a cool design I just had to get one. Since then I've been through Nokia 7330, Moto V60, Nokia 8910, 3650, Pana GD88, Samsung V200....
Guess what I'm using right now...? I'm back to my O' faithful T28. Having gone through all these mobiles I came to a conclusion that all I ever need in a phone is to MAKE and RECEIVE a call..!!! When I bought 3650, GD88 and V200 was to test the quality of the embed camera and the result was so dismal that I gave up on all these gadgits. Guess the technology I want is not around the corner yet so now I'm back to my old love T28.

By the way, P810/900 look really COOL!!!

Bangkok, Thailand

[jason]

Originally posted by Jalal
One phone that I used for a whole year was the Phillips Genie. It was a feature packed phone which unfortunately didn't make it into a second generation guise.

I had a Philips Genie 898+. Actually, I still have it in a drawer somewhere! It wasn't a bad at all, had a wealth of great features, despite the sometimes slow menus.

Anyway... SE are going forward, but for awhile i really didn't like their designs, and I'm still not sure about the keypad on the Z600.

[bart]

luiscamino i'm the head of the unofficial sony ericsson promo-team (USEP). since you're hosting the big unofficial SE site. i thought we could join forces to promoted SE even more.
all the USEP planning is now being done on phoneschat.
btw you've got a pic of a T307 on your site, well a friend of mine found a T683i in belgium, the pic is also on phoneschat :)

[jevel]

For me it's been Nokia, Siemens and Motorola until T39m came, simply due to the better displays on the Nokias/Siemens'/Motorolas. (Hated the oneline displays on older Ericsson phones.)

Then I got my hands on an T39m as a substitute for my SL45 when it went in for service for the 4th time in two months, and I've never looked back. Ericsson SW has so many features I learned to love.

Now I've been through T39m, T65, T68i, T610 and P800. I find their design to be so so, but the insides, which counts most for me is so much better than its rivals. (IMHO)

@ the person who dissed IrDA above:

How can you call such a feature useless for the public? On a phone that is meant to be a phone for youth? It's a gift to them, as they won't have to spend their precious pocketmoney on expensive downloads to get the latest goods... :) And if you think they don't know what it is/don't know how to use it, I say you're underestimating their technical knowhow. You're talking next gen mobile users here. IrDA was one of the first things they saw here in this world. It's everywhere. :)

-KJ

[sir50pence]

I like Sony Ericsson because the technology they use actually works fully and they don't give flaws that put you off a phone like Nokia do.
I just can't wait to get my K700 I better not be hyped up and let down, has that ever happened to anyone else?

[3ple4]

I like the... DESIGN, BLUETOOTH, INFRARED, INTERFACE, MAC-FRIENDLY and lastly, it has a smaller market share than Nokia over here so I have a unique handset :D

[kaebee]

SE phones have a lot of great features and designs. The only reason why i stay with my Nokia fones is that its harder for me to access the menus in the phone. unlike nokia where you just need to press 1 button, and it will immediately take you back to the "home menu". In SE, i noticed that you have to "quit" one by one. Nokia also has this option, but SE does not have the option to automatically go back to "home"

i would hope that SE at least integrates this feature into their phones. this "home" feature is quite important for somebody who is always in a hurry. closing each and every "subfolder" can take a lot of time.....

another plus for SE phones is that it doenst "devalue" too fast. unlike nokia phones where it just devaluates way too fast. Ü its really disappointing for a buyer if he realizes that he could have gotten the same fone for less after a few days, after a few months, some fones are even already half of its original price.

[luiscamino]

Originally posted by kaebee
SE phones have a lot of great features and designs. The only reason why i stay with my Nokia fones is that its harder for me to access the menus in the phone. unlike nokia where you just need to press 1 button, and it will immediately take you back to the "home menu". In SE, i noticed that you have to "quit" one by one. Nokia also has this option, but SE does not have the option to automatically go back to "home"

i would hope that SE at least integrates this feature into their phones. this "home" feature is quite important for somebody who is always in a hurry. closing each and every "subfolder" can take a lot of time.....


press and hold the "back" key one second on any sony ericsson and you go to the status screen directly.

[difenbaker]

Imho, SE phones are really okay... they're generally feature-packed, stable, and some models (t610 up) are getting more easier and easier to use.

But there's 2 things I dont like about SE phones that sadly SE hasn't addressed yet. (until now maybe, with the K700). Those are: Speed and RF.

Speed: Well... I've always hated the fact that my keypresses seem to be faster than the way the phone responds. I dont like the laggy UI. Most nokias and seimens, just for comparison, have faster responding menus.

RF: This is, of course, highly subjective - some of you might not have a problem at all with this. But in vancouver, toronto, los angeles, san francisco, and some parts of new york - the RF of my T68i was just terrible. Just go inside a mall and the phone becomes a paperweight!

The good news is - the K700 reportedly has been "revamped" with a new UI, maybe a faster one (?). And initial reviews of the RF is quite good. So maybe finally, I can now buy this phone without any worry.

just my cents.

[mamalik]

I am personally a big fan of Siemens phone. I have used a number of nokia phones (5110, 6110, 3210, 3310, 6310, 6100 etc.), and now using SE-T630, apart from some phones from Siemens (S45, ME45, S55, M55). I must say the flexibility of functions offered by Siemens is incomparable. I don't consider any menu system to be easy or difficult; it is just a matter of getting used to.

I accept that SE bring some latest technologies ahead of other brands but I am very much disappointed by the otherwise day to day very useful features completely missing in SE phones (particularly referring to SE-T630). Some of the examples are:

No hotkeys (or true speed dialing) function.
SIM phonebook functionality is very restricted.
Useless organizer with no option to set recurrences (the biggest disappointment for me).
No option to save 'Flash SMS' messages.
No speakerphone function.
Addressbook in the phone has fewer fields as compared to other phones.
Poor RF reception as compared to other brands.

In the end I must say that every user has his own set of preferences which can not be generalized. For me SE-T630 is a useless phone. I had such a bad experience with this phone that I'd not go for any other SE phone in the near future unless things change dramatically.

[kaebee]

Originally posted by luiscamino
press and hold the "back" key one second on any sony ericsson and you go to the status screen directly.

hmmm, i didnt know that. but of course, i dont have a SE phone, so only had a small amount of time to tinker with my friends SE

thanks! Ü

i would also agree that the organizer is a little hard to use. you cant store peoples birthdays, on a yearly basis...

also, does SE have any phones with radio integrated already? as far as i know, you have to buy it separately, another bonus for Nokia, which has most fones with radio already.

the only thing i dont like abt nokia is its lack of bluetooth. i dont know if they are just deliberately leaving bluetooth out of their phones. if its not bluetooth, its another feature. sometimes, i think nokia is purposely creating a phone with a feature lacking...

[sir50pence]

I'm happy I revived this topic it lets SE consumers express their fellings for the company.

[sir50pence]

HELLO!
Are there any more comments people would like to add?