Sony Ericsson Z600 Review

[Sid]

Michael has posted his review of the Z600:

Sony Ericsson has done a great job in making sure that the new Z600 didn't contain the same flaws as the disappointing T610. This handset is so good, I think I'll make it my own.

Read the review here. (http://www.mobileburn.com/review.jsp?Id=492)

[cjmac]

I've had this handset for a few days now and I think it's fantastic, despite the bulk. The screen is much improved, the exterior display is wonderfully simple, and the exchangable covers are great. Also, despite what Michael's review said, I have found the Bluetooth system to be more reliable. My T610 was always dropping the connection with my car handsfree system. The Z600 has been rock solid. I just wish it was thinner!

[Mark]

Just when I was happy with my T610.. :( .

Nice review though :)

[harleydog]

the review was good, i have had the z600 for almost a week now and except for one small problem, maybe not so small, but ihave heard it can be fixed with a software upgrade., the phone is the best se phone i have had

[jmburt]

Great review Michael!


1. I noticed from your pic in the review that you were using a t-mobile account (SIM). Some people that have used the phone, who also have t-mobile in the US, are saying that the T-Zones service is not functional on the phone. A possible software problem?

2. Has anyone tried "pairing" the phone with a bluetooth enabled Pocket PC? Any issues, problems, etc?

[Michael]

I don't use T-Zones, so I can't comment on any problems.

I did pair it with my iPAQ 3870 without a problem, though.

[cjmac]

JMBURT...I use T-Moblie with my Z600 and T-Zones comes up as a blank page! I'm glad you mentioned this becuase I thought I had done something wrong. Everything else works, but T-Zones has some very useful content so I'm not happy!

Michael, can you recommend any way to fix this problem? Any known incompatibilities? My T610 worked without a problem.

[harleydog]

T-Zones does not work, no way around that... at least at this point. I also am a little ticked since i use it a lot when travelling, for flight, times and gate info.

I am however able to connect it to my mac and use it as a wireless device to get email.

[cjmac]

Do you think this is a Sony Ericsson problem or a formatting problem with T-Mobile's page?

[harleydog]

i am by no means an expert, however no wap pages work, so i think its a browser issue that hopefully can be fixed with a software updaste

[cjmac]

Not true...I've navigated ESPN's WAP page no problem, it just looks different than it did on the T610...odd spacing on some pages.

[harleydog]

what is the wap address for that?

thanks

[cjmac]

wap.espn.com

[harleydog]

cjmac,

any solutions to the wap problem?

[Scott Henry]

Does anyone know if I can use the Z600 with the Sprint Network?

[Viipottaja]

Seems like a really good phone, but a bit/quite bulky... And clam shells are not my thing anyway.. :)

[cjmac]

Harleydog,

I have no solutions to the T-Zones problem but it is really frustrating! I hope Sony Ericsson is aware of the problem. It's very strange considering the site works perfectly on my T610.

[Michael]

Originally posted by Scott Henry
Does anyone know if I can use the Z600 with the Sprint Network?

It is not possible.

[balipit]

Thanks for the review
I need to call 1 hour per day plus 1 hour for WAP, message , photo , games ...
A 2 days battery life in this case is possible ?
One quick user say the keypad look "cheap" from the materials used ...

[Michael]

As I said in the review, I think the Z600 has the best keypad I've seen.

As to the battery life, I can't say for sure. Active wap/games use drains the battery much more than normal talk time where the backlight can turn off.

[balipit]

Thanks
Any picture- call ? when you desactivate the flip of course ...

[harleydog]

CJMAC,

this thing about the wap sucks. I hope they fix it soon, because its a shame. The phone is fantastic, key pad great, everyone who sees it loves the phone

LEts cross our fingers

[cjmac]

Yes, I love the phone two and just picked up 2 more for my girl and her brother. I'm assuming that this is a problem on the Sony Ericsson side. Is the Z600 even firmware user upgradeable? I hope so!

[Michael]

No, it is not user upgradeable. No SE handsets are yet to the best of my knowledge.

[cjmac]

So if the firmware isn't upgradeable, it sounds like we're stuck with expensive phones that will never even be able to access T-Zones! This is not an acceptable situation!

[Michael]

I didn't say that. You asked if it was user upgradeable, and it isn't.

That doesn't mean you can't have it upgraded.

[n1ghtFLY]

Michael

is the Z600 case makes a creaky sounds like in most Nokia handsets or it still has the solid built quality. can you clarify this on the silver part which is not removable and the removcable cases

thanks

[greeneye]

was considering buying a t616, but after your review, my aging t39 may just be replaced by the z600 instead. how much do you think this would sell if you just plan to buy the handset only? thanks!

[Michael]

No idea.

[jmburt]

according to global mobility, a new firmware for the z600 was released today
Z600 R2E004

let us know if that corrects the problem with the t-mobile wap

[cjmac]

...and how do I go about getting this firmware?

[jmburt]

think you have to send your phone or visit a sony ericsson service center.

i would contact the dealer you bought it from...

[greeneye]

would there be a cable available to update the firmware yourself? that would be more convenient.

[jmburt]

SE only provides firmware upgrades to authorized SE dealers. They usually cost around $25.00, plus the shipping of the handset.
I had it done on my p800.

[Rooter]

Does anyone know how much space there is one the z600 ??

Just the same 2mb as in the t610, or did they put mor ein this one ?

[Sid]

Originally posted by Rooter
Does anyone know how much space there is one the z600 ??

Just the same 2mb as in the t610, or did they put mor ein this one ?

Unfortunately, its the same. They should have put in at least 5 MB memory.

[jinkhang]

U can get ur firmware upgrade from any of the service centres. If your phone is under warranty, you won't be charged

yup only 2mb, not much but it's enough for me

[Sid]

Originally posted by jinkhang
yup only 2mb, not much but it's enough for me

Yeah, Bluetooth certainly makes things a lot easier with lower memory.

[rgryn]

Originally posted by cjmac
Harleydog,

I have no solutions to the T-Zones problem but it is really frustrating! I hope Sony Ericsson is aware of the problem. It's very strange considering the site works perfectly on my T610.

I, by the way, have just bought a Z600 on ebay.
I have not received it as of yet.


I have had the same problem with a T39...
So I called T-Mobil tech and they connected me with a tech in the UK... (T39 was not supported by T-Mobile)
He emailed me special settings to program my T39... and they worked fine.
This might also work for the Z600...

Good Luck

[mR_CaESaR]

Just how does the Z600 compare to the Sharp GX20? Besides bluetooth, what does the Z600 have that the GX20 doesn't? I personally like the look of the GX20 better :D

[Michael]

GX20 has a better screen and camera (and can shoot videos).

Otherwise, the Z600 is a better phone. Better user interface, Bluetooth, connectivity, included software, etc.

[jmjkidd5]

Originally posted by jmburt
according to global mobility, a new firmware for the z600 was released today
Z600 R2E004

let us know if that corrects the problem with the t-mobile wap


What exactly are the improvements with this Firmware update? does anyone know?

[alexpapas]

I have tried unsuccesfully to work with T-Mobile customer service to make Tzones work with the Z600.

It's not a browser issue because the phone succesfully accesses all sorts of wap sites including ESPN, yahoo, google etc. T Zones shows up as a blank page. No-one at TMobile wants to deal with the issue because the Z600 is not an officially offered TMobile phone.

[William Yeung]

I want to make it sure: My T68i is EXTREMELY BAD (e.g. unable to talk at all... while the reception meter is keep going 4 and 1... the sound goes only from other side to me but doesnt conduct mine to the other side ...) Is Z600 REALLY fixed all these issue? Really good enough reception? Please let me know...

[rgryn]

Z600 & T-Zones
I just finished an investigation to the cause of the inability of the Z600 to load T-Zones.
When we download the WAP settings from SE web site, the IP address remains blanc.
According to T-Mobile 2nd Tier tech support, in order to access T-Zones (to send e-mail etc), an IP address of 216.155.165.050 has to be inserted to the APN name of wap.voicestream.com.
Unfortunately entering this IP address generates an error, which disables the access to the GPRS network.
I called SE tech, to discuss this issue, but they replied that until the Z600 is formally introduced in the States, they can not Flash the handset nor troubleshoot.

I am curious if T-Mobile users in Germany or the UK have the same problem....

[alexpapas]

You can enter the IP address but you get a blank page on T-Zones only. Access to the rest of the wap web pages is still available.
You get there by hitting the "more" soft key after you get the web page. This takes you to the bookmark menu and you can enter any "wap." page you want.

This is a peculiar problem that T-Mobile is completely ignoring. There has to be an easy fix, but because T-Mobile does not offer the Z600, and therefore does not make any money on it, they are ignoring Z600 users.

Does anyone have access info for T-Mobile outside of the US?

[jalu]

Hiding behind "We don't support it" is a regular excuse for mobile companies. If it works, great - if it doesn't it's tough luck.

Unlucky mate, maybe they will support it eventually.

Jalu

[thisisjames]

Hi all.

I've just had my FIFTH (yep, you read that right, 5th) T610, this time the softkeys under the screen have died so I can't even confirm my PIN to turn it on.

I've been given the option of an alternative phone, and as I use the T610 with my Mac via Bluetooth the Z600 is the only comparible phone features wise.

Few Qs to anyone who's used one...

1. Is it really better at holding onto a signal? The T610 is appalling.
2. Is the vibrate action any stronger?
3. Are the ringtones louder?

Because this combination makes me uncontactable! If I'm lucky enough to have a signal registering I don't hear or feel the phone! I'd be most interested to hear about the vibrate, as it barely registers on my leg even if I'm stood still, and if I'm walking then there's no chance with the T610.

Any information/advice greatly appreciated!

James

[editguy]

I don't know about the T610, but the Z600 is gets much better reception than the t68i.

[Scott Henry]

I am considering purchasing a z600. I currently have Sprint which will not work with that phone and I've been feeling like it's time to make a change. It seems like most of you in this forum have T-Mobile, why is this?

If any of you have a recommendation or could point me to a good site or forum with reviews I would greatly appreciate it.

Thanks,
Scott

[Kermit42]

Are the Z600’s you guys are buying of the unlocked variety or are T-mobile or AT&T offering this phone somewhere? I live on the west coast and I am anxious to get my hands on one or two, but no one around here seems to have heard of it :rolleyes:

[cjmac]

My phone was unlocked and purchased from a local importer of telephony equipment here in New York City. I use my phone on T-mobile, but bought two from this guy and the other is being used on AT&T.

Both work flawlessly except for the previously discussed problem with T-zones.

[Kermit42]

So is there a time frame as to when I won't have to spend upwards of $500 to get one? that is, when will the carriers actually pick this baby up?

[cjmac]

From what I've heard, not until well into next year. Sorry!

[Kermit42]

Hmm, that's no good (though thanks for the info)... Are there any other phones out there with bluetooth that get good reception? I have heard all sorts of nasty things about the reception that the T610 has which is, among other things, why I was attracted to the Z600...

[adam hh]

I'm super interested in this phone, since currently I'm using the RIDICULOUS NGage (which I got for free .. so it's not THAT bad!!)

I have a couple questions, some of which seem to have been answered by this thread.

1: US release time? Couple months from now? Anybody have a link with solid info on this or is it all purely speculation?
2: Battery life? The NGage dies within hours of startup. Weak! I'm guessing that's cause of the screen needing to be constantly lit, so it shouldn't be so much of an issue with the Z600.
3: Cost? Is $500 the going "underground" rate for an imported handset?
4: Any comparison to the sexy Nokia 7650; the phone I have my other eye on?
5: TZones stuff -- if I can't access TZones, can I still purchase ringtones / etc. from the website off the PC and get 'em to the phone?

Any responses would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-adam

[joelrice]

Just wondering if the Z600 has the capabilities of showing someone's individual photo when the call you?

Thanks

[Verbal_Kint]

Yes you can, I'm not sure how much you'd use it in a clamshell though..

[thisisjames]

If you have the phone set so that it doesn't answer when you open the flip, then you can open it, see the picture, then press Answer.

Although whatever method of call answering you do, their picture will appear when you receive a text message from them, so when you open the phone to read it will be there!

So it's sort of useful!

James

[mozart11]

I'm just about to buy this phone from GSM Phone Source and use it on AT&T GSM here in NYC. Does anyone use this on AT&T? If so, does it work with AT&T well?

Thanks

[DAN55]

well, ive re-read the review and still am non the wiser about the organiser or shortcuts. is the organiser the same as the t68, or are there improvements? shortcuts, are there any? is it just the same old t68 version? or better? :)

ta

[kaz]

I've just bought a Z600 and am able to access T-Zones but I can not for the life of me set up email for my hotmail address doesn't t-zone surport hotmail?

Also with the new law in UK about using mobiles in car I bought a Blue tooth car kit that plugs into the cigarrette lighter but i can't get the voice dial to work - now I'm wondering whether the Z600 has this facility?

Kaz

ps Hi All I'm new here

[kirkup_xp]

Does anyone know if the Z600 is available on O2 UK? They're not listing it on their website, but other stockists do list it.

[aonic]

only t-zones in the US is having issues with the z600.

the organizer is pretty much the same as the one on the t68i. i can't really tell the difference, besides it looking better.

[kishin]

Hey everyone, I am considering on getting the SC Z600. Do any of you have it with ATTWS? Any suggestions on best place to get this phone online?

[fnord]

hi

i want to use the z600 with my new Toshiba e800 pda. I've got the 802.11b variant of the pda, so no bluetooth at the moment. Also, o2 currently charges far too much for gprs,so i will need to use the ir port for data over gsm (i prefer slower, cheaper access).

So, does the Z600 have the irda modem i need for data over gsm?

fnord

[fnord]

hi

i want to use the z600 with my new Toshiba e800 pda. I've got the 802.11b variant of the pda, so no bluetooth at the moment. Also, o2 currently charges far too much for gprs,so i will need to use the ir port for data over gsm (i prefer slower, cheaper access).

So, does the Z600 have the irda modem i need for data over gsm?

fnord

[MrGumby]

Can anybody tell me how the Z600 calendar and contacts functions compare with P900?

I have a P800, thinking of upgrading to P900, but I don't need all the P900's capabilities. The Z600 may do all I need for less money and with less bulk/weight.

Do Z600 contacts and calendar sync with Outlook in the same way as on P900?

Does Z600 offer similar functions (except of course touch) when it comes to accessing contacts and calendar? In other words, does it have a similar range of fields, view options, etc?

Any other thoughts on Z600 vs P900 welcome!

[MikeyMike]

Hi,
I am currently deciding between the SE Z600 and T630 to replace my (extremely) old T10s and I was wondering if, apart from the general design, there are any differences between the two phones?
Any help would be nice.:D

MikeyMike

[Box215]

Originally posted by kaz
I've just bought a Z600 and am able to access T-Zones but I can not for the life of me set up email for my hotmail address doesn't t-zone surport hotmail?

Also with the new law in UK about using mobiles in car I bought a Blue tooth car kit that plugs into the cigarrette lighter but i can't get the voice dial to work - now I'm wondering whether the Z600 has this facility?

Kaz

ps Hi All I'm new here

No, T-zones does not support hotmail, which really sucks

[kaz]

That is a shame. I only use hotmail !


Kaz

[Jumeira_Joe]

Originally posted by joelrice
Just wondering if the Z600 has the capabilities of showing someone's individual photo when the call you?

Thanks

The z600 can show the photo, provided you have it stored; either by taking it or someone sending it to you.

[Jumeira_Joe]

Originally posted by editguy
I don't know about the T610, but the Z600 is gets much better reception than the t68i.

I dont know about t68i, but the t28 and t39 had fantastic reception, even in the subway in boston. And the z600 is better then both of them, it really is great. Especialy considering the lack of external anntena. I have had mine a week and have never fallen below full reception, but that just might be here in Dubai.

[Maartje]

Hi!

I am thinking about buying the Z600 too. I can't find any detailed information about the organizer function however..For example can I synchronize the organizer on the Z600 with Outlook on my computer?
I have used Nokia phones so far, so I am not at all familiar with the organizer functions of Sony-Ericsson.

[Michael]

Yes, you can sync with Outlook.