Unveiling the Sony Ericsson M608 Features Pricing Pros & Cons

Overview of Sony Ericsson M608

The Sony Ericsson M608 was a part of Sony Ericsson's intriguing lineup of mobile devices from the mid-2000s. It was released in May 2006 and was known for its unique blend of business-oriented features and multimedia capabilities. This device was distinguished by its compact design, with dimensions of 107 x 57 x 15 mm and weighing 112 grams, making it relatively lightweight and portable for its time. The keyboard was a full QWERTY type, which was quite popular for business-oriented phones back then. It used a mini-SIM card and offered a 2.6-inch TFT resistive touchscreen display supporting 256K colors.

Network and Connectivity

The M608 operated on GSM networks, compatible with GSM 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, which made it functional in various parts of the world. In terms of data, it supported GPRS Class 10, offering moderate internet speeds for web browsing and email, but it did not support EDGE or other higher-speed data technologies. Connectivity options included Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, which allowed wireless audio streaming. However, it lacked WLAN and positioning capabilities such as GPS, and the absence of a standard 3.5mm audio jack limited audio output options significantly. It did include an infrared port for short-range communication and proprietary USB for charging and data transfer.

Display Features

The display of the M608 was a 2.6-inch touchscreen with a resolution of 240 x 320 pixels, maintaining a 4:3 aspect ratio. The pixel density stood at about 154 pixels per inch. Although not remarkable by today's standards, this resolution provided sharp enough images and text for basic navigation and operation during its time. The display was resistive, meaning it required pressure or a stylus rather than the capacitive screens common today. This kind of screen was suited well for the stylus-based input that accompanied its UIQ 3.0, a user interface designed for use with Symbian OS 9.1.

Performance Specifications

Powering the M608 was a 32-bit Philips Nexperia PNX4008 processor running at 208 MHz. It wasn’t the most powerful processor at launch, but it sufficed for the business functions and applications available on the Symbian operating system. The device came with 80MB of internal storage, which was expandable via a Memory Stick Micro (M2) slot, supporting up to 4 GB — significantly increasing the capacity for applications and data storage. Despite these specifications, the M608 did not house a dedicated RAM component typical in many modern devices, meaning multitasking was limited compared to contemporary standards.

Software and User Interface

The Symbian OS 9.1 platform on the M608 was significant during its time for supporting multitasking and offering a robust environment for third-party applications. It featured the UIQ 3.0 user interface, which aimed to cater to business and professional use with numerous productivity features and a customizable interface. The emphasis on user customization helped users tailor the device to their preferences, ensuring more efficient task management. The device also featured the Opera 8 browser, which supported HTML, enabling moderate internet browsing capabilities on the go.

Audio and Multimedia

In terms of sound, the M608 did not possess a loudspeaker, which was a drawback when compared to other devices offering robust multimedia experiences. Alert types included vibration and downloadable polyphonic, MP3, and AAC ringtones. Despite these limitations, the Bluetooth capability with A2DP allowed users to pair the device with wireless audio devices for hands-free calling or private listening experiences. Unfortunately, the absence of a radio meant that users could not enjoy FM broadcasts directly through the device.

Battery Life

The Sony Ericsson M608 was equipped with a removable Li-Ion battery. The battery's longevity was relatively impressive for its category, with a standby time of up to 340 hours and a talk time of up to 7 hours, making it reliable for business users who needed a phone that could last through a busy day of calls and communication.

Physical Design and Aesthetics

The M608 was available in two colors — Granite Black and Crystal White, offering users a choice between a classic or more modern-looking handset. The build and design were tailored to be sleek yet sturdy, appealing to professionals who preferred a device that could withstand daily use without being overly bulky.

Market Position and Legacy

Upon its release, the M608 was priced at around 120 EUR, placing it within reach for business users looking for a capable, yet affordable, stylish device. While it did not revolutionize the mobile industry, it certainly contributed to the era of convergence, as phones began to incorporate personal digital assistant (PDA) functionalities alongside standard communication features.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson M608 was a unique device that showcased the transitional phase of mobile technology in the mid-2000s, incorporating useful features for its time while balancing the constraints of available technology. Though discontinued, its focus on productivity and user customization left a mark on the market and paved the way for future advancements in mobile communication and personal digital assistance.