Sony Ericsson P900 InDepth Review Specs & Pricing

Introduction to Sony Ericsson P900

The Sony Ericsson P900 is a notable mobile device that marked a significant era in the evolution of smartphones. Released in the last quarter of 2003, the P900 continued the legacy of its predecessor, the P800, but with several upgrades in both hardware and software. It was part of a series that catered to business professionals and tech enthusiasts who desired more from their mobile devices than just basic telecommunication functions.

Design and Build

The P900's design is striking for its time, featuring dimensions of 115 x 57 x 24 mm and weighing 150 grams. This weight and dimension provided a solid feel to the device, typical of smartphones at the time that were designed to offer a combination of PDA functionality with mobile communication. Its Urban Grey color gave it a sleek, professional look.

The device features a Mini-SIM slot and housed a 2.9-inch TFT resistive touchscreen with 65K colors, providing a resolution of 208 x 320 pixels. This screen was notable for its relatively high pixel density of approximately 132 ppi, which was quite advanced for its time. The screen-to-body ratio of around 37.8% might seem low by today’s standards, but it was acceptable in the early 2000s.

Display and User Interface

The 2.9-inch display was built using TFT technology, which was standard at that time for producing bright and clear images. A resistive touchscreen required users to apply pressure, which can be less responsive than the capacitive touchscreens prevalent today but was quite normal back then.

Running on Symbian 7.0 with the UIQ v2.1 interface, the P900 provided a versatile and user-friendly environment. UIQ was among the first interfaces to support touch interaction, allowing for more interaction than simple keypad navigation. This version of the Symbian OS was known for its stability, a critical feature for a device aimed at business users.

Performance

Under the hood, the Sony Ericsson P900 was powered by a 32-bit Philips Nexperia PNX4000 processor clocked at 156 MHz. While this may seem underpowered compared to modern devices, at the time, it provided adequate processing power for the tasks it was required to perform, such as managing emails, web browsing, and running productivity applications.

The device came equipped with 16MB of internal storage, which could be expanded using the Memory Stick Duo up to 128MB. Sony Ericsson included a 32MB memory stick with the device, which users could utilize for additional storage of applications, documents, and multimedia content.

Camera Capabilities

The Sony Ericsson P900 featured a VGA camera, which allowed users to capture images and videos, a relatively rare feature in phones from that era. The camera's capability to record video was a significant selling point, even though the image quality is low by today's standards with its 0.3MP resolution.

Connectivity and Communication

The P900 supported GSM networks (900/1800/1900 MHz), which ensured broad connectivity internationally, making it an excellent choice for business travelers. The device also included GPRS Class 8 support, allowing for basic internet access capabilities. Although it did not have EDGE or more advanced connectivity options, the inclusion of Bluetooth and an infrared port ensured file and data transfer capabilities were available to users.

The absence of WLAN and a 3.5mm jack was noticeable, but these features were not deal-breakers at the time, as the primary focus for a smartphone user was on productivity and basic multimedia functions rather than full internet browsing or high-fidelity audio experiences.

Software Features and Applications

Running on the Symbian OS meant the P900 was compatible with a range of applications that extended its functionality significantly beyond basic telephony. Users had access to office suites for document editing, email clients for business communication, and even basic web browsers for internet access.

The device's browser supported WAP 2.0/xHTML and iMode HTML, allowing users to access mobile-optimized web pages. This was particularly useful for business users who needed on-the-go internet capabilities to keep up with emails, news, and essential updates.

Battery and Power Management

Powering the Sony Ericsson P900 was a removable Li-Po 1000 mAh battery, which was decent for its era. The battery life was respectable, offering up to 480 hours of standby time and up to 16 hours of talk time. This extended battery life was particularly beneficial for professionals who needed a reliable device that wouldn't run out of power during extensive daily use.

Sound and Multimedia

The P900 included downloadable polyphonic ringtones and a composer, allowing users to customize their phone sounds to suit personal preferences. While it lacked a loudspeaker and a universal 3.5mm audio jack, these were trade-offs that users were willing to accept for its other advantages.

Although multimedia playback was limited, the device was capable of handling basic formats which met the needs of most users at that time. The emphasis was clearly on productivity and connectivity rather than entertainment.

Concluding Thoughts on the Sony Ericsson P900

The Sony Ericsson P900 was a pioneer in the smartphone industry, offering an advanced set of features for its time. It combined utility with design, making it a desirable choice for business professionals and advanced consumers. With its reliable Symbian OS, a solid array of connectivity options, and productivity tools, it served as a critical bridge towards the fully integrated, multifunctional smartphones we are accustomed to today.

In retrospect, the P900's blend of design, technology, and functionality positioned it as a benchmark device that set the stage for future innovations in mobile communications. It remains a beloved piece of technology history for many enthusiasts and collectors.