Unveiling the Sony Ericsson W580 Specs Pricing Pros & Cons

Introduction to Sony Ericsson W580

The Sony Ericsson W580, launched in March 2007 and released in July of the same year, marks a distinctive era in mobile technology, showcasing both the innovation and limitations of the mid-2000s. The phone was a part of Sony Ericsson's Walkman series, emphasizing music and entertainment features. Despite being discontinued, the W580 still holds a special place in the memories of users who experienced its unique blend of functionality and style.

Design and Build

The Sony Ericsson W580 carries a sleek and compact design, weighing just 94 grams. Its dimensions of 99 x 47 x 14 mm make it a perfect fit for the hand, embodying portability while maintaining user-friendliness. The phone is available in a variety of colors, including Style White, Urban Grey, Boulevard Black, Metro Pink, Jungle Green, and Velvet Red, appealing to a wide audience with diverse tastes.

Display

Equipped with a 2.0-inch TFT display, the Sony Ericsson W580 offers 256K colors, enriching the visual experience with vibrant colors and clarity. Although the screen-to-body ratio is approximately 26.6%, the resolution of 240 x 320 pixels provides adequate display quality for the time, offering a density of around 200 ppi.

Camera

The device features a 2 MP main camera, which was quite standard for mobile phones during that period. It is capable of capturing images suitable for sharing and casual photography. Additionally, the camera supports video recording in QCIF format, adhering to the typical functionalities of feature phones at that time.

Performance and Software

Despite lacking detailed specifications for processor and RAM, the W580 operates on a robust feature phone operating system. It is designed for efficiency in handling basic tasks like calling, messaging, and browsing with the WAP 2.0/HTML browser. Java support (MIDP 2.0) allows users to download and enjoy various applications and games.

Memory and Storage

Internally, the W580 offers 12 MB of storage, with the option of expanding up to 4 GB via a Memory Stick Micro (M2) card. The phone includes 512 MB of external memory as standard, providing ample space for media and applications. The phonebook can accommodate 1000 contacts, incorporating photo call capabilities, and records 30 received, dialed, and missed calls.

Network and Connectivity

The Sony Ericsson W580 operates on GSM networks, compatible with bands 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900, ensuring broad coverage for users worldwide. The inclusion of Class 10 GPRS and EDGE supports basic internet connectivity. Additionally, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP allows wireless audio streaming, although the device does not support WLAN connectivity.

Sound and Entertainment

True to its Walkman branding, the W580 excels in music playback, supporting MP3 and AAC formats. Despite lacking a 3.5mm audio jack, the device offers a stereo FM radio with RDS, enhancing its entertainment value. The loudspeaker ensures clear audio output, while downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones provide customization options.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Po 930 mAh battery, the W580 provides up to 370 hours of standby time and up to 9 hours of talk time. This battery performance ensures reliability for daily use, adequate for users on the go at the time of its release.

Miscellaneous Features

The W580 integrates a range of features such as vibration alerts, downloadable games, and RSS feed support, appealing to tech enthusiasts of its era. While it does not have advanced sensors or positioning systems indicative of modern smartphones, its offering was aligned with its contemporaneous market positioning.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson W580 remains a memorable device for many, blending style, music-centric features, and reliable performance. As a representative of mid-2000s mobile technology, it provides insightful contrasts to today's smartphones, highlighting both technological progressions and nostalgic elements of past mobile innovations.