Unveiling the Sony Ericsson W600 Features Pricing and Performance Breakdown

Overview of Sony Ericsson W600

The Sony Ericsson W600 was announced in June 2005 and is part of the Walkman series of phones. It was designed to cater to music enthusiasts while combining essential mobile functionalities. The W600 was known for its vibrant orange design and offered a compact and versatile solution for users looking to consolidate their mobile and music needs in one device.

Design and Build

The W600 featured a distinctive swivel design with dimensions measuring 93 x 46.5 x 22.5 mm and weighed about 120 grams, making it relatively light and easy to handle. The phone's Mini-SIM slot was standard at that time. The standout feature was its iconic vibrant orange color, which was appealing to its youthful target audience.

Display

The device had a 1.8-inch TFT display supporting 256K colors, with a resolution of 176 x 220 pixels. This resulted in a pixel density of approximately 157 ppi, sufficient for viewing images and reading messages clearly, although by modern standards, it would be considered quite modest.

Camera

Equipped with a single 1.3 MP camera, the W600 provided basic photography capabilities. It also featured LED flash, allowing for better photography in low-light conditions. The camera could also capture video, which was an attractive feature for a phone in this category at the time.

Sound and Music Capabilities

The Walkman branding meant that the W600 was specifically designed with music in mind. It included stereo speakers, allowing users to listen to music out loud. While it did not have a 3.5mm headphone jack, it supported downloadable polyphonic and MP3 ringtones. High-quality sound output and an intuitive music player application were key features that helped solidify the W600's reputation as a music-centric device.

Memory and Storage

The phone offered 256MB of internal storage, which, at the time, was adequate for storing music tracks and photos. However, it did not support external memory cards, so users had to manage their space carefully. The phonebook could save up to 1000 contacts, supporting additional fields and photo calls. There was manual call logging for 30 dialed, received, and missed calls.

Connectivity

The W600 included multiple connectivity options despite being a feature phone. It supported Bluetooth 2.0 for short-range wireless communication, Infrared for data transfer between compatible devices, and USB connectivity through a proprietary port. Although there was no WLAN or GPS, the device did have a stereo FM radio with RDS, providing a varied range of audio entertainment options.

Network and Communication

Supporting GSM networks across 850, 900, 1800, and 1900 bands, the W600 was capable of global roaming, making it a suitable choice for travelers. GPRS and EDGE Class 10 provided data capabilities for basic web browsing and downloads. SMS, EMS, MMS, Email, and Instant Messaging were the primary messaging options available, catering to a broad range of communication needs.

Battery Life

Fitted with a removable Li-Ion battery, the W600 could provide up to 200 hours of standby time and up to 6 hours of talk time, which was competitive for its class. The removable battery allowed users to replace it easily, extending the device's lifespan and making it adaptable for extensive use.

Software and User Interface

Running on a proprietary OS, the device included a user-friendly interface typical of Sony Ericsson phones of the era. WAP 2.0/xHTML and NetFront browsers facilitated mobile internet browsing, albeit limited. Java support meant users could access and download a variety of games and applications, enhancing the phone's usability beyond communication and music playback.

Conclusion

The Sony Ericsson W600 was a multi-functional device that successfully combined mobile communication with entertainment, mainly focusing on music. Despite its limitations, such as lack of external memory support and basic camera specifications, its strengths lay in sound quality, design, and usability. It stood out in the market for consumers who prioritized music features alongside conventional phone functions.