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Review GSM/UMTS smartphone Sony Ericsson M600. Part 2.

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Review Sony Ericsson M600, part 1>>>

Contacts. All entries in the phonebook are organized in a common way: initially a full list is displayed, and once you’ve selected a certain contact, you are offered a default number, set for this entry. The list doesn’t show entries, located on SIM/USIM-cards, nevertheless you’re still able to handle them via the phonebook’s menu – copy them to both the handset’s memory and memory card. Though since the external memory card can serve as storage for contacts archives, there is no need in saving contacts to SIM/USIM-cards, especially taking into account entries’ structure is damaged in that case.

The search in the general list may be conducted by the first or several letters (the line above is a full-scale search field). Sorting of entries in two different languages is carried out in a standard manner: contacts in English are followed by entries made in other language. It’s better to create all contacts in one certain language, otherwise you’ll have a rough time finding them.

Each particular contact can contain any amount of various numbers – the first entered number is set as a default one. Additional numbers above those, which are available in the standard view, can be added via the menu. The general list features displaying particular numbers by horizontal scrolling, right here you’ll acquire extra information, like e-mail address etc.

Despite the common manner of applying UIQ 3.0, the developers of Sony Ericsson created four tabs in the contact editing mode, contrary to three default ones. The first one holds functions relating to editing information on phone numbers, choosing a category, groups. The distinctive feature here is that one and the same entry can be assigned to several categories at once (may prove useful when dealing with mass messaging). The second tab contains date of birth, status in company, position, address (several fields), and work address. The third tab is just a text note, attached to a contact, while the fourth provides data on voice commands (applied to phone numbers) and personal ring tone (in case you’ve set a group ring tone, on a call it will be replaced by an individual tune, since the latter one has a higher priority). As you can seen, the only option differing from the standard set is the tab with a text note.

When viewing an entry you can create a new message for a selected number in one touch (in the pop-up window you should choose SMS or MMS message), and in case you pick a e-mail address, the built-in mail client automatically starts up. Owing to dispersion of the fast typing mode over three screen keys, the device feels much better in operation.

An IM-client is integrated into Contacts, from here you can examine your interlocutor’s status and execute an appropriate application (it’s not a standard realization of UIQ). Third-party developers will discover a large field of action here, since the interface is very flexible and what is more, full access to Contacts is obtained via the corresponding API. As compared to UIQ 2.1, potential possibilities of creative work here are extremely wide, and I suppose soon enough after the release we’ll see the first plug-ins.

A built-in contact manager is also available in the handset – it allows the user to send the selected entries (categories) to other devices using IrDA or Bluetooth, also the phone supports vCard 2.1 standard. Accordingly you can receive entries from other devices exactly in the same way. Regrettably, the developers haven’t fixed issues with sending contact to several handsets, Sony Ericsson K750 in particular – when trying to send all contacts in a crowd, numbers are frequently mixed up. Though there were no similar errors spotted in cases of synchronization with PC or PDA. What is more, transmitting a single contact doesn’t cause these problems, and all fields are matched correctly. Thus in order to send data to common handsets, one still ought to use MS Outlook as an intermediate link.

The full-scale realization of SyncML (новое имя OMA DataSync) allows synchronizing data with every device, supporting this standard (no matter whether it's PC, PDA or a handset).

The photos, applied to contacts in the phonebook can be displayed in various modes (tile, stretch), there is also a possibility of taking a picture by using the built-in camera while creating an entry. All shots are saved in the internal memory.

The quality of phonebook’s realization is good and will satisfy even the most demanding user. Integration with the built-in applications closes in the maximum, which makes the smartphone even of more use. Even when working single handedly in closed mode, you won't experience any difficulties with scrolling the list, choosing a number and dialing it.

Holding the numerical keys activates search in the phonebook, which can be conducted by several letters. As an addition, one can set up to 9 numbers for speed dialing, which will be followed by the corresponding names and photos (if they are set) on the display. The dialing is carried out in the following manner: first of all you choose a number (at this moment contact’s name, assigned to this button appears) and then press the call key. When at the stand-by screen (full-screen mode), switching between dialing a number (numerical keys) and fast dialing numbers is done in one touch by pressing the corresponding icon.

Messages. All incoming messages, saving for e-mail, are stored in one folder – Inbox. This also regards the files, received via IrDA and Bluetooth (the device support all formats, even those it can’t recognize). The data, located in Inbox can be later on saved in any other folders – the handset provides a full-scale access to the file system (except for the system folders). The users are also at liberty to create their own folders and sort messages in them. When entering Messaging menu, on default you’re show the general folder, by using horizontal scrolling one can switch between files, and pressing OK key selects a particular folder and allows viewing messages list.

The root of Messaging menu features listing all mail accounts separately under Inbox folder – e.g. if you have three of these, they will be displayed in order of appearance.

Inbox folder also offers type of each message (SMS, MMS, Beam) – you see a corresponding image next to each item.

One can call up creation of a new message practically from any menu, which features a phone number – you just choose the desired type (SMS/MMS) and start typing it. Though under the name of SMS one will surprisingly discover EMS messages as well. As a matter of fact, the user is isolated from deciding which message type in particular he creates – if you type only text, the device will consider the message as an SMS, and EMS is implemented in cases when you use not only smiles, but ring tones, images and format text (this doesn’t relate to Zoom function). This standard is fully supported in the handset as it should be.

The merged messages are listed as one, while when typing they are displayed in a standard manner e.g. 1/2). I would like to stress that the renovated T9 system, which analyzes the entered words and offers their probable ending, severely eases work (the system is organized analogously to the one in Motorola’s handsets). Another advantage is that the device saves entire messages (they are stored in the dynamic memory, though I didn’t manage to measure its size, these are NOT Draft messages). When you start inputing a word, which was featured in the previous messages, you will be offered either to choose it, or continue typing. Once you’ve entered the only word that differs from the saved message the rest of the optional text disappears. In fact it’s the best way to store temporary messages, which you don’t want to store in Draft folder. Among other peculiarities one could note on air register switch – first letter is always capital, though you can turn this option off. Also text smiles can be displayed as corresponding icons in the standard messages.

A particular message can be sent to a number of contacts at once, all you need to do in this case is to check the needed entries or certain numbers of a contact. Mass messaging can be carried out for groups as well. When answering a received message you can choose between SMS/MMS (though the list doesn’t include reply with a mail item).

Creating a MMS-message One of the pros is that several tabs are available here, via which you can choose a time-out between the pages and create templates of your own. Besides the standard files (graphics, video, images, music etc.) a message can contain a free-hand sketch made by using the touchscreen (Scribble). All other options are default here – choosing contacts at recipient window is similar to SMS-messages, though MMS also features reading report in addition to the standard status report.

For all types of messages, including e-mail, one can conduct a search by fragments of text – the final window displays search results with the possibility of fast switch to a certain message. We could find any limitations on a message’s size – these will be set by operators or manufacturer, depending on every given region.

The handset provides full-scale support for receiving MMS settings, mail client, GRPS and OTA. All acquired setups are saved in corresponding sections.

E-mail client. The phone can work with several e-mail boxes, at that UIQ operates with almost all introduced by this moment standards. The following are the standards, supported by the operating system:

POP3
IMAP (IMAP Idle, IMAP Remote folders)
SMTP
MIME
MHTML
Push mail

All setting of the mail client are easy to adjust – you state whether it should upload entire messages or only headings (as an option, it can download a certain part of messages, not exceeding a set size in Kb). There is also a possibility of setting how many messages can be stored in Inbox at a time – once this number is reached, uploading will be automatically paused. There also an option for checking mail boxes in certain time spans.

On default UIQ uses Latin 1 character set. Though the developers can add other character sets, thus Sony Ericsson will also feature local character sets for certain markets (1251 is also on that list).

All attachments are fully supported by the mail client – they can be uploaded and then saved. If an attachment uses a format, supported by the smartphone, it may be opened later one (and what is more the attachment receives a corresponding icon). There are no restrictions on size of files, however experience has shown that receiving of messaged of 2 Mb and more in size constantly interrupts (though it may refer to the local provider).

Oraganiser. The calendar provides not only the common monthly and daily view, but also weekly mode. In this appearance a week is presented as two columns with corresponding days filled in them, where each square features scheduled events. This mode is rather handy and allows user to quickly estimate week load. When amount of events for a particular day exceeds five, not all of them are listed.

In the monthly view all dates which events are scheduled for, are marked wit corresponding icons on the right from the number. There are four types of events overall – appointments, reminders, anniversaries, all-day events. All events may be repeatable, for each of them you can set a certain alarm tone.

The organizer supports vCalendar, version 1.0, at that the developers incorporated support for working in groups via iCalendar. In practice this means possibility of sending a request for a meeting, using the mail client. Your vis-a-vis may reply with a refusal, in case date and time don’t suit him, or accept the appointment. In the latter case the message, saved in Inbox folder is automatically redirected to the Oraganiser and shown in the calendar as a separate event. You’re also at liberty to check the request status while the addressee is considering the message.

Though the function seems to be exotic right now, soon enough say in half a year, it may become essential for small third-party developers and the leading manufacturers.

Among the standard functions, sending calendar’s event to other devices via IrDA or Bluetooth is available here. Naturally, the handset supports receiving of such messages, which, after being looked through, are saved in the calendar. The full-scale realization of SyncML (a new title of OMA DataSync) allows synchronizing data with any compatible external device (PC, PDA or a handset).

To-Do list. All entries in the Organizer and To-Do list are inter-transferable within the bounds of these two sections. Analogously to the Organizer, the user can create a backup copy of the To-Do list on the external memory card. You can create any number of categories, which all entries will be sorted under. The priority may vary from 1 to 3 (low, normal, high), also one can set start and due dates, ring tone (choosing the tone is up to the user, since he can apply any signal)

One can sort the general list by categories, completion status (completed tasks list may be hidden), due date and priority. The To-Do list supports SyncML amd synchronizes with MS Outlook without any issues. The user can also send particular entries to any device using IrDA or Bluetooth, as well as standard message’s body.

Alarm Clocks. This function works exactly in the same way as in the previous models – there is a possibility of setting up several alarm clocks for various time, at that you can adjust repetition on particular days and apply any desired ring tone.

Flight Mode. Just like other smartphones, you can disable network block, in this mode Bluetooth will not work.

Connectivity

Connection via a cable. The device has Fast Port integrated, which is similar to all the latest models by the company. The handset features emulation of RS232 connection too (it may be required for some specific task). Owing to upgrade of the interface, the device now offers full-scale support for USB 1.0 (full data transmission equals 12 Mbit/s). In comparison with the nowadays standards it’s mot much, though when it comes to comparing it with the previous devices, it turns out to be a big forward step. Copying of information to a memory card is the fastest way to move data of 512 Mb and more in size. On the other hand, when the smartphone is on the cradle, time, required for copying data is not of great importance (you can still accept calls and work with any applications). Though a standard cable from Sony Ericsson K750/W800 affords more convenience, as it allows accepting calls in a common manner – by hold the phone at your ear, though, the truth is, its doesn’t have such spectacular apperance.

IrDA. The device features full-scale realization of data transmission via IrDA to other devices and receiving it from them. It can play the role of a connecting-link when the smartphone is operating as a GPRS-modem. Data transmission speeds from 9.6 kbps to 115.2 kbps are fully supported in the handset, as well as the following protocols: IrOBEX 1.2, IRCOMM 1.0, IrTRANP 1.0.

Bluetooth. The handset has protocol 1.2 installed, but besides a set of default profiles (File Transfer Protocol, Object Push, Headset, Handsfree, Dial Up), such standards as PC Sync over Serial Port (emulation of a low-speed interface for data synchronization), A2DP (transmission of stereo sound to other devices, a Bluetooth stereo-headset in particular), Service Discovery Profile (locates various services on other devices and checks them for compatibility) are also supported. On the whole there are about 10 profiles that the device can work with. There is no point in reviewing them all, as they origin from the standard ones – Serial Port Profile, General Object Exchange Profile, Generic Access Profile.

Connections manager. One of UIQ 3.0 peculiarities is that the device can run several connections, requiring different network services at once (e.g. uploading of mail via an Internet account and a connection for sending and receiving MMS-messages). This capability got named “multi-homing”. The following standards can play the role of connection transports: GSM data call (CSD), GSM High Speed data call (HSCSD), Packet data (GPRS), Bluetooth, WLAN (a feature of P990, M600 doesn’t have WiFi support).

From the menu (the line with an arrow in the status bar at the bottom) you can check connection time, amount incoming and outgoing data, current connection status, number of applications, using a particular connection at the given moment. One can also cut off or link up any connection from this menu.

The capability for several applications to work with one and the same connection at once cannot be overestimated, since it creates a real multitasking environment, where one can simultaneously watch streaming video, check mail boxes and send messages. It’s important to realize though, that the only limiting factor is bandwidth – in case the user tries to execute several applications requiring high data transmission speed, this will result in system failure or very slow operation of the device. Certainly there are some pre-set priorities for various applications, integrated into the device, though we couldn’t figure out them at the moment.

Office applications. This section holds all office applications; on default there are four of them (except for the organizer, which is a standard program). The first item on the menu features Notes, which can be either textual (type with any desirable method, support for txt extension is also supported) or scribbled.

The second application is going by the name of PDF+, and as its title implies, it servers as a PDF files reader. One can view these documents both in standard and landscape modes. Actually, this applications has been available for various versions of OS, including platform 60, for several year already. Nokia installed this program on a number of its devices (only a trial version), on the contrary, Sony Ericsson P990i kit features a major version of the application. On the whole PDF+ works pretty fast, and successfully deals with files both in English and documents, written in various character sets (though as applied to pdf, the word of “character set” sounds foolish). Separately, this applications costs around 25 USD.

QuickOffice – one more third-party application, which was selected by UIQ as a standard for the third edition and comes along with the kit (there is a version for the previous editions if UIQ available, its price is 50 USD). The program itself is an editor, which recognizes and capable of opening and editing files of MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint.

We won’t dwell on working with QuickOffice, though will make a short note, that the resources of any mobile device are strictly limited. Complicated types of formatting, used by desktop computers, are frequently not saved in files, edited on smartphones (this regards not only QuickOffice, but all other devices, powered by Windows Mobile as well).

Tasks. One can save a task, set its priority level, due time and alarm tone. On the whole, it’s a default function with no integrated features.

Some other functions, themes, web-browser

Calculator – a common application, that slightly differs from it’s variation in the standard UIQ 3.0.

Voice – A sound recorder, which allows making voice notes (only when in stand-by mode), you are also at liberty to choose the format, which all recordings will be made in. This application offers a very handy and simple interface.

Picture gallery – the application displays small icons of pictures with possibility of fast switching to full-screen mode. No visible changes occurred in this program, though now one can send a MMS-message containing the currently viewed image.

Picture editor – a simple editor, which allows carrying out basic operations with images.

MusicDJ – a default application for Sony Ericsson is finally incorporated into smartphones – the program lets you mix a number of tracks.

Unit converter – converts various units.

Stopwatch – supports intermediate results tracking and listing.

Countdown – time is set in hours and minutes, on reaching the stated time, the devices triggers a sound alarm.

Themes are one of the major parts of the new UIQ – in fact they change not only appearance of windows and colors, but also shapechanges particular menus and icons, thus this allows making up completely fresh appearances of the interface. You can adjust not only appearance, but also sounds of screen taps and various events.

The handset is equipped with Opera 8 as a default web-browser. At present this is the best browser available for this kind of devices, since there are no real alternatives. It can work both in standard and landscape modes, supports cookies, and scales pages in accordance with the display size. I personally won’t describe all features of this application here, as we will devote a special article to this program.

Storage Wizard is a default application for UIQ 3.0, offering memory distribution in the device.

File manager allows viewing structure of folders. It supports selection of several files or folders at a time, as well as deletion and copying them; also you can send a number of files to other devices via Bluetooth and IrDA. The manager’s capabilities are rather standard and don’t stand out.

RSS Feeds. It’s a RSS reader, which successfully fulfils its main function. You may add any channels on your own, and also update all feeds in one touch. Everything is plain and clear here – those, who haven’t used this technology before, will become fond of it with the help of this handset.

Conclusion

The volume of 40-tone polyphonic ring tones is loud enough for most situations, it does not have any obvious problems, you can hear the phone in various conditions. The vibrating alert power is average, but due to the case’s thickness, it is felt rather nice.

One of the moments that caused big debates concerning this phone, was the lack of not only frontal camera, but the main one as well. I’d like to assure you that the lack of camera does not affect possibility of receiving video calls, you can choose a picture or a video clip, that will be shown to the person you’re video-speaking to instead of your own face.

The M600’s advantage is presence of UIQ 3.0, the interface is well-designed, it offers wide possibilities of interaction. Small size of the device allows carrying it like a simple handset, which is definitely a great plus. Lack of camera is not so important, some potential buyers don’t even need it. You will have to get used to the keyboard for some time, after this its usage will become comfortable.

The model will be released on the market in July, its price will be around 550-650 euro depending on the country. The device will be positioned lower than Sony Ericsson P990i, minimal price gap will be around 100 euros in M600’s favor. This device is interesting for those who feel no need in WiFi, but is desperate to use QWERTY-keyboard, has appeal to small size of the device. This product is niche, it is not positioned as mass solution. Its competitor is Nokia’s E61, which has WiFi support, but lacks touch-screen, the phone is slim as well, but its weight is bigger (because of the metal used in construction). Release of this two phones on the market will happen at approximately same time, their price is predicted to be the same as well. The fight will be based on people who need WiFi or don’t, who are appealed to touch-screen, and those who feel no need in that. A pretty interesting pair of competitors, with very similar specifications on the whole, and pretty distant from the usual line-up of their manufacturers. Both products overcome the competitors on the today’s market, but this is reasonable, since they belong to next generation of such devices.

Review Sony Ericsson M600, part 1>>>

Eldar Murtazin ([email protected])
Translated by Alexandr "Lexx" Zavoloka ([email protected])

Published — 31 March 2006

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