Sony Ericsson W380 reviews.
Brand: Sony Ericsson
Phone Model Number: w380.
Released as w380a in the US; w380c in China and w380i in other countries.
Release date: 2nd Quarter of 2008
Model Type, Phone Style: Clamshell phone, also known as Flip phone or Flap Phone.
Series: Sony Walkman series.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
w380a-w380c-w380i news views & overviews
Sony Ericsson announced their latest offering late last year and the W380 was made available in the 2nd quarter of 2008. The mobile phone is part of the Sony Ericsson Walkman series which is reputed for its great music quality and it has a stereo headset compatible with 3-mm jacks to connect to audio speakers.
It is also coupled with a new "Gesture Control" technology, Bluetooth connectivity, GPRS, etc.
It is also coupled with a new "Gesture Control" technology, Bluetooth connectivity, GPRS, etc.
Does the w380 Walkman satisfy the requirements?
My previous model was a Nokia 2600 bought about a couple of years ago. It didn't have GRPS, MMS, Bluetooth, MP3 or Radio. This time, I wanted a gadget that had the latest features and simultaneously would be easy on the wallet. On top of it, I was fascinated by flap phones and was tempted to have one.
Flip Phones: Cost Considerations and Buying Decisions
Once, I decided on buying a flip phone, my options were really restricted. On going through different sites and reviews about clamshell models, I was even more confused about what really to buy. A few days of researching convinced me that Sony's Walkman series were really worth looking into. The Walkman series are typically signified with great music quality, which also means great audio quality when on calls. Also a good battery backup for long talktime as well as long music time.
I settled for buying the Sony Ericsson w300i as it looked really cool, and was pretty economical. I didn't really bother about the camera specifications which said that it was a 0.3 Mp VGA camera as my first priority was a mobile with MP3 and FM Radio. Moreover, I already had a 7 Mp Digital Camera.
I visited three stores and was replied with the same response: "It is out of stock and the company has discontinued the model."
Hmmm... Time for Plan B! I asked them what they recommended as a flip model in the Sony Walkman series. Two stores suggested that I have a look at Sony Walkman w380i. The third didn't have a Walkman flip phone.
I settled for buying the Sony Ericsson w300i as it looked really cool, and was pretty economical. I didn't really bother about the camera specifications which said that it was a 0.3 Mp VGA camera as my first priority was a mobile with MP3 and FM Radio. Moreover, I already had a 7 Mp Digital Camera.
I visited three stores and was replied with the same response: "It is out of stock and the company has discontinued the model."
Hmmm... Time for Plan B! I asked them what they recommended as a flip model in the Sony Walkman series. Two stores suggested that I have a look at Sony Walkman w380i. The third didn't have a Walkman flip phone.
Sony Walkman w380: First Impressions . . .
Prima facie, I have to confess, I really didn't like the look of the 380i. The color and the design seemed "much toned down", and unlike other Clamshell / Flap mobiles, it didn't have a secondary display on the outside. However, that's the only downside to the W380 as its many features come to light.
It actually has a hidden secondary display: A text display and play-pause buttons that become visible on the flap only when you need them. The W380's beauty "grows" upon you the more you look at it. So, do I recommend it? Read on...
It actually has a hidden secondary display: A text display and play-pause buttons that become visible on the flap only when you need them. The W380's beauty "grows" upon you the more you look at it. So, do I recommend it? Read on...
Sony Ericsson w380a features: Walkman phone
Walkman:
What I really liked about the Walkman mobile was that you could change the song, view song name, adjust the volume without even requiring to open the flap. If you are listening to music and a call comes through; the W380 pauses the song and then the ringtone starts up. As soon as you are done with the call, the music continues from where it left off.
What I really liked about the Walkman mobile was that you could change the song, view song name, adjust the volume without even requiring to open the flap. If you are listening to music and a call comes through; the W380 pauses the song and then the ringtone starts up. As soon as you are done with the call, the music continues from where it left off.
Sony Ericsson w380c features: Megabass audio
You need to hear the rich musical chords coming out of the earphone to believe it! The Walkman has an equalizer with different settings like Normal, Treble, etc. It was preset to Normal and I changed it to Megabass. The experience is simply awesome.
Sony Ericsson w380i features Keylock switch
There is a miniature switch at the base where the flaps join. Move the switch to the end and the external play-pause buttons are locked. Move the switch again and they get unlocked.
Sony Walkman w380a features Camera 1.3 Megapixel
The camera is pretty decent with 1.3 Mp. Its good for taking instant photos on the spur of the moment when you have left your digital camera locked in the bedside drawer. Its amazing that Sony Ericsson have included Night Shot function in a mobile phone. The photos looks really good with the Night Shot enabled. My advice for taking pictures on the w380i? Preferably capture all photos in bright sunlight. If you are taking pictures in the shade or inside your home, turn on the Night Shot. Also if you are taking captures indoors or at night, make sure that you are posing under the lights.
Hmmm, I don't see a video recording option in it. Sad, but its ok for a person like me who already has a dedicated cam for this.
Hmmm, I don't see a video recording option in it. Sad, but its ok for a person like me who already has a dedicated cam for this.
Sony Ericsson w380i features: Memory Stick 512MB
On the subject of cameras, I got 512MB memory stick pre-included with the mobile. This is pretty useful to save hundreds of photos or music albums. The mobile comes with 14MB of memory that will soon fill up. Which it did for me. Then I found an option to capture all photos directly to the Memory Stick. I moved all my pictures and songs on my Phone directly to the Memory Stick and have been happy since.
Sony Ericsson w380c Games reviews
Now, I come to my most favorite part. Games! I am a gaming freak and like playing mobile games when I don't have a PC handy. Thinking of going over to some boring relative's house and wondering how you would survive those few hours? Look no further than your pocket. The W380 has three games pre-included in it. Extreme Air SnowBoarding (the name is self-explanatory) , QuadraPop (its a sort of Tetris game) and finally the best: Sims 2 for mobile (I had never played this on PC and I started this game with a bit of skepticism as I was never into Strategy games. But within 5 minutes, I was hooked and I simply couldn't decide when to stop playing it as the game is continuous like real life. After an hour, when I became conscious that I have a family also, I decided that I would stay away from the Games section to preserve my sanity.) As expected the sound clarity during games is also very good. Now, I am wondering whether I should download and play God Of War: Betrayal on this.
Sony Ericsson w380 review summary
Though I have related my experience with the w380i, I believe this also applies for the w380a and w380c. Bottomline, Sony Ericsson's W380 is a great gadget in the mid-range segment and has got funky new technology to boot.
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