Month: January 2010

Welcome to the Sony Ericsson C702 mobile phone review. The SE C702 when released in mid 2008 and was marketed as a mid-range ruggerised mobile phone. It is squarely a mid-range phone with a claimed increase in protection from the outdoor elements than the other models in the SE mobile phone line up.  So you can comfortably use it on the beach of in the snow without fear of contaminating the electronics.  You can even accidentally drop the phone in a fish tank and retrieve it quickly without damaging the phone.  However it won't cope with swimming - not recommended but you get the drift. It has all the functions you could want for texting and calls.  As a bonus it is also a 3G phone as you get emails and internet.  Personally it could be any number of Sony Ericsson models hidden under the new case eg. an updated K800i.  But that doesn't matter because it is a good mobile phone.  It even comes in a range of colours. The C702 also features A-GPS with basic software dependent on country for navigation.  It is not close to Nokia Maps in terms of options since it uses Google for map data hence requires a 3G data to make the most of the GPS.  It previously used Wayfinder maps but since being bought out by Vodaphone maps data is only available if you are signed up with them. It's quite a fast phone coverall if you discount the animated menus. Being a 'C' class Sony Ericsson the phone packs in a decent camera for still images and video.  Arguably the quality is as many other reviews say a 'mixed' result.  We didn't download any samples.  Note the camera's 'flash' can be used as flashlight! Likewise the internet capabilities of the C702.  The browser works great for the networks carrier's websites but otherwise it doesn't work properly on all but the basic HTML pages.  Sure you can install Opera browser but you shouldn't have to.  The web browser doesn't have to be super fantastic but a little more functionality would be appreciated since it is now 2009. Another standout is the music player software.  Of all the mobile phone manufacturers Sony Ericsson as usual includes a decent music player with EQ and album art. Since this is not a dedicated music phone as the 'W' series or Walkman phones but it's not bad certainly better than comparable Nokia or Smasung phones for example. There is lots of standard memory up to 160MBs dependent on configuration and can be expanded by the usual M2 memory stick.  We also thought the FM radio with RDS was actually quite good - as usual.  For better sound quality you must try the Walkman headphones not the cheaper ones included with the standard packaging. Overall a very good and decent mobile phone with construction details that Sony Ericsson was once renown for. It's one of our favorites out of the 2009 range. The C702 is nice to hold and the quality details on the case like the securing screw and the buttons are great touches.  Unlike many of this competitors this phone doesn't look like a tough phone - except in black.  It is very stealth like!  Another low key mid range phone in price but more functionality than others.  It is also one of the few ruggerised 3G capable mobile phones and unlike most actually looks good. Specifications

• Sony Ericsson C702
• Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 3G 2100
• Design Candy Bar
• L106 x W48 x D15 mm Weight 105 grams
• Display/s External TFT 240 x 320
• Camera 3MP Autofocus and 3x Digital zoom
• Video Camera 174 x 144 pixel video camera
• Connectivity Bluetooth V2 Micro-USB
• CPU
• Memory 150MB available to user MicroSD up to 4Gig
• Ring tones MIDI, MP3
• Features A-GPS Accelerometer Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email JAVA MIDP 2.0 FM radio with RDS Speaker Phone/Hands free Battery 950 mAh Up to 300 hours Standby Up to 8 hours Talk Time
• Price history From $399 AUS 2009 (Outright)

Welcome to the Sony Ericsson C510 mobile phone review.  The SE C510 when released in early 2009 was marketed as a mid-range mobile phone.  As a result it has most of the features you could want on a mobile phone in 2009.  Personally we think it is just a K800i that has been placed in a new case and updated menu graphics. The C510 is not a really cheap phone when compared to others from Nokia in the same category.  Sure its got 3G but its data capabilities are hampered by the very basic web browser. I guess the selling point is the relatively high quality construction or materials and that it carries the C prefix.  All Sony Ericsson phones that carry the C are 'Cybershot' phones, meaning that they have decent still images and video capabilities. The standout feature is a decent 3MP camera but it's LED based flash and that is does look like a its worth more than other obviously cheaper mobile phones however with a dated design theme.  The main camera is hidden behind a sliding metal-like protective cover open.  We also liked the animated menus and other operating system enhancements. Another standout is the music player software.  Of all the mobile phone manufacturers Sony Ericsson as usual includes a decent music player with EQ and album art. Since this is not a dedicated music phone as the 'W' series or Walkman phones but it's not bad certainly better than comparable Nokia or Smasung phones for example. There is lots of standard memory up to 100MBs dependent on configuration and can be expanded by the usual M2 memory stick.  We also thought the FM radio with RDS was actually quite good. The only thing that is below par is the relatively small keypad. It is not a large phone by any means but a tad bigger keys would help in the usability stakes for those with larger fingers.  Nonetheless a conservatively designed phone that would not be out of place anywhere. Overall a good and decent mobile phone with some construction detail.  It doesn't feel heavy or look too cheap and has all you need for calls, email, texting and music.  It's got a lovely screen too.  Being 3G capable it does work well on mini-mobile sites and email.  However there are many competitors in this category so do check them out especially Nokia. A low key but decent mid-range phone that does most things. Specifications

• Sony Ericsson C510
• Network Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 Tri-band 3G 850/1900/2100
• Design Candy Bar
• L107 x W47 x D12.5 mm Weight 95 grams
• Display/s External TFT 240 x 320
• Camera 3.2MP Autofocus and 3.2x Digital zoom
• Video Camera 174 x 144 pixel video camera
• Connectivity Bluetooth V2 Micro-USB
• CPU
• Memory 100MB available to user MicroSD up to 8Gig
• Ring tones MIDI, MP3
• Features Accelerometer Organiser/Calender SMS, MMS, IM, Email JAVA MIDP 2.0 FM radio with RDS Speaker Phone/Hands free Battery 930 mAh Up to 400 hours Standby Up to 10 hours Talk Time
• Price history From $349 AUS 2009 (Outright)