exceed more than 41 KB/s when sending files and 46 KB/s when receiving files, but at least
it works and looks to be average. In terms of messaging, the clamshell is compatible with
SMS, MMS, EMS, RSS feeds, Push email, POP3 and IMAP protocols, and can be used to
send Instant Messages.The triband (GSM 900 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900) network
compatible handset has a good GSM signal reception. The sound is very clear and pretty
loud, so don't be afraid to talk in crowded areas. The vibration alert has also very good
intensity.Processor and MemorySony Ericsson W380i features an ARM9 family processor
running at speeds up to 125 Mhz. This is one of the lowest CPU that has been lately
embedded into a Sony Ericsson handset, but the Japanese-Swedish company is renowned
for not using powerful CPU's. Not much to talk about it, as the processor does its job,
especially that we are handling an entry-level phone. Even if it is a little bit slow, you still get
a nice experience when playing some Java compatible games.The 14MB internal memory
is not nearly enough, especially when we are talking about a phone targeting music lovers.
Fortunately, the clamshell comes with an additional 512 MB M2 card that can be used to
store enough music for a time. The M2 slot card can be found on the left side of the device,
but only after you take out the back cover. The memory is hot-swappable, but if you are
planning to pull out the memory card very often, take care of the flimsy back cover. If you
think higher, you can take a 2 GB M2 memory card for more storage space. Multimedia
Sony Ericsson W380i clamshell features only Walkman 2.0 version, but other than that, it is
a pure Walkman phone. The Equalizer has the Mega-Bass setting, as well as some others:
Bass, Treble boost, Voice and Normal. There is no option for adding new settings if you do
not like any of the above-mentioned. The included HPM-64 wired stereo headset offers
above-average quality music experience. You can even change the headset with any
3.5mm compatible headphone, as the sales package also includes an adapter. The
speakerphone on the front cover of the clamshell sounds good also, but a little bit low. If you
are fed up of listening the music from your memory card, you can use the Radio FM that
features RDS. It can store up to 20 base stations and has the Autoscan feature. The sound
is a little bit louder than that of the music player, but I had minor problems with the
reception. There are also a Video player and the usual TrackID music recognition
application. Overall, Sony Ericsson's W380i offers an exceptional multimedia experience for
a phone in its category. BatterySony Ericsson W380i uses a Li-Ion 920 mAh standard
battery that has a standby time of 300 hours and up to 7 hours of talk time. Infact, the
phone's battery exhausted after about 4 hours of talk time and about 200 hours in standby
mode. Numbers are still great for such a mid-level phone, not to mention that the playback
time is about 15 hours, depending on the volume. I would not expect less from a Sony
Ericsson handset battery, and it's good that it has become a standard for the company to
include good batteries on all its handsets. ImpressionsThe first time you notice W380i, you
really cannot say that it is a low mid-level clamshell. Because of the polished plastic, the
handset seems stylish and sparky. The external touch keys also contribute to this opinion
and it doesn't take more than 3 seconds to be caught by its beauty. Sony Ericsson W380i is
definitely one of the best-looking mid-level phones, which will probably boost its sales.The
GoodBesides its design, W380i clamshell offers exactly what a Walkman series phone
should offer - an excellent multimedia experience. If you are a music lover and cannot afford
a much better device, then this is the right choice for you. If you intend to acquire one, you
will also get a device with high playback autonomy (around 15 - 16 hours), that doesn't miss
any feature embedded into a Walkman series device. Not to mention that the Gesture
control function is amazing and works great, even if that means lower talk and standby time.
The BadMost of Sony Ericsson's fans are complaining about the low camera module, but I
wouldn't put it this way. First of all, it's obvious that this camera has been included for a
totally different reason: Gesture control. Yes, you have a Walkman series clamshell that
lacks a camera; you don't like it, buy yourself another phone. The only thing that I consider
'negative' about W380i is its high price. There is no way that this phone is worth USD 320$,
even if it has some top-notch technology embedded. In addition, I guess SE could have
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