AT A GLANCE
- 8GB Memory card included
- 8.1 Megapixel camera
- Runs Android operating system
- Android Market provides apps to download and customise
- Charger doubles as a usb charger / connection cable
When it was launched, many Android (Google) fans proclaimed the Sony Ericsson Xperia X10 as an iPhone killer. I've reviewed the iPhone so it was interesting for me to test the X10 and see how it performed.
Google fans will love the android operating system, if you run your life using Gmail, Google Calendar and Google Docs then you *should* get your hands on a phone powered by the Android system. Unfortunately, aside from a Gmail account, I do not bow completely before the altar of Google, so my experience was bound to be tricky in parts.
The Android operating system is attractive and easy to use; it's easy to personalise and the ability to add screen shortcut icons on three different screens does remind one of the iPhone. The touchscreen is pretty accurate and responsive, although to be honest, I am yet to use a screen that matches the iPhone.
Timescape and Mediascape are two programmes that lead most of the X10's advertising, the ability to view each of your contacts on a smooth scrolling 'roll' is a really cool feature. Each contact can be linked to a picture, their number, messages AND social networking updates. Mediascape does the same in gathering and displaying all your pics, audio and video on one roll. It's slick and it looks impressive, however, it also looks like it eats battery life and 3G data. I messed around with it in the beginning but ultimately didn't activate it again for this reason.
Perhaps I just prefer my functions to be slightly separated and my massive social networking needs have been catered for beautifully by the X10. The Android market means that you can find an application to do just about anything, so you personalise your phone so that it suits your needs and demands.
The camera is phenomenal – I am amazed by the quality, although after sunset things become a little dim, the X10 does not have a flash but uses a built in light. Bizarre, when you consider the quality of the lens.
My favourite Android applications:
Before you do anything else, download Advanced Task Killer this app runs in the background and means you can manually ensure all applications are properly closed....saving your battery life and, more importantly, your 3G bill.
Swype is an amazing Android app that turns keyboard texting into on screen 'swyping' once you try it you'll battle to go back.
The GPS on this phone beats most in-car navigation units. Wisepilot comes as a trial and I have since acquired a Garmap licence, which is fast, easy to use and accurate.
Shazam, the music-recognition app is available for Android.
Seesmic for Android works well to manage multiple twitter accounts and the basic facebook android app is perfect.
Google Night Sky is incredible – it uses GPS to pinpoint your position then you hold your phone up to the night sky and using the camera lens it identifies the stars, planets and galaxies. This is great for impressing people.☺
There are plenty of apps....I recommend you make a note of a problem or opportunity as it happens and then look up an app which will assist - chances are you'll find more than a handful.
In short, this is a great, very capable phone that has met all my work and social networking needs easily. I really like the Android operating system and I expect we'll see it being offered a lot more in the months to come.
Turn ons:
- Standard 3.5mm headphone jack.
- Very stylish looking, BIG screen
- Android is an awesome operating system
- New apps are being added to the android market daily
- Threaded SMS-conversations make it easier to keep track of messages.
- Supports multi-tasking so you can have several apps open at the same time and switch between them
Turn offs:
- No built in modem so you can't use phone with laptop to connect to the web (PDANet application fixes this – but you must use the USB cable)
- Like with any smartphone battery life is rough – get a car charger
- Touchscreen seems to lose some accuracy and speed after a while
- Trying to sync calendars with my Mac seems impossible...I gave up. If you use Google Calendar this is not an issue.
- Currently runs on Android 1.6 – upgrade to 2.1 coming soon...this will make a big difference to apps available and overall functionality.
