Hands-On with Sony Ericsson's Xperia X1

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

We've already posted a few videos and photos of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 smartphone, but now we have this nice set of photos of the X1 that we shot at a Microsoft event during the Mobile World Congress last week as well as some new information and thoughts from some hands-on time we got with the device. Also, while I can't officially say what version of Windows Mobile the X1 is running, we have seen photos on the net of the X1's startup screen displaying the moniker "Windows Mobile 6.1" - so you can take that for what it's worth.

Sony Ericsson, at a press event it ran with Microsoft, took some time to answer a few questions about the X1. Nothing too earth-shattering came to light, but we did glean a few interesting details from the discussions. For starters, each of the 9 panels on Sony Ericsson's custom home screen will function as a virtual desktop, or home screen in its own right. They are intended to let users switch the device very quickly and easily from one mode, such as music, to another mode, like office tasks. We also learned that the X1's navigation is covered by an A-GPS unit, not a full blown stand-alone GPS module. Sony Ericsson also said that it developed a new battery for the X1. We were told that it has a capacity of 1500mAh, which is rather large. Lastly, the company mentioned that the Xperia line, for which the X1 is just a start, will not be tied to the Windows Mobile platform, though it is certainly possible that there will be additional WM powered Xperia devices in the future.

In any case, this Microsoft event was the first time we actually got to hold the X1 in our hands. While it is pretty much common knowledge at this point that HTC built the X1 for Sony Ericsson, I am pleased to report that the build quality of the X1 exceeds even that which we are accustomed to seeing come from HTC for its own products. The metal body of the X1 feels rock solid, and the curved slider mechanism works wonderfully. The only potential problem point I saw with the design is that the black triangular buttons and softkeys that straddle the d-pad are a bit flimsy feeling. On top of that, I really just don't care for their layout.

We heard grumblings around that joint Sony Ericsson - Microsoft event that the design of those buttons may well change before the device hits the production line, but there is nothing concrete to report on this front. They could certainly do with a slightly more conventional design, though.

I can also report that the keyboard performed OK. The keys could certainly do with a more domed shape, but overall I found them decent to type on. They are well spaced out and easy enough to find by feel alone. The 'A' and 'L' keys even have raised corners on them that help further.

So for now, enjoy/study the photos of the Xperia X1 we have presented here. Take my word on it that the device feels like a winner. It just remains to be seen how well it actually works when it has all been put together.

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1

Sony Ericsson Xperia X1