Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The k550 is a perfect option if you want a phone that does a LOT of things, but you don't want something larger or more complex than a normal phone.Display:
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The TFD display is visible in sunlight and doesn't have any trouble displaying full colors without weird shadows or streaks. The screen resolution of 176x220 seems to be plenty. Some larger phones go as high as 240x320, but 176x220 is a lot for a phone that is still small. Size:
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Barely more than half an inch thick, and about the same profile size as many other non-folding phones.Call sound quality:
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Overall sound quality is very good. The sound isn't squished to the higher frequency end so people with lower-frequency voices actually sound like themselves. I have used louder phones, but none with better overall quality, and this phone is loud enough.NetFront web browser:
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This embedded browser is better than any I have previously seen in a non-PDA phone. It does a great job of re-arranging websites for single-column viewing (Smart Fit, as they call it), but can also display websites very accurately in their natural format. It can even display horizontally and zoom out to view as much as half of a full website on the phone's display.
However, browsing most websites will still be faster using Opera Mini, which reformats websites on Opera's proxy server first so your phone does not have to download as much. Opera also has the advantage of the page-up/down scrolling with the left/right navigation keys.EDGE Data Speed:
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It's faster than standard GPRS, but it isn't miraculous and it can't overcome the delay connecting to the network each time a new page is requested. Don't expect it to change your life, but it's nice to have.2-Megapixel Camera:
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- In addition to a higher resolution than common phones, it has autofocus (instead of fixed focus). It even has a macro option, and can take clear pictures from as close as a few inches.
- As with any camera phone, it isn't a replacement for a "real" camera, but I will upload some pictures rather than try to babble in length about it. It's better than most.
- One issue with the camera is the shutter button. It is extremely easy to press to the first stage (for focus), but is very hard to press to actually take a picture. This can be worked around by just using the menu button instead.REAL Email Client:
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The phone can send and receive email for almost any email account. It can be set to check automatically for new email as often as every 5 minutes, or only when manually told to. It also has the ability to send emails with attachments. These options do not require paid email service from your wireless carrier as long as you already have full data access.
If you want "push" email (new messages sent to your phone automatically, without having to check for them), the phone also has that ability, as long as your carrier supports it. I have not tested the push feature. Whichever option you use, it is much more convenient than logging into a WAP website to check email.
Note: I was initially able to receive email, but not send it. I had to fill out the outgoing name/password in the "advanced" menu, even though it says to only use it if the outgoing server needs a different password (mine does not, but the phone wouldn't work without it anyway). All OK now.RSS Feed Reader:
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If you don't know what RSS is, it's a way of downloading news updates from your favorite websites directly to your phone. If you do know, you will love this.
It is NOT the same clumsy RSS Java application included with some previous models. The RSS reader is part of the k550's messaging features, and can be set to update automatically. The phone displays an icon on the standby screen when it gets new updates, and the new stuff is right in the messaging menu next to SMS and email.
If a website has a proper RSS link anywhere on the page, even if you can't currently see it, the Netfront browser knows the RSS link is there and an RSS icon appears above the "more" softkey. The "more" list will then have an option to add the website to your RSS list.
The phone came with some RSS feeds already added, but some of them were not valid. Make sure you get current RSS links if there is a problem.Customizable shortcut buttons:
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+ Two half-circle buttons on the keypad, in addition to navigation key shortcuts
+ The left button goes to your WAP homepage. Any bookmark can be set as the homepage.
+ The right button brings up a list of customized shortcuts, along with a handy tabbed menu for other things.
+ The phone will not allow shortcuts directly to an application, but you can select a shortcut to the organizer's application list, which is just the application file folder.Organizer:
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+ Includes Sonyericsson's well-designed calendar, tasks (with reminders), notes, and alarms.
+ Any sound file can be selected for the alarm clock.
+ Voice notes are not an official organizer feature, but there is a sound recorder in the "entertainment" menu.
+ Unit converter (eg, yards-to-meters, grams-to-ounces, etc) is not built in, although there is a free Java application on their website."Issues:"
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The number keys are very narrow and feel weird at first. I have adjusted to it though. The key illumination is also difficult to see sometimes because the numbers themselves are illuminated against white background.
The battery cover is a delicate thing to remove, and it has to be done to remove the memory card.
If you download a file with the same name as another file you already have, the phone will not allow you to change the name before saving it. You have to either overwrite the old file or delete the new file you just waited several minutes for.Uploaded photos:
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+ 2 outdoor pictures
+ Picture taken with macro focus
+ Portion of macro image at full resolution
+ Image showing browser display
Click Here to see more reviews about: Sony Ericsson K550i Cyber-shot Unlocked Cell Phone with 2 MP Camera, MP3/Video Player, Memory Stick Micro Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Pearl White)
Just when you thought Sony Ericsson phones couldn't get any cooler, the K550i Cyber-shot comes along. As part of Sony Ericsson's new line-up of Cyber-shot phones, the quad-band K550i comes complete with a 2.0-megapixel camera that features an auto-focus, LED flash, an active lens cover, picture blogging capabilities, and Adobe photo album software. The phone also features an M2 memory card slot, an advanced music player, an FM radio with RDS, EDGE data support, stereo Bluetooth, and more.
Design The K550i's slim candybar form factor keeps things stylish and portable. Because of this design, the phone resembles a digital camera, and with its built-in 2.0-megapixel camera lens and advanced camera features, it performs noticeably well as a camera. The top of the device features a massive 176 x 220 display on the front side and a pronounced camera system on the other. The camera unit, which is protected by a lens cover, features 2.0-megapixel resolution, as well as an LED flash and other advanced features. Meanwhile, a five-way directional button on the front of the device controls most of the phone's menus and features. An M2 memory stick slot is provided for easy memory expansion while the phone features 64 MB of built-in memory. In addition to USB and Bluetooth connectivity, the K550i also has an infrared receiver for data synchronization.
Calling Features The K550i's phone book can hold all your contacts with multiple entries per contact. A call list remembers your most recent missed, received, and dialed calls. The phone's voice activated dialing makes calling up to 50 of your contacts as easy as saying their names, while the built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Polyphonic ringtones are included and there's even a bundled application that lets you mix your own ringtones with up to 16 tracks. Picture caller ID lets you assign a photo to specific callers. Similarly, a ringer ID lets you assign ringtones to callers. For those times you want to keep things discreet, there's a vibrate ringer mode.
Because the K550i is Bluetooth-enabled, you can use a variety of headsets and handsfree kits for total wireless freedom when you're on the go.
Messaging, Internet and Tools If you're looking for a mobile office partner, the K550i has you covered. Support is built in for sending and receiving pictures, text, graphics, sound and video via SMS or MMS messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in still and video camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging possibilities. Instant messaging is also supported and the phone ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP protocols. Push email is also supported, allowing you to have instant email on your mobile phone, just like on your home computer. Messages are sent directly to your phone as soon as they arrive. There's also a built-in Web browser for downloads and mobile Web browsing. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit--a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.
Getting on the Internet is easy with the K550i, as it supports the GPRS protocol. When used with a carrier data plan and the phone's Bluetooth or USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs.
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the K550i, including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar and an alarm clock. Use the K550i's Bluetooth capability to set up a wireless link with a Bluetooth accessory or connect to a computer or hand-held device to exchange and synchronize data. The phone also supports the SyncML PC synchronization standard. This means the phone can be used with the included Sony Ericsson Sync Station software, which lets you synchronize your Microsoft Outlook calendar, contacts, notes and tasks with your K550i. The phone also supports a USB mass storage mode, allowing you to store and transport important files like documents, images, and music files.
Imaging and Entertainment Blurring the lines between high-end digital cameras and cell phones, the built-in 2.0-megapixel Cyber-shot camera with LED flash and autofocus is ideal for catching and sharing smiles on the fly. Use your shots to keep in touch. Send a picture message, or upload to your blog for all to see. You can even connect a USB cable and send straight to a printer. The phone's camera also supports video capture and playback. Video clips are ideal for those unexpected great moments in life. Use the pictures you take as wallpaper to dress up your phone to your different tastes. There's even an included application called Video DJ that allows you to edit video footage right on your phone. Make it look great with advanced editing options before uploading footage to your blog.
The K550i is a powerful gaming companion, too, with support for enhanced, Java-based 3D gaming. The phone comes preloaded with several games and more are downloadable from Sony Ericsson. Lastly, the K550i has a nifty MP3 player and built-in FM radio with search function and RDS, so you can load up your memory card, or tune into the radio and listen to your favorite music on the go.
The k550i also sports an airplane mode feature, which allows the user to safely use the non-wireless functions of a phone (such as music, games, or organizer functions) on an airplane during flight.
Vital Statistics The Sony Ericsson K550i weighs 3.0 ounces and measures 4.0 x 1.80 x .50 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7 hours of digital talk time and 14 days of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
