The Sony Ericsson Zylo is more than just a Walkman phone. The company recognizes the popularity of social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter. This is why they integrated into the phone applications that let users access these sites. More than this, the phone has other features to boast about. You can find the latest Sony Ericsson Zylo offers at Moby1.

Managing Files

The phones internal memory is only 260 MB. For those who think that this storage capacity is not enough, they can expand it with a microSD card which can reach up to 16 GB. This is ideal for audio and video files. The phonebook of this device can store up to 2000 entries. Photocall feature of the phone allows users to put photos in their contacts.

Users can transfer data to other mobile device through cellular networks via Class 10 GPRS and EDGE. They can also connect to other compatible devices and gadgets in the area through USB v2.0 for cabled connections and Bluetooth v2.1 for wireless ones. You can find good deals for this phone when you compare mobile phone deals online.

Entertainment

The phone comes with a 3.15 megapixel camera. This camera has geo-tagging feature that allows users to tag information into the photo. The users can also shoot videos using this camera.

Apart from the camera, the device has FM radio with RDS. It also has Walkman player that supports different formats of audio files. It also supports Free Lossless Audio Codec (FLAC) format which is said to produce better audio quality than MP3. This is a first from a Walkman phone. Another popular application of this phone is the TrackID feature. Through this application, users can record songs currently playing in the background. The phone then looks up the title and the artist of the song.

This feature is so popular that over 129 million lookups have been recorded in 2009. The standard feature of Walkman phone which is the PlayNow permits users to download their favorite songs whenever they want and wherever they are. If you are thinking of getting this phone be sure to look for the mobile phone with free gift.

The Screen

The phone comes equipped with a 2.6 inch TFT screen. It can display up to 256K colors. The screen has resolution of 240 x 320 pixels. This makes it ideal for viewing videos and images. The screen of the phone is made of materials that make it scratch resistant. The screen features the accelerometer sensor which automatically rotates the images when the phone is rotated horizontally or vertically.

Although the phone is not exactly a high end phone, its features fair well with mid-range mobile phones. Its also rumored to have an affordable tag price which may seal the deal with consumers.

Fortunately, there are alternative solutions. Assuming you have got a memory card, you can download games to your PSP. After doing this, youll be able to run PSP games or movies right from the unit it self. When you download games to your PSP, you can do away with UMDs forever!

So what do you have to do to download games to your PSP? The answer to this question can be found through two websites: PSP Blender and PSP Nerd. For a small fee, each of these resources will allow you to download PSP games and movies quickly and easily. They will also explain in detail how you can transfer these files onto the device.

Of course, if you dont have enough money to use both sites, youre going to have to decide which one is a better fit for your situation. Look at the sections below to get a better understanding of how these resources differ from one another when it comes to downloading PSP games.

1. PSP Blender

PSP blender possesses a very generous collection of PSP games and movies. In fact, PSP aficionados believe that PSP Blender contains the most PSP files anywhere online. This includes miscellaneous files, such as MP3s, television shows, online magazines, demos and game cheats.

You can also use PSP Blender to convert regular DVDs into PSP format. This means you wont have to be limited to watching movies that are already on UMD. Such a feature is extremely advantageous, since there arent as many UMD movies on the market right now.

Finally, PSP blender provides full technical support should you get stuck when trying to download games to your PSP. This includes online chat and a toll-free technical support number.

2. PSP Nerd

PSP Nerd also has a very large selection of PSP games and movies. It is also growing in popularity, even if it doesnt have the PR that PSP Blender currently has.

Most importantly, PSP Nerd has more in-depth tutorials explaining how to download games to your PSP. In fact, unlike PSP Blender, PSP Nerd actually has video tutorials explaining what to do. This is a great way for beginners to fully understand the process associated with downloading PSP games and movies.

It should also be noted that PSP Nerd also provides PSP software emulators.

Before we get started in earnest, a quick note. There are two versions of this device: The standard X2, generally known as the X2i, and the North American version, called the X2a. I received the X2i, since the X2a isn’t widely available yet. The difference is the 850 MHz band, a common distinction between North American and European/Asian market devices. However, there’s an extra little difference here. Unlike the other model where the European version lacks the 850 band altogether, the standard X2 does feature support for 850 MHz, but not 850 MHz 3G. It’s a subtle, but critical distinction. In my area, almost all coverage is 850, including 3G. This means the X2 doesn’t get 3G coverage in areas I’m used to having it.

The X2a will feature 850 MHz 3G, fully suited for AT&T, Rogers, and most other North American carriers. However, you’ll also pay a few hundred bucks more for the privilege. Since this is the only difference between the X2i? and the X2a, I’ll be addressing them collectively as the X2 for the duration.

On to the meat of the review.

DESIGN & BUILD

The basic design and even most of the internal hardware specs are the same between the X2 and the older X1. Both are sliders, with horizontally-oriented sliding keyboards.

Side-sliders are never ideal for dialing, and that’s definitely this model’s biggest weakness. Touchscreens aren’t ideal for hurried dialing. Still, it’s no more uncomfortable than the iPhone, which doesn’t seem to be lacking fans. And for those of us who use our devices more for Web browsing, e-mail, and data use than for voice, the X2′s design provides a lot of screen space and a fine keyboard.

Generally speaking, the X2 is very well-designed. The slider mechanism feels robust and the keyboard’s keys have a good click. The sort of double-beveling on them provides a good feel under the fingertips, even though the keys themselves are all pressed together.

The stylus is basic and kind of small, but it doesn’t slide or collapse, which is good. For most things I simply preferred to use my fingertips, but with such a high resolution screen that’s not always possible to do
accurately, so you’ll definitely need to pull out the stylus from time to time.

Despite packing in a nice 800 x 480 pixel screen, the X2 is still small enough, and ergonomic enough, that you don’t feel awkward putting it to your head.

Buttons and Trackpad
Althoughthe X2 and X1 have much in common, there aresome minor differences. For instance, the six angled buttons and standard directional pad on the front of X1are gone, replaced by four membrane-type buttons and an optical-scanner trackpad.

Admittedly, I never got a chance to use the X1, but this strikes me as a downgrade. As with other optical pads I’ve used, the X2′s directional control suffers from a complete lack of tactile feedback, making it really easy to move multiple times, and making precision difficult. It gets better once you’re more accustomed to how the trackpad operates, so that you can move your finger more carefully, but it’s never completely reliable. Furthermore the membrane buttons don’t provide the same level of sensation that regular click type buttons do. Obviously these changes were made to try to more effectively mimic the iPhone, but frankly I would rather companies go with their own designs instead of attempting to look like something else.

Another reason to dislike the optical pad is that anything sliding over it will be read as movement, not just a finger. If the device is still on when you drop it in a pocket, you might be inadvertently inputting commands, like skipping around on your playlist, or who knows what else.

Etcetera
Sony Ericsson managed to find room on the otherwise compact design for a 3.5 mm headphone plug — and I didn’t realize until I used it again how much I missed not having to fuss with adapters, proprietary plugs, and all that. Just plugging in and going is such a relief.

However, the design is very practical, because that’s also where the X2 keeps its TV output connector. Yes, by plugging in the special cable that comes with the device, you can hook it up to any standard TV that takes RCA plugs for both audio and video.

This smartphonecomes with a wired hands-free set, of course, but this is mostly a courtesy, since it’s a little awkward to set up. Bluetooth is still the way to go for most people who need a hands-free system.

PERFORMANCE

When it was unveiled, the Xperia X1 was ridiculously advanced. In late 2008, no other devices could touch it. It’s a testament to how ahead of its time the X1 was that it’s successor has specs with few changes almost 18 months later.

However, while nothing could touch the X1, the Xperia X2 is not high end like its parent. While there are other comparable devices from HTC and others, the X2 still manages to impress. Its 528 MHz processor is probably the lowest end component in it. And for reasons unknown, Sony Ericsson lowered the memory from 512 MB of flash to 256 MB.

Wireless and More
What else is inside that compact little case? Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, GSM/HSPA, of course. Can’t have a high end gadget without those.

The GPS system supports geo-tagging, so that you can embed GPS coordinates into photos you take with the 8 MP camera. I already mentioned the TV output capability via the included adapter cable.

We’ve also got the little things, like the built-in accelerometer and a microSD/SDHC slot — the latter of which comes already filled with a 4 GB card out of the box. Not the largest thing in the world, but enough to getyou started if you don’t already have one.

And there’s an FM radio receiver with RDS, which we’ll hear about a little more under software.

Overall, my opinion of the X2′s hardware and design is positive. Despite a less-than-ideal directional controller, the device itself is compact, feels great in the hand, has a solid keyboard, and is well-balanced. I’d go so far as to say that it’s one of the best examples I’ve seen of an ergonomically sound side-sliding device.

Software
…And here’s the onion. Although the Xperia X2 has awe-inspiring hardware, its software fails to match up.

Let’s start from the most basic impression one gets after using the device. Despite having a 528 MHz processor, it lacks in overall speed. It’s got the same processor speed as the HTC Touch Pro, but the Touch Pro has a smooth and easy-to-use interface, while the X2 consistently lags, is slow to change screens, and generally feels frustrating.

But the even bigger problem is this: Sony Ericsson’s integrated software bundle is simply not good. The “panels” interface that is provided with the phone is needlessly complicated, featuring an unintuitive means of switching between views that lets the user get lost trying to navigate around his device.

The developers also added some unnecessary layers in between the user and simple functions like playing music. I’m not exactly endorsing the old “tap counter” approach to developing a user interface, but you do at least have to ask yourself, is adding more software helping or hurting the complexity of performing simple tasks?

It doesn’t help that Windows Mobile 6.5 Pro has several bad design decisions in it, like the hex grid for the application launcher, which isn’t attuned to how a normal person looks at a list of items and which gets really messy when you switch to landscape mode, since icons can be juggled around in a completely counterintuitive way. It would have been nice if Microsoft had provided an option to switch back to the “classic” icon view. As it stands, they’re forcing bad UI decisions on the rest of us because they feel like being avant-garde.

The bottom line is that the software, in clear contrast to the hardware, feels unfinished. This sense, like they rushed the X2 out the door before the debugging was really done, is heightened by the fact that the internal FM radio doesn’t work. It won’t be available to the user until the first official system software update hits the streets.

That’s the bad news. Here’s the good news: Sony Ericsson has already released the schedule for two upcoming software updates to this Xperia model. One will be released in March, which will include the FM radio and a number of other things like faster GPS fixes that should have been done before the device left the factory. The second, slated for May, is simply marked as including Windows Mobile 6.5.3.

Whether these updates willfix the problem, no one can say. I certainly hope so.

Camera
Onthe bright side,Sony Ericssonincreased the camera resolution from 3 megapixels to a whopping 8 MPx.

Like many high-end phone cameras now, this one has auto-focus, making it practically a “real” digital camera. Of course, the quality is a little less thanwhat you’d get fromof a dedicated camera, and the “flash” (a small LED) is so weak that it’s a non-issue when it comes to lighting. Still, the X2 can take some awe-inspiring pictures compared to your average camera phone.

CONCLUSION

I want to give the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 a glowing recommendation. It has features and qualities that make it easily one of the best slider-type devices available. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend anything with such a haphazard software package.

If you’re willing to be patient and get an improved ROM from Sony Ericsson, or fiddle around with the highly unofficial customized ROMs that are sure to come along given a little time, then the X2 has the potential to be a top flight device. If you want something that runs right this second, out of the box, you’re likely to end up a bit frustrated.

The Xperia X2 can be found at several online retailers, including eXpansys USA, who is charging $630.

Pros:

• Razor’s edge hardware
• Great ergonomics

Sony VAIO CS (VGN-CS220J/T) Specifications:

• Windows Vista Home Premium (SP1, 64-bit)
• Intel Core 2 Duo Processor T6400 (2.00GHz, 2MB L2, 800gMHz FSB)
• 14.1″ WXGA Glossy LCD display at 1280×800
• Intel X4500 Integrated Graphics
• Intel 5100AGN Wireless
• 4GB DDR2-800 SDRAM (2GB x 2)
• 320GB Hitachi 5K320 hard disk drive (5400RPM)
• Pioneer DVD SuperMulti (+/-R double layer) drive
• 1.3MP MOTION EYE webcam, stereo speakers, music lights
• 76W (19.5V x 3.9A) 100-240V AC Adapter
• 6-cell 48.8Wh Lithium Ion battery
• Dimensions (WxDxH): 13.2 x 9.6 x 1.14 1.57
• Weight: 5lbs 6.4oz, 6lbs 2.5oz with AC adapter
• 1-Year Standard Limited Warranty
• Price as configured: $879.99

Build and Design
The Sony VAIO CS looks great sitting closed on your desk. Our review unit has a luxurious copper finish with gold-colored trim around the edges of the screen. Opening up the notebook you see the same glossy copper paint around the palmrest and keyboard bezel, with a matte black inlay for the keyboard. Even the touchpad uses a metallic copper finish, albeit matte instead of glossy. Underneath the front edge of the keyboard is a fairly unique feature, a pulsing LED light bar that adds a bit of flare to whatever music you are listening to. I am not sure I would use it if I owned this notebook, but if you are into strobing lights and techno it would probably be fantastic.

The build quality of the VAIO CS is a mixture of durable alloy panels and flexible plastic bezels. If you were only going to look at the bottom of the CS, you would see excellent build quality with very rugged panels covering vital components. The bottom shell is made entirely of a metal alloy, with a nice rugged plate covering the hard drive to prevent impact from damaging your data. Once you flip over the notebook your opinions on the build quality quickly change. The screen cover, keyboard bezel, and hinge covers use very flexible and weak feeling plastics. When you open up the notebook the hinges squeak and creak as the plastic covers flex.

Carrying the notebook around closed the screen cover exhibits quite a bit of flex, but thankfully even strong pressure on the back of the screen doesnt distort colors on the LCD. The paint quality is excellent with a nearly perfect glossy surface. Our review model has a metallic copper finish, which I might say is one of the nicest paint jobs I have seen on a notebook.

Screen and Speakers
The VAIO CS has a glossy 14.1 display using the 1280×800 16:10 aspect ratio. Colors appear bright and vibrant with very good levels of contrast thanks to the glossy surface. Black levels could be a tad deeper, but this is normal for a notebook in this price segment. Backlight brightness levels are adequate for viewing in bright office conditions, but with the glossy surface outdoor computing is limited to late at night. Viewing angles are average with colors quickly inverting about 20 degrees forward or back vertically. Horizontal viewing angles are much better, with colors staying accurate, only dimming until reflections off the glossy surface overpower what is on the screen.

The speakers are about average for a notebook of this size. Bass and midrange are weak, with only higher frequency sounds coming through. Peak volume levels are good, but dont expect to start a rave with only this notebook providing the tunes. The LED light bar located beneath the touchpad buttons on the front edge of hte notebook only appears to work when using the Sony suppled VAIO MusicBox software. In a dark room it will slightly illuminate the desk in front of you. I think a better position would have been above the display so it would light up the keyboard and a larger area around the notebook.

Keyboard and Touchpad
The keyboard is a VAIO-style chiclet layout (a similar keyboard layout is used on all Apple notebooks) that is comfortable to type on, but awkwardly sized compared to a normal notebook keyboard. Even with the 14.1 frame Sony condensed the keyboard slightly, making finger placement for blind typing difficult at first. Once you get used to it there are no problems, but it does have a slight learning curve.

Sony uses a large Synpatics touchpad on the VAIO CS, with is comfortable to use, but shows signs of some lag. Making quick movements side to side or around in a circle it almost seems like the refresh rate isnt high enough. It isnt too noticeable, just something that stuck out at us. The surface texture is a smooth matte finish, with two buttons located directly beneath it for the left and right mouse triggers. The buttons require greater than average pressure to activate, and have shallow feedback when pressed.

Ports and Features
Port selection on the VAIO CS as a multimedia notebook is lacking without HDMI out, especially considering that you can configure it with a Blu-ray drive. Not having HDMI means no digital video or audio out to connect the laptop up to a stereo for surround sound. Another feature missing is eSATA, which is becoming very common on most consumer notebooks. The ports offered are VGA, audio jacks, three USB ports, Firewire, LAN, and modem. The CS also sports a SD multi-card reader and MS slot.