Hi Folks.
I was fortunate to be among the very first to get the commercial release model of the Sony Ericsson P800 in the last week of Jan 2003, here in Singapore. Those who were lucky enough got it at a special price of 1299 S$ with a limited time, launch rebate of 100 dollars.
The added bonus for the first few buyers was an exclusive free gift! A limited-edition Sony Ericsson P800 stylus that doubles as a ballpoint, pencil and eraser. Very smart and trendy looking. I have had very good offers for this collectors item but have not got tempted to sell it so far. I need it badly since the built in *&^#* stylus is something no one will feel like using.
The official version on availability of the handset in this region is that it will be sold in retail outlets in Feb, although so far it is not available anywhere. Due to the almost crazy demand for this much hyped model, I believe some ‘second’ models are available in Orchard road shops.
Currently no accessories are available. Yes..none! The SE service shop folks as well as the Sony Gallery employees do not have a clue. A protective display cover and leather pouch is badly needed asap.
However, those that need a P800 protective laminating cover for the display can get it at an obscene price at a small niche mobile shop called Doml in Bugis Junction. The owner is making a killing selling the adhesive plastic sheet at 20 S$ apiece!
I have previously owned a Handspring Treo, Nokia 7650 and until recently a Motorola A388 (a really sick device like all Moto models) and I must admit that there is nothing in this world as yet, that beats the P800.
Despite some bugs, it is impressive in every aspect. I get queries and glances almost all the time when I use it in the train trip to office.
The keypad is a dumb plastic pad. I have removed it and use the touch sensitive virtual keypad on the screen. Looks very stylish too.
The most impressive show; to others is probably the quality of the gaming. Absolutely impessive.
Sadly none of the operators in Singapore have announced any plans to support such an impressive device. They appear to be stuck with their old deals with the big handset manufacturers like Nokia and Motorola.
The P800 makes the best multimedia smart phone model from anyone else, including Nokia, look totally obsolete!
Help needed:
� The web surfing is surprising speedy although I experienced java problems with the browser on Yahoo email. It insists on you using the non-java version of Yahoo Mail. (Can someone tell me a way out of this)
� Any way to improve the audio properties of this device?
� Can anyone tell me a way out for using the P800 and it’s Bluetooth functionality with the new mega pixel Sony ip220 that also has built in Bluetooth and network functionalities?
There are quite a number of minor bugs still present in the model. Most have been explained in this forum. Some of the annoying ones I have to endure are:
The auto keypad lock is not configurable. You have to wait for almost a minute before it locks.
The audio quality in the handset is very bad. I hope this is in some of the handsets only! My device gives me a whistle every time I speak to others. It is more like a negative feedback. Decrease the volume and the level is too low!
Almost all the embedded ring tones to use for important functions like in coming call or alerts are not satisfactory. I hardly listen to any ring tones when I insert the phone in my trousers and have to keep vibrate on, all the time.
When I get an SMS, the thing wont shut up.. it keeps ringing till the ring tone ends! The quick solution is of course to select a very short ring tone.
A note before you go in for a SE product:
The SE service outlets in Singapore have NO EXPERTISE in handling or servicing the P800!
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