Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 makes date with US: Black Friday for $799.99
By Darren Murph 
posted Nov 12th 2008 8:00AM
posted Nov 12th 2008 8:00AM
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X1 Available in U.S. for 2008 Holiday Season
Pre-orders for the premium converged device begin today at SonyStyle.com
Research Triangle Park, N.C. – November 12, 2008 – Today, Sony Ericsson North America announced the arrival of the highly anticipated Xperia™ X1 to the U.S. marketplace. The Xperia™ X1 delivers a range of multimedia and communication experiences that have long been coveted and in demand by consumers.
The Xperia X1 will be available unlocked through Sony Electronics and its authorized retailers beginning on "Black Friday," November 28. Pre-orders of the Xperia X1 will be available through the Sony Style Web site at www.sonystyle.com beginning November 13. This premium device will be sold unlocked for the MSRP of $799.99, giving consumers the freedom to choose their own mobile operator and data plan.
"The Xperia X1 continues the Sony Ericsson tradition of delivering the highest quality experiences and the most advanced technology available today," said Karen Morris, vice president of marketing, Sony Ericsson North America. "The most exciting scenarios enabled by the Xperia X1 will be created by consumers – enabling them to customize and personalize their device and content to fit their lifestyle and personality."
The Xperia X1's unique panel user interface is at the heart of the device's ability to create and adapt consumers' personal choices. With up to 9 panels, it's easy to find and enjoy the information and entertainment content they want. Sony Ericsson is busy working with third-party developers to create a wealth of new applications and new panels that will soon be available for download.
By incorporating the Windows Mobile® 6.1 Professional operating system, the Xperia X1 frees consumers from their home and office, allowing them connectivity to their content wherever they are.
"Windows Mobile gives people the ability to easily navigate between their business and personal lives," said Todd Peters, vice president of marketing, Mobile Communications Business, Microsoft. "The panel user interface found only in the Xperia X1 is bringing unique experiences to consumers who want more from their converged devices."
As Sony Ericsson's most advanced phone to date, the Xperia X1 brings together a large, 3-inch wide VGA display touchscreen and a full QWERTY keyboard all wrapped into a sleek silver metal- finished arc slider handset. The Xperia X1 supports fast 3G networks, enabling audio and video streaming, high-speed internet surfing, multimedia messaging and email on the go. In addition to delivering 3G mobile broadband speeds, the Xperia X1 supports WiFi to meet the needs of consumers' always connected lifestyles.
In the tradition of Sony Ericsson, the Xperia X1 offers consumers the ultimate multimedia experience with a 3.2 megapixel camera, video streaming, video playback and video recording, and the ability to enjoy all their digital music.
"The Xperia X1 complements Sony Electronics' family of Windows-based devices and leverages the company's heritage of providing beautifully designed, highly functional, portable electronics," said John Kodera, vice president of product marketing, Sony Electronics. "The Xperia X1 delivers the highest quality entertainment, communication and personalization options for consumers."
Sony Ericsson Xperia™ X1 – At a Glance
Camera
• Auto focus
• 3.2 megapixel camera
• Photo light
• Video recording
Multimedia
• Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)4
• Media player
• Music tones
• Windows Media® Player Mobile
• 3D games
• FM radio
• Java™
• Video streaming
• Video viewing
Internet7
• Internet Explorer® Mobile
• RSS feeds
• Opera™ 9.5
Communication and Messaging
• Polyphonic ringtones
• Speakerphone
• Vibrating alert
• Video calling3,8
• Picture messaging (MMS)9
• Predictive text input
• Text messaging (SMS)9
Design
• XPERIA™ panels
• Optical joystick navigation
• Navigation key
• Picture wallpaper
• Touch navigation
Organizer
• Alarm clock
• Calculator
• Calendar
• Document editors
• Document readers
• Flight mode
• Handwriting recognition
• Notes
• Phone book
• Tasks
• Touchscreen
Connectivity
• aGPS
• Bluetooth™4 technology
• Modem
• Synchronization
• USB support
• WLAN
Windows Mobile® Operating System
• Microsoft® Outlook® Mobile: email, contacts, calendar, tasks
• Microsoft® Office Mobile: Word Mobile, Excel® Mobile, PowerPoint® Mobile
• Windows Live™
• Microsoft® ActiveSync®
• Voice control
• Utility Applications: file explorer, calculator, pictures & video, notes
Facts and Figures
Size: 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm (approx.)
Weight: 145 grams (approx.)
Available colors: Silver
Main screen: 65,536 color TFT
Resolution: 800 X 480 pixels
Size: 3 inches (approx.)
Phone memory5: up to 400 MB
microSD™ memory card support
Networks:
GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1900/2100 MHz
Legal Information
1) Facts and features are subject to change without notice and/or may vary depending on local variant.
2) Talk and standby times are affected by network preferences; type of SIM card, connected accessories and various activities e.g. games. Kit contents and color options may differ from market to market. The full range of accessories may not be available in every market.
3) Compatible service required. Some features may not be supported by all operators or in all markets. Additional charges may apply.
4) Ability to use this Bluetooth™ enabled product with other devices may vary as not all Bluetooth™ devices are compatible.
5) Actual free memory may vary due to phone pre-configuration.
6) 3G not available in all areas or from all service providers.
7) Internet services may require a fee.
8) Both parties must be in a 3G area, have a phone enabled for video calling, and have a video calling service plan to use this feature. Video calling not offered by all service providers. Additional charges may apply.
9) Standard messaging rates apply.
© 2008 Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications (USA) Inc.
Screen images are simulated or enhanced. Music tracks displayed are for demonstration purposes only and are not included. The Liquid Identity logo, XPERIA(TM) , and the XPERIA(TM) logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB. Sony is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Corporation. Ericsson is a trademark or registered trademark of Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson.
Microsoft, Windows, PowerPoint, Windows Media, Windows Mobile, Office, ActiveSync and Internet Explorer are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Bluetooth is a trademark or registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG Inc. and is used under license. Java and all Java-based trademarks and logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Wi-Fi is a trademark or a registered trademark of the Wi-Fi Alliance. Other product and company names mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.
Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications was established as a 50:50 joint venture by Sony and Ericsson in October 2001, with global corporate functions located in London. The company serves the worldwide communications market with innovative and feature-rich mobile phones, accessories and PC-cards, and it has R&D sites in Europe, Japan, China, India and America. Sony Ericsson is the title sponsor of the Women's Tennis Association, and works with the Association to promote the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour in over 80 cities during the year. For more information, please visit www.sonyericsson.com
Not compatible with T-Mobile 3G. Wow. So dumb!
low rank for you
massive fail.
and you
Why is this article and the Eye-Fi article so long? It looks like you just copy and pasted from there website or something.
Its called a press release. Engadget summarise the important bits for us, then include the whole thing in the "continue reading" section for people to read the information first hand if they want
There’s no chance that the Xperia is going to get any significant market share. No chance. It’s a $799 subsidized item. They may make a lot of money. But if you actually take a look at the 1.3 billion phones that get sold...
$799 is without subsidy. Here in Sweden you can get it for free with subsidy if you have an expensive enough plan.
$799 is without subsidy. Here in Sweden you can get it for free with subsidy if you have an expensive enough plan.
799 WITHOUT subsidy, not WITH subsidy
i really like the look of this phone, but if its true that it is so slow at loading things, 30secs to pick a panel? is that what they call them, thats just mental 30seconds is a long time tbh
Sorry Greenlight, I think I missed that one.. mind repeating it again?
Bad move from SE - again. When will SE learn? I can buy an HTC Touch Pro from the HTC website for $249.99 on Sprint. Besides the slight difference in screen resolution (X1=800x480 TP=640x480 20% difference) the underlying hardware is essentially the same. In fact, the X1 is manufactured by HTC! Why would I pay $550 more for this phone? Just because it has SE printed on it? Because I want colored fish to follow my finger on the screen? Until SE gets carrier backing this is a non-event. Who has $550 more to buy this phone these days? Also, for 3G speed, this phone only works on AT&T. AT&T unlimited voice and data = $129.99/mo. Sprint unlimited voice and data = $99.99/mo. If I choose the Touch Pro on Sprint, I save $1270 over the life of the contract. Why does SE continue to make mistake after mistake? Are they TRYING to go out of business?
SE expects customers to pay 2x-10x for their "premium" family of devices, known as "XPERIA", X1 is the name and its only first device. This "XPERIA" is worth more than gold. Or so they think.
What else can I say? "Its a Sony!"
But it's not a Sony. Designed by Sony, manufactured by HTC! Again, until this phone gets picked up by AT&T or another carrier to subsidize it, it is a failure in this country...
Seriously, does nobody know what UNSUBSIDIZED UNLOCKED means? You can't compare the two. Why don't you try googling around for an unlocked retail HTC touch pro and you'll see its a $50 price difference, not a $550 difference. Yes, it sucks that no carrier has been announced. Maybe one will, maybe one won't. But I do recall being able to buy an UNSUBSIDIZED UNLOCKED touch pro before it was ever released on any carrier, and it was listed at $750 the last time I checked.
Carrier locks are the reason why the US doesn't get any decent phones. Spend some time on international sites and you'll realize that the phones available to the US are "mostly" garbage compared to the rest of the world. It's the mentality of the people whining in these posts that's basically setting us back to 3rd world standards. Oh wait... even third world countries are getting a lot of the phones that manufacturers aren't willing to sell to us.
Did you know they expect to make a working firmware (stable) before/on Feb 09? No sense buying it before. IMO.
released later than the iPhone, yet the browser and UI is slower, it costs way more than an iPhone (iPhone+ 31 days + ETF)...
But i implore people to run out and buy this.. help the economy.. eat up the shite... yum yum...
Eat your iPhone buy 3 more, fella. I ain't helping some Chinese economy or Sony corporation!
you know, there's a weight limit on Apple's nuts... I suggest you remove yourself.
this is totally useless for $800, considering I could purchase the ipone, andriod G1 and blackberry strom for $200 or less. the phone must be sold with a carrier for $300 or less to even have a chance. it really needs to be $200 to compete the phones listed above.
I still think it's ugly.
Why do people complain about the price? An unlocked iPhone 3g and the HTC Touch Pro can go around that price too. This is unlocked, remember that.
EIGHT HUNDRED DOLLARS?!?!?!?!? Suck it Sony.
What if I told you the truth that the iPhone, unlocked, costs about 700$.. and it can't do half of what this does.. so really.. suck it Sony or suck it Apple?
I said nothing about the iPhone, but damn it, I'll bite the troll bait...
No one is buying an unlocked iPhone, so what does that matter. It cost $200. You can say all you want about the contract, but you're still going to need service for the Sony, so that applies to both. What if I told you the truth that almost ALL phones, unlocked, cost more than the subsidized price. Do you know somewhere that you can get free service for an unlocked phone? When they subsidize it and we see the real consumer price, I may retract my statement.
Otherwise.. You're right, the Sony has better specs than the iPhone. As far as 'doing' half of what this does, I doubt either of us have much experience with the X1 (and I'm guessing you don't use an iPhone based on your remark), so how can we say which one does more? Hardware specs alone don't always tell the whole tale.
Well just for your knowledge, I am one of those with an unlocked iPhone..
Even though it's going to the trash can or some relative once the Touch HD will be in stores..
Those triangular buttons and suddenly rectangular in the middle of them, this is one of the ugliest gadgets I have seen in a long while.
Uhhh....I dont know much about phones, im more of a computer person, but will this phone work with verizon????
Sadly no, something to do with being Verizon=CDMA and AT&T/T-mobile=GSM
x1a is GSM with HSDPA
Nothing works with Verizon, really. Except for the upcoming Blackberry Storm.
One thing I'm glad about this phone is I hope I can try it out at Best Buy when it comes out so I can decide if this will be my next phone or not. I tend to get phones that not many people have and I know this one will be since that price is too much even for me.
The only thing I do hope on this one is that it works for T-Mobile 3G but not sure yet since I don't know if t-mobile does 1700 or 2100 on the HSDPA.
All I wonder is, even with no carrier picking it up, would Best Buy be willing to lower the cost of it since they do get money from ever account they can open and use that to make people buy the phone and also open an account or renew a 2 year contract?
* One thing about being unlocked and unsubsidized is after I'm done and bored with it, I can easily sell this on ebay afterwards.
It will work for regular calls on T-Mobile, however you will not get 3G (HSDPA/UMTS) as T-Mobile uses 1700 for their 3G, and the X1 supports 850/900/2100 only. It's an AT&T frequency compliant phone. Sorry...
Correction AT&T uses UMTS for 3G GSM is 2G. UMTS is W-CDMA, but none the less I don't believe the phone is compatible.
T- Mobile does 1900 UMTS and will be doing 2100 as well in the near future as well as AT&T. So Christian you will be good with T-Mobile
@ Christian & K-dub, T-mobile uses the 1700/2100 bands for 3G, while At&t uses 850/1900 for theirs, and Europe uses 1900/2100. So therefore The xperia will not be able to use T-mobile's 3g. When it was announced it was supposed to be able to work on t-mobile's 3g, but in the end they removed it.
come on 800 bucks ? yea right il be laughing at the person who buys this with my iphone on my hands
I have this phone goin' on 3 weeks now I love it with all my heart! Yeah it lags here and there, but the things you can do with this sucker is off the chain! I have both Touchflo 3D and SB Mobile Shell and it makes the mobile Xperience a breeze. I lost track of the custom ringtones I have (30 sec mp3s). I forgot what program it is, but I can use WMV as video ringtones for incoming calls. I also customized the open and close sound on the keyboard, somethin' similar to the sidekicks. And I got custom alert sounds for IM's, email, sms, and mms (1-5 sec mp3s)!!! I downloaded Beejive and now I have ALL the IM's that can run in the background. Copy & paste is to die for! One thing I like about WM 6.1 is I can upload or create an image them mms it to all my friends! Even animated gif images too! I've made ton of holiday animated gif images to send off to my contacts. Hell, I even got friends beggin'me to mms them pictures so they can foward them! In Opera I can select and save images off the web and mms or email them with ease. A stable flash support is on its way hopefully. I'm waitin' for a non-beta version of Skyfire. Bein' able to browse MySpace, Facebook, and all them other sites that stream music and video and display the entire page like an desktop. Got the Youtube app. Thanks to the Xda Developers there's a tweak to mod the noticfication lights. Lookin' forward to video backgrounds in the future. Heck, I'll even settle for animated gif images. I barely started importin' themes. Right now I have a red theme and the notification lights always glow red. Coreplayer is blessin', I can drag and drop a variety of video files without conversion and they play with no problem. I can also edit the T9 dictionary, fonts, and add new symbols. It seems like everyday I change my sms/mms signature because I'm always addin' new symbols and what not. Converstation style sms/mms is the business! I can forward and send to multiple contacts with no problem. I just hope a developer design a better fish panel. It'll be cool if it was like an actual fish tank rather then lookin' down at it. I hope we get street view in an update, Google. You people complain about the touch screen not as good as the iPhone but I use the optical joystick and d-pad as if there isn't a touch screen interface. Last but not least, there is a tweak to increase the sound! I have some old software (6 years old) that I still use today to increase the volume on my mp3's up to 1000%. I can make any headphones/speakers sound loud! This phone is worth every penny if you can aford. That's if you like keep control over your phone! I can't wait till Thankgivin' and X-Mas to so off my phone to my family. Every year I have a new toy to show off...I LOVE THIS PHONE!!!
Hi There!
I just got the X1, but is not impressed with the sound... What software are you talking about that will tweak the sound?
Tnx
I'm sorry, if I see another post where somebody cries like a little baby that they can't use it on T-mobile I'm going to go full tilt. T-mo users, try to comprehend this: If they didn't make it to use your frequensy, they don't care about you! You expect a company the size of SE to bend over backwards to make you happy? How about this - if you like the phone, drop the $$ and get it. If you don't have the money, STFU. If you don't have a compatible service provider, change carriers, or STFU. Most of you couldn't even affort it anyways, because if you are willing to drop $800 on a phone, you wouldn't care about how much you have to pay for your monthly service or termination fees.
With all the grand technologies that all these new superphones incorporate, it's hard for me to understand why they can't put both CDMA and GSM radios into a phone. Is that possible, or am I missing something here?
and i wish i could double low rank you
Sony may still pick up tmobile's 1700 band. http://www.bengalboy.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=1107&viewmode=flat&order=ASC&start=430
screenshot of his xperia showing an x1 (not sure which version) with umts 1700 setting available