Exclusive: Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 review, release date, pricing
Sony Ericsson Xperia X1
(Credit: Corinne Schulze/CBS Interactive)You're hearing it here first, folks: The long-awaited Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 will be available in the United States on November 28 for an unlocked price of $799.99 through Sony Style stores. Go ahead, we'll give you a second to catch your breath from the sticker shock.
Yes, these are the official details as given to us by Sony Ericsson on Tuesday. The highly anticipated Windows Mobile smartphone, which was first announced at GSMA 2008 in February, won't be coming to a U.S. carrier for now, but it will be available for preorder starting November 13 through the Sony Style Web site and will be available in Sony Style stores and at Sony authorized retailers on November 28.
I know many of you are probably disappointed by the lack of carrier backing and the expense alone might be enough to stop you in your tracks, but price aside, what does the Xperia X1 offer and how does it perform? Could it possibly be worth the $800? After all, it was quite the showstopper at GSMA with its sleek design, innovative panel interface, and long laundry list of features.
Well, we've actually had the smartphone for a couple of weeks now and have a few thoughts about it. So before you start saving your pennies or start looking for an alternative, read our full review of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X1 for all the details and check out our hands-on photo gallery.
Bonnie Cha is a senior editor for CNET, covering smartphones and GPS. When she's not testing the latest gadgets, you can find her chasing after her crazy lab or surfing in the chilly waters of Northern California. E-mail Bonnie.
This phone can only be used on AT&T if you want 3G speed. If I'm going to be locked into AT&T, why would I pay $500 more than the HTC Touch Pro/Fuze with a 2 year contract with AT&T (which I would need anyhow in order to use the X1)? Is this phone really worth $500 more than the Fuze/Touch Pro? I think not. Besides the difference in screen resolution (X1=800x480 Fuze/Touch Pro=640x480) the underlying hardware is the same. Same processor, same GPS, in fact the X1 is manufactured by HTC! If SE can't get carrier support for their new "flagship" phone, they will continue to lose market share. I just don't know why SE continues to shoot themselves in the foot! PS - If I want the Touch Pro, I can also get one from Sprint/Nextel, and save a bundle on airtime. If SE thinks that people have an extra $500 just sitting around to throw at their phone, I think they have miscalculated again. I could see an extra $50, with carrier backing...
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by drewch
November 13, 2008 10:04 AM PST
- I read elsewhere that the US bound version was supposed to support the HSDPA 1700 used uniquely by TMobile, but I just went through the specs on Sony Style website and it doesn't mention that. Does anyone know the truth about this "rumor"?
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