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.