Plemix

Nokia stands for simple and durable, LG stands for superfine and Samsung stands for versatility… They best suit the customers with their uniqueness from upper level to lower lever. This time, we get Blackberry Curve 8520 on hand which is offering at a bargain price. As Blackberry used to be catered to the higher end, with their push into the consumer market the need for an entry model seems to be inevitable. We're more than welcome to extend our BlackBerry streak.

What’s inside? The Blackberry Curve 8520 phone, a battery, a charger, a data cable, a stereo handsfree, a CD-ROM and a user’s guide.

The new Curve follow the traditional Blackberry layout: 3.4” screen with a full QWERTY keyboard. It is just a bit thicker than the Curve 8900. The display is unfortunately only 320x240 like the Curve 8300, a noticeable downgrade from recent RIM units. It is still sharp and crisp though, and QVGA isn’t exactly poor. For an entry level unit it’s more than acceptable.

The keyboard layout is the same as always. The only different is the trackball has been replaced with an optical trackpad which is basically an optical mouse that has been turned upside down. It works quite well in general, though is probably a bit more difficult to control than the trackball.

The top of the phone offers the user media control buttons, the middle of which doubles as a mute button.

The top left hosts a 3.5mm headphone jack and microUSB data/charging port.

Turn to the right side, it is rubber convenience and volume keys on the edges of the device. They seem to be very durable by keeping dust out of the phone all the while.

The back houses a simple 2 MP camera. There is no flash this time around. The shiny black plastic is a fingerprint magnet but looks pretty when clean.

Take off the battery cover, you may access the microSD slot.

Reception on GSM networks seems on par with the 8900, it is generally good enough. It features the same basic form factor as the original 8300 series devices, but gets some nicely upgraded features like runs on faster CPU (512MHz processor), better user interface etc. and more modern styling in a package that is roughly the same sized as the more expensive Curve 8900, however, lacks of some significant features, including support for high-speed 3G networks and GPS functionality. A standard headphone jack, as well as dedicated playback controls at the top of the device and the reasonable price will be the trade-off. I can say Curve 8520 is more media-friendly than older versions.

BlackBerry Curve 8520 Video Review

It’s been quite some time since I was last wowed by the design of a Sony Ericsson phone. You just can’t help but wondering how Sony Ericsson can keep launching such mediocre designs, until I see the new addition to the Cyber-shot lineup C903. It’s a stunner.

It’s a bundle with standard content: the C903 phone, a battery, a charger, a data cable, a stereo handsfree, a CD-ROM and a user’s guide.

Like I said in the introduction, C903 is an eye-candy. The lustrous plastic finish is a definitely pleasing (especially the Glamour Red) to the eyes and to the hand as well. The front is dominated by the 2.4” TFT Display which I would love to see bigger. However, I would say it is still a beauty.

The number keypad is nicely separated by metal ridges that enhance tactility. Typing on the highly tangible keys with distinct clicks is quick and effortless. The D-pad and the soft keys are also pleasant. I like the fact that the call and end call keys are slightly butted out for better orientation. Last but not least, the backlight is beyond cool!

On the right side lays the camera control keys, the shutter key and the volume rocker.

The connection portal is placed on the left side which can be a little awkward for me, but it’s not a big deal.

You will find the M2 slot hidden away under the battery cover. Memory can be expanded up to 16GB.

The back is really the highlight here. The lens is covered by a slide which is apparently inspired by the Sony Cybershot T-series. Not only is the protective slide pragmatic, but also fabulous looking. I adore the silver plate with the engraved brand name, a perfect example to blend commerciality and elegance. I even like the layout of the flash, how it stretches horizontally.

A classic Sony Ericsson menu. We have got HSDPA, GPS with Wayfinder, accelerator that allows auto-rotation in C903. However, its biggest competition Nokia 6260 Slide’s WiFi support is missing here.

The camera is a 5MP one with loads of commendable features such as BestPic (which allows you to take 9 pics and pick the best), smile shot, face detection, autofocus and geo-taggin, just to name a few.

I am lovin’ C905 for it is definitely one of the handsomest devices out there right now. Although there’s no WiFi support nor a super wide screen (it’s not a touchscreen phone anyway!), it still offers you some of the most sought-after features such as GPS, HSDPA connection, a drag and drop media organizer, PicBridge for direct printing. It’s clearly an all-rounder.

 

Sony Ericsson C903 Video Review

The mobile megapixel wars are going on drastically. The battle between the two main leaders, Sony Ericsson and Samsung is coming to critical stage. Just a year since Samsung and Sony Ericsson launched 8 MP cameraphone named i8510 and C905, which took the vogue in the mobile century. Now, these two players are back and battling with the 12 MP Sony Ericsson Satio and Samsung M8910 Pixon12. Luckily, we have grabbed one of them from the arena and show it to all of you guys.

What’s inside? The phone, a battery, a charger, a data cable, a handsfree set, a leather pouch, CD and user’s guide.

The big screen on the front and no more than 5 buttons below, it is become the standard of the touchscreen device. Of course, M8910 Pixon12 is following the rules: 3.1-inch screen, a bit bigger than LG Arena, but same as S8000 Jet, with 3 hardware keys below the display- Call and End keys obviously and the center button. Now, the center button does not launch some 3D cube or something, it just opens or closes the main menu.

The top houses the standard microUSB port with a protective cover and battery cover release key.

The right side hosts the volume rocker, camera and shutter keys.

At the left side, it got the microSD slot and the hardware Lock key.

Turn to the back, you may know how the amazing shooter looks like. 12 MP auto focus camera with Xenon LED flash, sporting also 28mm (in 35mm terms) wide-angle lens, which means you may have roughly 20 percent larger angle of view when looking through the viewfinder. WOW~ just comes heads-to-heads with some camera.

The nice leather pouch is tightly holding the phone, besides the lens. The camera seems to be ready for capture every moment of a scene but the display was just covered by the pouch. How can you taking photos by without looking at the display? So Stupid!

M8910 Pixon12 comes with the last version of TouchWiz UI. This time you get three different screens that you can alternate by swiping your finger to the sides. The currently selected one is indicated by the three thin lines at the top.

The main menu is divided into three separate screens as well where apps can be placed and you can customize it up to your preference.

Just like S8000 Jet. It gets the new WebKit-based Dolfin web browser, which is an in-house developed application. The new web browser supports allows up to 5 pages to be open at the same time.

Obviously, Samsung are clearly on the hunt for the top all-in-one mobile and the M8910 Pixon12 seems a nice step forward. With powerful 12MP camera on board that equipped with latest features like auto focus capability, Xenon LED flash etc, the nice user interface (Latest TouchWiz 2.0 UI with Smart unlock), 3.1-inch wide AMOLED resistive touchscreen. The powerhouse seems to be the king of the mobile kingdom. Hold on…..We have not yet to see what happen with the Sony Ericsson Satio.

Samsung M8910 Pixon12 Video Review