| Sony Ericsson’s highly-regarded P-series | | | | numerous options in controlling the device and these |
| smartphones have long been the device of choice for | | | | are very user-friendly. One feature that P-Series |
| many looking for an all-in-one office solution, especially | | | | veterans will be pleased to see is the 3-way Jog-dial |
| those not looking for a Windows Mobile device. The | | | | on the left-side of the device which enables |
| Sony Ericsson P1i is the latest addition to the range. | | | | easy-scrolling through the menus. This works perfectly |
| With the P1i, Sony Ericsson looks to be consolidating | | | | well and coupled with the responsive touch-screen |
| this position and branching out further by adding | | | | there doesn’t seem to be much need for stylus’ |
| increased functionality and some additional features | | | | in PDA smartphones anymore, especially when the |
| that may establish the P1i as a full multimedia device | | | | alternative control options are so much more |
| as opposed to just a highly-competent smartphone. | | | | user-friendly (barring of course the awkward keypad |
| Though the P1i weighs in at a hefty 120g, the overall | | | | design). |
| feel is of a very sturdy, well-built handset with | | | | The 3.2 MP camera is also worth a mention as it can |
| very-good proportions. Design wise, the first thing that | | | | be favourably compared to dedicated cameraphones |
| will catch your eye is the unusual structure of the | | | | such as the K800i. Coming with auto focus and flash, it |
| keypad. Though it is a full QWERTY keypad on the | | | | is probably fair to say that the P1i is well-equipped |
| P1i, there isn’t one key assigned to every letter. | | | | enough to trounce all other smartphones in the imaging |
| Instead, to save space Sony Ericsson has used the | | | | department. |
| half-QWERTY keypad. In this case each key | | | | Though the lack of Xenon flash means that the K800i |
| represents 2 letters with the letter located on either | | | | just edges ahead, the P1i puts up a brave fight and |
| the left or right of the key and a small dip in the middle | | | | can be easily classed as the best camera in a |
| of each key. | | | | smartphone, eclipsing its nearest rival, the HTC Tytn II. |
| In practise this is a very awkward solution as ease of | | | | All in all, the P1i is an extremely capable smartphone |
| use in many other aspects of this handset is a very | | | | which has almost everything. Great build quality, intuitive |
| strong-point, but definitely not with the keypad. Whilst | | | | user-interface and a nice surprise in the form of the |
| the majority of the keypad is raised, for some reason | | | | high-quality camera. The only let-down is the |
| the bottom row of keys is not and (strangely) this | | | | QWERTY keyboard which somewhat spoils the |
| feels easier than the raised keys that are employed | | | | otherwise great experience that can be had using this |
| elsewhere. | | | | handset. Though it may not be for everyone, the P1i |
| With the rest of the control layout any other worries | | | | would be more than worth a try for those in the |
| over ease of use are put to rest as there are | | | | market for an all-round device. |