Sony Ericsson W595 – First impressions

09 October 2008

3 gains exclusive YouTube uploading application

Mobile Choice has got our hands on the new Sony Ericsson W595 Walkman phone and our early impression is that we like it. Predominantly made from a smooth plastic, a metallic trim gives the handset a real distinguished look. Its sliding mechanism is both smooth and fluid and even when closed remains fairly svelte. The front of the handset is adorned with your media controls, calling keys, cancel key, shortcuts key and two soft keys all of which are slightly raised and feel good under the thumb. The same can be said for the numeric keypad with each button big enough that accidental key nudges should not be common place.

However, it's the W595's ability to upload videos quickly and easily to YouTube that really impressed us. Exclusive solely to 3 (they also have exclusive rights to the grey version), once you've gone through the motions of setting up a YouTube account, each time you finish shooting a video with the W595, you are given the option as to whether to upload the video directly to YouTube. It really is as simple as a one-click press. Sony Ericsson claims it takes around five minutes for your video to be able to be enjoyed by the rest of the web. We're a tad disappointed to find that you are restricted to recording your video at a maximum of 15 frames per second but it's a great application.

Other features of note include the 3.2-megapixel camera, HSDPA data speeds, a built-in Walkman Player along with a host of novel applications. For example, form your own one man band with Music Mate 5 or make an Elvis-like animated character dance with the W595's onboard Shake control.

Mobile Choice will be bringing a full review of the Sony Ericsson W595 very soon.