Sony Ericsson hails it a “premium” convergence device and forewarn that it won’t be cheap.

But they promise the Xperia X1 mobile phone will be worth every sen you spend on it.

One commentator observed that X1′s “luscious aluminum shell” and “amazingly sharp display” would “put Apple’s [iPhone] to shame.”

Sony Ericsson itself is positioning Xperia X1 is a “game changing device” that that will take convergence to new levels.

The company is avoiding use of the term “smart phone”,
Xperia’s Features

The features run the gamut — from entertainment and multimedia applications, to Web access, personal organizer-type capabilities, and a variety of communication options.

Sony Ericsson has gone the length with this device including a high-resolution touch screen quad-band GSM/EDGE, on board Wi-Fi for short-range networking, GPS for route finding, FM Radio and Bluetooth.

The X1′s Internet connectivity features are superior to any mobile phone Sony-Ericsson has ever produced to date.

It offers HSUPA (High Speed Upload Packet Access) that transmits video and other media almost as quickly as it comes downstream — a feature is not available in some of the most advanced 3G phones.

And powering all these features is a 520-MHz ARM11 processor running Windows Mobile 6.

Bottomline, the XPERIA X1 is being positioned — not just as a consumer or a productivity device, but one that offers you the best of both worlds — a “wicked” entertainment appliance, yet loaded with productivity features that the most fastidious mobile professional could use very effectively in an enterprise context.

Given its plethora of features, Sony has sought to facilitate user control over the device in a variety of ways.

For instance, the home screen featuring nine panels that can be configured by the user is provided in lieu of the conventional Windows Mobile home screen.

The panels are large blocks on the home screen that let users quickly access various applications.

However, once you get beyond the home screen you encounter the familiar Windows Mobile interface.

The phone’s slick panel interface is a feature generated evoked a great deal of comments in blogs and social networking sites.

Minutes after the launch several videos demos of the Xperia X1 interface were posted on YouTube — and the blogosphere was replete with comments hailing various features of the device — everything from the sliding QWERTY to the 800×480 touch screen with a higher pixel density than the iPhone,

“This is awesome,” one blogger wrote. “Even though I’m pretty much ok with my iPhone, I wouldn’t mind exchanging it for Xperia X1.”
More Ways Than One to Navigate

Another user-friendly capability is the multiple navigation options.

Users have various options to interact with the phone — touch, full QWERTY keyboard (which can be accessed by sliding the screen upwards), four-way key and optical joystick navigation.

According to Sony it’s really easy to switch between various operational modes.

Likewise, “ample distance between keys”, we are told, will make typing easy.

Fast data transfer capabilities — via HSDPA/HSUPA and Wi-Fi — are included to make the make this device attractive to mobile professionals.

Likewise Xperia X1 includes all the typical PDA capabilities — and then some more.

Along with the calculator, calendar, tasks scheduler, phone book, alarm clock and notes features — you also have certain other capabilities such as handwriting recognition, and document editors.

Speed and power
With Windows Mobile® inside, you can enjoy your favorite entertainment and work efficiently on the move. Turbo 3G provides the speed you need.

What’s so special?

Wayfinder Navigator™

With the X1 at hand, you won’t get lost – no matter where your travels take you. Your phone comes pre-loaded with a trial version* of Wayfinder Navigator™. Stay on track with turn-by-turn navigation instructions, unlimited access to an online travel planning tool and downloadable maps*. (* Length of trial period and map coverage subject to local variations.)

Multiple navigation
XPERIA™ X1 lets you interact via numerous intuitive ways. Touch, full QWERTY, 4-way key and optical joystick – you switch seamlessly between operation modes.

3G
Quick and easy access to broadband Internet. Say hello to video calls, audio and video streaming, internet surfing, multimedia messaging and email on the go.

Push email
Instant email on your mobile phone, just like on your home computer. Messages are sent directly to your phone as soon as they arrive.

Capture the action
Video clips are ideal for those unexpected great moments that happen when you’re out there, enjoying life.

Handwriting Recognition
Text input using stylus on touchscreen: write a character as you would with a pen and it transforms it into the corresponding letter on a keyboard.

Links you like
Forget cables – wireless is the way forward. Connect to other devices with Bluetooth™ to sync, share and send.

Arc slider design
The arc design gives XPERIA™ X1 a distinctive and unique look. Slide the screen upwards to reveal the wide-pitch QWERTY keyboard.

Video call
See who’s talking with your 3G phone. During a video call, you see a live video stream of the person you’re talking to and they can see you.

Integrated camera
Built-in digital camera with screen viewfinder, dedicated menus and direct interaction with in-phone imaging and messaging features.

RSS feeds
Use your phone to view up-to-the-minute news and other content from selected Web sites and blogs. Just subscribe to the feed and let it come to you.

Web wherever
Truly mobile internet lets you enjoy browsing the Web and effectively manage your email from the convenience of your phone, wherever you are.

The Wi-Fi alternative
For a fast Internet connection in hotspots, your phone has Wi-Fi support. Speed and power
With Windows Mobile® inside, you can enjoy your favorite entertainment and work efficiently on the move. Turbo 3G provides the speed you need.

What’s so special?
Wayfinder Navigator™
With the X1 at hand, you won’t get lost – no matter where your travels take you. Your phone comes pre-loaded with a trial version* of Wayfinder Navigator™. Stay on track with turn-by-turn navigation instructions, unlimited access to an online travel planning tool and downloadable maps*. (* Length of trial period and map coverage subject to local variations.)

Multiple navigation
XPERIA™ X1 lets you interact via numerous intuitive ways. Touch, full QWERTY, 4-way key and optical joystick – you switch seamlessly between operation modes.

3G
Quick and easy access to broadband Internet. Say hello to video calls, audio and video streaming, internet surfing, multimedia messaging and email on the go.

Push email
Instant email on your mobile phone, just like on your home computer. Messages are sent directly to your phone as soon as they arrive.

Capture the action
Video clips are ideal for those unexpected great moments that happen when you’re out there, enjoying life.

Handwriting Recognition
Text input using stylus on touchscreen: write a character as you would with a pen and it transforms it into the corresponding letter on a keyboard.

Links you like
Forget cables – wireless is the way forward. Connect to other devices with Bluetooth™ to sync, share and send.

Arc slider design
The arc design gives XPERIA™ X1 a distinctive and unique look. Slide the screen upwards to reveal the wide-pitch QWERTY keyboard.

Video call
See who’s talking with your 3G phone. During a video call, you see a live video stream of the person you’re talking to and they can see you.

Integrated camera
Built-in digital camera with screen viewfinder, dedicated menus and direct interaction with in-phone imaging and messaging features.

RSS feeds
Use your phone to view up-to-the-minute news and other content from selected Web sites and blogs. Just subscribe to the feed and let it come to you.

Web wherever
Truly mobile internet lets you enjoy browsing the Web and effectively manage your email from the convenience of your phone, wherever you are.

The Wi-Fi alternative
For a fast Internet connection in hotspots, your phone has Wi-Fi support.

Related posts:

1. Super AMOLED vs AMOLED vs LCD in direct sunlight… fight! (video)
2. Revamped Sony S-Series Walkman pops up in leaked press photos
3. Sony debuts 6.1-inch NV-U3DV navigation unit
4. “LG KP500 Cookie – iPhone Killer & Omnia’s Worst Nightmare!”