Sony Ericsson P1i - Opinions and help required

Maximus_Detritus · 9th Apr 2008, 02:35 AM

Hello guys! I haven't been around here in ages, but I need some help, and I need it sharp-ish (=

I'm in the market for a new smartphone, and I feel dead-set on the Sony Ericsson P1i. However, before I let my heart rule over my head, I just want to know what you guys think of it, and whether or not you can recommend alternatives with a smiliar feature set and list price.

What I like : innovative input system (touchscreen + that unique 20-key QWERTY keyboard), Symbian OS with UIQ3.1 interface (meaning alot of good apps can be found), good multimedia capability (MP3 support, H.264, MP4 support as well), Wi-Fi, pretty good camera, expandable memory, it's a Sony, and I just love the brushed metal look and how it is designed.

What I might not like : potential slow performance (from what I've read online), memory leaks (p990i was famous for buggy software and poor memory management), the WiFi is only b standard, not G, one-handed operation is difficult (so I've heard, but I can live with this).

As an aside, if anyone knows where I can get this for a reasonable (make that CHEAP) price, do let me know.

Thanks in advance, ppl.

bslee · 10th Apr 2008, 10:56 AM

Considered O2 models?
I still am in the opinion Nokia or SE haven't really matured their smartphone models.

Chai · 10th Apr 2008, 12:38 PM

I did consider P1, but it has some drawbacks. The keyboard is hard to use, no HSDPA, unstable, and worst of all, no directional buttons or joystick.

So I ended up buying HTC instead.

peaz · 10th Apr 2008, 05:45 PM

I checked out the P1i. Didn't like how SE implemented Symbian.

Maximus_Detritus · 11th Apr 2008, 01:36 AM

The thing is, I know the P990i had stability issues with memory leaks, etc (which is where I see you're coming from with that, Chai), although I have read countless online reviews saying that most of these bugs have been fixed and that the system is now much more stable, and SE have promised better update suppport.

I decided against HTC/Dopod out of monetary issues (i have an offer for a brand new P1i for RM1600 from a business contact), and I am not a fan of the Nokia implementation (tried otu my dad's E90, and I just plain dont like it).

I did consider holding out for the Xperia X1, but I can't wait that long, since I am going to business meetings and trying to plan my daily schedule on a Nokia 1100 (OMFG, I know).

Adrian Wong · 11th Apr 2008, 01:55 AM

I would have suggested the iPhone but .. with the screen problem, probably not a very good idea unless you are in the US.

Chai · 11th Apr 2008, 07:57 AM

I read that Xperia X1 is made by HTC, that's why it's so good on paper.

Maximus_Detritus · 11th Apr 2008, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chai

I read that Xperia X1 is made by HTC, that's why it's so good on paper.

Haha, you're right there. Besides, the X1 will likely be priced like an HTC, in the region of RM3k++, which I sadly just cannot afford (i'm not paid enough, boo).

Seriously though, does anyone have any alternatives to the P1i? I am not very well versed about Nokia phones, or even sub-RM1.8k HTC/Dopod models, so any help is appreciated.

peaz · 12th Apr 2008, 01:25 AM

what is your requirements?

even a simple phone like the SE 910i walkman phone is sufficient for me to organize my schedules. And I use Myphoneexplorer to sync my contacts and schedules with outlook. works perfectly fine for me. No need any fancy smartphone. Simple calendar works just great.

ZuePhok · 12th Apr 2008, 04:04 AM

Peaz: how do u find the 910i?

9th Apr 2008, 02:35 AM	#1 (permalink)
Maximus_Detritus Moderator Join Date: 14 Sep 2004 Location: Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Posts: 2,127 Reputation: 242 Rep Power: 8	Sony Ericsson P1i - Opinions and help required Hello guys! I haven't been around here in ages, but I need some help, and I need it sharp-ish (= I'm in the market for a new smartphone, and I feel dead-set on the Sony Ericsson P1i. However, before I let my heart rule over my head, I just want to know what you guys think of it, and whether or not you can recommend alternatives with a smiliar feature set and list price. What I like : innovative input system (touchscreen + that unique 20-key QWERTY keyboard), Symbian OS with UIQ3.1 interface (meaning alot of good apps can be found), good multimedia capability (MP3 support, H.264, MP4 support as well), Wi-Fi, pretty good camera, expandable memory, it's a Sony, and I just love the brushed metal look and how it is designed. What I might not like : potential slow performance (from what I've read online), memory leaks (p990i was famous for buggy software and poor memory management), the WiFi is only b standard, not G, one-handed operation is difficult (so I've heard, but I can live with this). As an aside, if anyone knows where I can get this for a reasonable (make that CHEAP) price, do let me know. Thanks in advance, ppl. __________________ Ceramic White PSP - 3.52M33-4, Metallic Blue PSP - 3.52M33-4 ARP Reviewer PlayStation Network : Maximus_Detritus

10th Apr 2008, 12:38 PM	#3 (permalink)
Chai Administrator Join Date: 6 Oct 2002 Location: Maranello Posts: 26,115 Reputation: 3845 Rep Power: 70	I did consider P1, but it has some drawbacks. The keyboard is hard to use, no HSDPA, unstable, and worst of all, no directional buttons or joystick. So I ended up buying HTC instead. __________________ Chai (Contributor & Forum Admin) http://www.techarp.com/

10th Apr 2008, 05:45 PM	#4 (permalink)
peaz ARP Webmaster Join Date: 13 Oct 2002 Location: http://atpeaz.placidthoughts.com/ Posts: 8,487 Reputation: 1633 Rep Power: 30	I checked out the P1i. Didn't like how SE implemented Symbian. __________________ Ken Ng Tech ARP Visit my web gallery - Ken's Digital Canvas Shoot and Earn Money from Stock Photography Sterling@PJ Community Forums

11th Apr 2008, 01:36 AM	#5 (permalink)
Maximus_Detritus Moderator Join Date: 14 Sep 2004 Location: Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Posts: 2,127 Reputation: 242 Rep Power: 8	The thing is, I know the P990i had stability issues with memory leaks, etc (which is where I see you're coming from with that, Chai), although I have read countless online reviews saying that most of these bugs have been fixed and that the system is now much more stable, and SE have promised better update suppport. I decided against HTC/Dopod out of monetary issues (i have an offer for a brand new P1i for RM1600 from a business contact), and I am not a fan of the Nokia implementation (tried otu my dad's E90, and I just plain dont like it). I did consider holding out for the Xperia X1, but I can't wait that long, since I am going to business meetings and trying to plan my daily schedule on a Nokia 1100 (OMFG, I know). __________________ Ceramic White PSP - 3.52M33-4, Metallic Blue PSP - 3.52M33-4 ARP Reviewer PlayStation Network : Maximus_Detritus

11th Apr 2008, 01:55 AM	#6 (permalink)
Adrian Wong Da Boss Join Date: 10 Oct 2002 Location: In front of my BenQ Joybook 7000 notebook! Posts: 29,436 Reputation: 2830 Rep Power: 63	I would have suggested the iPhone but .. with the screen problem, probably not a very good idea unless you are in the US. __________________ Dr. Adrian Wong Tech ARP \| Blog @ Tech ARP \| The Free Trade Zone DYKT : The only offshore account I have is at the sand bank? Keep Tech ARP free! Visit our sponsors! We need PROGRAMMERS and TECHNICAL WRITERS! Contact us if you are a hot shot programmer or technical writer! My items for sale : 50x SD Card \| Memory Stick PRO \| Cyclone Energy Saver \| Seiko SS watch \| Tiger/Carlsberg beer jugs \| Travel Speakers \| Motorola V600 \| Nokia N90 SOLD! \| New Lowepro Mini Trekker AW Other items for sale @ the FTZ : Zalman CNPS9500 LED @ $20 \| Zalman CNPS7700 Cu @ $20 \| Zalman CNPS7000 Cu @ $20 \| Swarovski bracelet watches \| Dell 17" LCD \| Hi-Fi speakers \| English DIVX movies \| HP LaserJet toners! \| Office chairs

10th Apr 2008, 10:56 AM	#2 (permalink)
bslee Getting there Join Date: 6 Feb 2005 Posts: 236 Reputation: 15 Rep Power: 4	Considered O2 models? I still am in the opinion Nokia or SE haven't really matured their smartphone models.

11th Apr 2008, 07:57 AM	#7 (permalink)
Chai Administrator Join Date: 6 Oct 2002 Location: Maranello Posts: 26,115 Reputation: 3845 Rep Power: 70	I read that Xperia X1 is made by HTC, that's why it's so good on paper. __________________ Chai (Contributor & Forum Admin) http://www.techarp.com/

12th Apr 2008, 01:25 AM	#9 (permalink)
peaz ARP Webmaster Join Date: 13 Oct 2002 Location: http://atpeaz.placidthoughts.com/ Posts: 8,487 Reputation: 1633 Rep Power: 30	what is your requirements? even a simple phone like the SE 910i walkman phone is sufficient for me to organize my schedules. And I use Myphoneexplorer to sync my contacts and schedules with outlook. works perfectly fine for me. No need any fancy smartphone. Simple calendar works just great. __________________ Ken Ng Tech ARP Visit my web gallery - Ken's Digital Canvas Shoot and Earn Money from Stock Photography Sterling@PJ Community Forums

12th Apr 2008, 04:04 AM	#10 (permalink)
ZuePhok Hold me back! I can't stop posting!!! Join Date: 16 Dec 2002 Location: Floating Island Of Mandango Posts: 8,508 Reputation: 2724 Rep Power: 41	Peaz: how do u find the 910i? __________________ DYKT: Our DNA can expired? Thank god my science class wasn't taught by Pak Lah