Review of the Sony Ericsson Arc S

Having owned this phone for 3 days, I think I've been able to pen down some thoughts of my personal experience with it.

Weight and Handling

The first thing that came to mind was compared to my previous phone LG's Optimus 7, this phone feels light and almost like a toy.

It's a little slippery because of its glossy back and I have, on occasion feel it slipping out of my hands.

However (fortunately), it hasn't done any damage to the floor yet but it does give me an impression that it would from time to time.

The wider screen (4.2" vs 3.8") also makes it slightly more wieldy but IMO, the Galaxy Note's even more challenging in that aspect.

Screen and Viewing Quality

In the past, when I step out of the MRT station, the screen would be washed-out by the ambient glare.

But now even in the afternoon sun, I'm now able to watch my videos or check emails on the move.

Photos and videos also appear more vibrant on the Arc S' screen.
 
Media

With Android, I can just take out the micro-SD to transfer videos, pictures etc. directly from my network drive to the phone.

More conveniently, I did find an app, AndSMB which allows me to connect directly to my network drive to download the files.

This means I can download my media files without even taking out the card.

Apps
Android has most of the apps that I had been using, so I didn't encounter any problems here. The apps currently on my phone are:

• AndSMB
• Angry Birds
• Camera360
• Dolphin HD Browser
• Evernote
• Facebook
• Gmail
• GO Launcher
• Google Search
• Mindjet
• MX Video Play
• Pudding Camera
• QuickPic
• Show Nearby
• SG Buses
• Skitch
• Snapbucket
• SpeedTest
• Wifi Analyser
• YouTube

 Battery Life
The battery can support a day's worth of surfing, SMSing and watching videos, but it does come precariously close to being critically depleted when I return home.
 
Camera and Buttons
The 8mp EXMOR camera sensor was one of the main reasons why I had upgraded my phone. However, I haven't had the opportunity to review the imaging quality much so far. But initial impression is that shutter button is too small to be used properly. However, I have found some photos apps that are able to remap the volume buttons and will be testing the camera more comprehensively.

Cost
The phone is now priced at $168 with the M1 iPhone Value plan.

Coupled with a $100 trade-in value from my Optimus 7, I think it's a steal for $68.

New Phone - Sony Ericsson Arc S

After a long deliberation, I finally got a SE Arc S (white) yesterday.

Am using it today and will pen down my thoughts on it.

Initial impressions are quite good, except that it seems to have problems retaining its APN settings, which affects internet access.

My home just got smarter

Went Best Denki and bought an LG BD660 Bluray player yesterday.

Even though I don't have a Bluray disk or any intention to get one in the near future, I got it because of the following reasons:

• relatively affordable ($149)
• dlna-compatible
• can watch YouTube videos

Other than the faulty HDMI cable (free, but I intend to get it changed), the setup was quite painless.

Reading files from my network drive was effortless and the upscaled picture looked great on the 20" TV in my room.

However, there are limits to what it can do.

Due to the use of LG apps, which were limited (less than 10), there's not much you can do on the internet. YouTube videos stream at normal res, not HD. My optimus 7 couldn't stream to the player as well. And most challenging of all was to type your searches without a proper keyboard.

That being said, I'm quite happy that I bought it and will try it on a larger TV in the living room to see if it will serve us better there.

Redefining Evaluation

Rather than compare specs, I used BC comparison instead.

Mindmap for new phone

Choosing my new Phone

After a long wait, my M1 contract has finally crossed the 20 mth mark and I can now upgrade.

Though I'm using the LG Optimus 7 now, which is a great phone (I DO like the WP7 platform), I feel that it has some quirks which I'm not comfortable with.

In contrast with my dear wife who already decided that iPhone is her way to go, I'd rather focus on phones that are a bit lesser "mainstream".

Here's a quick list of the pro/cons of my current phone and the ones that I've been considering.

Optimus 7 (current)
• affordable (bought $200+ wo plan)
• WP7 platform (it's cool IMO)
• HD video recording
• nice ergonomics and design
• need for Zune / no USB mass storage mode (iPhone anyone?)
• camera not up to par / startup speed / shutter lag
• metal cover feels hot with sustained use
• internet wifi connections seem flaky - not sure due to ISP and home network
• current usage with surfing and watching movies requires charging during the day

xperia S
• newest Sony phone
• excellent screen resolution and size
• capacitive buttons (home, back, menu) challenging to press
(tested at AMK Hub shop, registering a touch seems to be a hit-or-miss affair)
• expensive (salesgirl estimated $800+ without contract)
• 12mp size / bigger jpg files
• feels a little heavy

xperia Arc S
• practical (IMO) 8mp camera resolution
• good screen resolution
• small camera shutter button (touch shutter)
• skinny android buttons
• poor internal storage

xperia Pro
• physical keyboard (great for typing long notes or posts like this)
• small camera shutter button (touch shutter)
• poor internal storage

xperia Ray
• affordable ($398 no plan, $98 with M1)
• small and light for capability package
• no camera button (however touch screen shutter is quite fast)
• small screen (though sharp) might be unable to see if picture is sharp
• poor internal storage

n9 64G black
• affordable ($98 starhub plan)
• 64G internal storage (non expandable)
• good resale value
• uncertain OS (obsolescence, apps?)
• no shutter button
• choppy video (reported)
• need to switch to starhub
• contract-free only in may / availability / penalties

Have been doing research for the past few weeks and it seems that I'm leaning towards the Ray and n9.

However, with the recent release of the xperia P and U, Nokia 808, I haven't been able to get down to a final decision yet.

And so the thinking continues...