To some, the world needs another fancy camera phone like a gopher needs a colostomy, but others like to have the latest phones with the coolest mix of functions and looks -- and Sony’s impending Satio is designed to make the latter go weak in the knees. It’s is a beautiful package that offers enough features to make just about any handset shopper happy.
Uniqueness
Initially introduced at MWC 2009 as the Idou, the Symbian-powered Satio’s slick urban looks and crazy feature set look like a recipe for magic. The edgy, faintly industrial body stands out nicely against the curvaceous plastic phones that form most of the market these days. On the front, a 12.1-megapixel camera and Xenon flash are nestled behind a protective sliding panel, while a super 3.5-inch widescreen graces the back. That screen is not only good for framing shots, it’s also a fabulous way to view movies while sitting on a plane or bus, especially if you spring for a cool wireless HBH-IS800 stereo headset. Under the hood, the phone boasts such goodies as gesture control, animated wallpaper, e-mail and Web browsing and a bevy of music, video and photo features (including geo-tagging your pics). Looking to get going? The phone’s GPS, Google Maps and turn-by-turn navigation will get you from point A to point B with minimum fuss. Connectivity not only includes the usual Wi-Fi, stereo Bluetooth and USB, but also extends to TV out and PictBridge features, as well as a basic modem. The Saito is expected to be available in early Q4 2009 in black, Bordeaux red and silver.
Facts
Price: TBD
Official Site: SonyEricsson.com
Specs: S60 OS; 12.1 MP; Xenon flash; 3.5” touch screen; GPS; Bluetooth; FM radio; Wi-Fi; microSD
Company: Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications
