ANDROID Does it BetterAll about Android OS and apps

If you are looking for an impressive and versatile smartphone for less than $250, Sony Ericsson’s newly released Xperia X8 could be the phone for you. It is modeled after the more expensive X10, but is much more straightforward and less costly. Weighing in at only 104 grams, the 3″ Android touchscreen device comes to life with 320 x 480 pixel resolution. WiFi, 3.5G support, GPS, and FM radio are welcomed features. To get started with multimedia capabilities, Sony Ericsson even includes a separate 2 GB card for its expandable microSD memory slot.

The Xperia X8 is arguably one of the most attractive Android phones on the market, with its main cosmetic downside being the plastic used on the back of the phone. It tends to cheapen the feel of the phone. Otherwise, it is designed as most Android phones, with the home, menu, and back keys located beneath the display. The top of the phone has the controls for power/lock functions, the 3.5mm audio connector, and the microUSB port; the left side is home to volume controls and the quick one-step camera function.

Behind the plastic back is a battery that lasts up to almost six hours of straight talk time on 3G. There is a state of the art 600MHz processor hiding inside, along with 128MB of RAM, which while substantial is slightly slower than some processors found in other Android phones. The interface for the 3.2 megapixel camera on the back of the phone is simple and easy to understand, even the video camera. While flash or auto focus would have been nice features if included, the quality of the pictures and videos are well above par, especially when transferred to a computer.

Anyone who rushed out to purchase the X8 will be running the Android 1.6 operating system. However, subsequent productions of the smartphone will yield Android 2.1. (Anyone running the older version will be able to upgrade once available.) Of course, users will be able to customize the device with their choice of apps from the Android Market. The Xperia X8 has a very modern, stylish look that manages to be small yet remain fully functional. For the right market demographic, it provides all the services you could want. So who is the right market demographic? The phone is clearly designed to be affordable, and unfortunately, it seems Sony met this goal by going with reduced internet browsing ability. If you want a reliable phone at a good price and do not plan on doing much internet browsing, then this is a good choice.