Experiencing the XPERIA X1

Last night we had a hands-on with the Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1. We have to say that it’s a beautiful little device that feels…right. In pictures, it looks like the device could have a little bulk to it, but in person, it’s light and beautiful.

Sony Ericsson chose to run a custom version of Windows Mobile 6.1. While the home screen is the same, it has added a custom user interface that features a beautiful host of panels that each launch their own application. The UI wasn’t fully compiled, however, so it has some low frame-rates, but we loved the ability to customize nine home screen widgets that range from Web sites like Facebook to your current calendar and schedule.

Check out our hands-on with the XPERIA X1 below.

The back of the device also features a 3.2MP camera, and if you’re familiar with Sony cameras, you’ll love its 2-inch, 800 x 480-pixel touchscreen interface that lets you choose which area of your photo you’d like to focus on. It’s similar to facial autodetect, but you can actually touch the screen and select which areas the device prioritize.

The X1 also supports quad-band GSM/EDGE networks and 850/1700/1900/2100-MHz frequency bands for high-speed data access in the United States.

Our favorite feature of the device is its beveled metal keypad, which is great for typing and incredibly comfortable. The metal makes it feels sturdy and the keys have a nice bounce to them.

We expect to get a review unit in soon; it’s due out in the second half of 2008 and pricing is currently unannounced.