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Sony Ericsson's first UIQ based Symbian smartphone, the P800 became a big seller in the relatively small market for PDA/mobile phone combination devices, especially in Europe where these types of handsets are more established than the in North America.

The device did have several flaws, however, as first iterations are apt to have. The sequel to the P800, the smaller, lighter and definitely sleeker P900 solves many of these issues with an improved screen, more memory, Bluetooth, and more. And with an attractive silver and gray finish, it looks more professional. It does, however, cost a pricey $700.

P800 Left, P900 Right

At 4.5 x 2.25 x .95 inches, the tri-mode GSM/GPRS (900/1800/1900) P900 fits comfortably in one's pocket. And at a mere 5.6 ounces it won't weigh you down either. One of the most significant improvements in the P900 over the P800 is its keypad, which like in the earlier device, can flip down to show more of the screen.

When it is closed, however, you can also see more display real estate than you could in the P800. The keypad includes large, easy to use and comfortable number keys that are not only larger than the P800's keys, they glow blue for viewing at night. When you fip the keypad down, you can view the whole screen. The device also features a virtual keypad should you choose to remove the flip keypad altogether.

Speaking of the handset's display, the P900's 208 x 320 pixel touch screen has improved color depth with 65,536 colors compared to 4,096 colors in the P800, and images can be viewed across the full size of the screen and in wide-screen mode. The screen is clear and easy to read. While it worked well indoors and out, sometimes it appeared a little dim. The display hsa a higher resolution than palmOne's Treo 600 smartphone, but it isn't as bright.

As a phone, the P900 worked very well. Calls were clear with no notable interference. In terms of features, it includes conference calling, speed dialing, and picture ID, which allows you to have a picture associated with a phone number. The P900 can be set to phone or flight mode.

To access the phone's 1260 mAh battery, you simply slide off the back of the handset. Underneath the battery, you will find the device's SIM card, which identifies the P900 to your wireless carrier. The battery delivers a quarter more power capacity than the one in the P800, working for several days at a time on a single charge. Overall, smartphone battery life isn't going to be what you are used to with standard mobile phones. While this varies widely, the P900 did a good job for a smartphone.

Above the battery is the smartphone's VGA camera, which, in addition to allowing you to take snap shots, lets you take MPEG4 video clips. While there is no cover for the camera lens, it is recessed enough, so scratching shouldn't be a problem. Dirt may be another matter.

A P900's video clip recording can be inserted into MMS messages. In addition, video streamed to the P900 from other sources can also be inserted into an MMS messages. As a QuickShare device, a picture can be taken with two clicks and sent locally over Bluetooth, Infrared or cable, or across the mobile phone networks with MMS or e-mail.