The simply amazing Z5 (Sony CMD-Z5)

Member Name: cornishboy

Product:	Sony CMD-Z5
Date:	11/07/01 (325 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Stylish, Excellent features, Light

Disadvantages: No Infra Red capability

Occasionally I am surprised by a new product. The Sony Z5 didn't surprise me. It simply lived up to my high expectations. It is one unique, powerful little phone.

Initially you are drawn in by the sheer style of the handset - it's the sort of phone you want to put on the table in front of you when you go down the pub. But underneath the polished chrome exterior lies probably the most user friendly interface Ive come across. The jog dial is a revelation allowing you to access all of the menu features easily using one hand. Once you've discovered that the dial can be pushed back as well as in, you'll have access to all of the phones numerous features.

And what features they are. WAP access which seems to run considerably faster than I expected, utilising Microsofts Internet explorer. Accessing your normal e-mail account, something the Z5 and only a handful of other phones can do, is also staightforward providing you have all the necessary details. Both of these are extremely useful for me as I often have to pick up business e-mails on the move.

Other features to note are the in built answermachine/voice memo function, which means you can take messages without having to dial up your voicemail. When you add in the ring tone composer for that bit of added individuality (and fun!), plus the normal features you'd expect from a quality handset, it makes for a powerful portable device for both business and leisure. And at only 83g it's light enough to carry around in a shirt pocket.

What about the battery and call quality I hear you cry? Well, battery strength isnt bad considering it's size (I tend to charge mine every couple of days), but can vary dependant on the amount of WAP usage which is more draining. Call quality has so far proved excellent even when the took a call in a seemingly granite built supermarket and I only had 1 bar of signal strength!

All in all, the Z5 gives you something a lit
tle different. If you are looking for a 'run of the mill' mobile buy one of Nokias existing offerings which will be of course be top quality. However, if you want something thats looks like a Star Trek communicator and is almost a powerful, then the Z5 is a must!

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