Good improvement on the Z5 (Sony CMD-Z7)

Member Name: rooooo

Product:	Sony CMD-Z7
Date:	16/07/02 (1616 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Looks, Functionality, Those ring tones!

Disadvantages: Lack of subtle ring tones, Cannot download ringtones

I wouldn't go so far as to call this a completely new phone, as it is basically a facelift to the popular Sony Z5, so consider it more in terms of a Ferrari to a Porsche. The Ferrari is better looking, sleeker, and a bit quicker, but at the end of the day, you wouldn't really mind owning either!

I ordered this phone through MobileShop.com, and it came quickly and well packaged. I firstly charged the phone for the recommended 4 hours - which was my first surprise. Previous phones I have had have required longer initial charging than that.

I then started to get aqquanited with my new 'best friend'. Users of the Z5 will find the phone's menu and buttons familiar and easy to use with it's scrolling carousel options - although these are now greatly improved and look more like a Game Boy than a mobile phone. The Jog Dial button is in a slightly lower position, but they buttons are much more positive and easy to press.

Like most people, one of the first things I tried out were my new ring tones! These are pretty much the standard affair as on the Z5, but in a 'Polyphonic' sound rather than beeps. This, on its own, makes other phones sound a little dated by comparison. The only problem I found is that there are not as many 'subtle' ring tones as on say a Nokia - they are mostly tunes, and the range of nice beeps or plain rings is lacking. You can record your own ring tones, by typping in your tune, but you can also record voices, music or soundbites through the microphone ? which gives a limitless array of possibilities! You cannot download ring tones direct to the phone and doesn?t bother me, it may to some.

As far as general features, there are too many to go into here, but there are three I must mention.

1. The Phone Book is a delight. You enter one name, and you can store multiple phone numbers and email addresses against that person - they can also have their own personal ring tone.
Don't underestimate the usefulness of this - I am amazed at how I managed without it, and how many few other phones have this functionality.

2. The Scheduler. Although not as comprehensive as a PDA, it is has all the functions for a forgetful person like me. Hugely useful.

3. The games! Black Jack and Table Football. Table football is good, but a little bit annoying to play for me, but you get a serious with Black Jack!

Overall, if you have, and love your Sony Z5, I would definitely recommend this phone. As I couldn't find any others that matched my Z5 when it came to functionality and looks, this was really the only contender.

If you are new to the Sony phone range, you will definitely find it different to your Nokia, or whatever, and may find it hard to use at first, but I believe that if you stick with it, you will actually find it easier and more intuitive than any Nokia's and Motorola's I have had, and arguably much better looking.

It is available free now on most contracts, so give it a go, I don't think you'll regret it.

Summary: