a kids phone (Sony Ericsson Z200)

Member Name: passb8

Product:	Sony Ericsson Z200
Date:	20/08/04 (359 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: looks great, create your own wallpaper, tri-band wap

Disadvantages: poor responsivenes, basic range of features, no digital camera

with a design that is bound to appeal to the younger use, the robust Z200 is a quirky looking phone with a circular screen woven into the outside of the clamshell handset. this displays caller identity infomation and whether a text message or voicemail is waiting for you. the rest of the time a digital clock, battery life and signal strength are displayed, though you can opt for a more conventional clock face with digital hands.



in another feature geared for the younger set, if you get bored of the look of your phone you can change the removable cover. these come in a variety of colours, with two choices included in the box.

there are also personalisation options including downloadable polyphonic ringtones supplement the 40 tones preloaded on the phone. you can also download wallpapers to liven up the bright, clear screen.



the menu stucture is pretty straightforward using the four-way navigation button.

the phone's overall responsivenes is a little disappointing, though, particuarly when you're writing a text message, as there's a slight delay before the characters appear on the screen. it's not so much of a problem while you're getting used to the handset but in time it gets rather frustrating.



a quick scroll through the menu reveals that the phone comes with WAP services for internet browsing and, as it's tri-band, you can even use it in the US.

you can also take advantage of the phone's infared port to transfer sounds and images from an infared-enabled PC, phone, handheld or notebook computer.



as the handset comes with basic image-editing software, you can even customise digital images in order to create your own wallpaper.



weighing just 98g, the Z200 can easily be sliped into your pocket but there's also an atachable strap if you want to hang it around your neck or from a belt loop.

whether or not you&
#39;re happy walking around with £140-worth of phone on display round your neck is entirely your choice.



verdict:


EASE OF USE:
easy-to-navigate menus
****



PERFORMANCE:
responsiveness isn't always great
***



FEATURES:
lacks a digital camera
***



VALUE FOR MONEY:
a fair price for a basic handset
***


overall:
a fun phone with basic features
***

Summary: