February 6, 2008 – 8:19 am
The groundbreaking K790a from Sony Ericsson combines a Cyber-shot digital camera and a small and sophisticated mobile phone that supports EDGE high speed data networks. But the real story here is the K790i’s amazing a 3.2 megapixel camera with autofocus, a built-in xenon flash and image and video stabilizer functions that keep you ready for any moment, anytime. Other features include Bluetooth, a gorgeous color screen, an FM radio, an advanced mobile Web browser, and PictBridge-compliant printing.
 Is it a powerful camera, or a high-end phone? You decide. |
 Capture images quickly and use the BestPic feature to quickly choose your best shots. |
 The included NetFront browser offers a robust mobile Web experience. |
Design
The K790a follows a long tradition of beautifully designed and crafted phones from Sony Ericsson. The same candy-bar style that graces other high-end Sony Ericsson phones is here, as is the horizontally-oriented camera unit on the back of the phone, allowing you to hold the phone just as you would a camera when you’re taking pictures. The K790a’s two-inch screen sports a whopping 240×320 pixel resolution with support for 262,000 colors. Quick access buttons below the screen make it easy to control the phone’s most important features, while a five-way center button controls most of the phone’s menus and features. There’s also a port for the phone’s included stereo headset, and USB and infrared data ports are provided, as well. The phone supports USB mass storage so you can simply plug the phone into your computer and drag and drop music files into the phone’s memory using the included Disc2Phone PC application. Moving your photos is easy, too, thanks to high-speed USB. The K790a contains 64 MB of embedded memory and a Memory Stick Micro slot is provided, giving you the big storage capacity you need for photos, music, and more.
Calling Features
The K790a’s phone book can hold all your important contacts with multiple entries per contact. A call list remembers your most recent missed, received and dialed calls, and the phone’s voice activated dialing makes calling your contacts as easy as saying their names. Meanwhile, a built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Polyphonic ringtones are included and you can also use MP3 and AAC music files as ringtones. A cool application called Music DJ even lets you mix your own ringtones. Picture caller ID lets you assign a photo to specific callers. Similarly, a ringer ID lets you assign ringtones to callers. For those times you want to keep things discreet, there’s a vibrate ringer mode. And because the K790a is Bluetooth-enabled, you can use a variety of headsets and handsfree kits for total wireless freedom when you’re on the go. The phone even supports stereo Bluetooth headsets.
Messaging, Internet, and Tools
If you’re looking for a mobile productivity partner, the K790a has you covered. Support is built in for sending and receiving pictures, text, graphics, and sound via MMS messages. When used in combination with the phone’s built-in still and video camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging possibilities. You can even edit up your video clips with the included VideoDJ application. The phone also ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3, IMAP4 and SMTP protocols, while the included Access NetFront Web Browser allows you to surf full HTML web sites. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit– a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.
Getting on the Internet is easy with the K790a, as it supports the GPRS protocol, as well as the high speed EDGE data protocol. When used with your carrier data plan and the phone’s Bluetooth or USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs.
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the K790a, including a voice memo recorder, a to-do list, a calculator, a calendar and an alarm clock. The phone also supports the SyncML PC synchronization standard, which lets you synchronize your PC-based calendar, contacts, notes and tasks with your K790a.
Imaging and Entertainment
The big story about this phone is, of course, the camera. At 3.2 megapixels, it can produce incredible images, but the real advantage comes from the camera’s autofocus, which allows you to take crisp pictures at varying distances from your subjects. The camera also features an image and video stabilizer compensates for any small movement of your hand when you’re taking a picture and shooting video. Meanwhile, a built-in Xenon flash helps you get great results in all kinds of lighting situations.
There’s also a unique feature called BestPic that lets you capture several images in quick succession with one press of the camera key. BestPic lets you pick the best and delete the rest. Dedicated controls on the side of the device will make you forget you’re holding a phone in your hand, and when you’re ready to share your gorgeous images, you can print them wirelessly via Bluetooth, or via USB, on a PictBridge-capable printer. Sony Ericsson also provides a free picture blogging feature, which allows you to upload pictures from your phone to a place where all your friends and family can view them online.
The K790a is also a great music phone. Load up your favorite songs in MP3 or AAC format on a memory card and listen to your heart’s content. The user-friendly music player application makes it easy to organize and enjoy your tunes. There’s even an FM radio for catching the big game or your favorite stations.
And what about gaming? This phone is definitely geared for the mobile fun fanatic, as it supports widescreen and 3D games. The K790a comes preloaded with several games and more are downloadable from Sony Ericsson.
Vital Statistics
The Sony Ericsson K790a weighs 4.1 ounces and measures 4.1 x 1.8 x .9 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 7 hours of digital talk time, and up to 350 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.
Product Features
- Unlocked for use with your existing Triple band GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/1800/1900 service provider and SIM card. Note: This phone does not come with service or a SIM card.
- 3.2 Cybershot megapixel camera with autofocus and 16x digital zoom
- Music player and video player
- Bluetooth™ and USB 2.0 mass storage
- 3G and video calling (K800); EDGE- High Speed Internet services
Buy the product from amazon.com
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