Besides being a bargain among smartphones usually marketed towards the pricier end of the consumer electronics market, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 is an uncomplicated version of the existing X10. Amongst other things, this Android phone boasts an above standard touchscreen - 3" 320 x 480. With 3.5G support and a 2GB storage card included in the microSD slot there is plenty of room for all of your downloads and apps. Other cool features include an FM radio, WiFi, and GPS.

As with most Sony Ericsson products, the X8 is one sharp looking phone. In fact, it has a much more appealing look than most Androids. The only real problem here is the plastic on the back cover, which has a very low-grade feel to it. Like most Android phones, the menu, home and back keys are placed directly under the screen. On the right side, you will find the volume control and the one-step camera shutter for quick access. The microUSB port, 3.5mm connector and power/lock key are situated along the top edge.

Behind that plastic back is a battery that lasts up to almost six hours of straight talk time on 3G. There is a state of the art 600MHz processor hiding inside, along with 128MB of RAM, which while substantial is slightly slower than some processors found in other Android phones.

Though it lacks a flash or auto-focus, the 3.2 megapixel camera is impressive for the price range. It is very easy to use and navigate around the menus, with the capability to record video as well. Users will not be disappointed with the quality even when uploaded to a full size computer screen. The quality is definitely above average.

Anyone who rushed out to purchase the X8 will be running the Android 1.6 operating system. However, subsequent productions of the smartphone will yield Android 2.1. (Anyone running the older version will be able to upgrade once available.) Of course, users will be able to customize the device with their choice of apps from the Android Market.

So, should you buy the Sony Ericsson Xperia X8? If you are in need of a smartphone that balances size with function, style with price, is easy to use, and you are only a basic internet user, then absolutely!

Besides being a bargain among smartphones usually marketed towards the pricier end of the consumer electronics market, the Sony Ericsson Xperia X8 is an uncomplicated version of the existing X10. Amongst other things, this Android phone boasts an above standard touchscreen - 3" 320 x 480. With 3.5G support and a 2GB storage card included in the microSD slot there is plenty of room for all of your downloads and apps. Other cool features include an FM radio, WiFi, and GPS.

As with most Sony Ericsson products, the X8 is one sharp looking phone. In fact, it has a much more appealing look than most Androids. The only real problem here is the plastic on the back cover, which has a very low-grade feel to it. Like most Android phones, the menu, home and back keys are placed directly under the screen. On the right side, you will find the volume control and the one-step camera shutter for quick access. The microUSB port, 3.5mm connector and power/lock key are situated along the top edge.

Behind that plastic back is a battery that lasts up to almost six hours of straight talk time on 3G. There is a state of the art 600MHz processor hiding inside, along with 128MB of RAM, which while substantial is slightly slower than some processors found in other Android phones.

Though it lacks a flash or auto-focus, the 3.2 megapixel camera is impressive for the price range. It is very easy to use and navigate around the menus, with the capability to record video as well. Users will not be disappointed with the quality even when uploaded to a full size computer screen. The quality is definitely above average.

Anyone who rushed out to purchase the X8 will be running the Android 1.6 operating system. However, subsequent productions of the smartphone will yield Android 2.1. (Anyone running the older version will be able to upgrade once available.) Of course, users will be able to customize the device with their choice of apps from the Android Market.

So, should you buy the Sony Ericsson Xperia X8? If you are in need of a smartphone that balances size with function, style with price, is easy to use, and you are only a basic internet user, then absolutely!