Above you can see the current list of available models from Nokias site. I’m quite amazed how they have managed to put together such a complicated range of products. It’s quite a challenge to pick the ‘perfect phone’. 44 models listed in their ‘short list’. And it’s even worse over at Sony Ericsson’s site, they present over 70 different models when you browse around trying to get an overview:

If you compare it to Apple’s range of models, it’s quite a dramatic difference. Two models to choose from, and most people probably think both of them are the same thing, simply an iPhone. No wonder why they are growing their market share like crazy.

If Nokia and Sony Ericsson don’t do something dramatic about their product portfolio during the next couple of years, they are in real trouble. Just check out the development year-to-year regarding shipped mobile units:

The next couple of days there is a big trade show in Barecelona called 3GSM focusing on the next generation of mobile phones and related technology. Tonight Sony Ericsson held a big press event where they showed a bunch of new phones including their upcoming flag ship model Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1.

It is a direct competitor to Apple’s iPhone and it’s actually a better phone if you just compare the tech specs: turbo 3G, 3.2 megapixel camera, QWERTY keyboard and touch sensitive screen and radio. It’s a very exciting model and we have published some info and pictures and video after the link.

Press release from Sony Ericsson
Sony Ericsson marks the launch of its new brand XPERIA™ with the unveiling of the XPERIA™ X1

The world of our consumers and customers is changing. To meet the growing need for mobile Web communication and multimedia entertainment, Sony Ericsson introduces XPERIA™. With this new brand Sony Ericsson will position itself at the forefront of mobile convergence.

Barcelona, Spain – 10th February 2008 –Today marked the launch of XPERIATM and a new era in mobile communications with the announcement of the XPERIA™ X1, a stand-out, arc slider phone from Sony Ericsson designed to address the growing need for a premium, converged mobile experience.

The XPERIATM X1 combines a 3-inch clear wide VGA display and a full QWERTY keyboard within a quality metal-finish body. With Windows Mobile® inside, the XPERIA™ X1 lets you choose from a dynamic range of activities at anytime and anywhere; from enjoying your favourite entertainment content to working efficiently on-the-move. Access a world of experiences simply by touching the XPERIA™ panel on the screen.

“XPERIA™ represents the first brand that is truly borne from within Sony Ericsson. It represents our vision for a premium, energised communication experience,” said Dee Dutta, Head of Marketing, Sony Ericsson. “This launch, and the announcement of the X1, further strengthens the overall Sony Ericsson brand and places us at the forefront of mobile convergence.”

“Our vision for the XPERIA™ X1 is to deliver a seamless blend of mobile Web communication and multimedia entertainment within a distinctive design,” said Rikko Sakaguchi, Head of Portfolio and Propositions, Sony Ericsson. “XPERIA™ is our promise to think foremost of user experience and to deliver the premium experience – anytime, anywhere, anything, with anyone.”

Sony Ericsson XPERIATM X1 – energised communication, the premium experience.

Convergence of multimedia entertainment and mobile Web communication
Unique arc slider with wide pitch easy-to-use QWERTY keyboard
XPERIA™ panels – arrange as you want for easy access
Enjoy multimedia entertainment on bright wide VGA display
Windows Mobile® capabilities
XPERIA™ panel interface – experiences just the way you want them
Enjoy access to different experiences – Web, multimedia, applications – from your desktop. Navigate with the tip of your finger. Configure and have your XPERIA™ panels just the way you want them.

Multiple navigation – the choice is yours
XPERIA™ X1 lets you interact with your phone in different ways. Touch, full QWERTY keyboard, 4-way key and optical joystick navigation. Switch seamlessly between operation modes.

Arc slider design – makes it stand out
The arc design gives a distinct and unique feel. Slide the screen upwards to reveal the wide pitch QWERTY keyboard. Ample distance between keys makes writing fast and easy.

Ultimate mobile experience – performance on the move
With Windows Mobile®, the highest data transfer rate (HSDPA/HSUPA) and WiFi™ support, you can enjoy your favourite entertainment and work efficiently on the move. Mobile access to everything that is important to you. aGPS gives you the freedom to explore the world. XPERIA™ X1 is a premium mobile experience.

The Sony Ericsson XPERIA™ X1 will be available in selected markets from the second half of 2008.

Camera
* Auto focus
* 3.2 megapixel camera
* Photo light
* Video recording

Music
* Bluetooth™ stereo (A2DP)
* Media player
* Music tones
* PlayNow™
* Windows Media Player Mobile
* 3D games
* FM radio
* Java
* Video streaming
* Video viewing

Internet
* Internet Explorer® Mobile
* RSS feeds

Communication and Messaging
* Polyphonic ringtones
* Speakerphone
* Vibrating alert
* Video calling
* Email
* Picture messaging (MMS)
* Predictive text input
* Text messaging (SMS)

Design
* XPERIA™ panels
* Optical joystick navigation
* Navigation key
* Picture wallpaper
* Touch navigation

Organiser
* Alarm clock
* Calculator
* Calendar
* Document editors
* Document readers
* Flight mode
* Handwriting recognition
* Notes
* Phone book
* Tasks
* Touchscreen

Connectivity
* aGPS
* Bluetooth™ technology
* Modem
* Synchronization
* USB support
* WLAN

Windows® Mobile® Operating System
* Microsoft® Outlook Mobile: email, contacts, calendar, tasks
* Microsoft® Office Mobile: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
* Internet Explorer® Mobile
* Windows Media™ Player Mobile
* Windows Live™
* Exchange ActiveSync®
* Voice control
* Utility Applications: file explorer, calculator, pictures & video, notes

Facts and Figures
* Size: 110 x 53 x 16.7 mm
* Weight: 145 grams

Available colours
* Black
* Silver
* Main screen: 65,536 color TFT
* Resolution: 800 X 480 pixels
* Size: 3 inches

Memory
* Phone memory: up to 400 MB
* microSD™ memory card support

Availability and versions

Networks
* GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/900/1800/1900
* UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 900/1700/1900/2100 MHz
* UMTS/HSDPA/HSUPA 850/1700/1900/2100 MHz