Sony Ericsson K850i review – PC Suite

The Sony Ericsson K850i Cyber-shot comes with both a PC Suite and a Media Manager application.

As it is usual, the application allows connection via Infrared, Bluetooth, and USB cable. Usually applications for a phone to be installed on a computer include interaction that is usually needed to complete the phone’s capability.

On the K850i, you can backup, synchronise, use the phone or the computer for internet connection, edit and transmit files, messages, contacts, calendar entries, but also manage all your multimedia, be it photos, videos, or audio, which Sony itself is already experienced at.

As an added bonus, the application self-updates, which is a great way to cover flaws.

Picture: Connection types on the K850i PC Suite

On the Synchronisation side, you can transmit data such as contacts, calendar entries, tasks, notes, and bookmarks to platforms such as Windows Contacts, PC Suite, Outlook, and the My Documents folder.

There is a help guide available, and I’m sure that every so-often the application will remind you to update your synchronization files. The only problem was that the K850i isn’t compatible to sync with my Windows Live application which comes pre-installed with Windows Vista.

Picture: Synchronisation menu for the K850i PC Suite

Backup & Restore enables you to transmit the same data, but not only to transmit, but save the data to your computer, and then send it back to the phone if required.

Picture: Backup & Restore your K850i

As I said before, you can use your K850i to connect to the internet using the phone as a modem, or using the computer as a modem. The screenshot below only gives you the option of connecting to the internet on the computer while using the phone as a modem, but if you want to select the latter option, you have to do it via the Settings menu.

Picture: Internet Connection display on K850i PC Suite

The Files editor on the K850i’s PC Suite is very straight forward. It’s divided in two columns, one of the computer directory, and the other for the K850i directory.

You can go back, change file view, create new folders, and delete folders. I guess that’s all we would want. Only the speed indicators are missing.

Picture: Files editor

The text messaging editor is very similar to Windows Live Mail, atleast the layout is. It enables you to do the most basic of actions: send and receive SMSes, as well as reply and forward to them. Very useful if you’re at work and don’t want to touch the phone.

Picture: Text messages editor

The Picture message editor is also pretty basic and to the point, that’s all we need. Mix some image or video with some audio and text, and you’ve got yourself a picture message. Now send it, via the PC Suite!

Picture: Picture messages editor

The Contacts have the same simple layout of the file editor, which is just great, now if it was only compatible with my desired programs…

Picture: Contacts editor

Now I never really use the Calendar on my phone, but Sony Ericsson has once again made it simply to schedule tasks or calendar entries. A big layout and tons of space is all what you need.

Picture: Calendar and Task editor

Next up is the Sony Ericsson Media Manager, and that is what I call a well organized application. The only problem is that it’s too simple. The only thing you can really do is transmit your music, extract it from CDs, photos, videos, RSS feeds, and even backups.

Unfortunately you cannot edit images, trim sound, or edit your videos. You can however convert all the music to formats compatible with the phone and change the bitrate. The only thing you can’t change for free are videos, of which you will have to buy a licence to work with Media Manager Pro…what a rip-off!