Sony Ericsson’s Walkman music phone range is no stranger to soundtracking punters’ exercise regimes. Back in 2006 it launched the W710i, an active phone complete with a built-in pedometer to monitor fitness levels. The W580i is a follow-up of sorts but less sporty and more ‘street’ than its predecessor, rigged with those fitness applications and shake music player controls last seen on the W910i.
The mid-range W580i is only Sony Ericsson’s second Walkman slider. If you’re looking for a close comparison it’s essentially a tweaked S500i dressed up in Walkman togs. Generally it feels quite solid in the hand, but the battery cover is prone to the odd creak while the soft keys are overly spongy. On the upside, the slider action is reassuringly sturdy, and it opens with a snap to reveal what looks to be a cramped keypad. But don’t fret because the arrangement is surprisingly thumb-friendly.
If you’re a fitness fanatic, the built-in pedometer is a welcome feature. Runners can track distance, average speed and time while the monitor is on default to automatically count your walking steps. If you enter your vital stats like weight, height, D.O.B and gender it can even calculate the calories you burn. But don’t get too despondent when you find out a 30 minute jog doesn’t burn of that quarter pounder you had for lunch. Your fitness progress can then be compared using the weekly breakdown of results.
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