The Sony Ericsson K500i, like the company's previous 2.5-generation releases, does not disappoint. However, a bit of skill is required to get it started.
It took six business reporters - including a Swedish fan of Ericsson - to figure out how to pop open the phone's back to insert the SIM card. (Hint: you will need a strong fingernail, something which the accompanying instruction manual does not explain).
But once this problem was overcome, we were able to appreciate the many good things this phone has to offer.
First, the K500i is very light at 80 grams. Also, it compares well with 3G phones in terms of picture resolution and video quality.
Some users might find this model better even than the LG U8120 sold by Hutchison. The K500i has a larger screen at 1.9 inches and a retractable lens cap.
It also looks smarter and feels better to hold than the clamshell LG phone.