The Sony Xperia: Will it be highly disappointing?

I like the concept.

I like the general idea.

But I really don’t like Windows Mobile.

It’s not some weird belief based on a irrational fear or hate of Microsoft.

I don’t like Windows Mobile, generally, because it doesn’t perform for me.

I can’t stand seeing screen-build (i.e. click a command, and wait while the operating system arses about trying to build the various screen elements). I want my mobile experience FAST and reliable.

Windows Mobile is brilliant provided you do everything in a linear fashion. Check email. CLOSE email. Use IM. Close IM. Make call. Hang-up call. Reboot to clear the memory. Open email. Send and receive. Close email.

It’s a brave chap who tries to use his multitasking Windows Mobile handset to — actually — multitask.

Which brings me to the Xperia. Great concept. I’m highly concerned that the device itself will be hobbled by the 6.1 operating system.

On Engadget, they’ve posted a note about the Xperia unboxing.

Oh dear.

I’m about to witness just how good/bad the device is.

Bare in mind I have seen it working — slowly — but those devices were preproduction so you do need to give it the benefit of the doubt.

Engadget pointed at this unboxing video which shows some initial screens working.

I was rather impressed at the panels as shown — the animation appeared pretty good. Until the chap started opening and closing the keyboard and using the (shite) touchscreen. If you’re going to do a Touchscreen, do it like the iPhone. Make it *work* like the iPhone. The iPhone works like you expect a touch screen to do. This poor chap kept on having to draw his finger across the screen repeatedly to get it to work.

Alas, the crap animation is right there. It’s not too bad. But this is the handset on idle. IDLE. It’s not doing anything. You’re simply swapping from panel to panel and flicking about them — and it’s pausing and breaking.

The last thing I want is to be writing an email only to have the device lock up for 10 seconds when a call comes in — because it’s having to try and redraw the screen and access my address book at the same time.

We’ll get our hands on one. At some point. I’m not really minded to go out and buy one myself (£584.99 from Expansys).

So without seeing the final production unit, it’s a tentative Sony Xperia: FAIL from Mobile Industry Review.