Practical features

As we said earlier, the W595 isn't just about attracting the youth market – it's backed up by some solid technology and Sony Ericsson's manufacturing know-how.

Another plus is that the handset has an 'always on' internet connection offering HSDPA support for fast 3G data transfer, so it's easy to access large files, download music or stream video. It comes in particularly handy when using the integrated YouTube app, enabling you to view content online, as well as upload your videos in a few clicks.

An accelorometer is also built in so you can flick the screen between portrait and landscape layouts, depending on what you're viewing. This is great when using the web browser and camera – the later of which ups the megapixel count to 3.2MP. It's still not enough to challenge those Cyber-shot-touting stablemates, with images suffering on account of its lack of autofocus and flash.

Like most self-respecting phone these days, the W595 comes equipped with easy access to upload content online, with that YouTube application and options to upload images to Blogger accounts. In addition, on the version of the handset available from 3, social networking apps include Facebook, MySpace and Bebo, while the 3 model also adds native Skype, eBay and Windows Live Messenger clients.

Other valuable applications onboard include Google Maps, an excellent mapping application for network based approximate positioning, location finding, search and routing,

Solid performer

Ultimately the Sony Ericsson W595 won't win any awards for pushing technological boundaries, but it will provide a solid, reliable handset with an element of fun.

Call quality is excellent, both tonally and in terms of reception, and battery life is more than respectable giving on average around four days.

Combine this with the inclusion of HSDPA, some genuinely useful apps and the daddy of all mobile music players, and the Sony Ericsson W595 would be a fitting addition to many stockings this Christmas.

Network availability: 3

Looks: 4/5
Ease of use: 4.5/5
Features: 4/5
Call quality: 5/5
Value: 4.5/5