The K550i's slim candybar form factor keeps things stylish and portable. Because of this design, the phone resembles a digital camera, and with its built-in 2.0-megapixel camera lens and advanced camera features, it performs noticeably well as a camera. The top of the device features a massive 176 x 220 display on the front side and a pronounced camera system on the other. The camera unit, which is protected by a lens cover, features 2.0-megapixel resolution, as well as an LED flash and other advanced features. Meanwhile, a five-way directional button on the front of the device controls most of the phone's menus and features. An M2 memory stick slot is provided for easy memory expansion while the phone features 64 MB of built-in memory. In addition to USB and Bluetooth connectivity, this Sony Ericsson K550i phone also has an infrared receiver for data synchronization.
The K550i's phone book can hold all your contacts with multiple entries per contact. A call list remembers your most recent missed, received, and dialed calls. The phone's voice activated dialing makes calling up to 50 of your contacts as easy as saying their names, while the built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Polyphonic ringtones are included and there's even a bundled application that lets you mix your own ringtones with up to 16 tracks. Picture caller ID lets you assign a photo to specific callers. Similarly, a ringer ID lets you assign ringtones to callers. For those times you want to keep things discreet, there's a vibrate ringer mode.
Because this Sony Ericsson K550i cell phone is Bluetooth-enabled, you can use a variety of headsets and handsfree kits for total wireless freedom when you're on the go.
If you're looking for a mobile office partner, the K550i has you covered. Support is built in for sending and receiving pictures, text, graphics, sound and video via SMS or MMS messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in still and video camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging possibilities. Instant messaging is also supported and the phone ships with a built-in email client with support for POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP protocols. Push email is also supported, allowing you to have instant email on your mobile phone, just like on your home computer. Messages are sent directly to your phone as soon as they arrive. There's also a built-in Web browser for downloads and mobile Web browsing. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit--a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.
Getting on the Internet is easy with the Sony Ericsson K550i, as it supports the GPRS protocol. When used with a carrier data plan and the phone's Bluetooth or USB data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs.
A number of handy software tools are bundled with the Sony Ericsson K550i, including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar and an alarm clock. Use the K550i's Bluetooth capability to set up a wireless link with a Bluetooth accessory or connect to a computer or hand-held device to exchange and synchronize data. The phone also supports the SyncML PC synchronization standard. This means the phone can be used with the included Sony Ericsson Sync Station software, which lets you synchronize your Microsoft Outlook calendar, contacts, notes and tasks with your Sony Ericsson K550i phone. The phone also supports a USB mass storage mode, allowing you to store and transport important files like documents, images, and music files.