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With an all around eye-catching design, the compact and stylish clamshell Sony Ericsson TM506 for T-Mobile keeps you connected to your closest friends and family members with T-Mobiles myFaves. It's also Sony Ericsson’s first handset supporting T-Mobile's HSDPA 3G network (in select markets), which provides fast web downloads and multimedia messaging. With built-in GPS and Telenav Navigator software, you can get turn-by-turn directions via voice and screen as well as see nearby restaurants, gas stations, and more. Other features include Bluetooth for handsfree communication and stereo music streaming, a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder, memory expansion via Micro Stick Micro (M2) media, digital audio player, and up to 9.5 hours of talk time. 
The eye-catching, compact clamshell TM506 delivers an exceptional Web experience thanks to T-Mobile's 3G network (available in select markets). | T-Mobile Service
The TM506 operates on GSM 850/1800/1900 networks and can handle high-speed data connectivity via T-Mobile's EDGE network (which stands for "Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution"). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including video and music clips, full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go. It's also compatible with T-Mobile's UMTS/HSDPA 3G network, which operates on the 1700/2100 MHz AWS spectrum. This phone is designed to automatically connect to the best available network (3G or GSM/GPRS/EDGE) to provide faster data speeds when accessing the Web or downloading content from the T-Mobile t-zones content portal. T-Mobile is currently rolling out its 3G network, and it expects by year's end that its high-speed data network will be available in those cities where a majority of its subscribers currently use data services. Call your favorite people with T-Mobile's myFaves service, which allows you to call up to five of your most common contacts--on any network, even landlines--without using any of your minutes. You'll also get free domestic long distance and no digital roaming charges anywhere across the US on all calls. (All myFaves plans require a two-year contract.) Learn more about myFaves from T-Mobile. Download cool new games, HiFi Ringers (real songs by today's hottest artists), MegaTones (instrumental versions of songs), and wallpapers quickly, as well as stay connected via the Web, instant messaging, and email. 
The sleek TM506 comes in silver and green models, each with an ebony black front clamshell. | Phone Features
The Sony Ericsson TM506 proves that good things come in small packages. Its compact design fits into any pocket, purse or briefcase for consumers on the move. A thin outer display (1.1-inch, 128 x 36 pixels, monochrome) on the sleek ebony gloss clamshell allows you to glance at caller ID without having to open the phone. It also provides current time, signal strength, and battery life. The interior screen measures 2.2 inches, has a 240 x 320-pixel resolution, and supports a 262K color depth. The alpha-numeric keypad has a unique overlapping circular design surrounded by lighted accents and they have a rubbery feel for easy keying. The phone has 32 MB of internal memory, which can be expanded via optional Memory Stick Micro (M2) media, up to 4 GB in size. The internal phonebook provides storage for up to 1000 contact entries, with up to seven phone numbers per entry as well as an email address, street address, and web URL. The integrated Bluetooth technology (version 2.0) allows handsfree communication with a compatible headset as well as the ability to exchange files with another Bluetooth compatible device. And, with the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. Additionally, you can connect to your PC using infrared or USB. The 2-megapixel camera provides several resolution options for either saving for print or sending via MMS messaging. Other features include a 2.5x digital zoom (for use at lower resolutions), panorama multi-shot capabilities, white balance and brightness adjustments, night mode, multiple color effects and frames, and a self-timer. The camcorder function of the camera can shoot in two modes: for as long as you have available memory for saving or a maximum of 45 seconds for sending via email or MMS. Share special moments with T-Mobile's My Album online sharing as well as the phone's video blogging capability. The in-phone media player supports video and audio playback--supported audio formats include MP3 and AAC--and it features playlists as well as shuffle and repeat modes. It also includes a "Music Mode" that shuts down the phone functions so you can listen on an airplane or anytime you don't want to accept calls. Meanwhile, Digital Mega Bass and stereo widening combine to enhance your listening experience. The TM506's built-in aGPS (assisted GPS) navigation capability along with the Telenav application enables you to always know your location get turn-by-turn voice-assisted directions. It also provides the ability to add geotagging information to your photos so you'll remember where snapshots were taken. The phone offers a full range of email, text, and multimedia messaging options, including access to personal email viewed through the included Access NetFront web browser. It also supports RSS feeds, allowing you to use your phone to view up-to-the-minute news and other content from selected Web sites and blogs. Just subscribe to the feed and let it come to you. Other features include: - Messaging: SMS text, MMS picture and video
- Email: From select POP3 email accounts
- T9 predictive text entry
- USB connectivity with mass storage capability
- Organizational tools: calendar, alarm clock, tasks, notes, timer, stopwatch, calculator
- Speakerphone
- Compatible with polyphonic and real-music ringtones
- Downloadable Java-based games
- Supports Exchange ActiveSync for synchronizing your Outlook contacts
- Bluetooth version 2.0+EDR with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BIP (for sending images to another device), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), HID (support for mice or joysticks), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures), PAN (personal area networking), PBA (transfer contacts)
Vital Statistics
The Sony Ericsson TM506 weighs 3.6 ounces and measures 1.8 x 3.7 x 0.7 inches. Its 950 mAh lithium-polymer battery is rated at up to 9.5 hours of talk time on GSM networks (3.5 hours of talk time using the 3G network), and up to 250 hours of standby time. It runs on the 850/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as 1700/2100 MHz UMTS/HSDPA 3G frequencies.
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 My Experience with TM506 |
| Review Date: September 26, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Ceerius Lee, Florida |
| Very dissatisfied with this phone and with T-Mobile's customer "service." Phone has inherent issues aside from problems that developed over time. Slow response time when key is pressed. Mine has cut calls when receiving a text message or voicemail. Top left soft key and center button stop working a few times a week. Have to turn the phone off to reactivate. Side button (when closed) doesn't respond sometimes. Latest trick - all phone contacts are gone except for 5 faves. T-Mobile's solution to anything? Master reset. Lose everything stored on the phone including all photos, unless you wanted them stored online, which I didn't. Stuck with it for next year and a half. Will look for a new carrier then with better products and, hopefully, better customer service. |
A big disapointment
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| Review Date: July 22, 2009 |
| Reviewer: O. Rijo, San Diego, Ca |
Bad bluetooth connectivity. I used the same bluetooth headset on other SE phone with no problem and this phone just refuses to maintain a stable connection. Also, this is the only SE phone that doen't allow you to sync your contacts and calendar with a Mac PC. The menu is extremely slow. You press a button and it takes about two seconds for something to show up and I dont have that much media on it. Overall a below average SE phone. Wouldn't recommend if you are looking to upgrade to a better SE phone.
UPDATE 7/23
Forget about texting, it is a nightmare! How dumb for them to put the power button right below the # key. You use the # key 99% of the time to enter a space when you text. And because the power button is right below it, you will accidentally hit the power button, at times shutting down your phone. I would lower the rating to one but I'm too big of Sony Ericsson fan to do so. |
Great as a 'free' phone. Only issues are low-volume speaker, proprietary charger
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| Review Date: July 6, 2009 |
| Reviewer: A. Dent, Minas Anor, GD |
T-Mobile offered us a free TM506 when, several months after our contract expired, I expressed a strong desire to cancel the T-Mobile service. It was actually really 'free' - no contract obligations whatsoever, only an incentive for us to keep staying as T-Mobile customers. That wasn't good enough for me so T-Mobile then made me an offer I couldn't refuse - the TM506 AND unlimited calls for half the monthly fee of their normal plan. Again, no contract commitment. Since my wife is a big talker, I took the offer. In fact, I even took a 2 year contract to prevent them from raising their fees for the next 2 years. The plan is called 'loyalty reward' or something like that. After a couple of months on it, we are very, very happy.
Now, the phone:
Surprisingly, this is a VERY good flip phone. And you can see the specs at the Amazon page. I see no reason to type a full or a partial list here. Since it is replacing a Razr, I would say that it takes the traditional classic Razr design one step farther to make a sleek, sexy and functional but not ostentatious 'day-to-day' phone. Something that's a pleasure to use but you are not likely to mourn its loss if lost - our old Razr Stylus was literally eaten by our dogs and my wife was so attached to it, she couldn't use another phone for several days.
Still, subjectively speaking, I like the very bright screen, the easy to navigate menus... well... after you take some time to learn them, the many options. Unlike some of the more sophisticated 'phones', this one is really a phone, in the sense that the things it does best are truly 'phone ' functions. Yes, it has a camera and yes, you can play music or games on it but when you think of it you think of a phone with many enhancements rather than a computer or an email device you can speak into - did I mention that it takes voice notes?
For a phone, there are two things I don't appreciate:
- the speaker volume is way too low
- the charger/earphones interface is proprietary
Making myself the devil's advocate, I would say that the speaker's low volume preserve the impressive battery time - and any bluetooth headset will work with it and that the proprietary interface reduces the need for two interfaces on the phone, one for the charger (USB?) and one for the earbuds but, still, I see how not everyone would appreciate this.
As for my rating, this is pretty much as good as it gets when it comes to free phones being offered without a contract to loyal customers. Those who wish more bells and whistles and are willing to pay for them, the TM506 won't offer a lot but if all one wants is a phone with some added distractions, this is it.
It's 4 stars mainly because a the low-volume speaker (a PHONE feature) and for the proprietary charger (a PHONE feature again). As far as the free phones go, it's highly recommended. |
This is a REALLY good phone
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| Review Date: April 7, 2009 |
| Reviewer: H. Park, |
People who are thinking of buying this product, don't listen to the guy who gave it 3*s. This phone deserves 5*s.
Pro's: It has GPS. A really nice camera. Sleek design. Media player. It works with any computer (I have a macbook and my old phone didn't work with Itunes). Bluetooth is SO fast. Has 3g. Has plenty of memory (If you have the M2 stick). Fast texting, REALLY fast. No broken keys when you text. (Like the old Walkmen). Sturdy phone. (Dropped it 5 times and left it outside in the rain and it was still good). Camera is AMAZING. Fast email. It's cool how you can control your computer with bluetooth. Speaker is good.
Cons: Huh? Why can't you zoom in on 2 megapixel????? It cost money to look at email and send email. Fingerprint magnet. WHY CAN'T YOU GET THE BATTERY CASE OFF?? IT'S IMPOSSIBLE! Cost's money for GPS. The part where you plug in to your phone to charge, is hard to pull out. Sound recording isn't all that good.
Well, that's all I can say about this AWESOME phone. I would recommend it to whoever is reading this review. Good phone, buy it if you can. (I bought this phone at the T-mobile store because it is only $20.00. |
Better than most "free" phones, but not as free as it seems
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| Review Date: April 1, 2009 |
| Reviewer: Ransom Carroll, Moving around in North America |
Now first, I am not a man who likes cell phones, and I don't think much of men who do [see my review #28]. But I did have to get a new one, not really because of the problems with the old one, but because of the plan running out, and this seemed like the best of the "free" ones (on that, more shortly). I was pleased with the sturdy construction, the high sound quality, and the fact that it was associated with T-Mobile which I far prefer to anything associated with the evil empire of ATT. And in general, I would say that I have been very pleased with it. It feels nice in your hand, you can sit on it in your back pocket and it won't break. There are gads of special features for the kids these days, but the regular people will appreciate the syncing software which works far better than my ironically named Samsung Sync. I did find that the power cord that came with it was pretty junky, but the phone itself worked quite well. And it is easy to personalize and all that.
Funnily enough, my problems come from how attached I became to it. It not only downloaded all my appointments, and synchronized contacts with a T-Mobile server for me (very nice), but has an easy-to-use voice recorder. This has some drawbacks. Those of us who get attached to a computer as if it were the "everything drawer" in kitchen (that is,we dump in all our personal stuff) don't worry about confidentiality, because the computer automatically locks when you leave, and anyone prowling needs a password.
Phones don't do that, and cell phones are the kind of thing you give to someone else for the day, saying "it's okay honey, just call me on this and I'll leave and pick you up." That isn't necessarily a problem for everyone, but let me tell you, it sure is if you happen to be dating a private detective!
Those who've been following my reviews I think already know that my big rebound love turned out to be someone who was basically a bounty hunter. I do believe that at least at first she really cared for me, and we had some wonderful times together, but she had really looked me up because of a tip that she could make a quick bundle if she was able to get something out of me that would solve a company's legal problems.
And that's basically where the voice recorder came in; it wasn't the key evidence, but it was enough for her to bluff more out of me. The craziest thing is that the lead originally came from nowhere else than these reviews! In the process of really trying to explain my relation to a product in order to give a full, open and objective review, I had dropped little bits of information that a creative person at my old firm put together. Now you might think that the odds of this are small, but in the candy business, we were very attentive to public opinion and when one of your competitors gets slammed, you want to know who is doing the slamming.
I have to say, even though my resulting practical legal problems are considerable, it was the violation of trust that really disturbed me. Not that between me and my lady friend -- I'm not so naive to think that there can ever be real openness in a boy-girl relation -- but that between me and you, the readers. Those reviews were written as a kind of channel linking my mind, and my experiences, to your mind. I tried to argue that these were a protected form of professional communication, such as that between a priest and a parishioner. The gray suits raised their eyebrows, but did look into it briefly. Apparently, even if it were similar, it isn't protected if the priest tells the parishioner that he (the priest) committed a crime (though there's no precedent). Figure that out! Here's this guy working over time trying to keep people on the straight and narrow, and he's got less in the way of rights than the Tom, Dick and Harry's of his flock.
But before I forget--the rebate issue. What do you think are really the odds that you'll keep all the documents and evidence that you need to actually get your rebate? If you're anything like me, you're busy reading the manual and trying out all the features for the first few days, and by the time you remember to do the rebate, at least some of those papers have walked away (or, in my case, ended up as state's evidence! Just kidding--I always lose these things). The more fun the electronic toy, the longer you delay and the less likely you are to ever see the money.
And the kind of Blackberry-like close relation that the TM506 can inspire with you is a bit addictive. It means you unnecessarily spend hours moving things around and adjusting them. Now that I am facing the serious possibility of jail time, it's hard to imagine long stretches inside with no electronic gizmos. Certainly no one wants to hear your review of the mess hall! Perhaps I'll write a novel. I've always wanted to write one. [60] |
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