Sony Mylo (black)

Manufacturer: Sony Part number: COM-1/B

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Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 48 reviews

More product information:: Editors' review; Product brief; User reviews; Specifications; Manufacturer info

Bottom Line:: The Sony Mylo offers nice messaging and multimedia features for students, but we're not sure that's enough.

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CNET editors' review

Reviewed by Bonnie Cha
Review date: 08/08/06

Remember a day when the most techie communication device a child could have was a walkie-talkie, or am I dating myself here? From preteens to college students, the younger generation is a growing and important segment for the consumer electronics market, as evidenced by the launch of youth-oriented devices and services, such as the Helio Kickflip and Boost Mobile. Well, Sony wants a piece of that pie and today announced a new personal communication gadget aimed solely at 18- to 22-year-olds, called the Sony Mylo. Mylo, which stands for "my life online," is for those who love to stay in touch with friends via instant messaging and also want to have some fun on the side. It sits somewhere between a souped-up AT&T Ogo and a scaled-down T-Mobile Sidekick 3, but one thing we want to make clear from the get-go is that it's not a cell phone. Instead, it's equipped with built-in Wi-Fi and comes with preinstalled popular instant-messaging clients, VoIP capabilities, a Web browser, and multimedia features. We had the opportunity to check out some working preproduction units, so read on for our impressions.

Upside: The Sony Mylo is Wi-Fi enabled (802.11b) and will search for available networks with a touch of one button. Once connected, the Mylo can help you instant-message friends and make VoIP calls, as it comes preloaded with Yahoo Messenger, Google Talk, and Skype. It also supports Yahoo and Google Web mail clients, which it accesses via the Opera Web browser, so it has some e-mail capabilities.

The Sony Mylo wouldn't be much of a messaging device without a QWERTY keyboard, so we're glad it's equipped with one. It lies beneath the screen, which smoothly slides up and clicks into place. Though we had only a brief time with the Mylo prototypes, the keyboard layout seems spacious enough and the buttons tactile. (We, of course, reserve the right to change our judgment after we put the final product through its paces.) The slider design allows the Mylo to keep a compact form factor, measuring 4.8 by 0.9 by 2.5 inches in its closed state and weighing 5.3 ounces, so it won't add much bulk to your backpack. The Mylo's 2.4-inch TFT screen is a sight to behold. It shows off 65,536 colors at a crisp 320x240-pixel resolution, and we were quite impressed by the great picture quality as we watched some sample video clips on the device.

As you might have guessed, the Sony Mylo can play video (MPEG-4 format) as well as music (MP3, ATRAC, and WMA files). There's also an image viewer with support for JPEG, PNG, and BMP file formats. To store all these files, the Mylo has 1GB of flash memory and comes equipped with a Memory Stick Duo expansion slot.

Downside: Though the Sony Mylo offers many goodies, we think there are some important and noteworthy omissions. First, for such a youth-oriented device and one that Sony is touting as "all about fun," we're completely disappointed by the lack of support for and inclusion of any games or a built-in camera. And though you have access to Web mail, the addition of an e-mail client would have made this messaging device that much nicer and useful.

A true killer could be the Mylo's lack of VPN or 802.1x support. A number of college campuses run open wireless networks, but for security purposes, they still require users to log on to a VPN to access the Internet, so without this type of support, a huge chunk of the Mylo's appeal could be nullified.

We also think the Mylo's going price of $349 is rather high. Sony says part of the appeal of the device is that you pay only a one-time fee and don't have to worry about the monthly service charges you'd incur for a cell phone. However, we're willing to bet that college students aren't going to completely ditch their mobiles for this; VoIP/Skype calling hasn't reached that point of saturation yet. Finally, Sony annoyingly restricts you to the use of its proprietary Memory Sticks.

Outlook: We don't deny that the Sony Mylo offers some great features. It looks to be solid messaging device, with some nice extras, but let's be honest. In this day and age, college students will still want a cell phone. Are kids really going to carry around two devices? Why not just get the T-Mobile Sidekick 3? Still, we'll reserve final judgment till we've had a chance to fully check out the device. The Sony Mylo will be available for preorder in late August and is expected to start shipping in September, but we hope to have the final product in our hands within the next couple of weeks, so check back soon for a full review.

(Originally posted on CNET Reviews)

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Average user rating: 3.0 stars out of 48 reviews

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 48

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9 stars

I just received my sony mylo yesterday and I haven't took my eye off it yet

by copper8203 on September 24, 2006

Pros: Multitask client that can everything , The "Skype" client on this phenonominal im making internet calls all day for free. Wifi needed of course

Cons: when typing in the dark it is very hard to see the keys because it dosen't light up

Summary: The Sony Mylo is exceptionaly awesome. No Monthly payments at all and it is cheaper than having a "Sidekick".
Free,Free,Free!

Summary: The Sony Mylo is exceptionaly awesome. No Monthly payments at all and it is cheaper than having a "Sidekick".
Free,Free,Free!

2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
10 stars

Great device for international travel

by mfelice on September 20, 2006

Pros: Intuitive/easy to use. Easy access to web at airports avoiding hassle of powering up laptop. Skype access keeps international roaming fees on mobile phone to a minimum. Access to music and video a

Cons: Keyboard is a little cramped until you get use to it - I don't carry a Blackberry. So this was new to me. More on board memory required.

Summary: With 4GB Duo Stick a much more useful device than a Nano. Skype, GTalk, and Messenger nice differentiator. Can browse, listen to music, and IM for hours and hours - ...

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Summary: With 4GB Duo Stick a much more useful device than a Nano. Skype, GTalk, and Messenger nice differentiator. Can browse, listen to music, and IM for hours and hours - impressive battery life. Skype voice quality is excellent. Great all round device.

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2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
6 stars

what does this give you that a PSP doesn't?

by lwvirden on August 11, 2006

Pros: comes closer to the standard japanese type communication device

Cons: No cell phone, no gaming, no UMD

Summary: Seems to me that adding functionality to the PSP, even if it were a second, plug in type device, would have been a better choice.

Summary: Seems to me that adding functionality to the PSP, even if it were a second, plug in type device, would have been a better choice.

2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
2 stars

Great idea - horrible execution

by roco1x on October 5, 2006

Pros: skype - if you can get a connection

Cons: It fails on connectivity - music - video

Summary: I really wanted this device to work for me - it has my killer app - Skype. If fails horribly.

1) Connectivety - Only works on the older b wireless

...

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Summary: I really wanted this device to work for me - it has my killer app - Skype. If fails horribly.

1) Connectivety - Only works on the older b wireless standard. Yet when it scans for networks it will pick up all the g signals. Buried in the arcane user manual on page 90 it confirms this. OK but it is stated on the box that it only works on the b standard. Fair enough but why show me for example 10 networks which I have to test individually since the device cannot distinguish the difference. BTW most networks are g.

Video - Want to import a non-mpeg 4 video - the Mylo software is grey here. Why because you have to buy their addon software for $20 should you want to convert through Mylo. Oh, don't have a dualcore machine as that software says results are unpredictable. I haven't tried to drop an MPEG-4 video into the device through windows yet.

Audio - welcome back to that crappy SonicStage. Awkward interface that refused to import from MyMusic folder insisting on scanning my entire machine despite pointing it to that folder. I really dont need to see MS system sounds in my music list. Unless you decide to use their music store or Atrac format files - why bother - I have my ipod

Things I have done with my Mylo - imported a background picture and connected 1 time in NYC. I have failed to connect about 10 times (not finding networks despite being in high signal area - err midtown NYC). Made 1 Skype call after 30 minutes of trying to find a signal

Software is clunky.

I decided to take a chance on this and become an early adapter. The burn still has me on fire. Sony use to be an innovative company with great products. That changed several years ago. This product just illustrates how far off the mark they still are in every imaginable way.

The great shame here - is what this device could have been.

Really save your money - this funcionality will be duplicated by another manufacturer that hopefully 'gets it'
Updated
Looking at most of the positive reviews people comment on the functionality. In theory this device rocks in actuality it is a complete waste of money and the shows how Sony corp just doesn't get it.

Might be different in other countries - I am talking about the US.

This is my first review. I am only writing because I feel so burnt by this product. Save your money
Updated
Looking at most of the positive reviews people comment on the functionality. In theory this device rocks in actuality it is a complete waste of money and the shows how Sony corp just doesn't get it.

Might be different in other countries - I am talking about the US.

This is my first review. I am only writing because I feel so burnt by this product. Save your money

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2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
3 stars

Is Pretty enough

by badwilke on March 13, 2007

Pros: The Mylo is very pretty,

Cons: I was very very disappointed.

Summary: I was excited to get this beautiful piece of equipment. I have only bought Sony in the past, from cameras to computers. So how could i go wrong when reviewing ...

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Summary: I was excited to get this beautiful piece of equipment. I have only bought Sony in the past, from cameras to computers. So how could i go wrong when reviewing all the past Sony PDA's are some of the highest ranked. So I bought it. I thought wow, this thing is cool, Great keyboard, picture is wonderful, video was great. But that is it, no calendar, no msn messenger and as far as i know right now you can not download software. Needless to say i returned it the first chance i got. Idea and style is wonderful but Sony taken this and ran it into the ground.

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
5 stars

I'd buy the NOKIA 770 for sure!

by SEALTRIDENT on January 4, 2007

Pros: Small, Slick, Nice design, great keyboard. Open it in a Bar, and you'll atract chicks easily!

Cons: Lack of MSN Messenger conectivity, Poor and slow navigation system, small screen, the blue light on the sides waste battery, Lack of protocol 802.11g!

Summary: I bought this Mylo and my first impresion was that the device is very nice, atracts chicks and works fairly well. All that was till the day I met the ...

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Summary: I bought this Mylo and my first impresion was that the device is very nice, atracts chicks and works fairly well. All that was till the day I met the NOKIA 770 Tablet Internet! Shiat! The NOKIA is just $20 bucks more expensive but comes fully packed with more conectivity (Protocol 802.11b and g!), wide screem, faster Opera OS, supports almost every video and audio format and actually the device is more sturdy than the Mylo. Is great and fast to locate hot spots!
I sold the Mylo and defenitly I'm in love with the Nokia 770 Internet Tablet. You better check it out guys!

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
8 stars

Used to augment Cellular Service

by JohnathanHerb on January 3, 2007

Pros: 1 free year of T-Moblile Hotspot

Cons: Propreitary headset, No bluetooth and no keyboard backlight

Summary: I really like the device. Let me list of some of the things I like

1. You are hard pressed to find a WiFi VOIP device that comes with a

...

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Summary: I really like the device. Let me list of some of the things I like

1. You are hard pressed to find a WiFi VOIP device that comes with a free year of T-mobile Hotspot or any premium WiFi service for that matter

2. With the $14.95 for unlimited calling in the U.S. and Canada it was worth it to go with SKYPE and the MYLO as a WiFi SKYPE phone. Who needs a computer to make calls?

3. It being a Sony Product the car charger for the PSP works just fine

4. All around Media player

5. Built in 1gb memory and support for 4gb memory stick pro duo

6. WiFi networks are all over the place and even when I travel out of country, I can connect to my SKYPE service with the MYLO. You can even get a signal sitting in a bar or restaraunt.

Some of the things I don't like

1. 802.11b

2. There is no keyboard lighting for using it in the dark

3. No bluetooth support

4. The headset that comes with it sucks and it is not a standard connection.

5. Initally pricey but has the potential to amount to savings in other areas

6. No support for flash games

7. They should have included an email client!

All in all I think it is really good product for what I wanted. I really wanted a WiFi SKYPE phone and this goes above and beyond. I don't have a landline and I augment my cell service with this device. The T-Mobile hotspot deal is what decided me on this device instead of one of the others offered.

I can't wait for it to gain in popularity and some firmware updates come out to add functionality and more software becomes available

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
7 stars

As a poor-man's UMPC, it works great!

by sgornick on October 20, 2006

Pros: small, fits in pants pocket. Keyboard quite usable, even for my fat thumbs.

Cons: Where do I start? Ok, how about the price tag?

Summary: I wanted to use it as a video player for some short clips, but the only way to create the Mylo variant of MPEG-4 is using Sony software that they ...

Read more

Summary: I wanted to use it as a video player for some short clips, but the only way to create the Mylo variant of MPEG-4 is using Sony software that they no longer sell (Sony Image Converter 2).

Mylo has a built-in microphone but unless I used the plug-in mic the person I called couldn't make out what I was saying, so would need to carry that cord around as well.

Software limitations: I was hoping I could send an SMS to a mobile phone from Skype just like I can with Skype for Windows, but that isn't available.

Since Mylo doesn't have either AOL or MSN Messenger, I was hoping to use Yahoo!'s new cross-network service (Yahoo! --> MSN) however that too is not available on Mylo's Yahoo! IM client.

The battery life is respectable, but don't plan on leaving it powered on like you would a phone -- it will shut down/sleep to conserve juice, thus disconnecting the Wi-Fi.

I would never take a laptop to bed and read, but with a Mylo it seems different, being able to just flip it open and check my mail, etc, is really convenient.

If this were a $149 device I would recommend that everyone get one. Or keep it $349 but add GSM for (optional) voice and data, update the apps and then this device would be near perfection. Or did I just describe the next T-Mobile Sidekick?

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1 out of 1 users found this user opinion helpful.
4 stars

Mylo lacks many useful features!

by V1B3 on June 13, 2007

Pros: VOiP with Skype, Gtalk, Yahoo!, awesome UI, bright screen, WiFi database

Cons: No camera, no AIM, no MSN, no Flash or Java, pointless features, cheapish QWERTY key pad, no SMS feature, Sony support stinks, NO EMAIL CLIENT?!

Summary: Lets get right to it. Mylo's features are limited, therefore limiting you.

Sporting a cheap thin plastic QWERTY key pad; mylo's design is kind of kiddish. As much

...

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Summary: Lets get right to it. Mylo's features are limited, therefore limiting you.

Sporting a cheap thin plastic QWERTY key pad; mylo's design is kind of kiddish. As much as I like orange, Sony kind of did over kill. A nice trackball could nicely replace the large orange button on the right hand side of the mylo. Mylo has a great quality screen, which kind of saves it from the rest of its rath. Did I mention it opens with a cool "click" noise, and closes with a cooler "clack" noise? Click clack click clack click clack.

Skype's VOiP is great, no complaints. Gtalk and Yahoo are okay, but there have limited "emotion" type options.

The MP3 player is a nice function. Who doesn't want to listen to music while browsing the web? I know... me. The mylo does not have a standard head phone jack, instead, you must use Sony's micro phone jack and then hook up your headphones to that. Plus, no over the air downloads.

Web browsing is also very nice. It features Opera Software, but lacks Flash or Java support. This means no YouTube.com. Yes, I said it... NO YOU TUBE. Sony's lousey excuse for no You Tube is a MP4 video player. Booo! No one has time for USB cords and extra $19.99 software for this function.

The photo playback is also pointless considering there is no camera, and once again who wants to mess with USB cords.

The lack of AIM and MSN is unthinkable! I know about 10 people all together that use either Yahoo or Gtalk. AIM and MSN can be accessed through 3rd party sites, but this requires constant reloading and is not condusive.

No email client. Wow. Sony truly out did themselfs. Email can be accessed through the web, but this takes longer and options are limited.

No address book. Instead, you get a "What's Up" page. I don't know Sony... What is up?

I do like the hot spot data base by Jiwire. It's always nice. Then again, it requires that stupid USB cord I can never find.

To top it all off, there is text editing. Super! Now I can write .txt files, but I still can't talk to people on AIM, MSN, or even watch You Tube.

Sony has released 3 lame firmwire updates since the mylo came out in September of last year. I repeat, three. Three! I feel that the mylo has lost support from Sony. Every since Sony upgraded everyone to firmwire version 1.2, the mylo has been locked up with limited file viewing.

The mylo now retails at $299, $50 dollars cheaper than it's launch price, and is not worth it. Other options like the Sidekick, Crackberry and Nokia N800 are much better.

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
5 stars

Should Have Added This To The PSP

by MrEggsalad on August 9, 2006

Pros: Can instant message, neat design, Skype

Cons: Smallish screen, no games, pricey

Summary: Overall, it looks pretty neat. However, I feel they should have added these features to the PSP, which also is cheaper. They could have given us a keyboard with a ...

Read more

Summary: Overall, it looks pretty neat. However, I feel they should have added these features to the PSP, which also is cheaper. They could have given us a keyboard with a mic on it to plug in to our PSP's USB and give us Google Talk, Yahoo, and Skype all as apps on the PSP. It is a neat looking device, but too pricey, and I feel it would be left better if it was all just given to the PSP.

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1 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.

Showing opinion 1 to 10 out of 48

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Specifications

Manufacturer: Sony
Part number: COM-1/B

General
Built-in devices Display
Dimensions (W x D x H) 4.8 in x 0.9 in x 2.5 in
Weight 5.3 oz
Color Black
Features LCD display
Packaged contents Headphones, Remote control
Operating System / Software
Software included SonicStage
Memory
Installed RAM 1 GB
Input Device
Input device type Keyboard
Audio
Digital audio standards supported WMA, ATRAC3, MP3
Audio input type Microphone
Audio output type Speaker(s)
Telecom
Modem None

Display
Display type 2.4 in TFT active matrix
Color support 16-bit (64K colors)
Max resolution 320 x 240
Expansion / Connectivity
Wireless connectivity IEEE 802.11b
Port / Connector Type:Interface 1USB
Connector Provided Mini-USB Type B
Expansion slot(s) total (free) 1 Memory Stick Duo
Cable(s) included 1 x USB cable
Power
Battery installed ( max ) 1 Lithium ion
Power supply device Power adapter
Environmental Parameters
Operating temperature 41 ?F95 ?F
GPS
GPS System / GPS Navigation None

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Sony Mylo (black)

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