Written by: Ashtyn at 7:27 pm
Filed under: Computers,Electronics,Gadgets
When Sony approached me to test out the Sony Mylo Com-2 (the Mylo for short) I actually had never heard of it. I admit, thanks to a number of full-time blogs that some very cool electronics pass me by, unless they are thrown at me. The Mylo was one of those electronics that I was given the chance to review. The best way to describe the Mylo is as a personal communicator. Instead of focusing on telephone-based communication, the Mylo handles most things internet based, which makes it a handy dandy tool in this day and age.
Using Wi-fi you can hook up just about anywhere. I believe the website states that you can enjoy free Wi-fi at more than 9,000 restaurants and public establishments. If you’re running a router in your house, you should also be able to hook up there, as well. This is not entirely necessary, but if you’re watching a movie or doing something else and do not want to be bothered with a computer, it is nice to have the option of using your Mylo.
Look/Appearance:
The Mylo is a sleek rectangular device with rounded edges that comes in either black or white. The black one was sent to me and I have to admit, I am a sucker for black electronics. A qwerty keyboard is used to handle typing. The keyboard is tucked under the device and can be slid out when you are ready to type. The Mylo comes with a case that is black with white edges. The Mylo label is etched into the center of the case on one side and on the other side there is a mesh holder where you can keep your headphones and stylus.
The screen is a decent size for what the Mylo is used for. Anything bigger and Sony could have run the risk of making an overly clunky gadget. The screen is not too glossy, which can have a tendency to get on my nerves, so that was another plus. Overall, the design is attractive, which only adds to the appeal.
Affordability:
In this economy, the affordability of the Mylo is largely going to depend on who you are and what you do. This probably isn’t going to be something you buy for a teenager, though it may be a much wiser choice than a cell phone for them. You can pick up the Mylo for around $300 at Amazon.com. Other stores should have it, as well and I am sure that prices vary some, but this is the main ballpark.
What this means is that it is a pretty expensive toy. If you’re using it for more than a toy though, it may be worth your while. It’s ultimately going to depend on your use. I use it for email and Instant Messenger communication while I am out, since I currently am void of a Blackberry or an iPhone, which makes these methods of communication a snap through your phone. If I had them, then the Mylo may not be as important to me. However, since I don’t I get quite a lot of use from it. It keeps me in touch with the people I work with and it doesn’t cost me the extra money that buying a new cellphone mid-contract would.
The real question is would I buy it if I had to? The answer is yes. I have to admit, my Mylo has grown on me. The other day I was in the doctor’s office waiting for my mother to get into her appointment. As usual, the doctor was running late. No wi-fi meant no communication, but I still had plenty of things to keep me occupied. At the time, the game section and solitaire were keeping me occupied. Later, once I had my game fill, I moved over to the note section and wrote a to-do list, which included this review.
In that instance it was worth it to me, because I needed something to keep me occupied work wise. Even though I was unable to connect to the internet, which is the primary purpose of the Mylo, I was able to use the notepad feature to begin writing reviews. This allowed me to handle business where I normally couldn’t and made it worth it to me. The affordability factor for you will ultimately depend on what you are using the Mylo for and the amount of use you will get from it.
Specs/Features:
Some of the most attractive features include the following:
Off the computer Instant Messaging including AIM, Yahoo, and Skype: IM is so much more discreet than a telephone call and if you prefer the text element this is all the better for you. As long as you’re in a hot spot you have your choice of messengers to choose from.
Voice calling with Skype: While this is not a phone by any means, if you do wish to make a call Skype on the Mylo offers a clear, easy to use option that handles as well as a phone would.
A 1.3 megapixel camera that includes a photo-editing program: If you want to take pictures on the go, this is the perfect way to get your shot with ease. You can also edit it while on the Mylo and then transfer it to your PC once you’re done.
Technical Specs Include:
802.11 b/g wi-fi
3.5-inch 16:9 high-resolution (800 x 400 pixels) color LCD touch-screen
Slide-out QWERTY keyboard
It also is worth a mention that the Mylo supports both Adobe Flash Lite 3 and Windows Media DRM 10. There are a number of pre-installed widgets that include Facebook Notifier, My Contacts, Youtube, and Google Search.
Functionality:
I have heard a number of complaints that the Mylo freezes up if you’re using multiple programs, whether you have the additional optional memory or not. I don’t have the added memory and was curious about the naysayer claims so I decided to check it out. I popped in my headphones and turned on some music. While the music was on I turned on both AIM and Yahoo and started a conversation in both programs. I also had the internet running to check out my Twitter messages. While all of this was going on I did not notice a problem. When the messages slowed, I even opened a game. I can’t say what the problem was for anyone else, but mine didn’t freeze and has yet to cause a problem for me. The battery life is good and the system has never caused me a problem.
The Mylo functions just as it should. If you’re using it for what it is designed for you will love it. This isn’t a phone and it’s certainly not an actual computer. You aren’t going to be able to treat it like something with 360 GB and 4GB of RAM because that isn’t what it is. That being said, if you’re out at the local Panera or McDonald’s and need to get in touch with someone, this is a great way to do it. The same can be said if you need to look something up while on the go. The Mylo gives you the opportunity to have the Internet at your fingertips, which is priceless if you don’t want to pay to use it on your phone or you don’t have a phone that offers this option.
Ease of Use:
The Mylo is fool proof. Nearly anyone that knows anything about technology should be able to use it just fine. It’s just a matter of turning it on and using your stylus to navigate through the various functions. If you end up at a screen that you don’t want you just tap the back button and you’re back to the previous screen. Then you can go elsewhere.
When you purchase the Mylo you have access to a decently written manual should you need it. However, this device, especially in basic form, is easy enough to understand without reading the entire thing. If you have a question though, it is a great way to find your answer. The IM options are going to be similar to using them on a computer. If you can use a computer and are familiar with taking pictures on a cell phone then you should be good to go. You aren’t going to find anything that is so drastically new here that you don’t know how to use it.
Overall Quality:
I love my Mylo. I use it for business and for casual means when I am on the go and don’t want to use my phone. I play games and keep in touch with whoever I need to on Twitter or through instant messages. It’s simple to use, attractive, and comes with a variety of functions that make it very useful for me. You also have the ability to add additional widgets, games, and more memory should you need to, and I am sure I will be doing all of these things in the future. If you’re in the market for a multi-use communicator beyond your average Blackberry you should check out the Mylo. It is fun, functional, and reasonably priced for what it offers in comparison to other products of its kind.
Technorati Tags: Mylo, Personal Communicator, Wi-Fi, Hot Spots, Panera Bread, McDonalds, Instant Messaging, Affordable, Sony, Com-2, Black, Sleek, IM
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Written by Ashtyn - Visit Website
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Ashtyn Evans is a writer, advocate, free thinker, and all around cynical person. Always quick to find the negative in anything pop culture, she loves being a part of that which she despises. Ashtyn and Dominick own numerous blogs together, as well as a full-time writing business. In her spare time she is a full-time college student studying History and Psychology. She plans to one day give up her freelance career and be a full-time blogger, novelist, and domestic goddess. She can be contacted for writing projects, fan mail, or just to say hi. She really is friendlier than we make her look.
