Sony Ericsson's W51S Improves Clamshell Design

Most mobile phones are designed to look sleek and slim. Sony Ericsson’s W51S has the latter part right. Actually, in a world of Razr and Sidekicks the Spartan design of the new phone is refreshing. Similar to the Z310, the buttons are glowing white, except the exterior is non-glossy and simplistic. It looks a little like a Chip-Clip, except it’s a phone.

The W51S features a 2.7-in screen and a camera that plays and records QVGA video. There’s not much internal storage available in the slim phone at 120 MB, but Memory Sticks should offer enough room for the mobile photographer. The phone doesn’t offer any wireless except IrDA, which means no D.A.V.E. hookup. A nice security feature includes internet access that will allow owners to delete any contents if the phone is stolen.

There is no release information yet, but Japanese carrier KDDI will be the first to get the phone sometime in the Spring.