The M600 supports an array of push e-mail applications, provides remote synchronization, and operates on next-generation, high-speed wireless networks. It is the second handheld from the company that runs the Symbian 9.1 operating system .

The software platform and interface enable users to surf the Web while making voice calls simultaneously. In addition, the phone's broadband capabilities let users handle e-mail messages with large attachments and multimedia downloads. The device also includes Microsoft PowerPoint, Word, and Excel editors, plus an Adobe PDF viewer.

Broad Support for E-Mail Apps

Among the push e-mail applications available to enterprise customers are Ericsson Mobile Office, iAnywhere OneBridge, Intellisync, Microsoft Exchange, and RIM's BlackBerry Connect.

The M600 is a dual-mode UMTS/GPRS converged voice-data handheld that also has Bluetooth short-range wireless capabilities, 80 MB of internal storage , the Opera 8 Web browser, and PC-synchronization capabilities. Much like the BlackBerry line, a dual-function Qwerty keyboard is used for typing messages and dialing phone numbers.

In addition to advanced messaging capabilities, the device includes a media player and support for streamed multimedia content, 3D games, and Java applications. Sony Ericsson has hooked up with security specialist McAfee to provide antivirus and firewall protection for the built-in applications.

The company is offering two models of the M600: the M600i for Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia Pacific, and the Americas; and the M600c for China.

Drawing Mobile Professionals

With the M600, Sony Ericsson has taken its communicator devices to the next level, targeting mobile professionals with links to a broad array of e-mail providers, said IDC analyst Dave Linsalata.

"The key for the company is developing devices that users need, with features for business users and consumers, as opposed to the BlackBerry, which is focused tightly on information and e-mail," he said.

At the same time, said Linsalata, adding more bells and whistles, such as streaming multimedia content, to a converged voice-data handheld might not appeal to some enterprise users who want a mobile device that excels at a single task, like the BlackBerry does.

Sony Ericsson has made strides in gaining a bigger share of the mobile phone and smartphone markets, with IDC reporting that the company sold some 51 million units in 2005, up from 44.5 million in 2004. The company holds about a 6.6 percent market share.