Oh, look. There's the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2a (the "a" points to the North American version) on the Sony Style Web site. It's still not available for purchase, but we saw it at CES running Windows Mobile 6.5.3, and CNET says its been told to expect launch this spring. We're not holding our breaths, given the lack of expediency given the X1, but we'll definitely be glad to see it when it comes.

Stopped back by the Microsoft booth at CES after our recent encounter with Windows Mobile 6.5.3 on the Toshiba TG01, and, sure enough, there's more lurking around. The Pharos Traveler 137's got it (Build 28005.5.3.0). And right next door was the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2, and it had 6.5.3 as well, though it's so heavily skinned with the Panels interface that you can't tell at first glance.

Two more phones with possible upgrades on the way.

The good news: The Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 has passed the FCC. The bad news: This is the European variety, which lacks the U.S. 3G bands. But, it does mean you can import the X2, if you're so inclined. Whether you'll be willing to spend that kind of cash for great hardware and a sometimes-frustrating software experience is a completely different question. (Peep Dieter's hands-on if you need a reminder why.)

FCC via Unwired View

Maybe I'm a little jaded after waiting so long for the Xperia X1 only to have it land, look impressive, but fail to make a big impact on the Windows Mobile world. Don't get me wrong - the Xperia X2 is very nice: the build quality is amongst the best of the couple dozen devices I've handled here at CTIA. From the slider to the feel of the keyboard to the subtle curve on the lower-rear of the phone, everything is top-notch.

Not so top-notch, the latest iteration of Sony's Panel's interface. It's awfully pretty and definitely the sort of things you can use to wow your friends and shame your enemies, but only if you're careful to stick with one panel and not switch between your different options, as the lag starting them up is a little disappointing. Perhaps it's time Sony moved beyond the standard 256RAM/512ROM 528MHz Qualcomm processor and into the big time if they're going to try to power interfaces that are this dynamic.

Still, the 480x800 screen and 8mp camera can't help but impress. I can definitely see Sony fans coveting this and I can't blame them for it, the X2 is a very futuristic-looking rig, I just wish the internals we are futuristic as its looks.

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Remember how Vodafone said customers can expect the LG GM750 in October and the Sony Xperia X2 in November? That was it. No actual dates attached.

But never fear: We've gotten (very blurry) word that the X2 (aka the Vulcan) is due Nov. 6. Price and plans still to be determined (or at least leaked).

Even better, the GM750 should be on hand this Friday, Oct. 2. As you can see, £25 a month gets you 300 minutes and unlimited texts, and the phone itself is free. Unlimited data will cost another £5 a month.

For us, the question remains: Will either of these phones see love on this side of the pond?

Thanks, anonymous tipster!

Good news for our friends across the pond on Vodafone: The carrier says to expect the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 in November. That's the X2 and it's sweet keyboard, banana slider and 8.1MP camera. No word on price.

And that's also a couple of months sooner than online dealer Expansys says the X2 will be available, so there ya go.

Also coming down the pike is the LG GM750, which is expected in October and brings along its 5MP camera and black-slab good times.

Vodafone via Coolsmartphone

Expansys, everybody's favorite UK importer/exporter, has the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2 listed on its site for the low, low price of 604 British pounds, or right about $1,000 U.S. That's only hundred more than the original X1 initially went for when it trickled out in its U.S. release, so you could do worse, we guess. Also listed is an "expected release date" of Jan. 11, 2010. This is an Xperia, after all, so we'll believe it when we see it.

Via Pocketnow

For those of you drooling over the recent announcement of the Sony Ericsson Xperia X2, here are five more minutes of pre-release review goodness, thanks to Phone Area.

While the screen is slightly bigger, a lot of the innards remain the same, including the processor. Is that going to be enough to get people to shell out several hundred dollars this time around?

It was only a matter of time before hands-on videos for the Sony-Ericcson Xperia X2 to surface and here's a short and sweet overview of the new Windows Mobile phone as presented by SE-First.

Can't say there's any surprises in the design of the X2.  The battery door does appear to have a safety latch and you can't miss the 3.5mm jack.  If you've survived the techno sound track, follow the break for yet another hands-on video from EngadgetMobile that focuses on the X2's unique user interface.

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Sony Ericsson today unveiled the Xperia X2. The latest iteration features the familiar panels interface but also debuts SlideView, "which provides quick access to frequently used phone activities."

Like with the original X1 (read our review), there actually are two versions of the X2, with the X2a the version with U.S.-compatible 3G bands. That said, there's no U.S. availability mentioned anywhere, and the X2a appears slated for Australia and New Zealand.

Specs are a little incomplete, but we'll start you off with a massive 8.1-megapixel camera with autofocus, image stabilization, geotagging, a 16x digital zoom, flash and more. Windows Mobile 6.5 Professional is on board the 3.2-inch 480x800 touchscreen (resistive, still, unfortunately). There's quad-band EDGE and tri-band (850/900/1900) on the 3G side.

Sony Ericsson says the X2 will be available in the fourth quarter. No word yet on pricing, but you can bet it'll cost a pretty penny. Next question is whether the X2 will get any support from U.S. carriers, after the X1 was spurned. Get the full rundown here, and we've got more pictures after the break.

Oh, and if new hardware's not enough, SE's opened up the panel SDK. Get the lowdown on that here.

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