This is a handset we have been waiting to hit our shores for some time. It has finally burst on the scene and brings with it an amazing set of features and quality to match. Sony Ericsson now brings the S700i (the 'i' indicating it is an international tri-band model, supporting 900, 1800 and 1900MHz GSM networks) to Australia, proving that while Japan may literally be years ahead of us in the mobile handset market, occasionally a piece of brilliant tech does sift through to us down under techno-cave dwellers.

It's functionally similar to its brother the K700i, and it takes design innovation and literally spins it on its head. The unit packs a 180 degree bottom-mounted hinge which reveals the numerical keypad and additional shortcut buttons, such as the web browser, giving protection to the on/off power button. The hinge is sturdy and feels secure, but unlike Motorola's v70 handset, which could swing a full 360 degree loop, the S700i can do only half this, locking at its apex and only able to be closed in the same way as it is opened. So, while you can swing the handset open either to the left or right, opening it clockwise means you'll need to close it anti-clockwise.

There's a slide button on the right hand side of the casing for manually locking the keypad, and there's an auto timeout lock to keep you from dialling without knowing it. Plenty of work has gone into ensuring the handset is fully operational regardless of the mode. For example, the two keys and directional d-pad located below the LCD give you easy access to call information and commonly used options like silent mode, Bluetooth and infrared, phone memory status and re-assigning shortcut keys. Pressing the joystick-style button launches the main menu, easily allowing you to get to phone settings, the file manager and address book.

This phone really is a jack of all trades, combining multimedia playback and record functionality with good quality imaging care of the integrated camera all while wrapped in a sexy housing. Media is one thing this phone handles particularly well, giving users the option of using SE's PlayNow, an on-demand ringtone preview and download service on top of the 40 included polyphonic ringtones. There also the ability to drag non DRM-locked MP3s directly to the included 32MB Memory Stick Duo, provided you have an external memory card reader.

Let's face it though; the real pull of this product is its integrated 1.3 megapixel digital camera, the largest resolution camera available in the country. Image quality is scalable and gives you the option to shoot in either 1280 x 960, 640 x 480, 320 x 240 or 160 x 120 resolution modes. The largest of which is enough for a reasonable print job or a desktop wallpaper. It's easy to operate, too. Simply turn the unit over, open the lens cover, and provided the handset is closed, the camera will start up and turn the LCD into a bright and responsive viewfinder with the left button leading to camera settings like a self-timer, five white-balance levels, spot photometry and 4-frame burst shooting.

There's no flash, but there is a photo light which you can turn on and off by toggling the manual keypad lock slide -- moderately helpful in very dark conditions. High resolution photos are great, but not much point taking without being able to suitably view them. Sony has this sorted, too, and integrated a huge 2.3-in 262,000 colour TFT display, providing 320 x 240 resolution.

A display this large, combined with the integrated CCD lens (rather than last generation's CMOS sensor) is a battery's worst nightmare and will drain fairly quickly if you're a real shutter-bug. In standby however, with frequent texting and occasional phone calls, the phone lasted the better part of a week.

Unfortunately, there are a couple of niggling problems that stopped us really loving this handset, like its keypad and upgradeability. Attractive as they are, the recessed number pad makes this phone the enemy of the frequent SMS'er, as the keys are tough to manipulate quickly with a good level of accuracy. Granted this is a compromise for the swivel design, but it has a significant impact on ease of use. Furthermore, although using upgradeable external memory, Memory Stick Duo is available only up to 128MB, and while this is plenty of room for photos in any resolution, anyone looking at this phone as an MP3 player may have trouble storing a lot of songs at once.

Ultimately, however, these are only minor problems with an otherwise fantastic phone. While you might find it hard to justify forking over nearly $1400, this is simply one of the most feature-packed unit we've seen.