As accessories go, the Sony Ericsson IM920 probably isn’t the most exciting one out there, but it’s pretty useful and something that most people will never even know exists.
What does it do?
The IM920 has two functions – it’s a Micro SD memory card reader that connects to a USB port on your computer and a desk stand for your phone. It is an unusual combination, but it seems to work pretty well as you’re hardly ever likely to need to use both functions at the same time.
It’s designed to be portable, it’s got an eyelet for you to attach it to a lanyard or your keyring, but personally I think a pocket or your bag is a better place to store it.
Sony Ericsson IM920
Memory Card Reader
There’s not a lot to the IM920, it’s not much bigger than a regular USB flash drive and weighs just 18 grams. To use it as a memory card reader, just slide the switch on the top of the device across to extend the USB connector and expose the memory card slot.
Video Stand
To use it as a desk stand just flip it over and slide the holder out of the bottom of the IM920. It extends by around an inch, so will take pretty much all phones or media players up to 2cm thick. The concept is extremely simple, you just place your phone in it and then retract the arm to keep it in place. It’s a very simple process that takes just seconds and can be done easily with one hand.
Video Stand with the Sony Ericsson X10
Sony Ericsson show the IM920 holding a phone by it’s bottom edge, but I found that it covered part of the screen and the weight of the phone kept pulling it forwards and making it unusable. A better option is to mount it on the top of the left or right sides of the phone. This holds it securely and doesn’t block any of the screen.
Compatibilty
Obviously Sony Ericsson only push this as compatible with Sony Ericsson phones, but to be honest there’s no reason why this won’t work with just about every phone on the market as a desk stand – having said that, I tried it with the Vivaz and found that the curved ends of the phone made it just about impossible for it to hold the phone securely. Attach it to a Sony Ericsson X10, iPhone or a Nokia 5530 and you’ll have no problems as the handsets are quite square.
The IM920 works well with all makes of phone
In terms of memory card compatibility, it works with both Micro SD and MicroSDHC memory cards, but doesn’t support any Memory Stick formats found on older Sony Ericsson phones.
Summary
While it’s not a must have item, if you’re a frequent traveller on coaches, trains or planes that spends time watching movies and TV shows on your phone then you’ll find that the video stand function comes in extremely handy. As a memory card reader, it’s nothing special, and to be honest, the amount of time and effort it takes to remove a memory card from your phone, it’s probably quicker to just connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable or Bluetooth.
My rating: 6/10