Sony Ericsson just dropped a press release announcing that the Xperia arc would be available for purchase in the U.S. beginning in August. On the upside, it will be available through Amazon, Newegg, Buy.com, and through Sony directly. On the downside, they give no mention of the device coming to any carrier, and the unsubsidized price is a whopping $600.

Though the arc presents an enticing exterior, the innards aren't so much so:

  • Android 2.3 (Gingerbread)
  • Custom UI
  • 1GHz Scorpion CPU (MSM8255, same as the fairly dated Desire HD and myTouch 4G)
  • 512MB RAM
  • 512MB internal storage
  • 4.2" 854x480 TFT display
  • 8.1MP camera

Our own Brian O'Toole managed to get a good amount of hands-on time at CES and came away content. That said, CES was more than 6 months ago, and it's hard not to look at the device specs and think it's just too little, too late. After all, the Samsung Galaxy S II is thinner, substantially more powerful, and likely coming to all major US carriers (which is probably why Samsung has already sold 5 million of them before announcing any U.S. availability). With that in mind, the idea of paying $600 for the arc just seems a bit silly.

Sony Ericsson Brings Xperia™ arc - the Ultimate Multimedia Smartphone - to the United States

-- State-of-the-art Sony Technology in the slimmest smartphone on the market
-- Loaded with Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® engine and Sony's Exmor R™ camera imaging sensor
-- Powered by the latest version of Android™ 2.3
-- Available in the United States beginning August 2011

ATLANTA, July 27, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Sony Ericsson today announced that the super-slim, stunningly designed Xperia™ arc will be available starting August at Sony Retail stores and store.sony.com for $599.99. It will also be available onAmazon.com, Newegg.com, and Buy.com.  Please check with individual retailers for pricing and availability. The Xperia™ arc runs on the latest Android 2.3 platform and will feature the best of Sony technology, making this device one of the most powerful multimedia smartphones on the market.

"At Sony Ericsson, we strive to bring consumers the best in mobile entertainment in superior smartphone design," said Peter Farmer, Head of Marketing for North America, Sony Ericsson. "The Xperia™ arc certainly delivers an entertaining smartphone experience and breathtaking design that has generated rave reviews in other markets and we're thrilled to make it available to U.S. customers."

The Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc combines the best of Android and Sony into one beautiful and easy-to-use device. Offering top of its class Sony technology with the Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA Engine, the Xperia™ arc delivers exceptional visual brilliance and a crystal clear image, which enhances the overall entertainment experience. This smartphone also features Sony's award-winning Exmor R™ for mobile sensor with its 8.1 megapixel camera, enabling high quality bright pictures and HD videos even in low light. All pictures and videos can easily be shared in HD on your living room TV via the built in HDMI-connector.

The Xperia™ arc's eye-catching curvature design allows it to fit perfectly in the user's hand. The smartphone is just 8.7 mm at its thinnest part and has an extra wide 4.2-inch multi-touch screen.

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc – Key Features

  • Slim, lightweight and strong, with perfect ergonomics
  • Extra wide 4.2-inch multi-touch Reality Display with Mobile BRAVIA® Engine to ensure ultimate multimedia and viewing experiences
  • Sony Exmor R™ for mobile: for best-in-class low-light photography and video capture
  • 8.1 megapixel camera and HD video recording capability
  • Android Market™ – thousands of applications to keep you entertained

Sony Ericsson Xperia™ arc Color Availability

  • Sony Store – Midnight Blue
  • Newegg.com, Buy.com and Amazon.com – Midnight Blue and Misty Silver

[Source: PR Newswire]