Sony Ericsson had a strong first quarter based on increased sales of its Walkman series of phones. Pre-tax income of Euro 151 million was a 115% increase on a year-on-year basis.

Important metrics from the release:

• Revenue of Euro 1,992 million, up 55%
• Unit sales hit 13.3 million, a 41% increase over the same period a year ago
• Average Selling Price (ASP) rose 4% to Euro 149
• Total sales of the Walkman series hit 5.5 million (since mid-August 2005)
• Sony Ericsson’s global handset outlook increased to 900 million handsets for the year, up from about 850m.

Sony Ericsson just started shipping the W810i. It’s expected to launch from Cingular in June.