Jul 15, 2003 10:16 PM
5760 Views
(Updated Jul 15, 2003 10:18 PM)
I have been using this phone for the last 4 months now, after almost a year with the Samsung N-620 (now slightly disguised and sold under the Reliance scheme under an alias).
Initially, I bought this phone because I thought the camera was a very cool feature to have with your phone. What I didnt realize was this phone is more than just a camera playtoy.
DESIGN : This is NOT a small phone. People who wear tight jeans, will have trouble with it. It weighs 130 gms too. The circular keypad is a disappointment (probably the phone's only one). But after a few weeks of usage, you do get used to it.
Features : Symbian OS, Java, Digital Cam, Video Recorder, Infrared, Bluetooth, Polyphony, blah blah...it goes on. The full list of features are here
https://nokia.com/nokia/0,8764,2275,00.html
I would rather write about how the phone performs..
The definitive feature is the Symbian OS. Extremely stable, you can do anything with it. For instance, with the addition of available software for the symbian OS, my phone can now
-play mp3s
-browse the web graphically, download and send email via pop accounts
-access chat areas like MSN, Yahoo and ICQ
-play back large movie clips (i'm talking about atleast 30 mins of playback here)
-lets me store and read ebooks
-allows me to install some brilliant games with superb graphics.(Snake, your days are numbered)
The list of software available for this phone is endless. Enough to emulate basic tasks that can be performed on your computer. Third Party software also allows you to enhance the default features of your phone.
Oops, I forgot, its a phone! :o) Its a pretty decent one, but I thought that the voice clarity was much better with the samsung. The battery is pretty good, it should keep you going for 2 days under normal usage. There is no lack of features when it comes to the 'telephony' part of this phone.
About the camera : It captures at 640 x 480. It is NOT to be compared to a good stand alone digital camera, but under decent lighting, it takes some pretty clear shots.
The Fine Print : This is not a phone for a technophobic. You will be able to unleash its full potential only if you know your way around computers. You absolutely need a computer to use the software to interface with it. You also need an infrared or a bluetooth device. This will set you back a few thousand rupees. And it is the only way (practically) that you can install new software on it and transfer photos from your phone back to the computer. Software for the phone, though widely available, are not always free. Trial versions are available for most.
Bottom Line : I use this device more for its 'other' features than for a phone these days. It is a never ending source of entertainment. Imagine reading a book while you're waiting somewhere, or chatting with your friends on MSN via GPRS. I still feel I have left out a lot of features that the phone is capable of in this review! Though the phone cost me Rs 22,000 (back in april), it is more than worth that price.
