Phone Corners - Summary of The Latest Phone Reviews and Previews

Nokia 6500 Slide Review: Slide Over Slim

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 13:36:00 +0000

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Nokia 6500 slide was announced together with its slim sibling Nokia 6500 classic, but is far more than just an attempt to diversify the supply beyond the traditional bar form factor. Both handsets drive on solid style, but the stainless steel slider takes media another step further with video call support, FM radio and TV out. Nokia 6500 slide is among the handful of Finnish feature phones to offer a 3.2 megapixel camera, while Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus and the dual LED flash do make it a class in its own.

Nokia 6500 slide official photos

Key features

3.2 megapixel autofocus camera with Carl Zeiss optics and flash
Great 2.2" 16M-color QVGA display
Snappy user interface
FM radio with RDS
3G network support
Rich preloaded content
Bluetooth with A2DP support
Stainless steel case
TV out
microSD card slot with hot swap
Comfortable keys
Fingerprint resistant
Quality loudspeaker

Main disadvantages

Sliding mechanism no masterpiece
VGA video at 15fps recorded in 3gp format
Camera lens unprotected
The card slot is under the battery cover
charger and USB connectors on top

Conclusion

The Nokia 6500 slide is a hard one to define and, though formally of the same bloodline, the 6500 classic isn't any better of a reference point. Nokia 6500 slide focus is on the imaging capabilities, plus, the brushed stainless steel exterior puts it in a more exclusive league.

Nokia 6500 slide is high on exclusivity and style but in a reserved or laid-back manner. It's not a cameraphone but has a very good camera. It's solid and capable but means less business than smartphones. It scores very high, both in terms of design and functionality, but is caught in crossfire due to its high price tag. With enough flashy premium handsets, heavyweight all-in-ones and practical but smart performers, pressure is coming from all ends on this otherwise highly recommendable device.

(Read full review on GSMArena...)
Nokia 6500 slide specification

Samsung G800 Review: Camera With A Phone

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 07:48:00 +0000

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Chitika Owna

It seems Samsung are really stepping on it in the 5 megapixel cameraphone race. In a stark display of audacity, the G800 is pitched as a digicam that can make calls. We usually deal with gadgets that are the other way around but we've been eager to test the Samsung G800 ever since its official launch back in late October. As you may recall, we were lucky to be there, but rubbing shoulders is nothing like getting our hands on the handset sporting the first 5 megapixel camera with optical zoom. So sit back and get ready for Samsung G800, one of the most hyped handsets lately.

Samsung G800 official pics

Samsung G800 lifestyle photos

Key features:

5 megapixel auto focus camera with 3x optical zoom and xenon flash
Large 2.4" QVGA 256K color display
EDGE and 3G (with HSDPA)
Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP support
Comfortable keypad
Stereo FM radio with RDS
Stylish design

Main disadvantages:

Bad display processing
Weak sunlight legibility
Very slow memory card reading
No standard 3.5 mm audio jack
Volume/Zoom key is very hard to press
Quite chubby

Conclusion

Samsung G800 is without doubt a strong contender in the cutthroat market share race. If you are looking for a dedicated cameraphone with a great camera, then you might have just found your next handset. It may not be the best looking mobile around, however it has its own brushed-metal style that some of us liked.

The Samsung G800 has its flaws anyways. The slow memory card reading and the issues we had with the display have no place in a high-end cameraphone.
For us the Samsung G800 seems more of a proof of concept, rather than a really viable 5-megapixel solution. It won't win to the masses and become as popular as G600 for example. But it leaves a mark that will hold at least until midrange handsets start to offer 5 megapixel cameras and optical zoom.

(Read full review on GSMArena...)
Samsung G800 specification

Nokia N82 Review: Comes With Xenon

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 07:43:00 +0000

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Chitika | Owna

Nokia N82 White Titanium Silver

Nokia N82 is considered the next N-series bestseller and, guess what, it has already hit the shelves. Following the sweeping success of Nokia N73, it was a pretty sure bet that a worthy successor wouldn't take long to appear. As we see it, Nokia N82 fits that description perfectly and our eagerness to test it for you should come as no surprise. So join us as we explore the world of Nokia N82.

Nokia N82 official photos

Key features

5 megapixel camera with auto focus and Carl Zeiss optics
Xenon flash and active lens cover
2.4" 16M color QVGA display
128 MB RAM
Wi-Fi with UPnP
Built-in GPS receiver and A-GPS functionality
Nokia maps application covering over 100 countries worldwide
Convenient standard 3.5 mm audio jack on the top
3G (with HSDPA), EDGE and GPRS support
Symbian OS 9.2 Series 60 3rd edition Feature Pack 1 UI
TV-out functionality
Automatic UI rotation
Stereo speakers
Large capacity battery

Main disadvantages

Controversial design and questionable ergonomics
No RDS for the FM radio
Below average GPS performance
Extra charges apply for voice assisted navigation
No office documents editing application
Doesn't charge off USB

Conclusion

Nokia N82 is the kind of gadget to make high hopes inescapable and it is important to know whether it lives up to the responsible job of being the N73 successor. And here it is: in our view, it carries the burden lightly. N82 has all the premises to become a true bestseller, combining full smartphone functionality with the best camera on the mobile phone market. Upgrading from Nokia N73 seems the definitive choice, if not the only option.

As for the rest, who are considering Nokia N82, we say it's a buy you will hardly ever regret. Looking at your options first won't hurt though. The simple math tells that Nokia N82 with an 8GB microSD memory card costs about the same as Nokia N95 8GB, so the choice between the two is purely a matter of priorities. Whether you prefer larger screen or xenon flash should tilt the scales this way or the other.

As for the cameraphone lovers, the decision is as simple as that - if you want the best camera on a phone and you're willing to pay for it, Nokia N82 is the way to go.

(Read full review on GSMArena...)
Nokia N82 specification

Nokia E51 Review: Connecting Business

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 02:18:00 +0000

E51 Rose Steel Small Yet Powerful Smartphone

Nokia offers a wide range of Eseries business handsets, including Communicators and enhanced messaging devices of different form factors. Each E series phone is optimized for different types of business users, but all feature the familiar and friendly S60 user interface over Symbian OS. The new Nokia E51 combines compact dimensions, rich communication skills, a comfortable keyboard and stylish design, aiming to be a classic and conservative all-round performer.

Official photos of Nokia E51

Key features

Quad-band GSM/3G (with HSDPA 3.6 Mbps), EDGE and GPRS support
Wi-Fi, VoIP over WLAN
Symbian 9.2 OS Series 60 3rd edition UI with Feature Pack 1
12 mm slim, elegant design
130 MB onboard memory, expandable via microSD cards (up to 4 GB), hot swap
Very comfortable keyboard and D-pad
Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP and IrDA (115 kbps)
New Symbian key icons
Fast user interface

Main disadvantages

2 megapixel camera with no autofocus, nor flash
Extremely hard-to-press volume rocker, power button and voice recorder key
Stale multimedia interface
Cannot edit office documents
Doesn't charge when connected via USB
Voice dial works well only with English names

Conclusion

Each of Nokia's Enterprise devices has its strengths, but usually at the expense of a few compromises. The stylish Nokia E51 proves to be a well-balanced performer that will certainly meet the contemporary business requirements. Fine looks are just an added gain.

Nokia E51 might be the right bestseller stuff not only for business, but for regular users too, for its all-purpose applicability. The 350 USD price tag sure adds to that excitement. With E51 there's one more pro on offer.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Nokia E51 specification

Nokia N82 Preview: First look

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Thu, 06 Dec 2007 13:07:00 +0000

We dig cameraphones

The Nokia N82 seems like the next flagship of the Nokia N-series of multimedia-oriented smartphones. Although it looks pretty much the same as Nokia N95 specs-wise, it outmatches the current heavyweight champion with a xenon flash and automatic screen rotation.

Nokia N82 photos

While automatic screen rotation for the Nokia N95 seems to be just around the corner, there's nothing that can beat the xenon flash on those night party shoots. The Nokia N95 however has recently received some 8 gigs worth of stash for your multimedia needs plus a gorgeous 2.8-inch display. So it is a fight that's somewhat uneven, the two cannot be compared directly. Maybe the form factor will be decisive and user preference will take it from there.

Nokia N82 compared to Nokia N95 8GB

Anyways, the Nokia N82 is a highly sought after device, and we are more than happy to have finally laid our greasy hands on it.

We are working on a fully-fledged review that should be ready some time next week. We wanted to share with you our first Nokia N82 images plus several other goodies.

First off, we present you the Nokia N82 photos. We gotta admit the N82 is not the prettiest of handsets but it looks alright - especially having in mind it's loaded with features. You can't see silvery Nokia phones often, but the Nokia N82 is one of them. Some of us would have preferred black and hope there's a black version coming in the future (you didn't hear us say 8GB, didn't you?).

Nokia N82 all over

Nokia N82 front panel: video calls camera, ambient light sensor, earpiece

HTC Touch Review: Smart to Touch The Spot

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 14:13:00 +0000

HTC Touch P3450 -Gsm- Cell Phone Tri Band

Introduced several months ago, the innovative HTC Touch is the device, after which the world of Windows Mobile will probably never be the same. Chic, smart and versatile, the HTC Touch brings together an array of communication, entertainment and business capabilities enabling mobile consumers to balance work and fun. HTC Touch initiates an intriguing line of smartphone devices to feature the innovative TouchFLO technology with finger sweep control, making full use of the HTC Home application add-on. One of the smallest Windows Mobile devices is up to every standard with the package including Wi-Fi, 2.8" touchscreen TFT display, 2 megapixel camera and rich business applications. Since Apple managed to move a cool one million iPhones in some two and a half months, HTC Touch strikes back with officially reported 800,000 units sold in Europe/Asia since the launch of the device on July 5th. The HTC management admits this result beats even their most positive forecasts.

HTC Touch official photos • Home screen and TouchFLO interface

Key features

HTC TouchFLO technology allows smooth finger scrolling and panning
HTC Home application
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
2.8" 65K color touchscreen TFT display of QVGA resolution
2 megapixel camera
Sturdy build, quality casing and compact dimensions
Bluetooth v2.0
Large and comfortable D-pad
SIM card accessible without removing the battery

Main disadvantages

No 3G support
Inadequate 201 MHz processor and insufficient 128 MB ROM
No FM radio
Hard to clean casing

Conclusion

HTC Touch is a surprisingly compact and stylish device with ample display and above average functionality. The full-fledged touch navigation through TouchFLO provides for very friendly handling and makes the device seamlessly usable as a phone, regardless of the fact that it features no hardware keyboard at all. Among the downright drawbacks are the anemic processor and insufficient RAM. The touch experience is well below the iPhone and the TouchFLO interface doesn't completely rule out the need for a stylus.

With a price tag of about 420 USD, HTC Touch will no doubt be enjoying a good level of demand. The appeal of the smallest PocketPC is likely to reach beyond the core of Windows Mobile Professional admirers to attract many new fans, who have abstained from buying Windows Mobile devices until now due to their large size. We will conclude by confirming that great things come in small packages, indeed.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
HTC Touch specification

Nokia N95 8GB Review: Return of The King

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Fri, 23 Nov 2007 03:31:00 +0000

Nokia Smartphone Cell Phone - N95

About a year ago Nokia released a tech-freak's dream of a handset offering a mouthwatering horde of features in a fairly compact size. The omnipresent N95 spawned a successor and now the question is how much better can it get. Nokia N95 8GB sure has good genes but there still seems to be enough room for improvement. At first glance, Nokia has heeded user complaints with the original and addressed them properly. However, we are yet to see if the enhancements are enough to make the N95 8GB the definitive upgrade from the previous model or is it about laurel-resting mostly.

Nokia N95 8GB official photos

Key features

2.8" 16M color QVGA display
5 megapixel camera with auto focus and Carl Zeiss optics
Massive storage capacity and increased RAM
Wi-Fi with UPnP technology
Built-in GPS receiver and A-GPS functionality
Nokia maps application covering over 100 countries worldwide
Dual-slide design with dedicated multimedia keys
Standard 3.5mm audio jack
3G (with HSDPA), EDGE and GPRS support
Symbian OS 9.2 Series 60 3rd edition Feature Pack 1 user interface
TV-out functionality
1200 mAh battery

Main disadvantages

No camera lens protector
No RDS system for the FM radio
Below average GPS performance, no 3rd party apps support
Extra charges for voice assisted navigation
Cannot edit office documents
No card slot
Doesn't charge when connected to USB

Conclusion

Sounds like it's the time for the scale-like motion with a N95 handset in each hand? After digging deep in that comparison, it now seems that an upgrade from N95 to N95 8GB is a really viable option. The 8GB is by all means no revolution, it's not like the original N95 owners will wake up to a brave new world. However, some of the most common (and probably most annoying) issues of Nokia N95-1 have been addressed and it's a real step forward for Nokia. So, if you have an original N95 and some of its flaws are really getting on you, look no further - N95 8GB is the cure. As for the other mobile phone owners, we would say that buying a Nokia N95 8GB is a decision you are very unlikely to regret. After all, there is hardly any feature that this handset doesn't have. If you think you can live without a camera lens cover and want to own a real all-in-one device - Nokia N95 8GB is your obvious choice. The N95 is also the cameraphone lovers stuff for matching superb photo/video quality with heaps of storage space.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Nokia N95 8GB specification

Samsung G600 Review: Slide and Snap

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Wed, 21 Nov 2007 14:20:00 +0000

Samsung G600 GSM

Samsung sets two contenders running for glory, with two 5 megapixel newcomers on the cameraphone market. The Samsung G600 was first to be announced, and had the mobile community astir. Featuring quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support, a glamorous 2.2" 16M color TFT display and stereo Bluetooth, the Samsung G600 is easily a tempting all-around multimedia device. The stylish design, the choice of colors and the metallic touch add up to some really exquisite looks. You may as well have a soft spot for this baby already but we are here to make sure its appeal is more than skin-deep.

Samsung G600 official pictures

Key features

Stylish design
5 megapixel autofocus camera with LED flash and VGA video recording
16M color TFT display of QVGA (320x240 pixels) resolution
Ambient light sensor for automatic brightness control
Bluetooth with A2DP
microSD memory card slot
FM radio with recording capabilities
TV out
MS Office documents viewer
Nice web browser
Quick menu response and new menu structure
The enclosed headset finally has a 3.5 mm audio jack
Dynamic home screen
Mobile Tracker application

Main disadvantages

No 3G support
Upper row of alphanumeric keys might be hard to reach
New headset/charger jack incompatible with older accessories
Xenon flash would've suited it better
Shot-to-shot time on the slow side

Conclusion

We fear the Samsung G600 won't be able to snatch the best 5 megapixel slider recommendation off the heavyweight contenders in that form factor. However, Samsung have stirred up a really nice combination of features that would appeal to the tech savvy. Looking at the hardware side of it - it offers all the essentials and more: a quick processor, a nice 16M color TFT display, stereo Bluetooth, FM radio with recording capabilities, a TV-out port, and a 3.5 mm audio adapter combined with the highly alluring 5 megapixel camera. The G600 user interface is by far the most mature Samsung interface we've reviewed so far. The excellent web browser, the great music player, the office documents viewer and the snappy response will make users happy.

We admit it's not the perfect gadget - the lack of 3G will turn down many potential buyers, while the unoriginal design we've seen over and over again won't make it stand out in the crowd of Samsung sliders on the shop windows. We guess many of you are already fed up with Samsung's lack of imagination when it comes to slider phones.

No offence, we still find the G600 pleasant to the eye and great to hold in hand. It's a genuine multimedia gadget from head to toe. Adding to the fact that it's the most compact and most affordable 5 megapixel cameraphone to date, the Samsung G600 looks like a great pick for this year's holiday shopping.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Samsung G600 specification

Sony Ericsson W910 Review: Walkman in Style

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 11:52:00 +0000

Sony Ericsson W910i Noble Black

The Sony Ericsson W910 reinforced the Walkman ranks with a suave, yet strong performer. The thin and elegant slider does look the part, while HSDPA (3.6 Mbps) and Walkman 3.0 are the right features to expect in a high-end device. At first glance, the W910 brings a few brand new software and hardware solutions to the scene. Stay with us as we go beyond the disarming looks and try to determine whether Sony Ericsson W910 has what it takes to win the hearts of the customers.

Sony Ericsson W910 official pictures

Key features

HSDPA (3.6 Mbps), EDGE, Bluetooth (with A2DP)
SensMe™ and Shake control features
Slim sliding construction
Media Center, Walkman 3.0
Dedicated Call and End keys
Fast photo browser
Ample 2.4" display
Powerful loudspeaker
FM radio with RDS
1GB or 2GB M2 card included, M2 USB card reader

Main disadvantages

Comes at an overpriced price tag
Wobbly slider
2 MP camera with neither autofocus, nor flash
Only 40 MB internal memory
Video recording in QVGA resolution at 15fps
Irrelevant gaming/photo keys
No skins for the Walkman player

Conclusion

Sony Ericsson W910 is the top dog in the Walkman series when it comes to feature phones, the smarty W960 being a class of its own in the company's music portfolio. Some of W910 features are true high-end stuff: the quality display, elaborate music features, exquisite design, fast performance and 3G capabilities. Those however coexist with painfully familiar features and applications we've been getting in downright midrange handsets. Too much compromise to put up with in this price range and the tag on W910 is likely to get even the brand loyals a bit reserved. Nokia and Samsung seem to prepare a handful of cool music offerings in this price range too, while their non-music oriented handsets too have good music players. Despite the rich sales package, including a 1GB M2 card and the cool M2 USB reader, the W910 will be under pressure, as price is the ultimate decisive factor in this increasingly competitive market.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Sony Ericsson W910 specification

Sony Ericsson S500 Review: Emotion vs Reason

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Mon, 12 Nov 2007 11:55:00 +0000

Sony Ericsson S500i Quadband GSM Cell Phone - Mysterious Green

The slider form factor debuts in the company's S line and in fact, this is the first Sony Ericsson slider that's not a Walkman. Speaking of which, Sony Ericsson S500 is a W580 in disguise. And some disguise it is: with this slim slider almost everything is staked on design. Nature-inspired patterns, audacious paintjobs and light effects all make sure the S500 won't go unnoticed.

Some official photos of Sony Ericsson S500

Key features

Size: 99 x 47 x 14 mm, 94 g
Slim slider body
Appealing design and color options
Dynamic themes and wallpaper animation
Light effects
Good keypad
Good 256K-color QVGA display
M2 memory card support, up to 2GB
2-megapixel camera
Email client and RSS-feed reader
A2DP enabled Bluetooth
Quad band support, GPRS and EDGE Class 10

Main disadvantages

Only 12MB of integrated memory
No indicator of missed events
Not operable without SIM
No autofocus and flash
No FM radio
Awkward handling of SIM card and rear cover

Conclusion

Sony Ericsson S500 is a mid-range slider of slim design and daring exterior, which offers very standard, not to say unoriginal, functionality. Available for around 225 Euro, the S500 is easily challenged by a number of Sony Ericsson models offering respectable functions in this price range. Which way you will go is just up to you.

Comparison with Sony Ericsson W580 is inevitable; paying a little extra to get this exciting Walkman is an option worth considering

The S500 will easily appeal to the senses, but the Walkman W580 could well be the more reasonable option. FM radio, fitness application, superior headset, and a 512-MB memory card are enough features to make the Walkman phone worth the additional investment.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Sony Ericsson S500 specification

Nokia N81 8GB Review: N-series N-gaged

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:58:00 +0000

Nokia Inc Nokia N81 8GB N811

The Nokia N81 8GB is a truly exciting smartphone combining the power of Symbian 9.2 OS spiced up with the new N-Gage platform. What we have in N81 8GB is entertainment and multimedia unleashed. Not only does its specs sheet impress, but it promises tons of fun. With that said you cannot blame us for being too eager to test it out, can you? So please make yourselves comfortable and join us for this review.

Nokia N81 official photos

Key features:

Massive storage space (8GB version)
Symbian OS 9.2 S60 3.1 UI
Wi-Fi support
Unique gaming experience with the new N-Gage platform and dedicated gaming keys above the display
Brilliant 2.4" 16M-color QVGA display
2 megapixel camera
3.5 mm audio jack
Touch sensitive Navi wheel
Dedicated music keys and hardware keypad lock switch
3G with video calls
Nice multimedia menu

Main disadvantages:

Mediocre camera
Awkward D-pad
Hefty weight
Uncomfortable keypad
No HSDPA

Conclusion

Reviewing the Nokia N81 was fun, except for the short periods when it got on our nerves with its awkward D-pad. Having in mind that some of its disadvantages will be fixed, we think a strong and able Symbian device is joining up the ranks. A screen of this size is not so often seen, while its gaming powers add up to a really exciting gadget. There's no doubt however that the N81 is quite a niche product, even if it's not as outspokenly eccentric as its N-gage siblings. It's worth considering how many people will be tempted by the rich smartphone functionality and turned down by the excessively youthful image of the gaming-happy N81. The hefty price tag is no surprise but it may cause many to think twice before choosing a Nokia N81 over N95 for example. If you ask us, we'll definitely go for the N95, never mind its inadequate battery. Plus, the N81 is the game-centered device in the N-series, but many of its teammates are compatible with the N-gage games anyway.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Nokia N81 8GB specification

Motorola RAZR2 V8 Review: New Edge to RAZR

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Fri, 26 Oct 2007 14:06:00 +0000

Motorola RAZR2 V8 Quad-Band Ultra-Slim Phone

After three long years of waiting we face the RAZR V3 successor: the slim and refined Motorola RAZR2 V8. Sporting a full metal jacket with gradating hues of dark pearl gray, the RAZR2 V8 is made to impress. With two high-quality displays with QVGA resolution, plus quad-band GSM support, two megapixel camera and stereo Bluetooth, it’s a handset that delivers functionality besides style. As we're writing this review, the top-of-the-bill RAZR2 V8 Luxury edition is on its way to the shelves too, with a gold-plated body and soft snake-skin-like back for those who like their calls with a pinch of exotic glamour. Join us on this review as we discover what the Motorola RAZR2 V8 is all about.

Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8

Official photos of Motorola RAZR2 V8 Luxury Edition

Key features

Quality metal casing and appealing design
Really thin, measuring 11.9 mm in thickness
Large internal and external displays, touch-sensitive keys on the outer display
CrystalTalk for excellent voice quality
Talking Phone with SMS and Email readout
Quad band with EDGE Class 12
Ample-to-abundant onboard memory: 420 MB or 2 GB
2 megapixel camera with video recording
A lot of useful extra applications
Full Exchange server synchronization
Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP support
Very good Opera 8.5 browser pre-installed

Main disadvantages

No 3G support
No memory card slot
No brightness settings for the external display
The handset is easy to slip off the hands
Large size when opened

Conclusion

No doubt Motorola RAZR2 V8 is a stylish mobile phone, a high-flier in design, adequate in functionality. Motorola faithfuls will hail it, while many other unbiased users are likely to find it agreeable. The Motorola RAZR V3 was near revolutionary back in its day but three years after it was introduced, the glory has started to fade. And the RAZR2 V8 is in for an ordeal living up to its status. The major competitors Nokia, Samsung, Sony Ericsson and LG have a few thin, cool and loaded gadgets to offer. So, keeping the glory alive is truly a challenge. The RAZR2 V8 has what it takes in style and high-class finish but seems to lack some of the current must-have features such as 3G and an autofocus camera. We feel that if Motorola had done just a little bit better they would have had a true winner.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Motorola RAZR2 V8 specificatio

Nokia 5700 Review: Smart Performer

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Thu, 06 Sep 2007 13:59:00 +0000

It seems that music phones are becoming an increasingly important part of every company's portfolio. It's therefore no surprise that a lot of effort is put in developing such devices, which explains the constantly improving functionality and performance. We'll now have a look at Nokia's most recent creation in the genre - the Nokia 5700 XpressMusic family. Just a quick glance at its features tells you this phone is promising, to say the least. But practice has taught us that features are not all that a handset is about. Stay with us as we find out what this heavyweight musician is capable of.

Nokia 5700 official images

Key features:

Fast and responsive user interface
Excellent display, with unmatched legibility under direct sunlight
Great earphones
Symbian S60 3rd edition FP1
Sporty, youthful design
The swiveling part is well-built and very functional

Main disadvantages:

Awkward joystick
Weak bass
Bizarre Menu and C keys
No Pencil key
No built-in 3.5mm jack

Conclusion

Having squeezed every last drop out of our Nokia 5700 let us end our review by putting everything in context and saying a few words about our general impression. We believe we've answered the question at the beginning of the review. The Nokia 5700 performance as a smartphone is by far superior to its music capabilities. The latter are only slightly above average. So if you are looking for a phone to use for strictly music purposes, you'd better look elsewhere. Are you after a balanced overall performance? Look no further. Nokia 5700 is exactly the phone for you and its unmatched speed will never make you regret your purchase. We really don't believe that the target audience should be confined to music fans. This highly capable handset is a true value for money.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Nokia 5700 Specification

Apple iPhone Review: Apple of Discord

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:23:00 +0000

Cutting edge, sleek and promising, the iPhone stirred the mobile world - not bad for Apple's first go at the mobile phones market. Inspiring and provocative, the iPhone will always come to mind when a handset with full touch-based user interface is in question.

Well, since the official release of the iPhone on 29th June 2007, a lot of reviews came out, too many controversial things were said, and there we are - finally having our say about the handset. As wise people say, better later than never.

Apple iPhone official pictures

Apple is a company which specializes in developing products on the verge of science fiction. The iPod is a perfect example. Around 2001 the company decided to change portable music players as we know them, and pretty much succeeded. Much like the iPhone, the announcement of iPod generated huge amounts of hype and when it came out in October 2001 it actually lived up to almost every promise, turning out to be a total smash. As it developed, throughout the years, Apple's portable music player became the most popular mobile multimedia device and its reputation never seems to fade.

Following the same credo of being a feature-rich, yet simple-to-use device, the iPhone will undoubtedly build a strong fan base. It will surely attract the many "if-it-ain't-shinin'-I-ain't-buyin'" customers, since the iPhone is definitely among the most beautifully crafted mobile phones we've seen.

It will be a while before we get a hands-on with the European version of the iPhone. As Apple has confirmed the device is due to hit the European market November 9th 2007 starting with UK and Germany and later on this month in France. The craved device already appeared throughout retailers in Europe ss unlocking efforts so far are managing to overcome the protection of the handset.

Key features:

Stylish design
Scratch-proof front glass cover
3.5" 16M color TFT display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels
Handset orientation sensor and proximity sensor
2 megapixel camera
Touch-based user interface
Great UI graphics and animations
Supreme web surfing experience

Main disadvantages:

Camera has no auto focus or settings
No video recording
No custom ringtones allowed
Safari browser doesn't support Flash and Java
Really basic Bluetooth capabilities
No Office documents editor
No third party applications
No 3G support (at least the US version)

Conclusion

So let's sum it up. The iPhone doesn't claim to be the best phone ever. It's above average, but it has a long list of drawbacks. It's not a business phone either, so don't confuse it with one. And it's most definitely the best iPod ever. However we find that the description that suites the iPhone best is "a dedicated entertainment multimedia mobile device". If you're keen on browsing, listening to music and consuming multimedia content, this handset is, without a doubt, the top performer in its class. Every process is maximum simplified and as fun as possible. It almost feels like a game. And it's a pretty darn good one, too. Well, time to say goodbye to this much-coveted device - we are looking forward to seeing it hit the European market in the end of the 2007.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Apple iPhone specification

Nokia N73 Review: Pole Position

noreply@blogger.com (Indro' Oke) — Sat, 28 Jul 2007 13:54:00 +0000

Being the best equipped handset ever Nokia N73 has managed to overrun the king of all mobiles - the slider Nokia N80. It features Symbian OS, 3 megapixels backed up by the label of Carl Zeiss, USB Mass Storage, and works with office documents. Nokia N73 has a brilliant phonebook and a good time organizer as well as an exceptional Internet browser. The interest in this new Nokia phone is overwhelming worldwide.

Official pictures of Nokia N73

Key Features:

High-class display
Very good functional keys
Symbian S60 3rd edition
Active stand-by mode
3.2 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics
A second VGA camera for video calls
UMTS support
Infrared
Bluetooth
USB Mass Storage
Great web browser

Main Disadvantages:

Loose camera cover
Uncomfortable and cheap-looking numeric keypad
No memory card included
Slippery joystick
No Wi-Fi
Web browser does not work in landscape mode
Alarm clock is not repeated

Conclusion

If you see Nokia N73 like a mobile tool for work, then you will probably not show any interest in the Carl Zeiss logo placed on the camera lens on the rear cover of the phone. Nevertheless, you will certainly appreciate the possibility to take pictures of documents and tables, read their electronic images in QuickOffice or check and manage your email box. All time organizing applications in Nokia N73, except the alarm clock, are brilliantly elaborated. The phonebook offers a virtually unlimited space plus plenty of fields for each contact, and an exceptional Web browser. Synchronization is seamless. Satisfied?

You should be. But I know and expect your response: "Where's Wi-Fi?"... Well, nowhere...The absence of Wi-Fi damns the phone... gives it a black point...and may easily be a decisive matter at the moment of purchase.

If - on the contrary - Nokia N73 is more of a "multimedia computer" for you, you will be fascinated by its camera abilities. The phone makes some of the best photos a mobile phone has ever been able to make; macro is superb, flash is powerful. Nokia N73 does not lack a music player (an additional memory card to be bought separately is a must), nor earphones (adapter required). It plays movies and manages video calls.

And finally, if you need a work phone during the day and a multimedia device at night, then Nokia N73 is ideal for you.

(Read full review on GSMArena.com...)
Nokia N73 specification