hyp4mhz.com

Month: July 2008

  • Nokia E71 Review
    Welcome to our review of the Nokia E71. (First time we've managed to post a review relatively quickly.) The E71 is the replacement for the relatively popular E61i release about 12 months ago. It's the only Qwerty keyboard based mobile phone made by the company. Like it's predecessors the E71 is an amalgamation of all Nokia has learnt to date since the introduction of the original E61. First impressions are excellent. The E71 looks fantastic! Construction wise, it uses real metal but this time thinner than the past models to save weight. Smoked stainless steel and high quality plastics where necessary really add to the impression of expense and class. It's also very thin. It's seems more just 1 generation away from the slate like predecessors. We liken the new model as the RAZR of the QWERTY keyboard phones, except that the quality of the Nokia is noticeably superior. No creaky panels or detail that would fade. The keys have a nice quality feel when you press them. Pictures do not do this phone justice. Nokia has packed so much technology in such a small size in the E71. It features every single wireless and wired connection option you could want: Wi-Fi, Infrared, bluetooth, USB, GSM and 3G. Yes it has Infrared! So we can still exchange contacts with older phones or use it as a modem and even Sync with other computers without all that mucking around with bluetooth pairing and USB drivers. We can still run our handy universal TV/Video/Stereo remote controllers. Infrared rules. Other features (entertainment) include and crisp 320x240 pixel screen, dual cameras/video, autofocus, flash, barcode reader, 2.5mm headphone socket for the FM (RDS) radio and internet radio, VOIP, voice recorder, MP3 and MP4 player and the list goes on. Fantastic considering that this is not a dedicated multi-media phone! Since this is an E series phone there are a ton of work applications that are pre-loaded. Word, Excel, Powerpoint editors, dictionary, Notes, ZIP, PDF, wireless printer connectivity, clocks, calendar, unit convertors, VPN and of course Internet. The most amazing feature is the built in GPS. Nokia's Maps software has been updated to the point that I think it is better than Google Maps for your mobile. You can download the maps for free but it doesn't tell you the directions. You have to subscribe for voice and trip guidence - fair enough. Google maps requires constant 3G or wi-fi connection and you don't get locations like shops, hotel and so forth.  Nokia Maps has the lot like regular GPS systems! The A-GPS system used on the E71 is actually quite good.  It picks up the GPS satellites from turn on as quick as the TomTom One or quicker.  (Average of 10 secs)  Like the TomTom though if you have traveled a significant distance from the last time you used the GPS it takes a little more time to lock on.  That said you must make sure the A-GPS (uses the network towers but not data) is turned on otherwise it can take several miutes to get a proper fix on your location. The next amazing feature (for 2008) is the web browser. Nokia has updated it from the past versions and it worked on ALL websites we tried - to date. It even shows Flash content and Youtube on the same screen. The first mobile phone browser to do this! Hotmail, Gmail, Yahoomail and all news sites worked! The only problem we encountered where with WordPress BLOGS - the editing of text when scrolling is required is a hit and miss. This can be overcome by writing your entries in the notepad and cutting and pasting into the browser. Nokia's web browser is better than the one on the iPhone or iTouch -at least on this phone. The only short fall is that the E71's screen is smaller than previous models. (Update: After installing the latest phone software we discovered that the E71 can play FLV files from Youtube without additional software!  We knew the web browser could already do this but it brilliant that it can play them out of the browser as well.  Give it go - we really like this phone and you probably will too!) New and useful features worth a mention on the E71 include data encryption, Music store, Podcasting, Standard bar and QR code readers. Nokia's thrown in MS Messenger LIVE and Yahoo GO applications so you can IM all you want. The only thing missing from prior models is the emulated Blackberry compatibility. We where also surprised to find that Nokia has included a 2GIG memory card as part of the sales package! We also liked the remote auto lock feature so that if you lose your phone you can send it an SMS to lock it. You have to set this up and your passwords - so do it! You never know when you could lose your phone. As for operating speed, Nokia has clearly improved the S60 interface's speed, menu navigation is immediate, and running programs are noticeably faster than prior models. It only seems to pause when starting up JAVA based programs but this applies to all phones we've ever tried. Overall excellent. Conclusion: The E71 is a great phone! I dare say it's the best Nokia mobile phone out of the entire range - at least in July 2008. Fast, looks good with a ton of functionality. Sure menu navigation is old hat and getting crowded due to the huge amount of features but that applies to all E and N series Nokia's. If tossing up between the new N series phones have a long hard think because the E71 does 90% of what the N series in terms of entertainment but 110% of day to day functions. Nokia should be applauded as to how they managed to cram all the hardware and software into such a small mobile phone. If you want the most complete mobile phone to date in a elegant design then buy one no need for any decision making needed. If you've got a E61 or E61i it's a no brainer you will be impressed. Note: Nokia has included a few 'extras' in the packaging this time! We a custom hard/slip case, a 2.5mm headset with mic, micro USB connector and a wrist lanyard. The thing we most liked was the screen protector that didn't hide any of the screen's icons as per prior models. The case and screen protector are hard to purchase separately so don't lose them! Price history $595-650 AUS 2008 Manufacturer : Nokia Model : E71 OS: Nokia S60 3rd Edition Feature Pack 1 CPU: ARM 11 369Mhz Network : Country dependent - Quad-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz) 3G WCDMA 850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz Design: Mini-keyboard 114 x 57 x 10 mm Weight: 127 grams White/Black Display/s : 16Million 24-bit colour TFT - 240 x 320 pixels Main Camera : 3.2MP Camera with auto focus, 8xzoom and dual flash Video Camera : up to 320×240 auto focus, 4xzoom, 15 FPS Video phone Camera: 128 x 96 pixels Video capable MP4, WMV, 3GPP, RealMedia, Flash, FLV Connectivity : Bluetooth, Infrared, USB, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g FM Radio - VOIP Memory : 110 MB internal memory MicroSD memory Hot Swap Up to 8 GB SD and SDHC Ring tones : AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MP3, MP4, WMA, AMR-NB, Mobile XMF, SP-MIDI, MIDI Tones (poly 64), True tones Animated screensavers (powersaver) FlashLite2 and Flashlite3 capable A-GPS JAVA MIDP 2.0 Modem for PC Web browser (WAP 2.0 - xHTML) Mono Speaker Phone/Hands free Media player with 2.5mm RCA socket. Speed : Vs Nokia 6230 Navigation 10/10 Battery Life : BP-4L 1500mAh Li Ion Claimed operating times: Standby 20 days - network dependent Voice 10.5 hours - network dependent Sample camera :

  • Optus Apple iPhone Con

    We’ve been conned.

    I went to the optus store to purchase a iPhone on their pre-paid plan only to be told it would not be available for another 2 weeks.

    False advertising.

    So if you want a new iphone don’t bother.

    Perhaps I was a little harsh but the whole situation is not exactly the best situation for Optus to be in. Essentially although Optus heavily promotes the iPhone available on Pre-paid plans the fact is that they don’t actually many available to buy. Yes – there are some but not many.

    Everyone knows that sales get commissions for selling phone on plans and little if none for pre-paid. I think that will change very soon!

    Clearly a marketing ploy but one that has back fired.

  • Nokia Web Browser 2007

    Nokia’s web browser for the N and E series of phones is the best! Why?

    Safari on the iTouch and iPhone are very good at displaying web content but they are not Flash capable. Furthermore they don’t allow data input for online applications, in particular BLOG based sites.

    Yes Safari for the iPhone is the best for browsing but that’s it.

    The Nokia S60 browser for 2007 is better than Safari. Nokia’s browser is great because it does a good job on displaying real web pages AND works with most online BLOG software. Most of all even, highly customised PHP and AJAX sites almost work perfectly,

    With Safari, while I can log into BLOGs editing of fields is never allowed.

    Yes, the Nokia web browser allows you to log in and edit WordPress BLOGs over a a wireless connection. In fact I used the browser via a 3G connection to edit various parts of this website! It works even better when you use Wi-Fi. (I use a Nokia E61i)

    Admittedly the display of the input fields can make editing a hit or miss on smaller screens, the fact that it allows you write and edit posts is a very good start. Hopefully the 2008 version will be even better.

    I understand Nokia’s 2008 Web browser that comes with the S60 3rd Edtion Feature Pack 1 & 2 mobile phones can even display Flash as per normal web browsers. (Confirmed with the latest review of the E71!)

  • Nokia 6500 Review

    Welcome to the Nokia 6500 (Slide) Review. Although we’ve been using this phone for a while other newer models have taken away out attention from writing up a decent review. It shouldn’t be that way since we often use it to test the various screen savers that we make on the phone before release!

    Anyway the 6500 is on of the newer phones in Nokia’s lineup being less than 12 months old (2008). It’s distinctly mid-range functionality and construction so we and you, shouldn’t expect every option but expect at least decent construction. It meets it’s target perfectly, the phone look s and feels great in the flesh and using it was like any other Nokia phones running the S40 5th Edition operating system.

    There are two versions, the 6500 Classic and the 6500 Slide. Both use the same OS and have the same features but differ in terms of physical construction. Ie. One is a slide and one is a standard candy bar.

    Construction of the phone uses real brushed stainless steel for most external surfaces including black coated ends. Only the keypad is plastic. We loved it. There are some nice details like the headpiece and flash coverings, etched and colored Nokia branding around the phone. It’s not a cheap phone and you should expect detail like this! The slide mechanism is very smooth and sounds and feels solid. After many slides over the last few months the slide still works perfectly. The downside of all this metal is that the phone feels solid and heavy. The ear piece occasionally catches your hair and the back cover occasionally moves out of alignment are notes we have to make. Overall we didn’t mid one bit because it does look good.

    The screen

    The 6500’s screen is again one of the best, nice and clear, sharp and the backlight bright. You should not have any complaints about the quality in this regard. The screens on other phones may appear better but that’s because they’re smaller in terms of physical size.

    Battery Life

    The battery life of this phone is good. With normal use and roaming on GSM networks you can get at least 5 days of standby time. On 3G networks its about 4 days. Left on purely on stand by your looking at 7 days. Since everyone’s definition of normal is different the we feel that the pure standby time is the best measurement.

    Speed

    The phone is fast but not the fastest we’ve used. It activates all functions except JAVA based programs with minimal delay of about 1/2 a second. Menu navigation and activating messaging function is as fast as any other reasonable phone.

    Functionality

    The 6500 does everything you could want on a regular phone. Since it is also 3G capable you shouldn’t be wanting for anything that you can’t download. There aren’t any work type programs like Word or Excel editing but then that’s not what this phone is about. Making and managing calls and text messages a bit of internet, music and of course pictures is what the phone is all about. No specialization, just good at everything.

    Connectivity

    The 6500 now uses a micro USB connector, Bluetooth, RGB output but unfortunately no infra-red or Wi-Fi.

    All those who derile infra-red are just following the leader or just plain stupid because infra-red is a very useful feature! We made a fantastic infra-red program that can control various TVs, DVD players, Stereo system and the computer of course. We may release it for free one day. ‘One remote controller to rule them all’!

    MP3 and video/sound

    The sound quality and volume coming from this phone is very good but no where near the 6233 bench mark. Though the head piece, it sounds acceptable for a non-dedicated music phone. Video playback works fine.

    Web Browser

    There are 2 browsers on the E61i one for WAP sites and one for normal internet pages. Both work well with CSS and BLOG sites. However like all mobile web browsers Flash based content or Youtube videos are not capable of being displayed with in the browser. If a website has streaming content the RealPlayer is activated to view the content.

    The camera/video/voice recorder

    The 6500 has a decent camera lens by Carl Ziess with auto focus and digital zoom but good pictures are more than just the lens. Overall the pictures at the maximum 3.2 megapixels is very good by mobile phone standards. Apart from lots of ‘noise’ that can be cleaned up by various photo editing software the pictures are acceptable. Close up pictures are almost macro like and surpisingly good for a mobile phone camera. Easily better than the soft an fuzzy K800i pictures. The flash is a standout being very bright so when taking picture you don’t need to stand too close to your subjects. The autofocus and zoom works well. Picture to picture time is about 5 seconds which is that same as most camera phones. Overall just make sure the pictures are in focus and you be happy enough.

    The video camera like the pictures is quite good for a mobile phone – same comments as above. You view either camera or video without cringing at them too much. That said it only helps if you knew how bad other camera/video phone images are. Note that the auto focus does take a few tries before it finally locks on to the subject you want.

    The Voice recorder works well since you don’t have to shout into the phone to make it record. Playback quality is also surprisingly good.

    Call quality and network reception

    Very good voice quality on both GSM and 3G networks. The quality of the loud speaker really helps. It can also do video calls but you have to turn the phone around which defeats the purpose of video calls. Mind you very few people make video calls so its not exactly something to complain about. However you must be is a high reception area for the best results.

    Network reception capabilities is poor by Nokia standards. The 6500 seems to have trouble with maintaining a strong signal. However this could be due to outdated phone operating software.

    Issues

    Not many real issues to complain about. If pushed to write something bad it would for Nokia to improve quality control on the rear battery door and memory card holder.

    Network

    Most networks sell the phone so look for a network free version on a plan if you can.

    Summary

    It’s a good mobile phone period! It does everything – if your life involves phone calls and text messaging. If you plan on using 3G content it works as well as any other model. The browser is as good as on any other phone except on the S60 based Nokias or iPhone.

    It has a good camera and video recorder lovely screen and lots of various programs to try out. Bluetooth connectivity works with almost any enable computer

    Like all Nokia’s there are plenty of customisation options – some are hard to find – but read the manual and virtually the entire interface can be changed.

    It’s physically a good looking phone and feels expensive too which helps the ownership experience.

    Price history

    $450-549 AUS 2008

    Manufacturer : Nokia
    Model : 6500
    OS: Nokia S40 5th Edition Feature Pack 1
    Network : Tri-band GSM (850/900/1800/1900 MHz)
    3G WCDMA 850, 2100 MHz
    Design: Slider/Candy Bar phone
    96.5 x 46.5 x 16.4 mm
    109.8 x 45 x 9.5 mm
    Weight 125/94 grams
    Silver/Mocha/Black/Bronze
    Display/s : 16Million 24-bit colour TFT – 320 x 240 pixels
    W5.8cm x L4.8cm
    Main Camera : 3.2MP Camera with auto focus, 8xzoom and dual flash
    Main Video Camera : up to 640×320 auto focus, 4xzoom, 15 FPS
    Video phone Camera: 176 x 144pixels
    Video capable MP4, WMV, 3GPP, RealMedia, Flash
    Connectivity : Bluetooth, USB
    Memory : 20 MB internal memory
    MicroSD memory Hot Swap Up to 2 GB
    Ring tones : AAC, AAC+, eAAC+, MP3, MP4, WMA, AMR-NB, Mobile XMF, SP-MIDI, MIDI Tones (poly 64), True tones
    Animated wallpaper and screensavers Flash Lite 2 capable
    JAVA MIDP 2.0
    Modem for PC
    Web browser (WAP 2.0 – xHTML)
    Mono Speaker Phone/Hands free
    Media player with 2.5mm RCA socket.
    GPS connectivity via Bluetooth
    Speed : Vs Nokia 6230
    Navigation 9/10
    Battery Life : BP-5M 3.7V 900 mAh
    Claimed operating times:
    Standby 13.3 days
    Voice 6 hours
    Sample camera :