Other than the global economic crisis, I don't know if there is any other way to explain the boring lineup of handsets that was put on display. It seems like one bad omen follows after another in the midst of a tragic Broadway stageshow!
The much anticipated N97 is scheduled for a June release instead of March, and I still have my reservations about its touchscreen interface potential. While the qwerty may not appear to be the most user-friendly with what seems to be a bothersome d-pad and mutilated space bar, there could still be some potential. A new touchscreen navigation on this N97 could be enough to redeem Nokia of N810 stagnation, but one can only wait and see. I certainly have no interest in discovering that its only a big brother to the XpressMusic 5800 with increased storage, but I am still trying to ignore the pessimism inside my head at this point. I am honestly worried, for the N97 could turn out to be mobile magnificence or mobile mediocrity. In the unfolding of recent MWC events, the line between these two destinies appears to be wearing thin...dangerously thin.
The 6710 Navigator vertical slider and 6720 candybar have me in limbo between two different reactions: feeling insulted for having my time wasted or feeling sorry for Nokia's lack of worthwhile devices. It's as if a Top Chef contestant suddenly burned his dish for an elimination challenge and had no choice but to serve peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the awaiting judges!! MWC is fairly major, so I think it best to aim high in showing off new releases. The idea is to surpass previous versions, and I don't think the 6710 or 6720 are finding any success in this regard. How many times has the Navigator and candybar model been aesthetically revamped already? Even if the answer is in the single digits, innovation still has yet to be seen from these two! A slimmer design with sexier curves, new color shades and some minor feature changes are nice; but these kind of improvements aren't revolutionary and don't always warrant a handset upgrade for Nokia users. I wonder if I only have a bias to be critical of these models since they lack qwerty keypads...nah, I don't think so.
Next up is the E55. This is actually a surprise since I had never come across any online rumors or spy photos. At 9.9mm it is looking to take the claim as the world's thinnest smartphone...oh me, oh my, I am falling out of my seat from the building suspense!! Upon reading the press release from Nokia Conversations, there are new features that should make this a worthy contender in the business world. Compatibility with Lotus Notes and automatic inclusion of Nokia Messaging sounds promising, but still doesn't deserve a standing ovation. New noise-cancelling technology really gets my curiosity going...but only for a second. Truthfully speaking, will a user be aware of this feature when using the E55? In the hectic pace of sending and receiving calls, I doubt that a businessman will suddenly stop in Manhattan and marvel at how wonderful this addition happens to be. It's like having a new version of hand soap that's infused with antibacterial formulas...as long as it cleans who cares? An obvious feature that is new for Nokia (if I am not mistaken) is the SureType qwerty keypad. While every user has different preferences, I understand that this is a goldmine for at least someone out there...but not for me. My first (and LAST) trial with the BlackBerry Pearl from 2006 left a bad taste in my mouth for the SureType layout, and I've been avoiding it ever since. There was also some elaboration on word-completion and error-correction technology. Unless this is some new and improved version, I believe I have that already with my current E71. First impression of the E55: it's an E71 that had been placed at the mercy of a sledgehammer and refitted with a SureType keypad. Not much to write home about there.
The E75. After reading a briefing on AllAboutSymbian.com from Rafe, I am somewhat baffled to discover that Nokia considers this to be a descendant of the Series 80 Communicators: the 9500 and 9300i! Just like Rafe, I am finding this hard to believe just from the sizing of the screen alone. In some ways I guess the E75 could be considered a Communicator, but I think that as long as that screen remains small...it is NOT a Communicator. Aside from that, this seems to be a smaller slider version of my E71 at first sight...but there is one more thing that catches my attention: a 3.5mm jack. Finally there is an opportunity to use my trusty Sony headphones with an ESeries device! But this celebrating is short-lived when I realize that I can easily use my 2.5mm adapter with my E71 instead. I can appreciate the combination of a numerical and qwerty keypad in a compact smartphone, so the E75 shows the most promise. Its professional build quality and potential versatility make it a good contender as a backup to my E71. However, there is one possible issue that could arise from using this model; the slider. As much as I would love to claim 100% infallibility on part of Nokia's devices, they are still machines that can malfunction. Having any kind of moving part always adds risk with any phone, especially when its being used many times through the day and night. Having to slide open a qwerty does take away some efficiency in prompt messaging, but this could be negligible as one becomes accustomed to using it. This model is said to be available in March.
Mentioning of the all-new Ovi app store really doesn't mean much to me. Even though it is thought to possibly give the Apple App Store a run for its money, I only know what is in front of my face right now: average app provisions from the "Download!" folder. Hopefully this Ovi store will rescue or even replace the "Download!" folder, but we will have to wait and see what happens in the coming weeks. One never knows, a worthy Ovi store paired with a reliable touch OS on a US 3G enabled N97 may be the ticket for me to leave my E71.
Something else that I read online strikes me as quite odd. There is apparently another new Nokia that was introduced in a different venue away from the MWC: the N86. Not much data is available to me at this time except for a single picture of this phone's front face. The only key feature that I can recall is a Carl Zeiss 8 megapixel camera with xenon flash. Nonetheless, I've got my 3megapixel E71 and 7 megapixel Canon SD750 that I am happy with. As far as I'm concerned, the possible lack of a qwerty is an automatic dealbreaker.
I believe that a looming problem for Nokia happens to be its competition that could be gaining the lead with upcoming models. Sony Ericsson has gained my attention with the Idou model that's supposed to be equipped with the new Symbian Foundation operating system. HTC's rumored Touch Pro 2 photo shows much promise as well, but could still be damned by the forever complex Windows Mobile OS. Either way, Nokia seems to be complacent in its delivery of technological innovation. At this point in the game, it seems to be losing its luster as a viable challenger to other manufacturers.
I could be jumping to conclusions and may need to sit back with my E71 and relax, but I only want the best for this company. From my first 6255i flip phone encounter in 2002 to my current bond with my E71, the Nokia brand has been my preference and I would like it to remain as such. A Howardforums.com member by the name of Gwapz had stated in a previous forum post that Nokia was bound to be at the technological forefront with future innovations in the works. As each day passes I am finding this harder to believe because it doesn't make sense. If there really is something on the drawing board that is said to most likely annihilate the industry competition, I would like to have at least a hint or a peek or a smoke signal...SOMETHING!! I had already written off the Windows Mobile OS, Palm, Sony Ericsson and Motorola; therefore, I would hate to do the same to future products from Nokia. But hope springs eternal, for there is a chance that both Palm and Sony Ericsson can redeem themselves with the Pre and Idou devices.
Overall, I guess it is best that I am not too impressed with any of the newly released Nokias. With the current financial situation going on, I can't even afford to window shop any new smartphone models! But this result is also a blessing in disguise, for I have truly found total contentment with my E71. With its finger smudges and knicks, it is my broken-in mobile companion that hardly lets me down. In the worst case scenario, there would no longer be a smartphone model worthy enough to replace my E71...and that might not be so bad in the grand scheme of things.
TRENT
Sent from my Nokia E71
trentonnsmith.blogspot.com
26 comments:
I'm with you. I expected a few more surprises to come out of the event. Pretty much every new product for Nokia was a rehashed version of what they already have.
A little glimmer of hope I have is that the n97 will come with the new 600mhz processor. The e90 and n95 has a 330mhz, the 5800 has a 369mhz.
Also, I do like the widget idea of the n97.. with a quick glance of weather, facebook, etc. on the front screen.
We'll luckily have to wait until May or possibly June for the NAM version.. because if it were out now, i'd have to go broke and get it.
I bought a 5800 (Tube)awhile back and did not like the touch screen UI. Too many double taps and then only single taps it got confusing. It needs one standard of navigation through menus and app's. If you have had the chance to operate one you will know what I'm talking about here. At least with the N97 you have a keyboard. The lack of 3g for the 5800 put me over the edge so I sold it. I'm holding out for the E75 or N97. I hope they launch NAM versions sooner than later for these. Also I really wish they would start building all N series phones like the E-series (E71)-metal finish)it is so classy. I handled a N85 and though it was a pretty tight phone it was cheesy plastic.
Hi there Trent. Mostly agree with your comments here. I am a huge Nokia fan and my love of my E-71 rivals your love for yours. I was massively looking forward to the E75 but it falls flat on its face with the screen size. It is useless so say the very least. The E75 looks very very nice and is extremely well specced but that keypad won't do for mey. Nokias's two other phones they announced are just very very good. Very fairly specced and priced. No complaints.
Still nothing out there is worth trading in my E71 (apart for a black E71 maybe).
I think Nokia's next goldmine will have to be a phone that perfectly balances their 'N' and 'E' ranged. The N97 may be it but i'm certain that they will have something in the pipeline that will combine these 2 great, but different ranges. We shall wait
Hey Trent,
Since you are sorta intrested in the Nokia E75, The AT&T compatible NAM 3G HSDPA one is coming soon, it is currently available for pre-order on the Nokia USA site. Here is a link:
http://www.nokiausa.com/find-products/phones/e75
JAY:
Thanks so very much! I am looking at the site now.
I don't think I got excited with anything that was on show this year at the MWC from any of the manufactures. And as you said about Nokia becoming complacent that could happen with the likes of SE not really improving and LG seeming to whole heartily embrace windows mobile.
The only two things that stood out was Samsung i8910 Omnia HD and the capability of HD video recording and Nokia N86 which has added variable aperture values and 28mm wide angle lens. I have to admit I don't know anything really about cameras but just adding more MP to a phone camera will not make any difference to picture quality so its good that Nokia in that sense is trying to add more proper camera features to the phone. Who knows what this SE idou 12MP phone will have apart from just more MP.
Like you I'm a lover of the Nokia e71 and it looks like I won't be getting any new phone this year however I keep reminding myself that I heard nothing of the Nokia e71 last year until it was officially announced in June 08.
Plus SE announced there C905 8MP last summer and Samsung with the i8510 INNOV8S.
This makes me wonder why they have this MWC event as the phones that got announced at the 08 event were in my book superseded by better phones being announced later that year.
So I keep my fingers crossed that Nokia will surprise us all with something new around summer time and if not I could also buy the black version of the Nokia E71 :)
Screen size on E75? Hmmm.. Smaller than E66 screen? I need to look into specs again. I think I will still end up getting one (hopefully in this unpredictable economy). If it proves worthy I may upgrade to the NAM and sell off the Euro version. Hopefully we will have a choice of unlocked over ATT "Bloated" version.
Hey Trent, I received the Black E90 the other day.... You were so right- It is now on Portland Craigslist site(Ha). I updated the software before anything and eventually found the camera very sluggish and for some reason I could not forward any videos to my Youtube acct. without it hanging. Inner screen wackiness. Weird stuff.. Back to the trusty E71! (Gray NAM with a "white" keypad)
To Gerard:
Balancing the elements of the N and ESeries in one device is exactly what I have had in mind ever since I first encountered the E90. I don't understand why Nokia doesn't seem to get it! Maybe it does get it and just makes the choice to keep the N and ESeries separated for more potential revenue.
Such a money-hungry, corporate world we live in.
To Kip:
If I had the money, I would probably buy that black E90 from you.
Too bad I don't have any gadgets that are equal in value; I could have potentially offered a trade.
If the E75 screen is as small as you claim, I may have to say no to it. I may not need a widescreen, but I don't want to have to get a magnifying glass either. A small screen would mean scrolling for an eternity on an email.
Nonetheless, I am glad that you have been able to find solace in your E71 again.
I'm actually sending it back (the E90)I struck a deal with the outfitI buy SO many phones from Ha,Ha!
The screen size on the E75 is same as E66 which is not terrible. If it has a quick OS and camera functionality similar if not better than E71 I will be satisfied. Im on Pre order with Nokia. (figure out how to pay for it later).
To Kip:
Congrats on the striking a deal with the E90. Good luck on figuring out a way to pay for that E75!
To John:
I am still hoping for something from Nokia to blow my socks off as well. I am holding my breath to see what both the Pre and N97 have to offer once they are released into the wild.
I don't think a black E71 will be enough for me to break open my wallet, so I am staying with my grey.
We really do need an E/N device. I'd understand Nokia's interests in wanting to keep both ranges seperate but how cool would it be?
I'm excited by the Pre myself but i'm still not convinced by touch screens, but with a physical qwerty through into the mix I could be tempted. I'll be giving it a test run whenever it's about.
For now though the E71 stays. When your only fault with a phone is that you are pissed you don't have enough uses for it then you know it's a gooden.
To Gerard:
Combining the N and ESeries makes perfect sense, but I guess we'll have to accept that this may never happen in our lifetimes. Oh well.
I, too, am not too fond of touchscreen interfaces myself. From past experiences with Windows Mobile, I learned that they cannot always be as foolproof as non-touchscreens. There just seems to be so much more fragility with touch screens, and this could result in a more frustrating user experience. This is why I have remained so devoted to my E71 so far.
The N97 attracts my curiosity, but if its interface is as inconsistent as the 5800, that would be unfortunate. Palm may have a qwerty as well, but another concern is whether it would only be a repeat of the horrid Treo Pro qwerty.
Overall, I am wondering if the E75 with its non-touchscreen would be the smartest upgrade for me.
Trent:
I also had the E75 labeled as my next phone but I see absolutely no reason in switching my E71 for it. It all boils down to the screen, it just isn't big enough. Two keypads is also a tad useless for my liking. Although i'm still not a touchscreen fan I do think that the slide out qwerty format needs to replace those outer screens with a larger touchscreen. That would allow full navigation of the phone without opening it and also have the addded benefit of allowing a much better user experience for when the qwert is slid out and in use. My next phone will be in this format I hope (Xperia 2 perhaps?).
The E75 looks a little inflated when in standard bar format, the screen isn't big enough when the qwerty isn't in use (low resolution aswell). I just can't see it taking off.
To Gerard:
Good point.
According to a comparison on GSMArena, the screens are practically the same to a certain extent:
http://www.gsmarena.com/compare.php3?idPhone2=2425&idPhone1=2688
One minor feature that makes the E75 attractive is the 3.5mm headphone jack. However, being able to use my regular Sony headphones wouldn't be as great as using mic-enabled headphones. I am wondering if Nokia has any 3.5mm models available right now.
Honestly, I guess that having a second E Series model is just a way to justify another tech toy. From this aspect, I would certainly be better off in keeping my E71 and being open to the groundbreaking N97.
One thing is for sure: I don't know if I am ready to consider the Windows Mobile OS as of yet. Version 6.1 left a bad impression on me with certain instability issues. I just hope that the new 6.5 version isn't just a glorified facelift. For now, Symbian is perfect for me in the non-touchscreen variation.
no more win mo for me. 6.1 was jacked up from the start, email bug even with official fix proved very unreliable. I gave it many chances with several different devices. Win mo 6 was at more robust in my opinion. I need a phone that is not just techy, but reliable. I can tell you a story about using my ty tn2 during a flood situation this winter and that it was hanging and doing its thinking where I just didn't have time for it. My e71 is a device I can grab from my pocket and know its going to perform. Most true for all nokia devices. Thing that concerns me about n97 is touchscreen operations. Picture yourself during a bad situation, and fumbling with tapping multi tapping is certain apps like the 5800. Fun device I'm sure, though.
Hey trent, my latest project is converting a black e71 euro to my e71-2. This is sweet. The e71 is easy to dismantle. So much for the warranty......
The current Xperia has the looks and the bild quality but Windows Mobile just isn't ready yet. I'm also leaving myself open to the N97 but i'm slightly worried that it hasn't got a specifically built for touch OS (something that the Pre does have). The 5800 wasnt all that great to use and I do hope they can sort out some special software for the N97 to really make it a class leader.
Nokia do have it in them.
To anyone pondering the sony x1:
This was my last win mo experi-ence. X1a from sony style. Very nice build (brushed aluminum). The panels concept was neat but did not make up for the crappy camera performance and clunky win mo UI. I was HOPING this would be better than my ty tn2. It wasn't any better. Vga screen was perty though...
Since you trying to get a superior smartphone with a good QWERTY, try out the BlackBerry Bold 9000. It is a good phone for a reliable E71 backup. Here are the specs on expansys-USA
http://www.expansys-usa.com/d.aspx?i=170238
The Blackberry Bold 9000 was a disappointment for me. The BIS service/RIM was top notch and the phone UI itself was pretty easy to navigate and customise. The main deal for me was the weird ergonomic feeling in my hand was really awkward. It is pretty wide. The cheap plasticy construction didn't do it any justice either. The camera was not very good and I found out later it doesn't support flash. If it had a dpad it would be so much easier to navigate rather than the tedious trackball. All in all, if I was to do the BB thing again, I would go with a blackberry 8900.
Trent doesn't care about cellphone camera's because he has his Canon SD750. Why else would buy a phone with a 1.3 mp camera (Treo 750)
Camera phones are just a personal preference for most users. However folks that are forking out big $ in pursuit of a (perfect device) want to see performance gains of older devices. Many earlier 1.3 megapixel camera phones are worlds better than some of today's 3+Megapixel units were seeing now. Namely the Windows mobile devices/HTC/HP/etc. My old SE S710 had an awesome camera that took great pics! It all depends on the lens material/quality and of course the software.
Hey Trent have been watching ur videos and thinking about the E71 lately and I finally got my hands on the red one just yesterday are there any tips u would like to give me , its a very good phone though. thanks
Hey Trent,
Are you still thinking of getting a Palm Pre
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