With the way technology is advancing towards all-in-one devices these days, I won’t be surprised if the next cellphone that lands on my desk is a phone-cum-camera-cum-lipstick-holder-cum-golf tee-cum-eyebrow plucker.
The Nokia 6 600, a nifty little triband phone, combines fun with functionality. There are all the standard Nokia features we’re accustomed to — and much more.
The first thing I was seduced by was the big screen — the NuMetro of cellphones. The resolution is impressive, the 65 536 colour display is crystal-clear and the audio is all but surround-sound.
Of course, the sexiest feature is the integrated VGA camera, which not only captures those important moments, but sports a video-clip tool as well. The camera is a straightforward point’n’shoot type with 2x zoom that, at 640x480px, just falls short of a decent resolution and is more for play than practicality.
There is a noticeable lag in shutter speed, so be sure to get a head start on any action shots you intend to take. Although a nice novelty, the video camera is exactly that — a novelty. With only nine seconds’ recording time, Nokia has a way to go to convince some of us that this is a feature worth purchasing the phone for.
The interface is pretty simple to use and easy to navigate. All the applications are neatly compartmentalised and the user can create his or her own folders. The 6 600 also allows the user to customise profiles to filter certain numbers. For example, a “meeting” profile could be designed to allow only calls from your PA or boss through. You can also choose one of four design themes and download more off the Internet.
Which brings me to the wireless capabilities of the phone. The 6 600 is equipped with Bluetooth and infrared, which means that, at the touch of a (few) buttons, you can check those stock indices, your e-mail, do some online banking, or whatever else takes your fancy when stuck in downtown traffic.
The hands-free speaker-phone feature works well and eliminates the task of juggling a phone and a mascara wand.
The 32-megabyte chip and six-megabyte internal memory allows you to store reams of SMS messages, data and hundreds of entries in your little black book. There’s also a memory-card slot for additional user memory and applications.
The keys are larger than usual, and a five-way joystick makes for easy navigation and scrolling.
A common complaint with this little phone, however, is the new placement of the green and red keys on either side of the screen, a bit disorientating for the loyal Nokia user who is used to these keys placed below the screen.
At 109mm in length, the handset is large enough to not get lost in the nether regions of your handbag or briefcase, or be confused for a Bic lighter, as some of its dinkier contemporaries are.
Some gripes — but these hardly detract from our overall impression of impressive. The cell has a great array of features and functions but, as with most of these high-tech phones, there are a tedious number of steps required to open any application.
The phone’s start-up is also considerably lengthy and is accompanied by a cute-the-first-time-around jingle that doesn’t allow for discretional use in business meetings or darkened cinema halls.
At the time of going to press, I still couldn’t figure out how to turn off the audio. Also, the backlight only kicks in if the keypad is unlocked, which can make scrounging around for your phone in the dark a frustrating process.
All-in-all, the Nokia 6 600 is a very capable little phone. Now where did I put that lipstick?
Web guide
Nokia South Africa