Nokia N800 Internet Tablet

The Nokia N800 is the company's follow-up to the 770 Internet Tablet, somewhat of a pioneering device that brought web browsing away from the computer and into the lounge room, or indeed anywhere you can get a data connection. The Nokia N800 is not a phone, nor does it have PDA functionality, yet it is an interesting device and one that I find very handy to have around. We will be focusing mainly on the changes between the Nokia 770 and N800 in this brief review, so it should be read in conjunction with our in depth review of the 770.

Design

While the Nokia N800 runs a new version of Nokia's Internet Tablet Operating System, the most noticeable updates are in the design. Where the Nokia 770 was a retro-cool device, the N800 has a sleek and modern design that feels great in the hand. Everything is very solid, and its 206g (7.3oz) weight does not cause fatigue during prolonged use. The N800 measures 144mm x 75mm x 13mm (5.7" x 3.0" x 0.5"), making it perfect for holding in the palm of the hand.

The front of the N800 is silver with a chrome rim. The left side of the front holds a five-way d-pad that blinks a light blue color when the device is in standby, charging, or has a low battery. Below this, you can find the back, menu, and home buttons. Stereo speakers are located on either side of the screen. The left edge of the N800 holds the pop-out video camera, and while it swivels up and down 270 degrees, there is no adjustment left and right, meaning you must hold the device at a funny angle when making a video call. The right edge of the device has a 3.5mm headset jack, standard Nokia charger port, the stylus silo, and, hidden behind the foldout stand, a miniUSB port. The bottom of the Nokia N800 has one of the two SD memory card slots, while the top has the zoom keys, full screen toggle key, and the power button. Behind the easy to remove battery cover on the back of the N800 lives the SD second memory card slot and the 1500MaH battery, good for a manufacturer claim of three hours WiFi usage or 10 days of standby. My testing showed these figures to be quite accurate.

User Interface

The Nokia N800 runs the new Maemo Internet Tablet OS 2007 on top of Debian Linux, which Nokia has announced will not be back-ported to the 770. Most OS 2006 applications work on OS 2007, but applications made for OS 2007 will not work on the older OS, though work has begun to bring a compatibility layer to the 770 and OS 2006 for new applications.

You navigate around the Nokia N800's user interface with a stylus or the tip of a finger, though the stylus packaged with the N800 is a huge back step from the comfortable one found with the 770. For some reason, the designers have given the N800 a triangular cross section stylus with rather sharp edges. No matter how you hold it, one of your fingers will get sore after a short period of use. Thankfully, the N800's UI is far friendlier toward the fingertip. The N800 will detect when you are using your finger, and change certain aspects of the UI to be easier to use, but more on that later.

The same three input methods available on the 770 are present, including the stylus touch keyboard, fingerboard, and handwriting recognition. As with the 770, the Nokia N800's handwriting recognition is almost unusable, even after training. I found the full-screen fingerboard the easiest input method, though the stylus keyboard is also convenient in some situations.

Samsung unveils the Ultra Smart F700

Posted: 09-Feb-2007 [Source: Samsung]

[Samsung's new Ultra Smart F700 features a touch screen and a full QWERTY key pad incorporating VibeTonz technology plus a 5 mega-pixel camera and operates on HSDPA networks.]

Seoul -- Samsung announced a new addition to its Ultra portfolio with the introduction of Ultra Smart F700. This revolutionary mobile phone will be showcased at 3GSM World Congress, the largest telecommunications event, next week. The F700 features unrivaled design and brings a superior range of multimedia experiences to consumers.

The Ultra Smart is a part of Samsung's Ultra portfolio which boasts a full touch screen as well as QWERTY key pad. It reflects the recent trend in telecommunications industry of touch screen user interface and, for users who are not yet familiar with a touch-screen-only user interface, it also implements a QWERTY key pad and VibeTonz technology which allows them to feel the buttons accompanied by responsive vibrations. A "Drag and drop" method of touch screen was adopted for easier menu navigation along with music play list control for an expanded multimedia experience. Volume, play lists, brightness of screens as well as other menu control can be controlled utilizing the touch screen.

As speed is becoming crucial for data communications, Samsung has included the latest trends in mobile to the Ultra Smart F700. The Ultra Smart reflects the latest speed of 7.2 Mbps under the High Speed Downlink Packet Access (HSDPA) network. Once the 7.2 Mbps HSDPA network completely deployed, F700 users can download an mp3 song (about 4MB each) in 4.4 seconds. A full HTML browser along with the QWERTY key pad enables easy access to the internet for e-mail and data services.

Using the new F700, business and creative professionals are able to view content on a stunning 2.78" color display. The device features first class entertainment with a top-of-the-line 5 mega-pixel camera with auto focus and Bluetooth. With 7.2 Mbps HSDPA, it makes it easier to watch videos, listen to songs, share high-quality photos, or catch up on email on the move.

Samsung F700 Specifications: Standard

HSDPA 7.2Mbps, EDGE 900/1800/1900 MHz + 2.1GHz

Camera: 5 Megapixel with Auto-Focus

Display: TFT (2.78", 440x240)

Features: Full Touch Screen, MPEG4/H.263/H.264/Real MP3/AAC(+)/eAAC+/Real, WWERTY Keypad, MMS / E-mail / JAVA / WAP 2.0 Bluetooth / USB /Flash UI / Document Viewer / Full HTML Browsing / Offline Mode, BGM

Memory

microSD

Size: 104 x 50 x 16.4mm

Globalstar Launches Smallest Satellite Telephone for US Market

Posted: 01-Feb-2007 [Source: Globalstar USA]

[Globalstar USA launches the GSP-1700 next generation satellite phone and reintroduces its $29.99 monthly E-Star Emergency airtime rate plan.]

Milpitas, CA -- Globalstar USA, LLC, a leading provider of mobile satellite voice and data services to businesses and individuals, announced the US market launch of the GSP-1700 next generation satellite telephone handset. The California based satellite service provider also re-introduced its $29.99 per month E-Star Emergency airtime rate plan and launched limited time price reductions on all annual satellite airtime plans for new customers in the United States.

The GSP-1700 mobile satellite telephone sets a benchmark for satellite telephones capable of global satellite use. Weighing approximately 7.1 ounces (203 grams), the QUALCOMM manufactured satellite handset is nearly half the weight of the current Globalstar telephone and close to 45 percent smaller (by volume). The lithium-ion battery is designed to provide users with four hours of talk time and 36 hours of standby time. The GSP-1700's lightweight ergonomic design embodies the ruggedness of the current Globalstar phone while integrating convenience-oriented features such as a new color display, lighted keypad and portable headset capability. The phone supports select Bluetooth accessories, six operating languages and MSS industry leading data speeds of up to 9.6 kbps or 38 kbps with compression. The GSP-1700 is available in three vibrant faceplate colors, using durable high-luster or metallic finishes and has a suggested retail price of $999.00.

The company also introduced a limited time promotion for its US customers, providing discounts on all Globalstar annual airtime rate plans. The launch of the GSP-1700 also coincides with the return of the company's successful E-Star emergency plan, which is designed for those customers who are looking for an emergency personal and business continuity satellite solution.

GSP-1700 Specifications*

Dimensions: Approximately 5.3" X 2.1" X 1.4" (13.5 cm. X 5.4 cm. X 3.5 cm.)

Weight: Approximately 7.1 oz. (202 g.)

Volume: Approximately 13.42 cubic inches (220 cc)

Temperature Operating Range: -4 to +131 degrees F (-20 to +55 degrees C)

Technology: Globalstar Satellite Mode (CDMA)

Battery Talk Time and Standby Time (normal operation): Four hours of talk time; 36 hours of standby time

Operating Languages: English, Chinese, French, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish

*Specifications and information is subject to change without notice

Questionnaire, please vote !!!

Which the most mobile brand do you like?

• 
  
  Nokia


• 
  
  Sony Ericsson


• 
  
  Samsung


• 
  
  Motorola


• 
  
  Siemens


• 
  
  O2


• 
  
  Others

view results

MOTORAZRmaxx V6 Ferrari Challenge Limited Edition

Following similar deals with other manufacturers and car companies, Motorola has today announced the availability of a Ferrari-branded Motorola MOTORAZRmaxx V6. Breaking all boundaries for long product names, this Ferrari endorsed handset is known as the MOTORAZRmaxx V6 Ferrari Challenge Mobile Phone Limited Edition.

On top of the 2.2" QVGA screen, 2.0 megapixel camera, microSD slot, and HSDPA data capability of the regular MOTORAZRmaxx V6, the new special edition includes exclusive Ferrari content and branding. A Ferrari emblem adorns the outside of the handset, a Ferrari sound effect can be heard when the handset is switched on or off, an image of the Ferrari F430's engine features on the external display, and a Ferrari background picture displays on the internal screen. There are also 30 Ferrari photos pre-installed on the handset, and a hand-made Ferrari red leather carrying case is included in the box.

The MOTORAZRmaxx V6 Ferrari Challenge Mobile Phone Limited Edition is available now for a recommended retail price of 490EUR (approximately US$630).

Motorola's Linux Powered ROKR E6 Music Phone

Motorola has been selling Linux smartphones for a while now, but so far they have only been popular in Asian countries, particularly in countries with a large population that uses the Chinese language. The MOTOROKR E6 was announced exactly one year after the MOTOMING A1200, but as the name implies, the target market is completely different. The E6 is meant for the young who need stronger multimedia functions. Today we will see if the E6 delivers what it promises.

Take note that the MOTOROKR E6 we are reviewing is the China Mobile version, the bundled games and portal/network fine tuning are different from the unbranded version. Strangely enough, this is the only version Motorola Hong Kong had for press reviews. The E6 selling in downtown Hong Kong are free of network branding.

Physical Aspects

The E6's design hints at that of a black RAZR, from the sharp edges to the button design. The case is bigger than an average candy bar, it's quite wide and long at 111mm x 51.5mm (4.4" x 2"); good thing is that the thickness is only 14.5mm (.6"). It is because of the thinness that the E6 is a lot more pocketable than you might otherwise think. The build quality is excellent and the device weight is 121g (4.3oz).

The E6 is completely black. On the front you will find a touch screen that is mounted on the surface, making it completely flat, as opposed to most touch-screen devices on the market today where the rim between the screen and the body tends to collect dust. The only buttons found on the front are the d-pad, a music shortcut key, one customizable shortcut key, and the usual dial/hang up buttons. The layer over the screen is glossy, so it will be a fingerprint magnet. The lower part with the d-pad is made of material similar to that found on the RAZR's keypad, the backlight color is the same cyan blue and the tactile feedback is good. I noticed that the paint on the edges of the engravings are already starting to peel off after a few days of usage, the screen is fine though - free of any scratches. Flipping to the back of the phone you will see the camera module with its mirror for self-portraits and the manual macro focus switch. Ringtone audio comes out of the grille holes circularly arranged close to the camera. The stylus and the USB port for data and power can be found on the bottom, whereas the standard 3.5mm stereo headphone jack can be found at the top.

On the left you can find the volume keys, an SD slot, and 3 dedicated music keys. The camera shutter button and the key lock slider are found on the right side. The arrangement of buttons is logical in general, but the positioning is not the most ergonomic. The key lock slide-key, for example, is positioned too high, as are the volume keys. The dedicated music keys are a bit difficult to find by touch when the phone is in your pocket. It would have been better if they were further apart, or if the engraved icons on them would have been bigger and deeper.

Overall I'm happy with the design of MOTOROKR E6, there is definitely room for improvement, for example the positioning of the keys. It would have been great if Motorola could have reduced the length a bit more, as well

Nokia 7360 L'amour

The Nokia L'amour 2 collection was recently launched with 2 new models and an updated version of the 7360 from the previous series. Unfortunately, the only update to the 7360 was the colour scheme - nothing else. It is still the same VGA camera equipped phone running on the old version of Nokia's S40 user interface. It is a triband (GSM 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) phone with support for GPRS and EDGE data. While calling it a timeless design, I wonder what Nokia was thinking when they decided not to at least update the UI.