The T-Mobile G1 is the Googlephone. Did we really need to say that? Well, there's more Google in this story than there is phone, so we guess we did. We've got a new contender on the race track but we're talking no rookie here. If you thought Apple made the phone game breathtaking, think of where it's all heading with Google keen to play along. Unlike the iPhone Mac OS X, the Android is the joint effort of the whole Open Handset Alliance, which brings together makers that sure know the drill. So much for the rookie, as long as Google is siding with Asus, HTC, LG, Garmin, Samsung, Sony Ericsson, Toshiba.
But well, that's the bigger story. We have the first chapter right here, and it's called the T-Mobile G1 or HTC Dream if you prefer. The first impression sure is important. So, there we go.
T-Mobile G1 official photos
T-Mobile G1 or to be also released as HTC Dream might not have the specs to make a geek's heart melt but we guess the Android OS was still gonna draw drool even if it came tossed in a plastic bag or wrapped in newspaper. So, forget about the peculiar form factor, the full QWERTY keyboard, the large and crisp touchscreen and the anti-utopian design. Android's inside and google is the limit.
Key features:
Android OS
3.2" capacitive touchscreen display of HVGA resolution
Slide-out five-row full QWERTY keyboard
Qualcomm MSM 7201A 528 MHz CPU, 192 MB RAM
Quad-band GSM/GPRS/EDGE support
3G with HSDPA 7.2 Mbps and HSUPA 2Mbps
3.15 megapixel autofocus camera
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g
GPS
Trackball
Accelerometer sensor
Digital compass
Main disadvantages:
Quite unassuming looks
Pretty bulky and heavy
The slider mechanism rattles
No video-call camera
No video recording
No flash support in the web browser
No file transfers or A2DP over Bluetooth
No FM radio
No screen auto rotation
No smart dialing
G1 does look like a rather wary and conservative approach to introducing a new OS to the mobile world. While the T-Mobile G1 isn't by any means low-end it kind of deliberately falls short of what the current multimedia monsters have to offer, both in terms of styling and mind-boggling high-tech feats. This gives the G1 two quite important advantages. Firstly the main focus of the device remains on the OS, though this doesn't exactly relieve the pressure. Secondly, keeping a low profile allows the G1 to get away with its juvenile weaknesses more easily.
T-Mobile G1 all over
Another seemingly smart move by Google is to debut in a rather vacant segment where the G1 will face less competition. While there certainly are a few slide-out QWERTY touchscreens, only a couple of them have achieved a fair degree of success recently.
HTC Touch Pro and Sony Ericsson XPERIA X1 are both manufactured by HTC and are basking in the spotlight. However, the WinMo Professional isn't everyone's cup of tea even with all the custom plug-ins there are. So why not freshen things up by bringing something completely new - the G1.
The result they achieved is controversial - the G1 sells pretty decently but still hasn't matched the iPhone kind of hype. Part of the explanation is of course the iPhone itself, which raised the bar rather high for any newcomers. But we doubt that any personal failure of the G1 - if any - is not likely to spell doom for the Android platform. So, in a way that sounds pretty safe and reassuring for this here Google-phone.
Saturday, May 2, 2009
LG KM900 Arena preview: First look
The LG Arena is getting set to storm its way across Europe but not before a proper courtesy call. Yes sir, one of the Barcelona Mobile World Congress headliners is feeling right at home at the arena. And the pleasure is ours too.
The well-rounded feature set - which could've been a major asset in any reputable handset - is easily eclipsed by the interface that boasts some of the best looks and handling in quite a while. S-class is a not a name to misuse so let's hope the Arena lives up to the expectations.
LG KM900 Arena official photos
Our LG namesake is the first ever handset to run the new touch UI of the Korean company. In addition, you get a state of the art connectivity package and a nicely sounding 5 megapixel shooter. Well, obviously it's not a top of the line imaging monster like the Renoir but the target audience is different here.
Having made a great first impression with its brilliant screen and inspiring UI, the LG KM900 Arena is now to face a more serious test. It's a quick little preview we've got for you here but hopefully the Arena will have no secrets left.
For starters let's have a look at the LG KM900 Arena main specs.
LG KM900 Arena at a glance
General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 2100 or 850/1900 MHz, EDGE class 10, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
Dimensions: 105.9 x 55.3 x 12 mm, 105 g
Display: 3" 16M-color capacitive TFT touchscreen of WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)
Memory: 8GB flash storage, microSD card slot (up to 16GB)
User interface: S-Class Touch UI
Still camera: 5 megapixel autofocus camera, Schneider-Kreuznach optics, autofocus, LED flash
Video recording: 3GP D1 (720x480)@30fps, QVGA@120fps high-speed recording, QVGA time lapse recording
Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm audio jack, TV-out, microUSB port, GPS receiver with A-GPS
Misc: Accelerometer for screen auto rotate, Multi-touch input, 3D hardware accelerator, DivX support, Dolby for Mobile audio enhancement, FM radio, FM transmitter, office document viewer
Battery: Li-Ion 1000 mAh, Talk time: 3 h 50 min, Standby: 300 h, Music playback: 30 h
Retail price: 400 euro (540 US dollars)
LG KM900 Arena at ours
There are several things to note on the KM900 Arena specs sheet. To begin with, the screen is a giant leap for LG. No, WVGA is not unheard of but the company sure was stuck at WQVGA far too long. The all-round functionality isn't unprecedented either but this here package is quite well balanced. Save for omitting an 8MP shooter the LG Arena hardly has anything else missing.
However, the more important test for the Arena is usability and user experience. If the S-Class manages to reinforce the first impression we may certainly have a winner here.
LG Arena finally in our hands
The well-rounded feature set - which could've been a major asset in any reputable handset - is easily eclipsed by the interface that boasts some of the best looks and handling in quite a while. S-class is a not a name to misuse so let's hope the Arena lives up to the expectations.
LG KM900 Arena official photos
Our LG namesake is the first ever handset to run the new touch UI of the Korean company. In addition, you get a state of the art connectivity package and a nicely sounding 5 megapixel shooter. Well, obviously it's not a top of the line imaging monster like the Renoir but the target audience is different here.
Having made a great first impression with its brilliant screen and inspiring UI, the LG KM900 Arena is now to face a more serious test. It's a quick little preview we've got for you here but hopefully the Arena will have no secrets left.
For starters let's have a look at the LG KM900 Arena main specs.
LG KM900 Arena at a glance
General: GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz, UMTS 2100 or 850/1900 MHz, EDGE class 10, HSDPA 7.2 Mbps
Dimensions: 105.9 x 55.3 x 12 mm, 105 g
Display: 3" 16M-color capacitive TFT touchscreen of WVGA resolution (480 x 800 pixels)
Memory: 8GB flash storage, microSD card slot (up to 16GB)
User interface: S-Class Touch UI
Still camera: 5 megapixel autofocus camera, Schneider-Kreuznach optics, autofocus, LED flash
Video recording: 3GP D1 (720x480)@30fps, QVGA@120fps high-speed recording, QVGA time lapse recording
Connectivity: Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, Wi-Fi, 3.5mm audio jack, TV-out, microUSB port, GPS receiver with A-GPS
Misc: Accelerometer for screen auto rotate, Multi-touch input, 3D hardware accelerator, DivX support, Dolby for Mobile audio enhancement, FM radio, FM transmitter, office document viewer
Battery: Li-Ion 1000 mAh, Talk time: 3 h 50 min, Standby: 300 h, Music playback: 30 h
Retail price: 400 euro (540 US dollars)
LG KM900 Arena at ours
There are several things to note on the KM900 Arena specs sheet. To begin with, the screen is a giant leap for LG. No, WVGA is not unheard of but the company sure was stuck at WQVGA far too long. The all-round functionality isn't unprecedented either but this here package is quite well balanced. Save for omitting an 8MP shooter the LG Arena hardly has anything else missing.
However, the more important test for the Arena is usability and user experience. If the S-Class manages to reinforce the first impression we may certainly have a winner here.
LG Arena finally in our hands
Sony Ericsson T707 review: Off it glows
Sony Ericsson T707 is a new addition to the T-series but it's nothing like the T-series as you know them. Not only is it the first flip in the bunch, it also has a different brief than virtually any other T-series handset. Codenamed Elle, Sony Ericsson T707 will be trying to please the ladies but maybe it's not as simple as just sticking that less-a-gadget, more-an-accessory label.
As one of the product designers claims, the Sony Ericsson T707 was inspired by rainbows and the array of paintjobs it will be released in will make sure it won't go unnoticed. The light effects, the stealthy external screen and the ripple-and-circle patterns inside give this otherwise modest mid-ranger a distinct personality and visual appeal.
Sony Ericsson T707 official shots
Key features:
Quad-band GSM and 3G with HSDPA support
3.15 megapixel camera with Cell-ID geotagging
2.2" 256K-color TFT display with 240 x 320 pixels resolution
Secondary monochrome external display (36 x 128 pixels)
Scratch-resistant surface for both displays
Bluetooth with A2DP
Hot-swappable M2 card slot (up to 16 GB)
FM radio with RDS
Basic multi-tasking support
Gesture control
Light effects with 5 colors, assignable to contacts
Smart dialing
Threaded messaging
Main disadvantages
Camera doesn’t have auto focus or LED flash
Low-res video recording (QVGA@15fps)
External display not legible in sunlight
Keyboard lacks adequate typing feedback (might be changed in final product)
The light effects are too dim (might be changed in final product)
No document viewer
No video-call camera (W508 has one)
No accelerometer sensor (W508 has one)
Sony Ericsson have put quite some effort into advertizing the T707 as an all-around stylish package that's even fit for the tennis star Maria Sharapova as seen from the numerous photo ads.
Sony Ericsson T707 in the hands of Maria Sharapova
The front of the Sony Ericsson T707 is where rainbows are made - the exterior is surely an eye catcher. The light effects it offers are a way to add a bit of individuality integrated with practical functionality - the two circular elements on the front panel can be backlit in a choice of five different colors and these colors are in fact assignable to individual contacts..
Sony Ericsson T707
As one of the product designers claims, the Sony Ericsson T707 was inspired by rainbows and the array of paintjobs it will be released in will make sure it won't go unnoticed. The light effects, the stealthy external screen and the ripple-and-circle patterns inside give this otherwise modest mid-ranger a distinct personality and visual appeal.
Sony Ericsson T707 official shots
Key features:
Quad-band GSM and 3G with HSDPA support
3.15 megapixel camera with Cell-ID geotagging
2.2" 256K-color TFT display with 240 x 320 pixels resolution
Secondary monochrome external display (36 x 128 pixels)
Scratch-resistant surface for both displays
Bluetooth with A2DP
Hot-swappable M2 card slot (up to 16 GB)
FM radio with RDS
Basic multi-tasking support
Gesture control
Light effects with 5 colors, assignable to contacts
Smart dialing
Threaded messaging
Main disadvantages
Camera doesn’t have auto focus or LED flash
Low-res video recording (QVGA@15fps)
External display not legible in sunlight
Keyboard lacks adequate typing feedback (might be changed in final product)
The light effects are too dim (might be changed in final product)
No document viewer
No video-call camera (W508 has one)
No accelerometer sensor (W508 has one)
Sony Ericsson have put quite some effort into advertizing the T707 as an all-around stylish package that's even fit for the tennis star Maria Sharapova as seen from the numerous photo ads.
Sony Ericsson T707 in the hands of Maria Sharapova
The front of the Sony Ericsson T707 is where rainbows are made - the exterior is surely an eye catcher. The light effects it offers are a way to add a bit of individuality integrated with practical functionality - the two circular elements on the front panel can be backlit in a choice of five different colors and these colors are in fact assignable to individual contacts..
Sony Ericsson T707
BlackBerry Bold 9000 review: Berry with guts
There we go folks, it's a BlackBerry grand slam at the arena and we're set for another ride with RIM's finest. We guess this here Berry is neither Curve-hot nor Storm-inventive but it's Bold enough to say little and do much. Even without being the latest or greatest of RIM devices, the Bold 9000 is clearly the pinnacle of what BlackBerry stands for.
BlackBerry Bold 9000 official photos
Moreover, the Bold 9000 is hardly a groundbreaking device outside the BlackBerry world but to Berry buffs it may be about as good as a mobile phone gets. Sporting flawless connectivity, a magnificent screen and one of the most comfortable QWERTY keyboards we have seen, the Bold 9000 is at the very least a great business gadget. Well then, it's business as usual on our end too so the BlackBerry Bold better get ready for one of our out-and-out reviews.
Key features:
2.6" 65K-color TFT landscape display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels
Comfortable four-row full QWERTY keyboard
Quad-band GSM support and tri-band 3G with HSDPA
Wi-Fi and built-in GPS and BlackBerry maps preloaded
2 megapixel camera, LED flash
624 MHz CPU, 128 MB RAM
BlackBerry OS v4.6
Responsive trackball navigation
Hot-swappable microSD card slot (up to 8GB)
Excellent build quality
DivX and XviD video support
Good web browser
Office document editor
3.5 mm audio jack
Nice audio quality
Smart dialing
Main disadvantages:
No email support without BlackBerry Internet Service account
Mediocre camera
No FM radio
The web browser is unstable when browsing through Wi-Fi
No video-call camera
As we mentioned, the BlackBerry Bold 9000 doesn't pack ridiculously high-end multimedia or other fancy gimmicks to make a big splash outside the BlackBerry realm. Yet it does combine all the features that the brand loyals were dreaming to see on a RIM handset for quite a while.
The BlackBerry Bold 9000 at ours
GPS and Wi-Fi rarely coexist on BlackBerry handsets but the Bold is not the first ever anyway. The screen is not the greatest feat in terms of resolution either but it sure is a sight to savor. That Berries have always been among the standard-setters in QWERTY keyboards goes without saying. So, is it all about having both 3G and WLAN on a single BlackBerry phone?
BlackBerry Bold 9000 official photos
Moreover, the Bold 9000 is hardly a groundbreaking device outside the BlackBerry world but to Berry buffs it may be about as good as a mobile phone gets. Sporting flawless connectivity, a magnificent screen and one of the most comfortable QWERTY keyboards we have seen, the Bold 9000 is at the very least a great business gadget. Well then, it's business as usual on our end too so the BlackBerry Bold better get ready for one of our out-and-out reviews.
Key features:
2.6" 65K-color TFT landscape display with a resolution of 480 x 320 pixels
Comfortable four-row full QWERTY keyboard
Quad-band GSM support and tri-band 3G with HSDPA
Wi-Fi and built-in GPS and BlackBerry maps preloaded
2 megapixel camera, LED flash
624 MHz CPU, 128 MB RAM
BlackBerry OS v4.6
Responsive trackball navigation
Hot-swappable microSD card slot (up to 8GB)
Excellent build quality
DivX and XviD video support
Good web browser
Office document editor
3.5 mm audio jack
Nice audio quality
Smart dialing
Main disadvantages:
No email support without BlackBerry Internet Service account
Mediocre camera
No FM radio
The web browser is unstable when browsing through Wi-Fi
No video-call camera
As we mentioned, the BlackBerry Bold 9000 doesn't pack ridiculously high-end multimedia or other fancy gimmicks to make a big splash outside the BlackBerry realm. Yet it does combine all the features that the brand loyals were dreaming to see on a RIM handset for quite a while.
The BlackBerry Bold 9000 at ours
GPS and Wi-Fi rarely coexist on BlackBerry handsets but the Bold is not the first ever anyway. The screen is not the greatest feat in terms of resolution either but it sure is a sight to savor. That Berries have always been among the standard-setters in QWERTY keyboards goes without saying. So, is it all about having both 3G and WLAN on a single BlackBerry phone?
Sony Ericsson W508 review: Above the fold
The Sony Ericsson W508 walks and talks midrange though by no means does it keep a low profile. What we have here is the full Walkman package at a bargain price and the rest of the W508 specs may as well be irrelevant if music is the first thing on your list.
A true Walkman at heart, the W508 takes after the Sony Ericsson W980 in many ways and even adds a dash of color to the Walkman experience - in fact, the StyleUp covers make it a regular chameleon.
There are eight StyleUp covers to choose from and the W508 always ships with a spare one in the box. And in case you wonder what's with all those paintjobs, let's not forget the W508 is in a twin predicament and has an identity to assert against the T707. That one we just reviewed, so we're sort of in for a sequel, though in Walkman flavor this time.
Sony Ericsson W508 official photos
Key features:
Quad-band GSM and 3G with HSDPA support
3.15 megapixel camera
2.2" 256K-color TFT display with 240 x 320 pixel resolution
Secondary monochrome OLED external display
Scratch-resistant surface for both displays
Touch sensitive external music control keys
Hot-swappable M2 card slot (up to 16 GB), 1 GB included
Stereo Bluetooth (A2DP)
Walkman music player with Shake control and SensMe
FM radio with RDS
Gesture control
Accelerometer for screen rotation
Basic multi-tasking support
Smart dialing
Threaded messaging
Exchangeable StyleUp covers
Main disadvantages
Camera doesn't have auto focus or LED flash
Low-grade video recording (QVGA@15fps)
No web browser screen auto rotate
No document viewer
The Sony Ericsson W508 is a friendly phone that has many ways to interact with you - TrackID to find the track you've just overheard at the caf?, SensMe so you can pick songs based on your mood, Shake control to change tracks at the flick of the wrist plus touch-sensitive music buttons and even Gesture control to mute calls with a wave of your hand.
Sony Ericsson W508 at ours
The proprietary audio jack and the single, lonely loudspeaker are points against W508 but support for 16 GB M2 cards and FM radio with RDS are guaranteed to keep you rocking from dusk till dawn.
3G goodies like video calls and HSDPA for high-speed browsing are here, complemented with the nice web browser. The lack of document viewer is a bit of a letdown but not really a feature a Walkman can't do without.
A true Walkman at heart, the W508 takes after the Sony Ericsson W980 in many ways and even adds a dash of color to the Walkman experience - in fact, the StyleUp covers make it a regular chameleon.
There are eight StyleUp covers to choose from and the W508 always ships with a spare one in the box. And in case you wonder what's with all those paintjobs, let's not forget the W508 is in a twin predicament and has an identity to assert against the T707. That one we just reviewed, so we're sort of in for a sequel, though in Walkman flavor this time.
Sony Ericsson W508 official photos
Key features:
Quad-band GSM and 3G with HSDPA support
3.15 megapixel camera
2.2" 256K-color TFT display with 240 x 320 pixel resolution
Secondary monochrome OLED external display
Scratch-resistant surface for both displays
Touch sensitive external music control keys
Hot-swappable M2 card slot (up to 16 GB), 1 GB included
Stereo Bluetooth (A2DP)
Walkman music player with Shake control and SensMe
FM radio with RDS
Gesture control
Accelerometer for screen rotation
Basic multi-tasking support
Smart dialing
Threaded messaging
Exchangeable StyleUp covers
Main disadvantages
Camera doesn't have auto focus or LED flash
Low-grade video recording (QVGA@15fps)
No web browser screen auto rotate
No document viewer
The Sony Ericsson W508 is a friendly phone that has many ways to interact with you - TrackID to find the track you've just overheard at the caf?, SensMe so you can pick songs based on your mood, Shake control to change tracks at the flick of the wrist plus touch-sensitive music buttons and even Gesture control to mute calls with a wave of your hand.
Sony Ericsson W508 at ours
The proprietary audio jack and the single, lonely loudspeaker are points against W508 but support for 16 GB M2 cards and FM radio with RDS are guaranteed to keep you rocking from dusk till dawn.
3G goodies like video calls and HSDPA for high-speed browsing are here, complemented with the nice web browser. The lack of document viewer is a bit of a letdown but not really a feature a Walkman can't do without.
Nokia E75 review: Business on the slide
If we can think of one reason to take being told "to mind your own business" with a smile it would be the Nokia Eseries. A household name for enterprise users, it's hardly a surprise that each E-series update is greeted with plenty of excitement. The Nokia E75 is no exception, even if it doesn't really put anything new on the table.
Nokia E75 official photos
The side-sliding QWERTY form factor lands on Symbian turf following a reasonably successful spell on the WinMo side of the yard.
The major novelty of the Nokia E75 is the form factor and we're about to see if this is enough for it to carve a niche out for itself in a crowded market.
Nokia E75 lifestyle photos
There's no denying that if a side-sliding QWERTY is good enough for a teenage-targeted music phone (the Nokia 5730 XpressMusic), it must be more than at home in a full-featured business phone. Welcome to the Nokia E75.
Key features
2.4" 16M-color TFT display of QVGA resolution
Four-row side-slide QWERTY keyboard
Quad-band GSM and tri-band 3G (with HSDPA) support
Symbian OS with S60 3.2 UI
369 MHz ARM11 CPU
3.5mm standard audio jack
microSD card slot, 4GB microSD card prebundled
3.2 megapixel auto focus camera with a dedicated shutter key, geotagging and VGA@30fps video recording
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with UPnP technology
Built-in GPS receiver and Nokia Maps with 3 months of free voice-assisted navigation
USB and stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) connectivity
Steel battery cover
FM radio with RDS
Remote Wipe functionality
Carrier-independent VoIP support
Office document editor
User-friendly Mode Switch for toggling two homescreen setups
Smart dialing
Main disadvantages:
Rather expensive at this point (more than 350 euro)
Controls around the D-pad are too tiny
Mediocre camera performance
Fingerprint-prone cheap-looking front
Wiggling cheapo camera key
Limited battery life (in comparison to the E71)
Even if we leave aside the scores of competing business handsets, the Nokia E75 still faces quite stiff competition from within the E-series range itself. It's unreasonably close to the E90 as far as pricing is concerned and is quite uncomfortably cloning most of Nokia E71 functionality. The side-sliding QWERTY keyboard and FP2 are pretty much all the E75 has over the E71.
The Nokia E75 in the comfort of our office
It's more like an alternative we're talking here rather than a substantial upgrade. Truth be told, we were pretty impressed with the Nokia E71 and if the E75 matches its performance then there will be no reason to grumble.
Nokia E75 side by side to Nokia E63
So, if the Nokia E75 is sitting on a fence, then so are we until we've taken it down for a test ride and seen what it can do. Let the unboxing begin after the jump.
Nokia E75 official photos
The side-sliding QWERTY form factor lands on Symbian turf following a reasonably successful spell on the WinMo side of the yard.
The major novelty of the Nokia E75 is the form factor and we're about to see if this is enough for it to carve a niche out for itself in a crowded market.
Nokia E75 lifestyle photos
There's no denying that if a side-sliding QWERTY is good enough for a teenage-targeted music phone (the Nokia 5730 XpressMusic), it must be more than at home in a full-featured business phone. Welcome to the Nokia E75.
Key features
2.4" 16M-color TFT display of QVGA resolution
Four-row side-slide QWERTY keyboard
Quad-band GSM and tri-band 3G (with HSDPA) support
Symbian OS with S60 3.2 UI
369 MHz ARM11 CPU
3.5mm standard audio jack
microSD card slot, 4GB microSD card prebundled
3.2 megapixel auto focus camera with a dedicated shutter key, geotagging and VGA@30fps video recording
Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g with UPnP technology
Built-in GPS receiver and Nokia Maps with 3 months of free voice-assisted navigation
USB and stereo Bluetooth (A2DP) connectivity
Steel battery cover
FM radio with RDS
Remote Wipe functionality
Carrier-independent VoIP support
Office document editor
User-friendly Mode Switch for toggling two homescreen setups
Smart dialing
Main disadvantages:
Rather expensive at this point (more than 350 euro)
Controls around the D-pad are too tiny
Mediocre camera performance
Fingerprint-prone cheap-looking front
Wiggling cheapo camera key
Limited battery life (in comparison to the E71)
Even if we leave aside the scores of competing business handsets, the Nokia E75 still faces quite stiff competition from within the E-series range itself. It's unreasonably close to the E90 as far as pricing is concerned and is quite uncomfortably cloning most of Nokia E71 functionality. The side-sliding QWERTY keyboard and FP2 are pretty much all the E75 has over the E71.
The Nokia E75 in the comfort of our office
It's more like an alternative we're talking here rather than a substantial upgrade. Truth be told, we were pretty impressed with the Nokia E71 and if the E75 matches its performance then there will be no reason to grumble.
Nokia E75 side by side to Nokia E63
So, if the Nokia E75 is sitting on a fence, then so are we until we've taken it down for a test ride and seen what it can do. Let the unboxing begin after the jump.
Nokia 8800 Gold Arte: Born with a silver spoon
How many phones can you name that would have made sense centuries back? Here's one: the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte. No, we're not talking medieval calling and texting, we're talking gold and leather.
Okay, it may not be solid gold, but it's the next best thing - the Arte is gold plated alright, but it sure looks - better yet, glitters - the part. Gold does not react with air and moisture so even after thousands of years gold artifacts do not loose their luster. Well, that's one thing you get for your dime - everlasting shine.
It's like choosing the interior of a ridiculously expensive car - creme leather, mahogany, you get the picture. Same with Nokia's Arte series - Sapphire, Carbon fiber and now leather and gold.
The color of gold depends on relativistic effects acting on the electrons… nah, no matter how you twist it an 8800 phone will not interest geeks. It is all about exclusive materials, high build quality and most importantly - making you look good.
In terms of technology, it's forged in the same crucible as the Nokia Carbon Arte - OLED screen, 3G, 3 megapixel autofocus camera, 4GB of inbuilt memory and Series 40.
Nokia 8800 Gold Arte official photos
Key features
18 carat gold-plated body
Genuine white leather padding
2" 16M-color OLED display of QVGA resolution
3G support
3 megapixel autofocus camera
Full-house retail package with a Bluetooth headset and desk stand
Decent battery life
Turn-to-mute
Tap-for-time
4GB internal memory
Main disadvantages
Smallish display with poor sunlight legibility
Tri-band only
No memory expansion
Costs an arm and a leg
Below-par camera performance
No video calls
No Smart dialing
No office document viewer
No Java multi-tasking
Talking value for money with the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte, or any of its siblings, will make as much sense as attaching an enjoy responsibly message to the Vertu Concierge service. Though the Arte Gold doesn't go as far as the Vertu, exuberance is its very name and the materials and looks certainly hold their own against the luxury models.
Nokia 8800 Gold Arte views
That is not to say it's cheap - save for the Motorola Aura, the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte is the most expensive phone you can buy from a mainstream manufacturer. For the same price, you could buy the Carbon Arte plus a Nokia E71 and still have a little cash left to play with. But then, it is gold-plated and that's very much where your money's going.
Nokia 8800 Arte • Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte • Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte
Upgrading a phone from the 8-series is obviously not about enhancing the capabilities - it's about using even more exclusive materials and denying common sense. After all, previous 8-series owners are unlikely to suddenly jump to Symbian or E-series unless they start gold-plating those as well.
By the way, the Gold Arte is probably targeting all of those Luna and Sirocco users who decided to… um… save their cash and skip the Sapphire and Carbon generation and jump at the next big thing. The Gold Arte will also most probably be quite popular among the ladies as well.
Now, Carbon Arte owners will probably want to wait for Diamond Arte or Wooden Arte or whatever comes next (they've already done Titanium).
The sole purpose of the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte is to send subliminal (though not very subtle) messages to everyone around you, not quite in keeping with the Connecting People spirit.
Now, we're about to take a closer look at another Arte handset. Right after this short jump, we'll ooh and ahh over the hardware - for the lack of a better word.
Okay, it may not be solid gold, but it's the next best thing - the Arte is gold plated alright, but it sure looks - better yet, glitters - the part. Gold does not react with air and moisture so even after thousands of years gold artifacts do not loose their luster. Well, that's one thing you get for your dime - everlasting shine.
It's like choosing the interior of a ridiculously expensive car - creme leather, mahogany, you get the picture. Same with Nokia's Arte series - Sapphire, Carbon fiber and now leather and gold.
The color of gold depends on relativistic effects acting on the electrons… nah, no matter how you twist it an 8800 phone will not interest geeks. It is all about exclusive materials, high build quality and most importantly - making you look good.
In terms of technology, it's forged in the same crucible as the Nokia Carbon Arte - OLED screen, 3G, 3 megapixel autofocus camera, 4GB of inbuilt memory and Series 40.
Nokia 8800 Gold Arte official photos
Key features
18 carat gold-plated body
Genuine white leather padding
2" 16M-color OLED display of QVGA resolution
3G support
3 megapixel autofocus camera
Full-house retail package with a Bluetooth headset and desk stand
Decent battery life
Turn-to-mute
Tap-for-time
4GB internal memory
Main disadvantages
Smallish display with poor sunlight legibility
Tri-band only
No memory expansion
Costs an arm and a leg
Below-par camera performance
No video calls
No Smart dialing
No office document viewer
No Java multi-tasking
Talking value for money with the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte, or any of its siblings, will make as much sense as attaching an enjoy responsibly message to the Vertu Concierge service. Though the Arte Gold doesn't go as far as the Vertu, exuberance is its very name and the materials and looks certainly hold their own against the luxury models.
Nokia 8800 Gold Arte views
That is not to say it's cheap - save for the Motorola Aura, the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte is the most expensive phone you can buy from a mainstream manufacturer. For the same price, you could buy the Carbon Arte plus a Nokia E71 and still have a little cash left to play with. But then, it is gold-plated and that's very much where your money's going.
Nokia 8800 Arte • Nokia 8800 Sapphire Arte • Nokia 8800 Carbon Arte
Upgrading a phone from the 8-series is obviously not about enhancing the capabilities - it's about using even more exclusive materials and denying common sense. After all, previous 8-series owners are unlikely to suddenly jump to Symbian or E-series unless they start gold-plating those as well.
By the way, the Gold Arte is probably targeting all of those Luna and Sirocco users who decided to… um… save their cash and skip the Sapphire and Carbon generation and jump at the next big thing. The Gold Arte will also most probably be quite popular among the ladies as well.
Now, Carbon Arte owners will probably want to wait for Diamond Arte or Wooden Arte or whatever comes next (they've already done Titanium).
The sole purpose of the Nokia 8800 Gold Arte is to send subliminal (though not very subtle) messages to everyone around you, not quite in keeping with the Connecting People spirit.
Now, we're about to take a closer look at another Arte handset. Right after this short jump, we'll ooh and ahh over the hardware - for the lack of a better word.
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