Nokia 6820: Week One

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It's now been about a week since I received my 6820. Over this past week, I have done the following:


  • used the phone to make outgoing calls
  • used the mMode function a total of three times
  • dropped the phone on a hardwood floor from a height of about 3 feet and had it slide about 2 feet.
  • used the camera 4 times
  • charged the phone 3 times
  • discovered the auto-keyguard function
  • added 4 contacts (phone numbers)
  • used the notes functions to take down memes of books.


After a week, I can honestly say that I have no buyer's remorse at all about this phone, though I do wish it came with some features that other cell phones have, such as ability to use mp3s as ringtones, or being able to set a specific ringtone to a specific person (rather than an entire group). It's not a full powered smartphone, but the size and weight of the 6820 sort of ensure that it won't be mistaken for anything other than a phone.

As far as coverage goes, I have yet to find a spot where I cannot get a signal. This is in contrast to previously with Cingular where I could not get reception at my office and in certain parts of Sunnyvale/Mountain View.

They aren't kidding when they say this phone is packed with features. I've probably done about 10% of what is possible with this phone so far. Just browsing through the menus, there's a lot I haven't played with yet. It comes pre-loaded with all sorts of extras such as images, ringtones, applications, and games.

I still haven't done too much with the bluetooth or the IM functions yet.

The phone comes with a CD containing the Nokia PC Suite for Windows, as well as addendums and manuals for the phone.

The camera on the phone isn't terribly impressive -- as soon as I can figure out how to get the data off, I have some comparison pictures between the 6820 and my Canon.

Connecting to the web via the cell phone is pretty cool, but still leaves a lot to be desired. The web interface on the phone bears a very close resemblence to LYNX, both in form as well as functionality. Theoretically, I should be able to use the Bluetooth cability of the phone combined with GPRS to turn the 6820 into a sort of wireless modem. mMode is interesting but I haven't yet decided whether it is a service I want to pay for or not.

The keyboard is pretty easy to use, which is good if you send a lot of text messages, and one can certainly tell the difference when inputting in a new list of contacts.

In summary:
Good Points: The fold-out keyboard makes typing easy. Size and weight of the phone make it lightweight and easy to carry around. Colour screen is backlit.
Ok points: Includes a cameraphone. Battery can charge quickly.
Bad points: Cameraphone is very low-res. No mp3 ringtones. Backlit colour screen drains battery quickly.

Overall grade: 7/10

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