FOXTEKA

NOKIA MICROSOFT (WINDOWS PHONE) PARTNERSHIP

2011-03-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

- Unless you have been living under a rock, it is now common knowledge that Nokia has partnered with Microsoft in order to bring Windows Phone to their handsets. Symbian has taken a back seat as high end devices will now feature the Windows Phone platform. This is exciting news but we would like to ask Nokia one question, well actually two.

- Will we finally see a Nokia device with a 1 GHZ processor or more?

- Will Nokia customize the lackluster home screen tiles found on the Windows Phone home screen?

- As for gaining a foothold in the NA market, we would like to see the Nokia marketing team do the fallowing.

- Advertising focusing on the advantages of Windows Phone over IOS and Android.

- An exclusive deal with a major US carrier.

TechCodexcom has arrived!!!!!

2010-08-09T09:36:00.000-07:00

TechCodex.com makes its debut with the Nokia N97 mini taking center stage in an indepth review!
Check it out here:
WWW.TECHCODEX.COM

NOKIA SPECIAL VIRTUAL EVENT!!!

2010-04-12T09:37:00.000-07:00

Oh yeah, everyone loves a surprise. I just received an invitation to a special virtual event. I wonder if it will be the unveiling of a new device - perhaps the N8?
More info to come tomorrow....

THE START OF SOMETHING BIG.

2010-04-01T22:01:00.000-07:00

Coming soon, TECHCODEX.COM - an exclusive site dedicated to bringing you the latest in technology reviews. We will jump start with a review of the Nokia N97 mini and the Sony Vaio X. Drop by and check out the progress.

NOKIA N86 REVIEW

2009-11-18T08:55:00.000-08:00

NOKIA N86 REVIEW: “MOBILE IMAGING REVOLUTION”

N86 Package Contents:

-   Nokia N86 Phone
-   1200 mah Battery
-   USB cable
-   Charger
-   Stereo “IN EAR” Headset (3.5 mm)
-   Remote/ Adapter
-   User guide + Warranty + OVI Registration

Device Tour:

Top: Power Button, 3.5 mm Jack, USB/ Charging Port.
Left: Key Lock Toggle.
Right: Stereo Speaker #1, Volume Toggle, Camera Key, Speaker #2
Bottom: Lanyard holes.
Back: 8mp Carl Z. Camera, Dual LED Flash, Kick Stand.

Device Gallery:

Design:

   The N series gadgets of the past have been plagued with reports of build quality issues and shoddy craftsmanship. In effect, the engineers over at Nokia have been staging a revolution which comes in the form of their latest flagship device – The N86. The N series revolution begins with the use of exotic components such as a tempered glass overlay which protects the 2.6 inch Active Matrix Organic LED (AMOLED) display. The glass is beset by a stainless steel bezel creating a juxtaposition of contrasting textures. Emerging from the glass face of the device is a chromed directional pad and hardware keys to match the lustrous bezel. Beneath the vivid display is a dual slider mechanism constructed from alloy. The slide’s assembly has been fine tuned over the years and now glides open with out a hitch to reveal an alpha numeric keypad. The display can also be slid in the opposite direction to uncover media centric keys. The back of the device is dominated by a large battery door which has a matte plastic finish. The N86 weighs in at a welcomed 149 grams due to the extensive use of metal components. Overall this device feels great in hand but all is not perfect as there is a millimeter of give between the two halves of the slider and the occasional creak which detracts from the otherwise brilliant construction.

Display:

   The revolution continues in what many believe to be the single most important factor when purchasing a media centric device – the display. The N86 comes equipped with a 2.6 inch AMOLED display that allows for a greater range of colors, faster response time, greater energy efficiency, and thinner construction than traditional LED screens. The result is an augmented user experience even when engaged in the most rudimentary of tasks such as navigating through menus or browsing through files. The menu characters pop out to an almost 3D effect because AMOLED displays are 20% brighter than traditional displays and also because the said displays produce a more true to life black color. The only disadvantage is the over all screen size which is too small for web browsing and requires an extensive use of the D-pad for scrolling and superfluous squinting. Outdoor usage does not present a problem as screen brightness can be increased to counteract the overbearing sun.

Camera:

      In an ideal world the Nokia N86 would have a glass camera lens, a top of the line CCD sensor, and a xenon flash. However the inclusion of such components would significantly drive up the price of the device as well as become a burden in size. In tackling the problem of picture quality the engineers over at Nokia decided to change the imaging game by focusing on reformulating the algorithms used in image processing as well as adding in an 8 mega pixel sensor. The results are revolutionary. Below is 5th Avenue through the lens of the Nokia n86.

     The pictures have been resized but accurately represent the advancement Nokia has brought to mobile optics. We can also commend Nokia on camera processing speed. There is only a 0.5 second delay between the time a photo is snapped and when the image preview is displayed – now that is fast. Blurry images due to movement are always a problem in dealing with camera phones but the ultra fast mechanical shutter aids in reducing such unwanted photographs. Another problem is grainy pictures due low light situations but as we can see from the images above, the N86 deals valiantly thanks to a dual led flash. Unfortunately the flash is too strong when taking macro shots as some of the colors are washed out. The N86 is also equipped with 20x digital zoom but at max capacity pictures require a very steady hand. Any camera enthusiast would enjoy the host of camera setting the n86 offers including red eye reduction, scene selection, photo editor etc... The video player is not shabby either with recording at 30 frames per second.

Multimedia:

     There is no doubt that the N86 is a true multimedia power house. Just insert your favorite stereo headphones and enjoy the acoustic escape provided by the latest contemporary artist. With 8 gigs of included flash memory and the option to expand through an SD card slot you will never have to worry about listening to the same track twice. The N86 plays a variety of file types including the more popular mp3 and WMA formats. If you want to share your tunes at the office, just hit play and let the stereo speakers wow the audience. Although the stereo speakers are loud, they lack bass and sound a bit tiny when playing certain songs. Fortunately the N86 gives the added option of an FM transmitter. This allows users to take over the nearest radio and playback through its speakers with a completely static free broadcast. Video playback is also possible but you will first have to convert your files to either mp4 or 3gp formats. Once again the display might detract from the movie playback experience but you can always display video on your TV or monitor via a video out cable. The native s60 browser gives you the web at your fingertips and includes flash so you can enjoy the actual YouTube site and not have to settle for the mobile version. The browser has been supercharged for faster speeds and ultra quick page renderings.


Connectivity:

     One of the reasons the Nokia N86 and its s60 (3rd edition fp2) UI is so enticing is the connectivity options. In order to elaborate we will present a situation not uncommon to the average businessman – Mr. Smith. In this situation Mr. Smith has been working hard on a Power Point presentation that is due the next morning. He drags the presentation into his thumb drive and emails it to himself as a fail safe. The next morning Mr. Smith wakes up late and in a rush leaves his thumb drive at home. He realizes after he arrives at the office and there is only 10 minutes before the presentation is due. His laptop at the office is not booting up and panic ensues. Luckily Mr. Smith has his trusty Nokia N86. Smith turns on the WiFi and downloads his presentation to his phone. He opens the presentation using the included documents viewer software. Now, how to connect to the projector? Mr. Smith remembers that the N86 has video out capability but no A/V cable in sight. He then attempts to connect his N86 to the office projector via DLNA but to no avail – the projector is old. Finally Mr. Smith uses Bluetooth to connect to the projector and streams his presentation directly from the job saving N86.

Usage:

   A phone is a phone first and everything else comes second. Fortunately the N86 performs brilliantly as a phone. The reception is on par with most Motorola handsets which many regard as best in class when it comes to Rf. Voices are loud and clear with no static or interference. In noisy environments, speakerphone is a must or you can always pop in your stereo ear buds. Talk time is rated at about 6 hours but this always depends on location. The N86 comes equipped with a 1200 mah battery that lasts about 2 days with heavy usage on a GSM network. This includes about 15 – 20 minutes worth of calls, 3 hours of music playback, 40 – 50 photos, 20 – 30 texts, and about 30 minutes of web browsing.

Conclusion:

Ultimately the Nokia N86 is a great phone with good build quality and an unparalleled camera. This device is just the beginning of what is to come from the Finnish manufacturer. The N86 is not perfect but we are promised continued support including an upcoming firmware update which will improve camera a functionality and your run of the mill bugs. One thing that is missing from the N86 is the newer generation of 600 mghz processors. The inclusion of such a processor would increase software performance in areas such as the photo browser and transition effects. Despite the slower processor, the N86 is a must buy.

Summary:

(+) AMOLED Display
(+) Metal, Glass, and Plastic Construction
(+) 8 MP Camera
(+) Photo Quality
(+) Battery Life
(+) FM Transmitter
(+) Connectivity
(-) Display Size
(-) Stereo speakers sound tiny
(-) Processor speed
(-) Cheap kick stand

HTC HERO REVIEW: "KRYPTONITE"

2009-09-02T10:15:00.000-07:00

HTC HERO REVIEW: "KRYPTONITE":

Introduction:

- In a market flooded with smart-phone monotony a Hero arises in attempt to save users from the status quo. The Hero is manufactured by HTC and comes equipped with a myriad of features including a large 3.2 inch capacitive touch display, a capacious 1350 mAh battery, 3.5 mm stereo jack, a 5 megapixel auto focus camera, and a ground breaking SENSE UI layered over the celebrated Android OS. Unfortunately this Hero has its Kryptonite.

Box Contents:

- HTC HERO
- Battery
- USB Cable
- Universal Charging Plug
- Stereo Headset
- 2Gb micro SD
- Warranty
- Guide

Gallery/ Device Tour:

Design:

- Forgoing the traditional route of flamboyant superhero attire which requires the layering of underwear over tights, HTC outfitted the Hero with its own eye catching costume. The inimitable design manifests itself through a combination of old and new as the Hero’s overall architecture resembles that of a retro style cordless phone furnished with a modern capacitive touch screen and a contemporary slim line casing (112 x 56.2 x 14.4 mm). Finished in mostly matte white plastic, the phone repels fingerprints with a Teflon coating. The display is secured with a brushed aluminum rim which extends around the main hardware buttons situated on the ventral side of the device. In total the device feels good in hand with no loose parts to mar the mono-block construction. The weight of the device (135 grams) is on the lighter side as I prefer a heftier mobile. The inclusion of a metal back panel would have added to the overall quality and robustness of the device. In scrutinizing the battery cover my suspicions were raised as to its longevity due to the use of a sub par latch mechanism that would probably deteriorate over time. However if you do not constantly remove your battery cover to acess the Micro SD card, then this is a non issue. The angled chin of the phone houses a plastic trackball which is totally useless in the operation of this device. In fact, the removal of this trackball in conjunction with the chin would have made for a more compact phone – albeit the consequential loss of distinct design. On a positive note the chin itself, due to its angled nature, functions in protecting the display when propping the phone face down on a counter top. It also aids in a stealthy removal from a leather pouch.

Display:

- The Hero touts a generous 3.2 inch (320 x 480 pixels) capacitive touch screen display. With maximum screen brightness the Hero fairs well in most lighting conditions except direct sunlight. In effect users will want to find some shade when tinkering with their devices at high noon. The capacitive screen works flawlessly and its responsiveness is on par with my ipod touch. Needless to say, double taps are non existent.

UI:

- HTC has done it again. Following their ingenious conception of TF3D which was a svelte UI layered over the ghastly looking Windows Mobile interface, HTC has now created a ground breaking SENSE UI. This interface layers over the highly coveted Android operating system to make for an unparalleled user experience. For descriptive purposes we can separate the two components of this interface in to the X and Y dimensions found on a graph. The X axis consists of the core Android UI that props up an iconic menu screen in a vertical directionality. Operating in the horizontal direction along the Y axis is the Sense UI which allows up to seven home screens. Each home screen is customizable with HTC widgets and or Android widgets. Instead of boring you with words I have uploaded the following video (after the pictures) to show case the versatility and robustness of the Sense UI.

- Unlike many biased reviews that have criticized the Hero for having preproduction software – my experience was near flawless. There are absolutely no freeze ups, reboots, and memory errors. I only experienced lag when powering up the device. This hiccup is miniscule and only lasts a couple of seconds where after the processor revs up and the Sense UI flows like the Orinoco.

Multimedia:

- The Hero is a multimedia device offering a gamut of features which are only surpassed by Batman’s utility belt. Included in the multimedia arsenal are an intuitive photo browser, flawless video payback, GPS, a no frills music player, Android market, google maps, and an unmatched web browser. Bluetooth is severely compromised as it can only be used with a peripheral (headset). For some unexplainable reason Bluetooth file transfer between devices is unsupported. Fortunately this is where the Android market comes into play. This market offers applications for everything you would ever need on a mobile phone – including a full featured Bluetooth app. The market also saves the music player; currently lacking equalizer settings and base control; with a full array of MP3 playback controls. In fact the market offers alternate music players, allowing the user to define the extent of functionality not only with music playback but also the look and feel of the player. Another interesting application is the Task Killer, which allows you exit any unneeded processes running in the background. The result is more - free RAM to use other utilities like the true gem stone of the device – the web browser. Surfing the net is a joy with page renderings equal to those found on a desktop. Navigation is a breeze thanks to multi touch and finger friendly gestures. My only gripe is the extensive use of hardware keys during web browsing and would have hoped for more software centric controls.

Camera:

- The 5 megapixel auto focus camera is great for snapshots on the go. But the lack of a flash makes the camera useless in low light conditions. Regrettably the pictures still pale in comparison to image centric devices such as the Nokia n86 and n82.

Battery/ Usage:

- A capacious 1350 mAh battery powers the Hero for a full day and a half of heavy usage. This includes 2-3 hours of music playback, 40-50 texts, brief video playback, 1.5 hours of web browsing, and 15 – 20 minutes of calls. This is definitely on par with the battery life you would get from most Nokia phones and the Hero has the added power consuming -dual layered user interface and capacitive touch display to deal with. The only major draw back is the charge time. Analogous to other HTC mobiles, the Hero requires a full three hours for a complete charge.

Kryptonite/ Conclusion:

- With out a doubt, the HTC Hero is the most complete device I have used to date. Regrettably HTC opened a lead Box and unveiled that glowing green rock which brought my device to its knees. Two weeks into enjoying the Hero, the backlight for the hardware keys as well as the status indicator light ceased to function. In addition the headset jack failed leaving me with no music. To my disappointment, a soft – hard reset did not bring my device back to full functionality. In researching my problem I discovered that this is a common defect on the device– as documented on www.xdadevelopers.com. Ultimately I would instruct users on holding off on the purchase of this mobile phone until HTC works out the problem.

Pros (+)/ Cons (-):

+ Capacitive Touch Display
+ Good Battery Life
+ Sense UI
+ Android Market Apps
+ Excellent Web Browser
- Obvious Manufacturing Defect!!!
- Questionable Battery Cover Durability
- Bad External Speaker

NOKIA ANDROID DENIED!!!!

2009-07-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

- Reports of Nokia adopting Android OS have been put to a rest. This is the latest news as a reuters' reporter contacted an official Nokia representative to debunk the rumor.

SOURCE - LINK:
http://www.reuters.com/article/marketsNews/idUSL613838520090706

NOKIA E75 REVIEW:

2009-06-16T11:39:00.000-07:00

NOKIA E75 REVIEW:
"A KNIGHT IN THE E-SERIES KINGDOM"

BOX CONTENTS:

- Nokia E75
- Battery
- Mini Charger
- 4 GB Micro SD
- USB Cable
- Suede Case
- Wired Stereo Headset
- Manuals

DEVICE 720:

- TOP: 3.5 mm stereo jack.
- LEFT: USB Port, Micro SD slot.
- RIGHT: Volume Toggle, Camera Key.
- BOTTOM: Charging socket.
- BACK: Camera, Flash, Mirror, Speaker, Battery Door.

INTRODUCTION:

- First and foremost I would like to thank the staff over at WOMWORLD for their generosity in allowing me to trial a Nokia E75. I was advised to be as honest as possible in detailing my experience with the device because, “This insight is pivotal in helping shape future products, initiatives and approaches”.
- My initial interest in the device was sparked by a user over at HowardForums.com who claimed that the E75 was a successor to the E90. Immediately my expectations were raised as I was hoping to review a device which would depose the long reigning king of smart phones. Upon receiving the E75 and putting it through its paces I decided not to do a comparative review as the loaner Nokia is at best a capable knight in relation to the king. Instead we should look at the E75 as an E71 with an alternate form factor.

DESIGN:

- The Nokia E75 brings forth all of the attributes required to make a stunning handset. The front face of the device is outfitted with a steel bezel which has a robust shine due to the slick chrome finish. The back of the device has a matte gray- smoked steel battery door adorned with a laser engraved wave pattern that functions to enhance grip. The battery cover fits securely in its' metal guides thus eliminating any potential for dissonant creaks. All of this steel adds a nice weight to the device (139 grams), giving the impression of a durable and luxurious item. Hiding beneath the screen is a full QWERTY keyboard that glides down with an auto-finish apparatus. The mechanism of the slide is buttery smooth and never falters in operation. One can say with certainty that the slide apparatus would last the life time of the product. Given all that has been said about the quality of the E75, there is a minute flaw that takes away from the exceptional build of the device – the keys. The menu keys and D- pad on the device are atrocious. The menu buttons are angled and thus wobble when pressed. Even more annoying is the squeaking directional pad which I believe is just an aberration on my test model . On a positive note, the directional pad contains a white back light that breathes on and off under normal circumstances and doubles as a notification light (quick blink) when a message is received – very nice touch NOKIA. The alpha numeric keypad is optimal in design and was a joy to use.

- The backlit QWERTY keyboard is made of matte black plastic and is quite compact. The major upside is that the keys are nice and big with a decent amount of travel on press. The silky smooth surface of the keyboard allows your finger to glide from one letter to the next with ease. Unfortunately the keys are completely flat and sometimes indistinguishable. A great amount of concentration is definitely required when typing. Directly in the center, between the TGB/YHN letters, lays a thin metal strip which seems to be a part of the slider apparatus. This strip actually functioned quite nicely as a partition between the said keys and would have been an ingenious vertical separator if it were placed between all the keys – allowing for mistake free typing. Despite the un-staggered form factor of the QWERTY it does not take long to get accustomed to the E75 keyboard (35- 40 minutes). Over all I would have preferred a larger keyboard - lengthwise. Of course this would result in a larger device but the overall ergonomics would have improved and there would have been a larger display to match.
- Just above the directional pad is a beautiful 2.4 inch, 240x320 pixels, 16M-color TFT display. The screen is nice and bright with good legibility in all conditions including bright sunny days. Nokia did a great job with the viewing angle as this makes for comfortable usage in various positions. My only grievance is the screen size which takes away from the web browsing experience. In a perfect world the screen would extend from edge to edge – preferably touch screen, but maybe that is just the influence of the upcoming N97 talking.

S60 FP2/ MENUS:

- Glaring at the screen it isn’t hard to notice that the icons have received an upgrade in design from the E71. This can be attributed to the phone’s UI which is S60 3rd edition, FP2. The high resolution icons in combination with a snappy UI make for an enhanced user experience. There is absolutely no lag in functionality even with a great amount of stress applied to the system. For example, I can run the music player in the background and surf the internet (multiple windows open) with out any slow down or resets. For the most part S60 is intuitive which is nice but certain settings are hidden. One such setting is the accelerometer/ auto rotate setting. In order to turn auto rotation off you would think to just go to control panel > settings > personalization > general > display, but you would not find it there. Instead you must first flip the phone into landscape mode and then fallow the usual procedure – tah dah the setting magically appears.
As a business device the E75 excels with the normal compliment of E - commerce tools such as Quick Office. This utility allows you to view and edit common documents (WORD, EXCEL, POWERPOINT, and PDF files). We also get a very useful converter app which is great when traveling abroad. It allows you to convert between different units of measurement, currencies, power, etc… Of course businessmen also like to enjoy relaxing and the E75 provides a utility that allows you to switch between business and leisure modes. This transition not only changes your wallpaper from a professional theme to a more relaxed theme but also enables a full media player.

MULTIMEDIA:

- Nothing beats laying back and listening to some tunes after a long day’s work. Luckily, the E75 delivers a pleasurable sonic experience. There is no need to carry an extra mp3 player as the one provided is comparably equipped with various equalizer presets and bass boost to satisfy your temporal lobe. Even more pleasing is the inclusion of a 3.5mm headset jack that allows you to use the best pair of headphones money can buy. This miniscule feature is a godsend because no longer do you have to search for a decent converter or kick yourself in the head when forgetting to bring one along on a trip. Nokia was generous enough to include a 4 GB micro SD card (expandable up to 16 GB), eliminating any storage woes one may have when uploading a large library of music. The multimedia player is also decent for video playback but you will have to convert the files to an acceptable frame rate and resolution. Once you figure out these settings, videos play smoothly without any choppiness. The screen size takes away from the video experience; so long movies will probably take a toll on your eyes.
- The s60 web browser is a joy to use no matter the device. I love the effects when flipping between previous and next pages, the mini map view, and the inclusion of flash for YOUTUBE. Once again the display size is a limiting factor but for checking Gmail, Hotmail, short YOUTUBE clips, and news updates – the E75’s web browser is great. I also love how easy it is to connect to hotspots via WIFI and the overall capability of the antenna to pull in a strong signal.

- Much like the E71, the Camera seems to be an afterthought. There isn’t much to say besides the fact that the inclusion of a flash was a great idea. One can only guess why such a crappy camera was included – however a bad camera is better than no camera. You can judge for yourself, here is a picture taken at night of a store window display.

POWER/ USAGE:

- Another area in which the Nokia E75 excels is the usage time. Originally I was upset that Nokia decided to include a lower capacity battery than the E71, but the 1000 maph worth of power provided does a good job and lasted me two full days with moderate usage. My definition of moderate usage is 15-20 texts, 20 minutes of phone calls, 2 hours of music, and 30 minutes of web browsing on WIFI. Having said that, I would prefer that all NOKIA devices start shipping with a 1500 maph battery for a full 5 days of moderate usage. Analogously the phone is a powerhouse in the Rf department. I was receiving a maximum signal deep inside a hospital where most other phones experience a "dead zone". The call quality was natural sounding and the volume through the ear speaker was loud and sufficient in noisy environments.

CONCLUSION:

- Outfitted in a strong metal shielding one cant help but award this the device the honorable position of a knight in the E-series kingdom of mobiles. The Nokia E75 is a versatile phone with a plethora of features but is currently selling for $450.00 USD. This price point is absurd and will weigh heavily on the consumer, especially when the E71 has a comparable set of features (sans 3.5 mm jack and S60 3rd edition, FP2) and longer battery life with a cost of only $299.00 USD. Ultimately the Nokia E75 is the perfect phone at a lower price point and a worthy alternative to the E71.

NOTE: At the time of this posting, Nokia released a $50.00 mail in rebate - further reducing the MSRP of this device to $399.00 USD. This is a good start.

PROS:

- SLEEK METAL BUILD
- NICE WEIGHT - BALANCED
- FULL QWERTY
- 3.5 MM HEADSET JACK
- ENHANCED UI MENU ICONS
- SOLID SLIDE MECHANISM
- GOOD BATTERY
- SWISS ARMY KNIFE LIKE FEATURES

CONS:

- SQUEAKY DIRECTIONAL PAD
- DISPLAY SIZE
- PRICE

NOKIA E72 !!!!! VIDEO!!!!

2009-06-15T08:03:00.000-07:00

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LAbgKV92E_U&eurl=http%3A%2F%2Fmobile.mail.ru%2Fnews%2Ftelefony%2F31201.html&feature=player_embedded

WOW,
- NEW IR CONTROL
- 3.5 MM JACK
- BLAZING SPEED
- 5 MP CAMERA
- SLEEK METAL

SONY ANDROID OFFICIAL

2009-05-23T09:28:00.000-07:00

Well it is official, Sony is working on a new device based on the android platform. Vice President of marketing Peter ANg has mentioned the investment focus on developing an android smartphone - more so than any other OS. This is a major plus because the devices released as of late have been less than stellar in the design department. We can expect Sony to knock it out the ball park.
Android OS + Sony Hardware = HAPPY CONSUMER.

NEWS SOURCE:http://www.gsmarena.com/sony_ericsson_confirm_android_v20_handset_in_the_works-news-922.php

HTC HD REVIEW "GOLIATH"

2009-05-20T13:05:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS IN THE BOX?

- HTC HD phone

- 8 GB Micro sd card

- Battery

- Charger

- Extra stylus

- Screen protector

- Suede pouch

- USB cable

- Software/ manual

TOUR OF THE DEVICE

- Top Side includes a POWER BUTTON and a 3.5 mm STEREO JACK.

- Bottom Side houses a CHARGING PORT and STYLUS.

- Left Side contains a VOLUME TOGGLE.

- Right Side – NOTHING

- Back Side houses a 5 Mp CAMERA.

- Front Side houses a large 3.8 inch RESISTIVE TOUCH

SCREEN W/ RESISTIVE HARDWARE BUTTONS (answer/ home/ back/ end).

DESIGN

The HTC HD takes on a minimalist design. The unassuming appearance is due to the lack of hardware buttons - with only the power button and volume toggle visible as two thin rubber strips. The casing is constructed of mostly plastic and the camera is housed beneath a brushed metal ornament. Despite the materials used, the phone feels good in the hand and has a hefty weight to it (145 grams). It would have been nice to see a battery door made of metal but the plastic one does a good job. The door has a matte rubberized coating and fits tight giving the HD a monolith feel and appearance. The bottom right hand corner houses the stylus that is fitted with a magnetic catch. The HD is only 13mm in thickness - adding to the sleek appeal of the device. The front of the device houses the HD’s most alluring component, the display.

DISPLAY

Up on powering up the device we come to see what the HTC HD is all about, the glorious 3.8 inch, 800 x 480 pixel, WVGA, resistive touch display. Any action initiated on the device is that much more pleasant because of the display. The screen is protected by a thin plastic layer which is hard and almost glass like. It serves as the resistive barrier that can be a deal breaker for most Windows Mobile touch devices. Fortunately the resistive touch on this device is amazing. The accuracy is spot on and even more so the sensitivity is almost capacitive. Common annoyances on other touch devices are unresponsiveness and mis-registration of common inputs. However, on the HD – finger flicks, holds, drags, and touches were almost never confused. The attributes mentioned are particularly handy when using the on screen keyboard. Mistypes are almost non existent and only marred by the fact that more concentration is required because HTC did not include a landscape keyboard in sms mode. The landscape QWERTY only works when browsing the web. Of course this can be fixed with the Gsen application.

MULTIMEDIA

The HD is a full touch screen device marketed as a multimedia powerhouse. Thus, the rest of this review will focus primarily on this facet of the device. This is the first HTC device with a 3.5 mm stereo output which allows for an awesome sonic experience - especially when paired with Sony MDR EX90 ear buds. The TOUCHFLO music player comes equipped with various equalizer settings and presets including a bass boost feature. The player also allows you to search through music by artist, album, song, etc. If TOUCHFLO is not to your liking there is an option to use Windows Media player but I prefer the former because of the beautiful background/ interface. One major gripe I had with the music player was the lack of a quick find feature. On most NOKIA S60 phones you can just start typing the name of an artist/ song in the music player to satisfy the cravings of your temporal lobe. This method beats having to flick your finger redundantly in order to search through a large library of music.

The Video player was a mixed bag. Upon uploading my favorite fight video I noticed that playback was a little choppy, however playback the second time around (replay) was a lot smoother. It is possible that the video player hiccups could have been due to an older ROM. The major upside was that WMV video files played perfectly without a conversion in bit rate or size of any kind. This device’s greatest strength has to be web browsing. The large display is an essential part of this experience. Web pages are rendered quickly and appear just as they would on a desktop. The high screen resolution minimizes the need to scroll horizontally. Vertical movement is a breeze due to finger flick kinetic scrolling. Regrettably, Flash is not included and thus full YOUTUBE is not possible. Fortunately HTC included a YOUTUBE app which works perfectly and renders video flawlessly. The only blemish with the web browser was that links were not clickable when fully zoomed out and an extra step of zooming in was needed before a link could be clicked. This annoyance occurred in both OPERA and Internet Explorer.

TOUCHFLO/ BUSINESS/ WINDOWS

The eye sore that is windows mobile is soon to become a thing of the past as WM7 is set to debut in January. But at the moment we have TOUCHFLO which serves to mask windows for the most part. TOUCHFLOW consists of an alternate to the windows “today screen” and goes a little further by offering task bar application outfitted in refined skins. The task bar apps include a home screen, weather, stocks, email, SMS, internet, task manager, and program files. All of these apps are fully customizable and help in avoiding the traditional windows menu system. The weather app is my favorite as cool 3D effects are employed when viewing forecasts of different locations. The stocks app is also very useful – in fact all of the TOUCHFLO apps seem to be optimized for the business person on the go. The problem with TOUCHFLO is the lack of full integration. For example when hitting the settings tab we are heaved back into the traditional windows interface. This traditional interface is not optimized for the large touch screen as certain controls/ menus were too small for finger manipulation leading to the unavoidable stylus pull.

PHONE

The telephony experience is great. Reception is on par with Motorola and Nokia devices. Ear speaker volume is loud but could have been louder. The WIFI radio also pulls in a strong signal.

POWER

If the HD is the "Goliath" of cell phones then the battery is the analogical "David" of the device. With average use (10-15 texts, 20 minutes worth of phone calls, 30 minutes of web browsing and 90 minutes worth of music) the battery dies in less than a day. The screen seems to be the major culprit in this issue and even with the back light/ screen settings reduced to a minimum; battery life was only extended to one full day. A full charge of the device takes about 3 hours which also unacceptable.

CONCLUSION

This is a phenomenal device offering a plethora of features. The mp3 player and web browser in combination with an unmatched display and 3.5 mm output are the highlights of the HD. TOUCHFLO is a joy to use and helps in masking the ugliness of windows mobile. The YOUTUBE app is another major highlight. The only outstanding trade offs are battery life, charge time, and the shallow integration of TOUCHFLOW.

NOKIA E71 - "MESSENGER OF STEEL"

2009-05-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Nokia E71 Review

WHAT IS IN THE BOX?

- Nokia E71
- Mini Charger
- 2GB microsd
- USB Cable
- Leather Case
- PC Sync Software
- Manual

DEVICE TOUR

- Top Side includes a red power button.
- Left side includes an IR port, MICRO SD slot, and MICRO USB port.
- Right side includes 2.5 mm stereo jack, and volume toggle buttons.
- Bottom side includes eyelets for a strap and charging port.
- Back side includes a Camera with flash, mirror, and large metal battery door.
- Front face, 2.3 inch display, Full QWERTY, + Chrome Dpad surrounded by s60 shortcut keys.

DESIGN

- The designers from Nokia HQ deserve the highest honors for creating such an awe inspiring device. The E71 feels like a luxurious instrument when held in hand due to a plethora of elements that coalesce to create a sensational experience. Of the more striking elements is the stainless steel back plate with matching front bezel.

The Steel is etched with a dimpled pattern not only for aesthetic purposes but also for practical use as the pattern provides for an enhanced grip. The e71 also packs in a best in class full QWERTY keyboard. The hardened keys provide the perfect amount of tactile feedback accentuated by a soft click on press. Composing texts and emails is a breeze with this device. Just above the keyboard is an eye catching 2.3 inch display with a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels. The screen is bright and crisp although not optimal for web browsing. All of the elements described above are condensed into a 10 millimeter package making for a very alluring and streamlined design.

USER INTERFACE

- The E71 runs SYMBIAN S60 3rd edition (feature pack 1). The UI is quick and dependable. There is absolutely no lag when browsing through menus and more importantly no slow down in operation even with multiple applications running at the same time. For example I can browse the web via wifi and listen to music simultaneously with no hiccups or crashes. Unfortunately the UI is an eye sore. The preloaded themes come with some childish looking icons which cheapen the look of the E71. Of course you can always download a new theme and this is the brilliance of S60 – it is fully customizable.

MEDIA

- In terms of entertainment we get a decent audio player that plays the more common file types but no standard headphone jack. However with a converter this mobile delivers an awesome sonic experience – on par with most Sony mp3 players. The video player is also amazing but files require conversion and adjustment of bit rate and resolution before playback is possible. It is unfortunate that the software doesn’t auto adjust the mentioned settings. The included camera is a joke and seems like an afterthought. Pictures are grainy and there is a long delay between when the camera button is pressed and when the image is actually captured.

POWER

- The E71 comes equipped with a high capacity battery that can only be described as best in class. 1500 mah of power gave me 7 days of stand by time with minimal use. Heavy usage, which includes a sum total two hours of internet browsing via wifi, 15- 20 text messages, 2.5 hours of music, and 20 minutes of radio/ per day, gave me 3 days of usage before I needed my next charge. Excellent!!!

CONCLUSION

- This messenger of Steel should Grab honors as best device for 2008.

PROS

(+) Build quality 5/5
(+) Design 5/5
(+) Battery 5/5
(+) QWERTY 5/5
(+) Audio quality 4/5

CONS

(-) CAMERA 2/5
(-) ICONS 3/5

Criminals will pay $32,000 USD for a NOKIA 1100

2009-04-22T08:14:00.000-07:00

It seems that the NOKIA 1100 is the most expensive phone in the world - well a particular batch that is. This particular model was manufactured in Bochum, Germany and comes with a flawed software/ hardware which allows it to be manipulated and used to assimilate (CLONE) other phone lines. The 1100 was implicated in a string of bank transfer scams and is highly sought after. It is reported that one such phone was purchased for a massive $32,000 USD.
In my opinion the bankers are at fault here as they are sending crucial mTANs (temporary transaction authentication numbers) as an sms for authorizing online money transfers - and this is what criminals are taking advantage of with the cloneable NOKIA 1100.
- Nokia refutes the claim that such flawed NOKIAs exsist.

Source:
http://www.gsmarena.com/nokia_1100_gets_highly_sought_after_for_its_potential_criminal_use-news-884.php

HTC DIAMOND 2 RELEASED

2009-04-15T10:12:00.000-07:00

HTC DIAMOND 2 is now availiable form www.clove.co.uk
Asking price 530.00 usd

Nokia's new strategy - MORE METAL

2009-04-14T08:17:00.000-07:00

The people over at mobile-review are giving us insight into Nokia's new strategy with their mid to low end range - the use of more metal. This will give upcoming devices a more luxurious feel. The soon to be released n86 is an example, as well as the stainless steel nokia 6700 classic. The latter model will resemble the premium 8800 Arte. So what becomes of the 88xx series? Fear not as this Avant Garde series will also get a major facelift in design and will use more exotic materials with different textures.

MOBILE-REVIEW.COM states:
"The model Of nokia of 6700 Classic - this is the first swallow in changed strategy from Nokia. Nearer to the autumn on the market will appear the slider Of nokia of 6700 Slide with the analogous characteristics, but another form factor and cost on the order of 300-320 Euros. In what its charm? Probably, in the fact that with its output it is possible to boldly expect fundamental realignments in 8000 series from Nokia. Under the cover of the increased secrecy the designers of company prepared very strong changes in the entire concept. From now on [premium]- products will become nearer to the telephones Of vertu, while on their basis it will appear the row of models in the mass average segment (230-350 Euros). Crisis whether impelled to reexamine strategy thus, or this was planned earlier - I do not know. I can only assert that this uncommon motion will recut the concept of bonus product, will make many models of other producers unsuccessful, will bring down their sales. And truth, why to pay for the analogous functionality in the inexpensive plastic housing, if there is a product from the leader of market in the not bad design and the metal."

Source:
http://mobile-review.com/review/nokia-6700.shtml

NOKIA E90 REVIEW : THE KING OF MOBILES

2009-04-10T21:05:00.000-07:00

WHAT IS IN THE BOX:

-NOKIA E90
-CHARGER
-WIRED STEREO HAEDPHONES
-LEATHER POUCH
-NOKIA PC SOFTWARE
-USER GUIDE

DESIGN:

The E90 is Nokia's flagship E Series messenger. The construction is of the highest quality with an extensive amount of metal used - giving the mobile a robust feel. The front fascia is composed of metal with a semi-mat brownish coating. The same goes for the large battery door (composed of aluminum) which takes up most of the rear of the device. The battery door has a very secure slide in lock mechanism. We can assume that over the course of a year the battery cover will not develop any play. All of this metal adds to the weight of device (210g) - so its not for your shirt pocket.The E90 has clamshell form factor but no worries here, the hinges are made of metal coated in chrome and feel very secure. The hinge mechanism has two locking positions. One that locks the screen in at a 90 degree angle to the keyboard and a second position that locks in so the screen is 180 degrees from the keyboard. The hinge is tight and allows for varying screen positions between those mentioned with no problems.

The internal screen is amazing with 800x400 resolution and to match there is a giant keyboard unlike any other QWERTY I have ever used. The buttons are responsive and have a good amount of travel. The buttons are also backlit for use in dark environments. The only problem i had with keyboard was the main navigation key due to it's poor separation from the center ok button (the cause of many accidental button presses). One the plus side, Nokia mustered to fit in a row of short cut keys which circumvents the use of the navigation key - to an extent. The keyboard screen combination provides an amazing web browsing experience.

Mounted on the bottom side panel of the device is a microSd slot for hotswapability. What is amazing about this slot is its design. There is a metal hinge which locks out of place for card insertion which adds to the overall quality of the device.

PERFORMANCE:

- Camera

The E90 runs S60 and is very snappy for the most part- however when it comes down to camera performance it takes too long to snap a picture as well as view pictures in the gallery. The picture quality is very good (3mpx) - for a phone - but does not compare to the Nokia N95.

- Media

The phone includes a built in media player which is good for music and video playback (an added bonus for long business trips). Once again the large + beautiful screen provides for an astonishing movie experience, equaling that of a PMP.

- GPS

I am still testing this feature out and will provide a full update later.

-Office

Slated as a business device I was not surprised to see a full compliment of office software that not only allows users to view but also edit popular document formats such as word and excel. You can also view pdf files (great for school).

- Battery

The phone ships with a 1500maph battery which will last you a 3 full days with heavy usage and about 5-7 days with moderate usage. In my experience, the battery capacity/ performance is way beyond any other smartphone I have come across. Kudos to nokia for providing a battery to match this feature rich device.

THE GOOD (+):

- TITANIC LIKE BUILD QUALITY

- FOREVER LONG BATTERY

- AMAZING SCREEN

- TACTILE KEYBOARD

THE BAD (-):

- AVERAGE CAMERA

- OVERALL SIZE OF THE DEVICE TOO BIG

- OS SLOWS DOWN IN GALLERY + CAMERA MODE

Image Gallery
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/axclass/IMG_0593.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/axclass/IMG_0583.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/axclass/IMG_0584.jpg
http://i229.photobucket.com/albums/ee205/axclass/IMG_0580.jpg

New Nokia Touch Screen on the Horizon?

2009-04-09T08:25:00.000-07:00

It seems that Nokia will start implementing a new type of touch screen technology with devices appearing as early as this fall. This may translate to a new high end touch screen Nokia to compete with the upcoming iphone 3.0-
The said tech has already been implemented in Samsung and Lg phones. I must say this is a welcomed change as resistive touch is not to my liking.

Source:
http://mobile.mail.ru/news/telefony/30969.html