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The rarely updated blog of Joel Dixon
Friday, October 12, 2007
Phone Pontificating
# Posted by Joel Dixon at 12/10/2007 10:11:56Updated by Joel Dixon at 17/02/2008 14:48:42
My current phone is a Nokia 6230:
I have mine set to English though
As a phone it's met all of my needs well: MP3 ring tones, basic internet surfing, decent calendar (compared to my last phone) and it's one of the few camera phones that lets you turn off the shutter sound effects (useful for silent up-skirting). The ol' 6230 was also the subject of the 7th entry on this blog.
I've had the phone for just over 3 years, which is a long time for me (the one before this lasted just over 1 year before I upgraded) - but unfortunately I think time's running out. As a phone (for making calls) - it's still perfect for me, but the screen size is too small for Internet use and the built-in calendar can't be synched.
I've been taking an interest in phones again over the last month or so - and have come up with a few alternatives. I have no idea what to choose though
New Phone - Nokia N95
The Nokia N95 has received goodish reviews pretty much all the features I want including WiFi and GPS. Unfortunately runs the "Nokia Web Browser" and the screen isn't as big as I'd like.
Huge Phone - Nokia E90
The Nokia E90 is part of the Communicator brand - and is tailored to business users, but offers WiFi, a range of 3rd-party apps and a gigantically wide screen. The price tag is a big downer at the moment - and the size / weight might be an issue.
Cool Phone - Apple iPhone
I'm not really cool enough to own one of the iPhones, but it sure is hawt. It has a Safari browser, some Google inter operation (maps and video) and apparently it's an ok MP3 player (I still love my iPod). Again, price tag is pretty large - and the phone isn't "open" enough for me.
Not a Phone - Nokia N800
When reviewing phones the Nokia N800 was perfect for me. Nice sized screen, WiFi, Opera browser (and a Mozilla browser available too) and it cost around $400. The only problem is that it isn't actually phone, it's just an Internet Tablet. But I guess I can just keep my phone as a phone - and use the tablet for anything internet related. This one bears further investigation.
Goo Phone
Another one I've been watching for a while, apparently Google are working on a mobile-based operating system and trying to get phone companies to put it on their phones. Rumors and "leaks" are all over the web, but nothing concrete has materialised. This would be great for me (as I use Google software for mail, calendar, RSS reading, instant messaging, online documents etc) - and Google generally do things well. I just don't know how much longer I can hold out for this one.
Geek Phone
This one is very interesting, OpenMoko is a completely open-source operating system (using free software) for phones. Hardware manufacturer FIC have created the Neo1973 which is due to be released this year. With the open-source community behind it - you know it's going to have 3rd-party offerings, and you know it's going to be patched frequently! Not sure if I want my phone to me a proverbial version 0.1 - but it's another phone I'll be keeping my eye on.
Of course - it's possible I'll just purchase the next Banana Phone I see:
# Posted in the General section and tagged as: Gadgets, Web
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Comments
 Hoff Posts: 39 |
Hey Joel... Crazy I've been thinking the same thing myself. I'm definately due for a new phone and been doing a bit of looking. Was really keen to get something to meet my technophile needs. I was looking at the nokia n95 but a little turned off by the fact its nokia and will only have limited customisability. I was really tempted by something which might be out over there now... I'm pretty sure its coming out here soonish. Thats the HTC TYTN II or P4550 or Kaiser or whatever else it goes... Heres a link to a forum article talking about it a little with a few links here and there pointing to reviews. http://forums.whirlpool.net.au/forum-replies.cfm?t=748426 It runs Windows Mobile 6 has a slide out Qwerty Pad and a bunch of bells and whistles. Not the smallest or prettiest phone in the world tho.  # Posted - 12/10/2007 16:35:18 |
 Brad   Posts: 22 |
As soon as I saw the title I thought to myself, "he's in North America, he must buy an iPhone". Does that N800 have any (legit or not) way to use VOIP? # Posted - 13/10/2007 03:37:20 |
 joeldixon Posts: 169 |
Hoff - I was a little hesitant about Nokia in terms of openness - but they are getting a little better as time goes on. They're even using it as a selling point against the iPhone lately. To be honest though - in the end it will take a lot to turn me off Nokia - as my last 4 (and only) phones have been Nokia. It's hard for a collector and hoarder like me to change that kind of behaviour pattern  I will check out the TyTn when I get home though - it sounds interesting. I remember when Windows Mobile was a necessity for me in a PDA-phone, but that's slowly changed. Especially since even Nokias can open Office Documents now days. The Internet tablet is looking more and more like my choice. Brad - That's what Bell said as well. While I'm here might as well get an iPhone. But the whole unlocking and Apple bricking the an unlocked phone after OS patches puts me right off. If they ever get to Australia I bet you'll have to get a Telstra contract for it (with expensive data rates) - and I've never had a phone contract before. Then again - it's so damn purty! The tablet actually boasts VOIP functionality. You can install Skype on it, other VOIP products as well - and it actually has a popout camera that you can use with Google Talk (this looks very intersting). Probably not enough for me to forego a regular phone - but might make my bill cheaper (depending on data rates). BTW - still loving your avatar!  # Posted - 13/10/2007 06:39:49 |
 Hitman Posts: 26 |
Highly recommend the Motorola's. Mine hasn't let me down yet. # Posted - 13/10/2007 15:25:45 Last Edited - 13/10/2007 15:29:59 |
joeldixon Posts: 169 |
Nice! I'm surprised there isn't a hand-crank to start the thing up! (quick google) Like this one:  # Posted - 14/10/2007 09:07:44 |
Hoff Posts: 39 |
Decide on your new mobile device yet? I think i've talked myself into getting the TYTN II but just need to figure out how I can afford it :P # Posted - 16/10/2007 09:37:19 |
joeldixon Posts: 169 |
Damn you - you've added another option for my new phone! Do you know how much it's going to cost in Australia? I read a few reviews of the TyTN II - and it's the closest I've been to buying a non-Nokia phone for a while. Qwerty is something that would love - so long as the keyboard is nice to the touch. Might have to have a go at one of the demo models next time I'm in a gadget store. # Posted - 16/10/2007 11:23:26 |
Hoff Posts: 39 |
I had a play with an earlier model... was looking at buying it until I realised the TYTN was going to replace it. It had quite a good keyboard. For its size I was very pleased with the way it felt. Cost wise... I'm not entirely sure but would imagine it would be at least 1k. # Posted - 16/10/2007 11:36:46 |
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