Preview: Nokia 6310i
from UK based GSM BOX
4/22/2002
A few months after the 6310 came to market, the Finnish giant has released the “i” version of the same. It is enriched in certain areas, but does not have colour or MMS.
Even the rich cry! Nokia knows this well. Aside from their financial results, they have recently been having problems with their terminals. Terminals which, right or wrong, have always been considered practically infallible. This was probably true, as long as they were simple, like the 2110, 3310, 5110, 6110, 6150 and, in lesser measure, the 7110. When cellular telephones began to seem more like small PCs, only then did Nokia and other manufacturers have small problems (see the 8210, 8310, and 6310). If we add a few risks, such as the 5510, the general picture that is presented is that of a giant in crisis, maybe not a financial crisis, but one of image, and, a bit, of identity.
Probably, Nokia’s dominant market position let the North European company rest on the laurels of its own success, and slightly lose sight of the standards that their numerous clients were used to. This led to devices with defective software, and more often with problems even in the hardware, or terminals that were not in line with the latest market trends (are the 8310 and 6510 supposed to be the antagonists of the T68m and the recent T68i?) It’s strange, therefore, that after only a few months since the very late release of the 6310 (directed for professional users but without the third band and with many problems) Nokia decided to present its evolution at CeBIT. The 6310i is better than its predecessor on paper, but it is still a model that seems “dated” because of its shape, dimensions, weight and features.
Let’s begin, as usual, with its aesthetics: 129 x 47 x 17/21 mm, the weight is 111 grams and the volume is 97 cc. This data makes us wonder when compared to the other models of the same level. Fortunately it does have GPRS and Bluetooth technology, which was already present in the 6310. Also, Nokia has finally included the third band (1900MHz), making the device destined for the European, African, Asian, Australian, and New Zealand markets, other than those in which you can use the 1900 MHz band, naturally. Unfortunately the display is monochromatic and able to view up to 6 lines of text. The phone book is good, up to 500 contacts (3 numbers and a text field for each), as well as the message memory (150 text messages, 50 picture messages or different combinations). The agenda allows you to memorise from 100 to 250 events and 30 things to do.
Other than these, there are the “classic” Nokia functions such as: T9 dictionary, 35 ring tones plus 10 that can be downloaded, 3 games (Space Impact, Bumper, and Snake II) plus one Java game that can be downloaded and overwritten (another new feature of the 6310i). There are also 10 numbers for voice calling, plus voice commands and memo, and IrDA port, (timeable) profiles, WAP microbrowser in version 1.2.1, clock with alarm, e-wallet, chronometre and countdown, calculator and currency convertor and HSCSD. The battery is very interesting: lithium polymer of 1100 mAh. It guarantees a standby of up to 17 days and a conversation time of 3 hours and 15 minutes to 6 hours (on 900 and 1800 MHz networks), and even more on 1900 MHz.
In conclusion, it is difficult to predict the future of the new Nokias. Their prices are always a bit higher than those of their direct competitors are. It is true that they last over time and are always sought-after, at least in the recent past. Other than this 6310i we will have to see how the soon to be released 7650 will behave. The 7650 is the only Nokia with MMS messaging and a colour display since the 7210. This feature is greatly requested nowadays, and will be even more requested by summer. These are features that the 6310i does not present and could have their own weight for its success in the near future. To conclude, our impression is that after always being ahead of everyone, Nokia is now a bit out of breath.
The 6310i will be available in three colours, for the moment. The market date and price are still unknown, but they should be, respectively: May/June of this year and 450 euros.
Massimiliano Bucciol
(Translated by Miranda Drew)
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