Nokia N-Gage Gray Console
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- Platform: Nokia N-Gage
- Console Type: Handheld
- Gaming Type: Online Gaming
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Cell Phone, Game Deck, and Multi-Media Player--Can you afford it?
Pros
It's capable of some great features; can be used as a stand-alone game unit.
Cons
Terrible sound, poor design, horribly hard to change games. No help in finding service--sold separately.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
You're on your own in finding service. If you're looking for a stand-alone gaming device buy a Game Boy. If you want a phone buy just a phone.
This was one of those things that I really wanted to surprise my son for Christmas with. I'm glad I secretly found out how he felt about it before spending over $300.
Why I thought it was perfect
It's sold by Nokia (a brand I've had great luck with in the past) and it's attractive. Held with two hands, the right hand controls all the telephone features, the left the game and music features. Since he's been asking for a new MP3 player and a new cell phone he can chat with (turns out he wants AOL Instant Messenger capabilities), I thought this would be perfect.
One of its most unusual features was the ability to run several applications simultaneously. This is something most phones can't do. If you're in the middle of checking your calendar you're going to miss that incoming call. The N-Gage lets you do many of the features at the same time.
I searched online forever trying to find out what the monthly rates would be. I couldn't find them anywhere. All I was able to find was a preorder opportunity from GameSpot and EB Games. Thank goodness I didn't give in to my impulse and purchase it--it's not what he wanted. I found this out by casually asking him to come with me to our local Target store where they had one we could try out. I still think it's cool, but he was not impressed.
Why he didn't want it
It's HUGE! Larger than a cell phone and even many handheld games already available but the screen is small. It's well lit which is a nice surprise (no add ons to add this feature like many handheld games) and it's taller than it is wide which is different from most of the handheld games already on the market. Although this makes it more like home play, he didn't like the games we tried out on the small screen. Some of the games didn't use the full screen, they played more like a letterbox movie with blank areas above and below the picture.
He hated the layout of the buttons. He didn't think it was comfortable in the slightest . There's so much crammed into such a small space he was forever hitting the wrong buttons. For gaming it's a thumbs-only operation. The rest of your fingers are busy being wrapped around the unit to keep a hold of it.
He wasn't fond of the PDA-like functions of the unit. He would have enjoyed an easier way to enter data and figured it'd be like his current phone--a nice thought but something he never got around to entering.
His biggest complaint was changing games. There are downloaded games or cartridge games. Instead of being a simple process, changing games means powering down the unit, removing the battery, and pressing a small plastic tab to eject the game. Once ejected you repeat the process to put the new game in. There's no place on the unit to store additional games and they're so tiny I don't think they'd last long in our house. Why then didn't use an external slot like most handheld games is beyond me. Load time was long--it's not just a put it in and power it up. You're going to have to watch the load screen and wait.
Why it's so expensive
Most of the COOL features require an Internet connection and that's an expensive feature in my opinion. T-mobile offers a $29.99 unlimited if you add it to your regular service. The cheapest regular service right now is $21. Add that together and you're paying nearly $50 just to connect to the Internet. We already pay nearly $80 a month for DSL and ISP, why would we pay more? You'll need this connection to play games online against others, download additional games, e-mail, text message, and just about every other function. You're on your own for finding service as well. Nokia doesn't offer you any help. This is sold as a stand-alone unit and at the time I wrote this (October 2003) there were no service plans that are specialized for this phone. Hopefully they'll offer some in the future.
It's Purpose
It's a game system first and cell phone second, Nokia stresses that so people looking for a top of the line cell phone won't feel cheated. As a handheld game it's expensive, however, it does have Internet access (you'll have to pay for it) that allows you to compete with others online, a feature no other handheld game offers.
Target Audience
Wealthy teens who can afford the connection and packet fees as well as the additional costs for the cartridge games or someone who loves the newest and latest gadgets even with their flaws. For now I'll stick to a separate phone, game, and PDA. Someday someone will combine the three well, but for now this isn't it for us.
Battery Life
Like all rechargeable batteries the life you get from them depends on what you're doing. Standby time (not using it for anything but waiting for that really important phone call) will give you about 150 hours, but playing the radio will shorten the battery time to about 20 hours of power. Running a lot of applications in the background will eat up this time--reminders, calendar functions, etc., are silently sucking the life out of your battery.
Use it to play MP3 and it'll only last about 8. Use it exclusively for gaming and you'll get 3-6 hours at best. Since usage is usually a bit of everything, be sure to watch that battery monitor so you're not caught without a cell phone because you've been gaming all day. Charging is fast--under two hours with the included charger. First time charging will take a bit longer. Since we didn't end up buying it I can't verify the battery life, but it is reasonable to expect these to be accurate.
Games Available
There are already a lot of games available. Priced from $29.99 for kids games to $34.99 for popular games like Tomb Raider.
SPECS
Bands/Frequencies: GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz
Carrier: Any GSM Network that uses 900/1800/1900 mHz. If you're not sure, call your provider. GSM is what DSL is to home computers. GSM gives you an "always on" connection to the internet--this is going to cost you if you use it. I have a GSM phone and chose not to pay the rates when I have Internet access at home.
Features:
•
104 MHz ARM processor for handset management and application software
•
3.4 MB shared internal memory
•
MMC slot-MultiMediaCard slot so you can add additional memory. Prices range from $29.99 for a 64MB card to $332 for a 512 32x speed card. Why would you need one? To use all the MP3 features, images, contact data, calendar, messages, add-on applications
•
Flash memory up to 4 MB without MMC
•
External Memory Card supported (Up to 128 MB)
•
Display with 4096 colors, 12-bit and 176 x 208 pixels
•
Symbian OS 6.1 with Java support;
•
GPRS class 6 - the method by which data is packeted and sent. Only necessary if you use the cell phone or online functions.
•
Built-in FM radio- preset up to 20 of your favorite stations
•
T9 (predictive text)--T9 Text Input replaces the traditional "multi-tap" method of entering text with the ability to enter text using only one keystroke per letter. In other words, it lets you use the phone's standard keypad as a full keyboard only using one key press per letter. Nice feature!
•
XHTML - Extensible Hypertext Markup Language
•
Java MIDP 1.0--it can play games and do other functions written in Java scripts and applets allow you to add fun functions and features to your phone. Many 3rd party sellers offer them and some are shareware and free.
•
SMS-Stands for Short Message Services. It simply means that you can send and receive text messages using your phone--this is plan dependant and usually ads quite a bit to your monthly fee.
•
MMS-the next step up from SMS. Multimedia Messaging Service ads the next level of service allowing you to send and receive pictures, animations, and sounds. You can also send information from your contact files.
•
MP3 Player - Plays MP3 or AAC-format tracks for up to eight hours. The amount of music you can store is dependent on your memory card and the size of the files. You'll fit more on the card if you use the AAC format. Come with a Audio Manager software that can be loaded on your PC to convert the files and load them to your game deck.
•
RealOne Player - comes preloaded with this software so you can view RealOne content from the Internet. Not a big seller for me as I'm not one to watch movie trailers (their main content) and I certainly wouldn't pay Internet connection charges on my phone to do this.
•
Screen Shot - You can capture a game screen and e-mail it. Another teen feature I think.
•
Triband - Wired for EGSM 900/GSM 1800/1900 networks, so you can make calls and check email from five continents.
•
PIM features installed: a calendar app and a to-do list
•
Synchronizes with Outlook and Lotus Notes, transfer files or backup
•
Bluetooth--being added to just about every new device that hits the market, it's a two-way wireless communication for your device and another Bluetooth enable device. In this case you can use it to sync with your home computer (to share calendar functions) or with a wireless headset so you can listen to your game or talk with friends without wires.
•
E-mail: SMTP, IMAP4, POP3, MIME2 so you'll be able to pick up your Internet mail as long as you don't mind paying.
•
Loudspeaker - don't expect much here. If you've ever listened to the radio through your cell phone then you'll know what to expect. The sound is better with a good headset.
•
External Memory Card supported
•
Slave USB 1.1. port - Connect it to your computer if you can't use the Bluetooth technology also offered.
•
Stereo line-in - Another way to copy music to your N-gage
•
Polyphonic ring tones-One of those feature I'm ho-hum about but my teen loves. It just means that the when your phone rings you're going to wow all those around you because instead of the bland ring tones of old, this one has many notes played together so it's more musical. I find them annoying and hard to hear at times.
•
MP3, AAC, Midi, WAV ringing tones
•
Mono ringtone composer--a simple composer using the keypad to select the "notes". Playback and save those that are just right so you can have a one-of-a-kind ring.
•
Photo phonebook- but no camera. You'll have to e-mail the photos first.
•
Voice Features - voice dialing (needs some work) and memory for up to 20 names and numbers with voice dialing (say the name of the person and it automatically dials it for you because you've preprogrammed it). Very easy to program it but you have to say it exactly as you did when you recorded it for it to be recognized. One of those features that sound great but aren't wonderful yet.
•
DETAILS:
GSM Unlocked*
Weight: (without game cartridge) 4.83 oz.
Height: 2.74" Width: 5.26" Depth: .80"
Display size: 176 x 208 pixels
Talk time: Up to 2-4 hrs
Standby time: Up to 150-200 hrs
High-Speed Data
- HSCSD up to 43.2 kilobits
- GPRS up to 40.2 kilobits (Class B, 3 1, 2 2)
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
To use the Audio Manager features you'll need a PC with Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, USB port. This software will allow you to create AAC music files from a CD and a play list you can load onto your N-Gage.
Package Includes:
•
Battery (BL-5C)
•
Home Charger (ACP-8U)
•
Stereo Headset (HDD-2)
•
Audio Cable (ADE-2)
•
Adapter Cable (ADA-2)
•
Connective Cable (DKE-2)
•
CD with software and guides
•
User guide (English)
WARRANTY
1 year
*Unlocked GSM Phones will only work on a GSM Platform. What this means that your Wireless Service Provider has to be a GSM service provider--T-Mobile, Cingular , and AT&T which should have compatible service. Before buying, I'd check with my cell company.
***UPDATE*** 11/18/03 Shhhhh........ don't tell my son, but I bought him a T-mobile Sidekick. Right now on Amazon.com the phone is $49.99 after $50 T-Mobile Rebate and $200 Amazon Rebate (I called T-Mobile directly and they only offered the $50 rebate--I shopped all the dealers I felt comfortable with and went with Amazon). Service is $29.99 a month for unlimited AOL Instant Messaging, Web Surfing, and Text Messaging. Telephone calls (which he never uses except for emergencies--there are plans that include minutes-$39 I think, but he wouldn't use them) is 20cent a minute. My biggest concern is the coverage area--I have AT&T and my husband has Verizon and neither phone works at home. A big drawback for my son since home & school are just miles apart and the only place he'll use them. T-Mobile has a 14-day return period--if you don't have service you can return it. I'll be trying it out as soon as it arrives and will write a review on it.
Why I thought it was perfect
It's sold by Nokia (a brand I've had great luck with in the past) and it's attractive. Held with two hands, the right hand controls all the telephone features, the left the game and music features. Since he's been asking for a new MP3 player and a new cell phone he can chat with (turns out he wants AOL Instant Messenger capabilities), I thought this would be perfect.
One of its most unusual features was the ability to run several applications simultaneously. This is something most phones can't do. If you're in the middle of checking your calendar you're going to miss that incoming call. The N-Gage lets you do many of the features at the same time.
I searched online forever trying to find out what the monthly rates would be. I couldn't find them anywhere. All I was able to find was a preorder opportunity from GameSpot and EB Games. Thank goodness I didn't give in to my impulse and purchase it--it's not what he wanted. I found this out by casually asking him to come with me to our local Target store where they had one we could try out. I still think it's cool, but he was not impressed.
Why he didn't want it
It's HUGE! Larger than a cell phone and even many handheld games already available but the screen is small. It's well lit which is a nice surprise (no add ons to add this feature like many handheld games) and it's taller than it is wide which is different from most of the handheld games already on the market. Although this makes it more like home play, he didn't like the games we tried out on the small screen. Some of the games didn't use the full screen, they played more like a letterbox movie with blank areas above and below the picture.
He hated the layout of the buttons. He didn't think it was comfortable in the slightest . There's so much crammed into such a small space he was forever hitting the wrong buttons. For gaming it's a thumbs-only operation. The rest of your fingers are busy being wrapped around the unit to keep a hold of it.
He wasn't fond of the PDA-like functions of the unit. He would have enjoyed an easier way to enter data and figured it'd be like his current phone--a nice thought but something he never got around to entering.
His biggest complaint was changing games. There are downloaded games or cartridge games. Instead of being a simple process, changing games means powering down the unit, removing the battery, and pressing a small plastic tab to eject the game. Once ejected you repeat the process to put the new game in. There's no place on the unit to store additional games and they're so tiny I don't think they'd last long in our house. Why then didn't use an external slot like most handheld games is beyond me. Load time was long--it's not just a put it in and power it up. You're going to have to watch the load screen and wait.
Why it's so expensive
Most of the COOL features require an Internet connection and that's an expensive feature in my opinion. T-mobile offers a $29.99 unlimited if you add it to your regular service. The cheapest regular service right now is $21. Add that together and you're paying nearly $50 just to connect to the Internet. We already pay nearly $80 a month for DSL and ISP, why would we pay more? You'll need this connection to play games online against others, download additional games, e-mail, text message, and just about every other function. You're on your own for finding service as well. Nokia doesn't offer you any help. This is sold as a stand-alone unit and at the time I wrote this (October 2003) there were no service plans that are specialized for this phone. Hopefully they'll offer some in the future.
It's Purpose
It's a game system first and cell phone second, Nokia stresses that so people looking for a top of the line cell phone won't feel cheated. As a handheld game it's expensive, however, it does have Internet access (you'll have to pay for it) that allows you to compete with others online, a feature no other handheld game offers.
Target Audience
Wealthy teens who can afford the connection and packet fees as well as the additional costs for the cartridge games or someone who loves the newest and latest gadgets even with their flaws. For now I'll stick to a separate phone, game, and PDA. Someday someone will combine the three well, but for now this isn't it for us.
Battery Life
Like all rechargeable batteries the life you get from them depends on what you're doing. Standby time (not using it for anything but waiting for that really important phone call) will give you about 150 hours, but playing the radio will shorten the battery time to about 20 hours of power. Running a lot of applications in the background will eat up this time--reminders, calendar functions, etc., are silently sucking the life out of your battery.
Use it to play MP3 and it'll only last about 8. Use it exclusively for gaming and you'll get 3-6 hours at best. Since usage is usually a bit of everything, be sure to watch that battery monitor so you're not caught without a cell phone because you've been gaming all day. Charging is fast--under two hours with the included charger. First time charging will take a bit longer. Since we didn't end up buying it I can't verify the battery life, but it is reasonable to expect these to be accurate.
Games Available
There are already a lot of games available. Priced from $29.99 for kids games to $34.99 for popular games like Tomb Raider.
SPECS
Bands/Frequencies: GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz
Carrier: Any GSM Network that uses 900/1800/1900 mHz. If you're not sure, call your provider. GSM is what DSL is to home computers. GSM gives you an "always on" connection to the internet--this is going to cost you if you use it. I have a GSM phone and chose not to pay the rates when I have Internet access at home.
Features:
•
104 MHz ARM processor for handset management and application software
•
3.4 MB shared internal memory
•
MMC slot-MultiMediaCard slot so you can add additional memory. Prices range from $29.99 for a 64MB card to $332 for a 512 32x speed card. Why would you need one? To use all the MP3 features, images, contact data, calendar, messages, add-on applications
•
Flash memory up to 4 MB without MMC
•
External Memory Card supported (Up to 128 MB)
•
Display with 4096 colors, 12-bit and 176 x 208 pixels
•
Symbian OS 6.1 with Java support;
•
GPRS class 6 - the method by which data is packeted and sent. Only necessary if you use the cell phone or online functions.
•
Built-in FM radio- preset up to 20 of your favorite stations
•
T9 (predictive text)--T9 Text Input replaces the traditional "multi-tap" method of entering text with the ability to enter text using only one keystroke per letter. In other words, it lets you use the phone's standard keypad as a full keyboard only using one key press per letter. Nice feature!
•
XHTML - Extensible Hypertext Markup Language
•
Java MIDP 1.0--it can play games and do other functions written in Java scripts and applets allow you to add fun functions and features to your phone. Many 3rd party sellers offer them and some are shareware and free.
•
SMS-Stands for Short Message Services. It simply means that you can send and receive text messages using your phone--this is plan dependant and usually ads quite a bit to your monthly fee.
•
MMS-the next step up from SMS. Multimedia Messaging Service ads the next level of service allowing you to send and receive pictures, animations, and sounds. You can also send information from your contact files.
•
MP3 Player - Plays MP3 or AAC-format tracks for up to eight hours. The amount of music you can store is dependent on your memory card and the size of the files. You'll fit more on the card if you use the AAC format. Come with a Audio Manager software that can be loaded on your PC to convert the files and load them to your game deck.
•
RealOne Player - comes preloaded with this software so you can view RealOne content from the Internet. Not a big seller for me as I'm not one to watch movie trailers (their main content) and I certainly wouldn't pay Internet connection charges on my phone to do this.
•
Screen Shot - You can capture a game screen and e-mail it. Another teen feature I think.
•
Triband - Wired for EGSM 900/GSM 1800/1900 networks, so you can make calls and check email from five continents.
•
PIM features installed: a calendar app and a to-do list
•
Synchronizes with Outlook and Lotus Notes, transfer files or backup
•
Bluetooth--being added to just about every new device that hits the market, it's a two-way wireless communication for your device and another Bluetooth enable device. In this case you can use it to sync with your home computer (to share calendar functions) or with a wireless headset so you can listen to your game or talk with friends without wires.
•
E-mail: SMTP, IMAP4, POP3, MIME2 so you'll be able to pick up your Internet mail as long as you don't mind paying.
•
Loudspeaker - don't expect much here. If you've ever listened to the radio through your cell phone then you'll know what to expect. The sound is better with a good headset.
•
External Memory Card supported
•
Slave USB 1.1. port - Connect it to your computer if you can't use the Bluetooth technology also offered.
•
Stereo line-in - Another way to copy music to your N-gage
•
Polyphonic ring tones-One of those feature I'm ho-hum about but my teen loves. It just means that the when your phone rings you're going to wow all those around you because instead of the bland ring tones of old, this one has many notes played together so it's more musical. I find them annoying and hard to hear at times.
•
MP3, AAC, Midi, WAV ringing tones
•
Mono ringtone composer--a simple composer using the keypad to select the "notes". Playback and save those that are just right so you can have a one-of-a-kind ring.
•
Photo phonebook- but no camera. You'll have to e-mail the photos first.
•
Voice Features - voice dialing (needs some work) and memory for up to 20 names and numbers with voice dialing (say the name of the person and it automatically dials it for you because you've preprogrammed it). Very easy to program it but you have to say it exactly as you did when you recorded it for it to be recognized. One of those features that sound great but aren't wonderful yet.
•
DETAILS:
GSM Unlocked*
Weight: (without game cartridge) 4.83 oz.
Height: 2.74" Width: 5.26" Depth: .80"
Display size: 176 x 208 pixels
Talk time: Up to 2-4 hrs
Standby time: Up to 150-200 hrs
High-Speed Data
- HSCSD up to 43.2 kilobits
- GPRS up to 40.2 kilobits (Class B, 3 1, 2 2)
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
To use the Audio Manager features you'll need a PC with Windows 98, Windows ME, or Windows 2000 Professional, Windows XP, USB port. This software will allow you to create AAC music files from a CD and a play list you can load onto your N-Gage.
Package Includes:
•
Battery (BL-5C)
•
Home Charger (ACP-8U)
•
Stereo Headset (HDD-2)
•
Audio Cable (ADE-2)
•
Adapter Cable (ADA-2)
•
Connective Cable (DKE-2)
•
CD with software and guides
•
User guide (English)
WARRANTY
1 year
*Unlocked GSM Phones will only work on a GSM Platform. What this means that your Wireless Service Provider has to be a GSM service provider--T-Mobile, Cingular , and AT&T which should have compatible service. Before buying, I'd check with my cell company.
***UPDATE*** 11/18/03 Shhhhh........ don't tell my son, but I bought him a T-mobile Sidekick. Right now on Amazon.com the phone is $49.99 after $50 T-Mobile Rebate and $200 Amazon Rebate (I called T-Mobile directly and they only offered the $50 rebate--I shopped all the dealers I felt comfortable with and went with Amazon). Service is $29.99 a month for unlimited AOL Instant Messaging, Web Surfing, and Text Messaging. Telephone calls (which he never uses except for emergencies--there are plans that include minutes-$39 I think, but he wouldn't use them) is 20cent a minute. My biggest concern is the coverage area--I have AT&T and my husband has Verizon and neither phone works at home. A big drawback for my son since home & school are just miles apart and the only place he'll use them. T-Mobile has a 14-day return period--if you don't have service you can return it. I'll be trying it out as soon as it arrives and will write a review on it.
