Nokia E71 - it is more than a work on the previous E61i QWERTY-smartphone’s mistakes. The device combines in itself the functionality of a business assistant and a much more attractive appearance in comparison with the predecessors.
Originally, the idea of ruler E (in particular, smartphones with full QWERTY keyboard) was intended exclusively to business-users: a maximum of features for work, Wi-Fi, lack of digital camera and other multimedia features. Actually, the implementation of these conditions can be seen only in the first model - Е61. In the following reincarnations of the E- models, practically all the multimedia opportunities have been returned to the consumer.
The market of the QWERTY keyboard phones is not characterized by dynamism, its target audience is narrow, and the announcements of similar devices are infrequent outside America – the main lands of BlackBerry-devices. In this light, it becomes especially important to update the E segment.
After the Е71 release - the newest model in the QWERTY devices series - a serious blank between the devices indexes was formed (after consecutive release of Е61 and Е61i). However, the indexes difference evidently shows significant distinctions in functional saturation and positioning.
The Design
Especially the design (before the E71 occurrence) was a weak spot in the Nokia QWERTY-smartphones. Otherwise than "shovels", "scoops" and other attributes of the sandbox they could not be named. As a result, the future owners was buying such models exclusively because of their functionality, closing the eyes towards the design.
In the case of Е71, a significant step forward is observed. The smartphone became much more attractive externally, so, it got rid of the repellent factor.
The device’s dimensions can be compared with those of the usual phones, except maybe the width. However, it does not cause inconveniences when carrying the phone, besides, it is compensated by the phone’s thickness (10 mm). Next to Е61i, the novelty looks more compact and accurate.
The smartphone has got softer, rounded forms, which visually are doing it smaller. The use of metal and chromeplated plastic, certainly, adds points for Е71 in the "status" line. Unfortunately, on metal (of which the back and the front covers are made) remains the fingerprints of the user.
The assembly of the phone leaves pleasant impressions, there is a sensation of reliability.
Perhaps, the single element mismatching with the straight design, is the power button having an unexpected red color. The key looks out of the place.
Next to it, on the top edge, it’s settled the external speaker. It sounds loudly enough and not less qualitative because of that. On the right side, above the double volume control key, there is a 2,5-millimetric output socket for the headset, on the left – the covered microSD slot.
The package content
Besides the standard kilos of user guides and the charger (which became even smaller), there are also offered some really useful accessories. The first, it is a dense and thin pouch. It fits the smartphone and is intended to protect the device, it is carried in the same pocket.
The second, it is a wired stereo headset Nokia HS-47, with which are delivered the last novelties of the Finnish company. The tablets provide a sufficient stock of loudness and for certain, it will satisfy the majority of owners.
The Keyboard
Without any exaggeration, the keyboard block is one of the main criteria when choosing a Е71. Who needs a QWERTY-smartphone with an inconvenient keyboard?
As a result of the miniaturization (including the width reduction by 12 mm compared with Е61), the keys arrangement became more dense. From a point of view, it allows to use comfortably the keyboard, having involved only one hand. On the other hand, it has naturally affected the "double handed" typing: people with large fingers will not be able to avoid false pressing.
The keys are made from rubber-plastic, each of them has the form of a "small pillow". The Russian and English symbols are written with different colors, it considerably facilitates the search of the necessary letter. Also it is convenient, that in the bottom row there were separate buttons for punctuation marks and some other symbols ("." ",", ":", ";", "/"). It is necessary to note that the migration from an E61/E61i to the new keyboard does not require any accommodation.
The free space reduction is also reflected on the navigation block. Four PIM-keys (menu/desktop, calendar, contacts, e-mail) "are edged" by the standard buttons of reception/rejection and two soft keys. As a result the finger again gets by the navigation key, fact that can strongly irritate. At the topic, the user can change buttons purpose at will.
The keys are highlighted by white light-emitting diodes. This is the optimum choice which does not merge the keys signs and does not blind in darkness. From the menu it is possible to choose the “breath” effect when the light-emitting diode "breathes" under the navigation keys. The function is interesting from both points of view, decorative and practical: when the display is in stand-by mode, the "breath" confirms the active condition of the smartphone.
The Display
Even of the non-standardly wide case, the display has kept the 3:4 parity of the parties, however, it has changed its orientation to horizontal. The screen has a smaller physical size, than at Е61, but the same QVGA-resolution.
Accordingly, the quality of the image is at an excellent level, grain is indiscernible. But this is the same old QVGA resolution - apparently, the day when Nokia will let behind the 320x240 resolution, will be outstanding.
For a better safety, the display is protected from external damages by glass. It does not in any way affect the brightness or the colour performance.
The Hardware
In Е71 is installed one of the most powerful processors used in Symbian-devices, the ARM 11 processor with a 369 MHz frequency. The volume of operative memory is equal to 128 MB, which is 2 times more than in the previous generations of Nokia smartphones.
It gives excellent result in productivity: the model allows you to work in parallel with several "difficult" applications. Using, for example, the built in browser, it is possible, without even thinking, to open some more tabs.
The Desktop
The smartphone is operated by the Symbian v9.2 FP 3.1 OS. It means that inside, it is identical to one more novelty of the company – the Е66 slider (the models have been announced together).
The desktop is remarkable through its Modes feature. The utility allows the user to create two custom variants of the desktop. In each mode it is possible to establish an individual theme, to choose special Active Standby elements, shortcuts, etc. In a general view, the program is presented as an opportunity of switching between "work" and "leisure".
The Utilities
It is not worthy to analyze the common features of the Symbian OS, therefore we shall pay attention to the specific features of Е71.
First of all we can mention the PIM-functions – the class position requires that. The contacts’ search, for example, can be made directly from the desktop. It is enough to start typing some letters (not even numbers), and through a special master will be offered on a choice suitable named contacts.
Directly in the same application through an emerging contextual menu it is possible to choose the way of communication with the subscriber. It is necessary to recognize, that Nokia has improved a lot such usual applications as contacts and calendar, they have become much more attractive externally and more conveniently in management.
Due to the horizontally placed display, the calendar is divided into 2 areas: on the left we have the grid of dates, and on the right – the tasks for the chosen. Besides that, there is possible to view only the week, the day and the list of active tasks.
A special attention in the smartphone is paid to the e-mail client - developers for certain count, that it will be used actively. The setting process simplified to the minimum: it is enough to enter the address and the password, all the additional information is gathered by the master automatically.
In general, studying the E71 opportunities, it is hard to not pay attention to the more and more close integration of the mobile devices with the Internet. More and more preinstalled applications suggest to be connected to the www for a wider list of opportunities.
Nokia continues to conquer the Internet-space with its own efforts, and it has already what to offer. The "Download!" item of the menu continues to be filled, there is available the option to load photos on the Ovi portal.
The list of applications consists of various programs installers. The company has decided to leave the choice behind the owner. Interested persons can find the international guide (on hotels, currencies, weather, etc. - Internet connection is again necessary), the sports trainer and a set of solitaire games.
If entertaining applications are a question of taste, than the office programs are already completely installed and ready to work. It is especially convenient, that in the preinstalled Quick Office package, without any requirements to buy or update the program, it is available the editing mode. It does the keyboard even more useful: both options are available, to edit the text and to create your own from zero.
One more important application - Nokia Maps. It is possible to receive the coordinates of your location from the built in GPS-receiver supporting the base stations (A-GPS mode). The maps can be browsed in 2D and 3D modes, with landscape and without it. There is also available search on points of interest (hotels, bars, shops) which is carried out through the Internet, therefore, the database is interactive.
The Communications
The communications possibilities are present in full set: infra-red port, both Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi. The search of hot-spots occurs mainly in the background mode, it is enough to activate the WLAN with one pressing from the desktop.
The software developers have calculated that the users will involve often enough the wireless network. As connection is always offered Wi-Fi, as an alternative option. The conversation is also possible through Wi-Fi and connection to the working network (intranet).
The Bluetooth works just fine: the speed is high, hostility to other manufacturers devices it was not observed. It’s worth mentioning that A2DP profile is supported.
The Digital Camera, Photo Album and Multimedia Player
The built in photomodule cannot brag with the Carl Zeiss brand. Nevertheless, the digital camera promises 3,2 megapixels with auto focus. In what concerning the work of the last mentioned there are some lacks: when prompted directly to take a picture, the camera does not focuse, it is necessary to press separately a key on the keyboard. Probably, it is made that the employees could not copy properly the confidential papers.
Because of the lack of an allocated digital camera key for shooting, there are problems when managing the camera’s settings. It is necessary to wait, while the auxiliary panel will disappear, so that by pressing "ОК" again, not to get again in the settings menu.
The pictures’ quality is at a worthy level, the colour rendition is natural. Unfortunately, when zooming in, it is possible to see a fair quantity of noise. On short distances, the flash illuminates the object a little and even so, it does not give additional sharpness.
When recording video, it seems that the video slows down a little. However, when viewing the ready roller, it is not so visible. But it is very comfortable to play video and photo on the large-format display, the image takes all screen.
The musical player is standard as for smartphones, its functionality is not limited by the business-orientation of the model. Albums covers are supported, however the visualization is not accessible.
The Battery Life
The impressive capacity of the BP-4L battery, 1500 mAh, has provided about 2 days of autonomous work for Е71. All this time the device was in work: on it typed, played, listened to music, browsed the network. It is necessary to warn from the start that at constantly active GPS and WLAN, the time of independent work considerably will decrease.
The Final Words
Nokia Е71 is already impossible to name a “niche” device. The model applies for popularity among a wider audience in comparison with Е61 or Е61i.
Judge for yourself: an excellent functional set (including multimedia), a more attractive design (the white variant for certain is pleasant to youth), QWERTY keyboard. The smartphone will be interesting not only for business-users, but also for inveterate chatters, to SMS-maniacs and victims of the social networks.
The current cost of Е71 can be carried to the lacks of the model. However, eventually the price will fall, and then it will be possible to expect a genuine interest for the device.
On the background of the enough disputable design shifts of the N-series, which is absolutely not on taste of all the consumers, the E-series of Nokia remains rather pleasant for buyers - both design, and functionality.
Source: GSMpress ®
