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Nokia 6820 Wireless Messaging Handset Reviewed

Brainsur writes "The Nokia 6820 is an ergonomically pleasing handheld device that integrates short text, multimedia and instant messaging capabilities with all of the features and functions that one normally would expect to find in a dedicated GSM/GPRS cellular phone."

34 of 173 comments (clear)

  1. Yes, but by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    Can it make phone calls?

  2. WTF? by powerline22 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Sounds kinda like someone paid Slashdot to put this on. Looks too much like a press release for my taste

    1. Re:WTF? by Erwos · · Score: 5, Interesting

      "Looks too much like a press release for my taste"

      That because it's probably taken straight from the media kit for the product.

      I'm doing tech support in a teaching theater for a PR class this summer. They barely ever require my help, so I sometimes listen in on what's going on.

      One of the most fascinating things they talked about was how important "ready-made" materials that could be presented as a "story" were. Basically, reporters are generally lazy. If you send them stuff they can mostly cut and paste that's informative and doesn't look _exactly_ like an ad, they'll use it almost verbatim.

      To be honest, I almost got the impression that the "reviewer" had not used the product at all.

      -Erwos

      --
      Plausible conjecture should not be misrepresented as proof positive.
    2. Re:WTF? by Westech · · Score: 5, Insightful

      If I pay for a /. subscription will I still see stories like these?

    3. Re:WTF? by Master+of+Transhuman · · Score: 3, Funny

      If you're dumb enough to pay for a /. subscription, you SHOULD see stories like this.

      --
      Richard Steven Hack - This sig is TOO GODDAMN SHORT TO DO ANYTHING USEFUL WITH! MORONS!
  3. EDGE by Lispy · · Score: 2, Informative

    Pleae note that the EDGE protocol has to be supported by the phone-providers. At least in Germany this is not a reality yet.

  4. I have one... by cballowe · · Score: 5, Informative

    I like it... You can even get a slow but useable SSH client that runs on it from www.idokorro.com. The electrical connections between the keyboard portion that flips seem to be a little flimsy, and sometimes certain keys don't have the expected behavior. Other than that, it's a nice unit. I definitely like the fact that it has a normal phone form factor, unlike my previous phone... the Nokia 3300 mp3 phone.

    1. Re:I have one... by Elwood+P+Dowd · · Score: 4, Funny

      I definitely like the fact that it has a normal phone form factor, unlike my previous phone... the Nokia 3300 mp3 phone.

      Damn... thanks for subsidizing Nokia's R&D for the rest of us.

      --

      There are no trails. There are no trees out here.
  5. Phone Quality by Icarus1919 · · Score: 5, Insightful

    When are phone companies going to actually ask the public what they need and use their phones for? There are gadgets out there that already do what these features, and do them better than the cell phones could ever hope to achieve at a reasonable price.

    What the public wants now is quality, better reception, and higher reliability.

    1. Re:Phone Quality by nkh · · Score: 2, Insightful

      The public needs to read books, stop watching TV and practice sports. Companies tell the public what it needs: more expensive phones (and more TV watching all day long).

    2. Re:Phone Quality by Koyaanisqatsi · · Score: 2, Insightful

      What the public wants now is quality, better reception, and higher reliability

      And who provides that are carriers, not phone manufacturers like Nokia ...

      But I understand your point.

    3. Re:Phone Quality by NanoGator · · Score: 2, Funny

      "There are gadgets out there that already do what these features, and do them better than the cell phones could ever hope to achieve at a reasonable price."

      At only 4x the pocket space!

      --
      "Derp de derp."
    4. Re:Phone Quality by Anonvmous+Coward · · Score: 4, Insightful

      "What the public wants now is quality, better reception, and higher reliability."

      Quality? Nope, the quality is 'good enough'. That's not because consumers are stupid, it's because a phone isn't worth $600 just because it can last 20 years.

      Better reception? The phone manufacturers have little to do with that. More towers need to be placed.

      Reliability? I'll give you partial credit for that. Better battery life is okay. There's a point of diminishing returns, though. People actually do want cameras on their phones. People actually do want to play games on their phone. People actually do want MP3 ringtones on their phones. People actually want their phones to be cool, not just functional. Don't believe me? Go sit down at a Cingular store for half an hour. Reliability is a distant 3rd compared to "What am I getting with my $200 purchase?"

      It's really cool to complain about cell phones lately. For some reason, though, nobody seems to understand that people actually have to buy these phones to make them popular. Otherwise, the units without the nifty features at much cheaper prices would be far more popular. They're not. Why? Because a cellular phone has become an entertainment device as well as a communications device. Who cares if the games aren't Game Boy quality? Who carries their Game Boy around 24/7? Who cares if the digital camera is only 640 by 480? Who carries their $500 camera around 24/7? Who cares if the appointment book is a bit difficult to enter new memos into? Who carries their $500 PDA around 24/7? Who carries ALL this stuff 24/7?

      I can't believe that the self proclaimed 'nerds' don't understand the value. It's like we're all minimalists all the sudden. Funny what earning karma can turn ppl into.

    5. Re:Phone Quality by 10Ghz · · Score: 2, Insightful

      There are lots and lots of phones that offer just the basics when it comes to features. If you don't want all these features, then go ahead and buy something like Nokia 1100 (I bought my non-technological mother that one. Really solid construction, works very well, good reception and it cheap as well!)

      Me? I have a Nokia 6600 with just about all the imaginable features. And I do use those features (yes, that includes the web-browser!).

      Seriously: It's pointless to whine "But I just want to make phone-calls! I don't need all these features!". In that case: just buy a basic phone! There are lots of those available! just because there are phones that are packed with features, does not mean that you are forced to buy one.

      --
      Lesbian Nazi Hookers Abducted by UFOs and Forced Into Weight Loss Programs - -all next week on Town Talk.
  6. What the? by LilMikey · · Score: 5, Insightful

    So SlashDot is now turfing for cell phone reviewers? There's nothing especially exciting or geeky about this device. They've been making the flip-open messaging handsets for a while now. Hell, even the reviewer in underwhelmed (3.75/5). It's not exceptional in any way.

    The title of this article should read "Nokia comes out with new version of same old crap... like they do a dozen times every year."

    --
    LilMikey.com... I'll stop doing it when you sto
  7. Re:Yeah but cheap quality by jolyonr · · Score: 3, Funny

    Hah! That'll teach you for using a non-nokia battery!

    --


    Please read my Canon EOS tech blog at http://www.everyothershot.com
  8. Re:IMO by sysopd · · Score: 2, Funny
    [...] eating their chessburgers [...]

    Is that anything like a checkerstaco?

    "I'd like a connectfoursalad with a side of strategofries please."

    "Would you like any chutesandladders sauce?"

    "No thanks, I always keep some hiddenvalleyaxisandalliesranch on me to dip them in."

  9. A quick question by ElForesto · · Score: 3, Informative

    Who has two thumbs and thinks this phone is a waste of money? This guy.

    I don't particularly care for Nokia phones, and even my Sony Ericsson T226 is overkill for what I need. I can understand integrating your address book into your phone, but the rest of this stuff is a waste of circutry. I'd rather they spend the manufacturing dollars on a phone with clearer signals and better durability. I'd pay good money for something like that.

    --
    There is a difference between "insightful" and "inciteful" other than spelling.
    1. Re:A quick question by gl4ss · · Score: 2, Insightful

      * I'd rather they spend the manufacturing dollars on a phone with clearer signals and better durability. I'd pay good money for something like that.*

      would you? would you really pay more to get less?

      then do so and buy some of the high-end business models they like to put out as well with reduced functionality and added impression of being rugged(8xxx)

      anyways.. most of the people that complain how they would just like to have clearer signal seem to come from the same areas.. particulary areas where a better phone even couldn't cover up for the SHITTY NETWORK. I honestly can't see any difference in different manufacturers receptions around here unless I go underground(in a cave) and even then they all just drop dead.

      anyways, these flip-out a full alphabet pad phones from nokia have a very solid feel into them.

      urgh.. well.. back to porting infones to s60!

      --
      world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
  10. I used the lesser model by gexen · · Score: 2, Informative

    I believe the same problem is in this one if I remember correctly. The power button is actually located at the top of the FRONT FACE of the phone. Thus, if you hold it up to your ear with your shoulder, you turn the phone off. After turning off the phone 5 times in a month while I was talking, I went out and got a Motorola v600 series. It's the best phone I've ever had.

  11. Credibility by Cranx · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Slashdot's credibility as a place of discussion is going to sink fast if they continue attempt to pass off advertisements as real topics worthy of discussion.

    Strike one, Slashdot.

  12. My Best Phone Ever by TheScream · · Score: 5, Informative
    I've had a 6820 for about 4 months now and I can honestly say that it has reduced my phone bill as far as calls are concerned. The downside that my costs for messaging and data have skyrocketed because I'm sending heaps of text messages and spending heaps of time on IRC using WLirc. It certainly has the geek factor to be on the bus or train using IRC.

    As far as email goes, I havn't tried it because it seems that the IMAP4 client for the phone is broken. I'm still able to check my mail via IMAP4 on my Pocket PC when connected via the phone using Bluetooth.

    The keyboard is excellent for it's size but I fear about getting RSI in my thumbs. :)

    I certainly get a lot of looks when I whip it out and fold the keyboard open. It is highly common to get the "what on earth is that?!?" comment from some... ahhh back to the days when I had my first US Robotics Pilot 5000 and the continual praise heaped upon one for having such a unique device.

    I find that I'm almost never using my Pocket PC anymore because I can download all my calendar, contacts, etc into this one.

    I don't believe the US version has the Blackberry client but the Australian version sure does. I'm hesitent to get it activated because of the AU$50 (US$35) per month fee that Telstra charge.

    This is a massive leap ahead over the 6800 and when Nokia inevitably release a followup to this one I'm not hesitating in getting it.

    Things I'd love to see in the next iteration of this phone:
    • Series 60 OS (and the associated higher resolution screen)
    • 1.3 Megapixel or higher camera
    • Expandable memory
    • Better quality screen
    • Faster UI

    The low points of this phone are:
    • Very average screen
    • Poor quality camera
    • UI could be faster
    • Joystick could be better
    • No MP3 ringtone support
    • Not much memory (3.5MB)
  13. Aw... by gardyloo · · Score: 2, Funny

    Anyone else disappointed when they read that as " Massaging Handset Reviewed" ?

  14. El Reg got here ages ago by SpooForBrains · · Score: 5, Informative

    OK, what the hell?? The Register reviewed this phone THREE MONTHS AGO and that was an actual review. You can read it here.

    So why is this being posted now? Hmm?

    --
    "The dew has clearly fallen with a particularly sickening thud this morning"
    1. Re:El Reg got here ages ago by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Insightful
      The Register reviewed this phone THREE MONTHS AGO and that was an actual review.
      So why is this being posted now? Hmm?

      Because /. editors are crap these days. Probably several reviews were submitted as stories several months ago, and got rejected. Finally an old press release gets submitted as a story, and gets accepted. This is nothing unusual in today's Slashdot. We need some competition - a site more or less like /. but with competent editors.

    2. Re:El Reg got here ages ago by ozbon · · Score: 4, Interesting

      I'm guessing that'd be because the Reg reviewed the phone when it was released in the UK, but that Nokia has only just released it in the US.

      Of course, I may be wrong, but the answer makes sense... In many ways cell-phones are more advanced in Europe than in the US, primarily because GSM is common in Europe, and still only really coming in in the US. Hence the "need" for tri-band (and now Quad-band) phones so they work world-wide.

      --
      I say we take off and nuke it from orbit. It's the only way to be sure...
  15. Looks like another ripoff of Bell's telephone by IGTeRR0r · · Score: 3, Funny

    http://sln.fi.edu/franklin/inventor/bell.html Looks like another cheap imitation of Bell's telephone, and I don't see Nokia giving props to the man who started it: "Bell's "electrical speech machine" paved the way for the Information Superhighway" Just giving the man the respect he deserves.

  16. Link to the manufacturer by Koyaanisqatsi · · Score: 2, Informative

    was it too much to ask that this was included?

    http://www.nokiausa.com/phones/6820

  17. Used to have one by hkb · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Used to have one, awesome phone, but wasn't Symbian OS, didn't (and probably never will) work with ISync, sold it, bought a 3620, haven't looked back. The 6820's thumb keyboard was awesome for composing emails and instant messaging, however. Even had an SSH client on it.

    --
    /* Moderating all non-anonymous trolls up since 2004 */
  18. Pushing something up by Neo's+Nemesis · · Score: 2, Interesting

    WTF is wrong with slashdot? Posting a cheap review of a mediocre phone on front page is foolish. Or does it have some hidden handshake with certain *uhmm* manufacturers.

    The phone obviously reeks of average functionality, with a not-so-good camera, same ice-cream bar design, average features, etc. They haven't talked about its voice clarity, signal catching strength, enhancement software with camera, durability, software, and many other things. Am I supposed to read directly from the company's press release text?

    This is insanity!

  19. Bluetooth, Keyboard, Camera by your_mother_sews_soc · · Score: 3, Informative

    I bought one just last month and switched providors to do so. I bought it primarily for the Bluetooth capability - I'm on a kick lately, as I bought a Palm Tungsten T3 and a Navman Bluetooth GPS module to go with my PowerBook.

    Like all Nokia phones, the battery is incredible. The keys are a little small for an old phart like me, but they are very useable. The clamshell QWERTY keyboard is also a little hard to use, but easier than ditsing around with the keys when trying to type more meaningful memos. I used it to the max for the first month sending text messages and it was better than my whining makes it out to be.

    In addition to the phone, I bought a Motorola Bluetooth headset. It is by far the best complement to the phone! The two make an unbeatable pair. Oh yeah, the phone has a camera and the one time it screwed up was when I took a booty shot of my wife. Um, this is slashdot, right? Scratch that. The video mode is cool. Anyway, the 6820 is a solid phone and I hope to get a few years of service out of it.

    --
    My user name was a mistake. Input wasn't restricted, my bad.
  20. Re:Yeah but cheap quality by Doppler00 · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Maybe Nokia has just realized that people are going to buy a new phone every 2 years anyway, so why make them to last longer? (joking...)

  21. A very handy phone by galtenberg · · Score: 4, Informative

    I bought the 6820 about four months ago, and love it more than any other electronic gadget I own, even over my Sharp Zaurus.

    What stands out is how natural the keyboard is. The device is weighted perfectly. You can also type quite fast, as the two halves of the keyboard are roughly a hand-length apart. Handtop makers and PDA designers should take particular notice in how much more natural this design is than a thumb keyboard exposed on the bottom of a device. This really is the future, I believe in the design that strongly.

    An especially handy feature is that as soon as you start typing, the phone goes into "Note" mode - just type the first letter of a sentence, and you're inputting into a notepad-like application. No frills, but you can save and edit easily, then email or SMS the text.

    There's also a cool keyboard-light button at the top left, to illuminate the whole device for typing in low light. I can't tell you how stylish the thing looks with light streaming out from each key on the pad.

    There's also a customizable "GoTo" button on the phone face, so you can instantly utilize the voice recorder, alarm clock, timer, calculator, your inbox, and the other dozen+ applications.

    The camera is about one-half or even one-third megapixel, I'd say - still looks fine (tho small) when emailed. There's a built in mini-Outlook, with audio reminders and all, which is now 100% usable thanks to the keyboard. Literally, there's no need for a PDA if calendar, contacts, and notes are your primary apps.

    It's one of the rare devices that earns a 5 out of 5 rating. No astroturfing here, this thing has earned my love.

  22. QWERTY Keyboard Layout is Just Fine by PhillC · · Score: 2, Informative
    "Moreover, the layout of the keys deviates from the usual Qwerty configuration in several respects. For example, Nokia has elected to switch the positions of the "@" symbol and the double-quote keys from their usual Qwerty assignments."

    Actually the locations of the @ and double-quote symbols are in exactly the same place as on all my regular desktop/laptop keyboards. The double-quote is above the number 2 (shift-2 to access) and the @ symbol above the single quote near the enter key (shift-' to access).

    I think what the author of the review doesn't realise is that UK and US QWERTY keyboards have slightly different layouts. The switch of @ and double-quote being one of the differences. There's also, for example, a £ symbol above the number 3 (shift-3 to access) which is extremely useful when dealing with Pounds Sterling.

    So as far as I can see Nokia hasn't elected switched anything. They've just produced a QWERTY keyboard based on the UK model.

    I've had a 6820 for about 4 or 5 months now. It's an OK phone. I find that I can type SMS messages quicker using the fold out keyboard than even with predictive texting on and using the number pad. The camera is a bit crap and I rarely use it. As for other messaging capabilities, frankly I may not be a big enough geek because not enough of my friends have compatible devices that I can send to.

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