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The phone I have been using for about six months now is the Nokia 3310. The 3310 is one of the most common Nokia models at the moment, targeted mainly at young users who want a smart, funky phone that's got plenty of gimmicks. For me, the 8210 was simply too small - I have quite large hands, and was unable to get used to the tiny dimensions of the handset. The Handset
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The phone sits perfectly in my hand, and is just the right size. The handset is obviously heavier than the 8210, but lighter than it's predecessor, the 3210, and has a snug, smooth, contoured feel in the palm of your hand. When I first received the phone, I found that the back of the case was quite difficult to remove, and in the end I had to resort to brute force and ignorance even though I followed the instructions in the accompanying booklet. The number keys are a good size, and the display screen is clear and uncluttered. One thing I really don't like about the handset is the on/off button, which is a long grey button situated on top of the phone. Firstly, only half of the button actually depresses and turns the phone on and off. Secondly, the leather case for the phone completely covers up the button, which means you have to open the case every time you want to turn the phone on and off.
Additionally, when I am using the telephone I have found it very difficult to get used to using the up and down keys for adjusting the volume. The buttons are found beneath the screen, on the front of the phone, which means that they are pressed against your cheek whilst you are making a call. I therefore tend to find that when I am on a call I have to quickly look down at the phone and press the buttons up or down. The 8210 had this function on the side of the handset, which meant it was much easier to adjust the volume during a call. Locking the handset is enabled in the same manner as other Nokia phones through the menu button and star button. The handset is very durable, even without it's leather case. I have dropped/hurled the phone a number of times, without causing damage. The fashion conscious mobile phone user can purchase press-on covers for the phone, but there is no tailored hands-free kit or in-car charger - the 3210 and 6210 versions can be used instead.
Making a Call
========== As with all Nokia phones, the display screen indicates the strength of signal, as well as the battery power remaining. The Phone Book is the first option in the on-screen menu which means that locating a stored number is very simple. Additionally, each of the keys 1 to 9 can be set up as a speed dial number, which means that making a call is always very simple. I have yet to get used to the Call Waiting function, which notifies you if another caller is trying to call you whilst you are on the phone - I tend to have to refer to the menu options on the screen to work out how to switch between calls.
The up and down arrows also enable you to quickly refer to the last 20 numbers that you dialled, and make a repeat call if necessary.
The Phone Book
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The 3310's phone book offers a number of useful features. As well as storing names and numbers, you can assign an individual ring tone to each member of the guest book. This is a particularly useful feature for me, because if I leave my phone in a different room of the house I can tell who is calling (and whether I want to get off my arse to go and answer it!). You can also tailor how the names and numbers appear on the screen (i.e. Name list, Name then number, large font). Assigning speed dials to each of the number buttons is also managed via the phone book. The most radical feature of the phone book however is the voice tag function. By recording a voice tag, you can then associate the voice tag with one of the numbers in your phone book. If you are in a hurry, or make loads of calls to one person then this can be a useful feature. To make a call using a voice tag, you simply hold down the menu key, repeat the tag after the tone (e.g. Sexy Pants) and then the phone will search for that voice tag - once found the phone will then dial up the number for you. I have a couple of voice tags saved - and the system does work, but it's probably too gimmicky for 99% of users.
Messages
======= Text messages have become a particularly popular pastime for the bored youth of today - I must confess that I often sit on the train if I'm bored and send my friends text messages because it's a bit more subtle than shouting into the handset. The 3310 handset offers a considerable range of messaging features - voice and text.
I find typing text messages a relatively clumsy thing to do, but I definitely find the 3310 the easiest of all the handsets I've tried. Initially, I thought the thing was crap because it kept using predictive text messaging - i.e. when you key in one or two letters it tries to predict the word you want to type. I then found I could turn this off in the options menu (d'oh!) and was ok from there onwards. You have up to 459 characters to each message (which is quite a lot), but you also have the option to send picture messages (pointless unless the receiver has a compatible phone). It's also worth bearing in mind that a picture message actually comprises several text messages - so it might cost more than a standard text message to send. When the phone receives a text message you will automatically be prompted to read it - if you don't erase it, you may then come back and access it from the Message menu. I find text messages particularly useful if I am in transit and I need a phone number or a figure but don't have a pen to hand - once on the phone, you can come back and look at them when it suits you. Another practical feature is the function for using Templates - stored messages such as "Phone Me" - that you can save time by using.
The 3310 also contains a rather pointless Chat function, which is essentially an exchange of text messages between two people (and is charged accordingly). The only reason it is referred to as chat is because you give yourself a nick name, and the replies are all shown on the screen (as per a chat room) - a feature that I seldom use. Ring Tones
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Where would a review of a modern mobile phone be without a discussion about the handset's ring tones? The 3310 has about 40 ring tones (including space for five of your own) - most of them are quite standard to the Nokia range and probably very familiar to anyone who regularly uses a train. You can also compose your own (if you're really bored) and adjust the volume (which obviously goes unknown to all the people who sit near me on the train). Other customisable features include changing the message alert tone that notifies you of a text message, adjusting volume and activating key pad tones and choosing the tone that you want to hear if your battery is about to die. It's also worth noting that the phone can be adjusted to vibrate when you receive a text message or call.
Other Features
========== There are four different games to play (none of them terribly interesting, but then I din't buy the phone to play games on).
The phone can also be used as a calculator - this has been enhanced to enable a simple currency conversion although I have always found this feature rather cumbersome.
Reminders - this is a simple system whereby you can programme the phone to save short text notes to remind you of key dates and times. I have never used this function as my phone is often switched off - I tend to use other means of time management! The phone can also be used as an alarm clock, which is a feature that I often use, either at home or when I am away. The alarm rings at the same volume as your ring tone, so you can set it to be less distressing than a conventional alarm clock - you also have the added benefits of the snooze function.
I am generally very happy with this phone - I'm not swayed by gimmicks and gizmos on mobile phones and require a phone that does the basics competently, which the 3310 certainly does. The battery gives a good 24 hours stand-by time - but I have had to replace my battery once in the last six months. I cannot really fault this phone for value for money, and range of features - my only criticism would probably be that everybody seems to have one!!
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