Nokia 6340i ...Makes It All Clear Again
Written: Dec 19 '02 (Updated Dec 21 '02)
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Pros: Sleek, feature-rich, exceptional reception, Voice Commands
Cons: Monochrome display, weak backlighting,
The Bottom Line: The Nokia 6340i is a feature rich, 2 band phone offering the user great reception and current technology. With a color display this phone would be unbelievable.
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| lllopez's Full Review: Nokia 6340i |
I will preface my review by explaining the one difference between the Nokia 6340 and 6340i, which is the enhanced version of the 6340. Simply stated, the 6340i has the capability to operate at 850 MHZ GSM; all the technology aside from that is completely the same, and the phones operate and are featured identically. I will explain what impact GSM has on phone operation in the review.
P H Y S I C A L
Looking at the Nokia 6340i is very much like looking at a slender more technologically contemporary Model 5165 with a couple of exceptions. The “Power Key” (on/off button), as Nokia refers to it in the 174-page manual, is located topside on the top left corner of the unit. Perhaps some users will find the new location more convenient, especially if you like wearing your phone on you belt clip. I suspect many users will have an issue with the new “power key” as it is ever so recessed and has no well countersunk around it to make fidgeting in the dark, to turn your phone on, easy. Those with less than petite fingers will find themselves using their nails to coax the 6340i on. It is attractive though; I’ll give them that much. Powering up and off requires you engage the “power key” for at least 2 seconds.
Next to the Power Key on the right is an Infrared window. Infrared technology in cell phones is a fascinating technology. With it, you now have the capability to communicate with a host of other devices including, other phones, pc’s and handheld devices like a Palm. Of course the target device has to be compatible. The 6340i can be used as a wireless modem when connected to computers and Palm or other handheld devices.
A Handy feature on the 6340i is the Volume Control, located on the units left outer side. Comprised of a hard rocker switch, this function is accompanied by audible and visual confirmation of your changes via a beep and 10 graduated bars on the 1 ¼” x 1 ½ “ backlit screen.
The Scroll Button is placed dead center below the display, flanked on the left side by a call engaging Talk Key on the left and an End Key on the right. Unlike the 5165, calls are quickly engaged and disengaged with one touch of the appropriate control. The End Key also returns the display to the Home Screen. Selection Keys are located just above the scroll key on bottom side of the display.
The Keypad is backlit in green and will be considered dim for some users. The numbers appear smaller than those on the 5165 though they engage easily, without err.
The Display on the Nokia phones could, in my estimation, all be much better than they are. With the onset on color technology, smaller displays do not have to be difficult to read with added contrasting color text. The green or in some cases blue screens with opposing black text can be troublesome to see in less than ideal lighting. Nokia is currently introducing some really interesting color display phones. To Nokias credit the text is larger than on most phones as is the screen. Signal Strength and Battery Charge Levels are displayed on the screen with scrolling bars on the left and right sides respectively.
To the bottom, we find on the left side a Charger with the microphone in the middle and Headset, TTY Data cable (HAD-8) cable connector to communicate with PC, and handheld devices.
The rear of the 6340 houses both the BLB-3 battery, which comes with an ACP 7U charger, as well as a connection for an external antenna. Charging the Nokia takes approximately 4 hours. In the Battery well there is a slot for a SIM card useful for storing telephone numbers and transferring them via Infrared or PC transmission.
My overall impressions of the phones ergonomics is favorable and like all smaller phones will be uncomfortable for some users; a situation that will only continue as long as the consumer keeps demanding more compact cell technology.
F E A T U R E S
The Nokia 6340i has plenty of features to keep the child in us at play for many months to come. In order to manage the plethora of features the 6340i offers you need to become familiar with the rather elaborate menu and it’s various options. Granted, menu surfing is perhaps the most tedious of tasks and would be best served by voice commands, but the 6340 manages the old fashioned way…scrolling. Short Cut to menu items help the endless scrolling associated with lengthy menus. Below you will get a sense of how elaborate the menu system is and how repetitive the options are for a number of the Settings and Profiles categories. It is easy to scroll into another category and lose your place if you are not paying attention, or moving too fast, or are too unfamiliar with the menus to begin with. A helpful feature here is the text assist feature that offers a definition of a particular function simply by leaving that function displayed on the screen for 10 seconds.
With the sheer variety of features involved here, you need to keep abreast of un-necessary files and memory usage. The Nokia 6340i incorporates a Dynamic memory which, simply stated, is a fixed, shared memory for all the functions. Entering too many names into your Phone bank, or saving too many text messages for example, may prompt Memory Full errors when utilizing other memory-reliant functions. Name capacity is 500 names addresses on the phones memory and up to 250 additional names on the included Sim (Subscriber Identity Module) Card. Text messages are saved on the phones internal memory, and are not transferable via IR or PC Suite.
The Nokia 6340i is Voice Command capable meaning simply it will dial in pre-programmed numbers simply by recording a voice message along with the number. It is a simple process that is not only a major convenience but also a safe way dial and execute up to 5 commands hands-free. You can also record memos that can be played back during a call, which I find grocery lists, I love you’s, and kids voices to reflect on during my business day. Memos cannot exceed 3 minutes. I have to say, I love this feature!
The Calendar feature as well as the organizer are convenient and handy from time to time, but text editing into them is tedious. The 6340i synchronizes with Microsoft outlook, Outlook Express, Lotus Notes and Organizer via Wap Software, downloadable from the Nokia website.
The Wallet feature is interesting. It allows you a place to store sensitive information in an encrypted environment such as debit and credit card data and PIN numbers. You can also use the Wallet feature to sign and verify transactions with a digital signature.
M E N U S
My purpose in showing what the extensive menus look like are not to add length to this review as they are meant to give the reader a sense of what this phone is capable of. There may be some entries that stir additional inquiry, but understand to outline all the features extend the boundaries of a review into that of technical writer of a 172- page manual. Hopefully the inclusion of the menu will serve to be thought provoking and informative as you consider your next cell purchase.
Messages
· Write message – an optional service allows you to create and send messages to other compatible phones by entering text via the 2,4,5,6 & 8 keys on your pad. If you look at that configuration is will appear much the way a joystick would scrolling with the outer keys and entering with the center key (5). The 6340i allows up to 450 character text messaging.
· Write Email –
· Inbox
· Outbox
· Archive
· Templates >Please Call >I’m At Home >I’m At Work >I’m In A Meeting >Meeting is…>I am Late…>
See you in…>See You At…>Sorry I Can/t..>I Will Be Arriving…Picture 1-10
· My Folders
· Delete messages
All Messages >Inbox >Outbox >Archive >Voice Messages >Listen To Voice Messages >Voice Mailbox Number
· Service Command Editor
· Message Settings >Sending Profile >Overwriting In Outbox >Overwriting in Inbox >Font Size
The use of predictive text in this category really does facilitate faster text editing. The Nokia members commonly written words and is prompted by a rather substantial programmed dictionary to manage this function.
Call Log
· Missed Calls – Logs missed calls by number origin
· Received Calls – Shows the numbers of most recently received calls, which is useful for current situation business calling.
· Dialed Numbers – Shows most recently Dialed numbers
· Delete Recent Call Lists – Displays options for clearing numbers form call lists
· Call Timers – Indicates duration of calls and
Profiles
· Normal
Select
Customize >Ringing Options >Ring >Ascending >Ring Once >Beep Once >Silent >Ringing Tone (30) >Ringing Volume (5 levels) >Vibrating Alert On/Off >Message Alert Tone >Standard >Special Delivery >Beep Once>Ascending>Personal>No Tone>Keypad tones (3 levels) On/Off**
Warning Tones
Alert For All Calls >Family >VIP >Friends >Business >Other
· Silent (same subheading options as Normal Mode)
· Meeting (same subheading options as Normal Mode)
· Outdoor (same subheading options as Normal Mode)
· Pager (same subheading options as Normal Mode)
Settings
· Alarm Clock >On /Set Alarm time >Off
· Time Settings >Clock >Show/Hide Clock
Set Time>Time Format>24 Hour>Am/pm
Auto Update date /time>On>Confirm First>Off
· Call Settings
Call Forwarding >
Forward all voice calls >Activate >Cancel >Check Status
Forward if busy (same menu options as “Forward All Voice Calls)
Fwd If Not Answered (same menu options as “Forward All Voice Calls)
Check Status (same menu options as “Forward All Voice Calls)
Fwd When Not Able To Take Calls >Activate>Cancel>Set Delay>10sec – 30sec
Fwd All Fax Calls (same menu options as “Forward All Calls)
Cancel All Call Forwarding
Equalizer>Normal>Bright>Dark>Loudness>Set 1>Set 2
International Prefix
Automatic Re-dial On / Off
Summary After Call On / Off
· Phone Settings >Language>Automatic>English>Francais>Español>Portugês>Automatic>Manual>New Search
Touch Tone Length>Short>Long
Help Text Activation On/Off
Screensaver >On /Off>Timeout On/Off
· Tone Settings
Ringing Options>Ring>Ascending>Ring Once>Beep Once>Silent>Ringing Tone (30)>Ringing
Volume>Levels- 1-5
Vibrating Alert>On / Off
Message Alert Tone>No Tone>Standard>Special Beep Once>Ascending >Personal
Keypad Tones>Off>Levels 1-3
Warning Tones>On /Off
Alert For>All Calls>Family>VIP>Friends>Business>Other
· Security Settings
PIN Code request
Fixed Dialing on / Off / Number List
Security Level On / Memory Phone
Access Codes>Change Security Code>Change PIN code>Change PIN2 code
· Restore Factory Settings
Voice
· Voice recorder>Record>Recording lists
· Voice Command>Profiles>Voice mailbox>Infrared>Recorder
Organizer
Calendar
To Do List
Wallet
Calculator
Games
· Select game>Snake It>Pass ‘n Push>Bumper>Pairs II
· Settings>Game Sounds On /Off>Game Lights On /Off
Infrared
Services
Home
Service Inbox
Settings>Service inbox Settings>Active Service Settings>Edit Active Service settings>Appearance Settings>Cookie Settings>Authority Certificates
· Clear The Cache
R E C E P T I O N
The technology known as GSM (Global System For Mobility) allows for more advanced features as 2 way text messaging and wireless Internet services. The GSM technology was first deployed in Europe. Today 65%-70% of all wireless voice networks incorporate GSM technology for its 200 KHZ channel and 3-4 times capacity over analog networks. Utilizing the ANSI 41 protocol cdmaOne, cdma2000 and TDMA subscribers can roam, making and receiving voice calls, between different wireless systems. Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) is a family of technologies that divide a channel into time slots, each handling a call. In order to enjoy these advanced features, your phone must be compatible with these technologies. The Nokia connect over both GSM and TDMA networks.
While I have not noticed a real difference in better reception in weak areas, reception in general is noticeably better. Keep in mind that may be a function of a stronger provider presence. The improvement was represented as a function of the 2-band 6340i. I have actually noticed I get better reception in basements with the 6340i, where it was problematic with the 5165. Here again, I cannot say it is a function of the phone itself or network.
F I N A L T H O U G H T S
I would imagine a great many of us have cell phones that are capable of functions we may never utilize. I have just become a convert to 2 way messaging and enjoy the benefits of keeping in touch with my office by simply glancing, sometimes inconspicuously, at my 6340i. I am still not sold on the email function as I find it cumbersome and time consuming. It is, for my use, quicker to communicate with my office, and personally call a client. It seems too easy to become detached to some old-school principles that still apply. Personal contact will always be better than email in business. That is not to say email isn’t useful; it certainly has its rightful place in our society, and the Nokia 6340i delivers a useful utility here.
The Nokia Website www.nokia.com offers useful user information, forums and product information. They stand behind the 6340i with a 1 year limited warranty. Accessories range from batteries to car kits, chargers and various holders and holsters. You will find a number of compatible accessories, if you own a Nokia 5100,6100 or 7100 series.
My experience with cell technology since 1982 has taught me not get too attached to cell phones, as they are truly a consumable and rapidly outdated, and thus changed. I wonder when that trend will ebb? Until then, the Nokia 6340i offers a lot in the way of value and interesting features to keep you interested.
Because this phone can tend to get pricey, try to get your carrier to extend a discount to you. I was able to negotiate a $79.00 deal with Cingular. Generally carriers look favorably to a trade or deeply discounted buy on each anniversary of your service contract, in an effort to keep your technology current and to keep your business.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 79.00
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