It’s amazing how the penchant for gizmos clouds one’s ability to
distinguish between neccessity and luxary.
People go to any lengths when it comes to showing off their material
possessions which is not a new phenomenon at all.
It will be only fair to say that no other device has been so successful
in doubling up as communication tool and a fashion accessory as the
mobile phone. It’s almost seen as an indispensible tool which one must
possess at any cost.
Not having one is considered as being a non-socialite, old-fashioned,
uptight, broke, miser, non-techno savvy and the list is endless.
Its as if you become outcast from a world where a mobile phone is
considered as common as water or air around us.
On the other hand, owning one is seen as hep and cool. You suddenly
see a different world around you if you have one of those flashy models.
The ’Mobile community’ suddenly accepts you as a normal sane person.
Well, you would have already guessed by now what have prompted me to go
for a mobile. No, its not the social pressures. For me utility and
value for ’moolah’ preceeds over style and outer looks. Once I figured out
I badly need a mobile to make and receive legitimate calls while I am
on the move, I was greeted with a host of enticing options in front of
me. After researching over the internet and visiting several showrooms,
I finally shortlisted a few Nokia models. I must admit all my prejudice
about the purpose of the mobile were slowly killed as I saw myself
succumbing to the lure of the high priced models which didn’t have much to
offer in terms of features, but which surely had looks and a figure to
die for. Now my revised criteria were in the order of 1. Features, 2.
Looks, 3. Price, 4. Reliability.
Earlier looks was given the last preference which also meant lower
price of the handset.
Once I had these criterias in place, it wasn’t difficult from there on.
I had shortlisted Samsung X100 for its stunning display and Nokia 6610
for its overall good looks and features. But finally I went with the
trustworthy Nokia.
It’s value had been tumbled down by a couple of thousands in a couple
of months. Moreover it had all the features and user-friendliness
typlical of Nokia models.
Looks and Design:
Display is crisp and bright supporting 4036 colours with a good
resolution. But its not as impressive as the Samsung X100 which supports 65K
colours. Nokia somehow seems to be reserved about increasing its
colours. Design is really neat and ergonomic. The buttons are soft and placed
really well.
It seems a lot of aesthetic attention has gone into designing of this
model. It’s an eye-catcher really.
But the body cover may get a bit loose over a period of use. It
weighs a measly 86 gms and has the antenna concealed nicely.
Features:
The Radio is a stand out feature of this model. But one has to use the
hands free kit to listen to it. It has an infrared connectivity for
synchronizing and managing contacts and schedule with the PC. It also has
a GPRS support through which one can download wallpapers and ringtones
as well as browse the net (Service provider should offer GPRS services)
. One can also download Java applications and games. There are 2 games,
Chess Puzzle and Bounce which I am not particularly fond of. The
loudspeaker function is quite a boon. It’s quite loud and can be used to
hold conferences. The volume control at the side comes handy. The
polyphonic ringtones are great.
Connectivity/reception:
Awesome is the word which springs up in the mind instantly. It catches
signal areas where other handsets fail to catch. It’s voice clarity is
crystal clear even in the remotest areas.
Robustness:
It’s robustness is unparalleled. Lately I have become very accident
prone. I must have dropped the poor thing countless number of times not
only on different surfaces like concrete, tar or wood but even in Hot
Coffee !!! How clumsy is that! My one hand had cookies and other a cup
of coffee and the phone in my shirt pocket rings untimely. I try
to juggle it with my unoccupied fingers of the hand having cookies. But
somehow its slips and dives in the coffee cup.
Now, as soon as it dipped in the coffee my heart jumped out of its
place and I was damn sure its inner circuitry had gone for a toss coz of
the caffeine kick. I had resigned to fate before I noticed it was still
alive with its bright display smiling at me as if to say ’Stupid, I am
an invincible loyal Nokia’. Now I don’t man-handle it anymore even if
its robust coz I see it as something living; call it a pet - a loyal
pet.
To sum it up I would say, this phone is a great value for money
considering the overall packages and the features it offers. Barring a camera
and a voice recorder it has most of the functions one would look for in
a decent phone.
There are a great new models out there in the market which may be
certainly better than 6610. Go for them if money is not a constraint. But if
you are on a tight budget then this one might just suit your pocket.