Intro
Nokia has released a phone that allows you talk to people from around the globe – five unique continents to be exact. The 8890 switches networks/connections automatically when traveling in and out of different areas/countries/etc.
Basics
Nokia’s 8890 has many features that are somewhat basic in the newer Nokia phones such as the ringer/vibrate options and games. The appearance of the phone is somewhat different from your typical phone. The display back lights are bluish almost purple looking which may take some time to get used to although it won’t hamper the clarity of the display. The phone itself is somewhat sleek in design. I think that some of their other phones look much better – and it doesn’t even come close to matching the stylishness of most of the newer fold-outs.
Your Connection
Let’s face it, in electronics, the best an electronic device can be is it’s weakest link. Assuming that you have above average to excellent service, if you do happen to get disconnected – it won’t be the 8890’s fault. With good service, the phone is very clear as well – almost as clear as a hard line phone. They even included an antenna on this bad boy – although you won’t be able to tell a difference whether it’s up or down.
When Will They Beef Up The Memory?
You can store up to 250 names/numbers on the phone and an additional 250 on a SIM card. For the price of the phone, I think they cut the consumer short on this area. It does have voice dialing – but again memory for only eight names. You will also be able to store up to fifty calendar notes if you happen to be one of the few people that actually use this feature.
Flexibility
The phone will display in twenty-three languages, which may come in handy if you are stretched out across the globe somewhere like I mentioned above and in need of some assistance from a bystander. Another thing that is really cool, is the fact that Nokia will soon make available for this phone a PC application for management purposes. Go to their website if you want the nitty-gritty but basically this application will allow you to create/modify text messages and notes, as well as modify your internal Rolodex.
Battery Life
Bundled with your typical lithium battery, expect above average but not great battery life with an average re-charge time of a couple of hours. Nokia’s specs claim 200 minutes talk time and 144 hours standby – expect about 170 minutes and 150 hours respectfully on a full charge.
Build Quality
Being a heavy user (this is actually one of wife’s phones now), this phone really wasn’t made for me. Although it’s much better than the 8290 (what phone isn’t?), it’s still somewhat flimsy.
Conclusion
The 8890 is definitely a high-end phone with the attached price tag. From a bang for the buck perspective, you would be much better off shopping around unless it’s a must to have the global capabilities that this phone has.