I’ve been sent an nokia N81 from the chaps and chapesses at Cell Chaos so I can have a play about with the Ngage gaming platform, but while I’m researching that review (translation; I’m playing lots of games and don’t have time to do it) I thought I’d pass on my thoughts of the N81.

There’s no interesting goodies in the box, just the standard equipment. Charger, handsfree kit, manuals that you never read and CD for installing PC Suite.

Taking the handset out the box I straight away thought how good looking the phone was. Everything about it appeals to be. I like slider style phones a lot since I had the N95, I always like black glossy colours and the screen takes up a good chunk of the space on the front. The sides are a grey/silver colour which gives the phone a definite sense of style. The rear of the handset is the same glossy black as the front and is very minimalist, with just the words Nokia N-series and the camera there.

The top of the handset has the 3.5mm jack for your headphones and also has a funky little keylock slider. I’m liking this a lot for such a simple little thing. Just seems a very convenient way to lock the handset. When locked, sliding open unlocks all the keys and it auto-locks when you close it up again.

The sides, as previously mentioned, are a nice silvery finish and on right hand side have the camera key, a volume rocker keys and one of the stereo speakers. The left is bare apart from the the other speaker. No gallery key on this handset, which is really no great loss as it’s possibly the most underused key on the N-series range.

So far so good!

And then we start using it and it all goes a bit Pete Tong.

The first problem is apparent the second you turn it on. The light leak that comes off the handset is shocking. Light streams from the sides of the front key area when closed and the keypad area underneath. It looks horrible and totally cheapens the look of the handset. In fact, I’d go so far as to say it’s one of my pet hates on a handset. That said, the lighting on the handset is very bright and makes usage in the dark very easy. The screen is lovely and bright too, but that’s something really that should be default in this day and age.

The keys have another issue though, and one that’s not easily ignored. I think it was Stefan over at Intomobile who described it best; there’s quite simply a ‘clusterfuck’ of buttons. When the slider is closed, so I’m just counting the keys you use to navigate menus etc, there is 16 buttons, all of which are screaming to have you catch them and do exactly the thing you don’t want to happen. Any idea how many times I’ve wanted to press the red end call key but hit the ‘C’ key and nearly deleted an app? Or caught a music key randomly? Lots, let me tell you.

And mentioning apps brings me onto my next problem. I’m pretty insistent on installing apps to my phone memory. I know this is a debatable point, and people will disagree, but I find that the N-Series handsets are a tonne more stable when you put every app on the phone memory. With the 8gb only being flash memory, and in essence a memory card, I would have liked to have done the same on the N81. But can I? No. Because the damn thing is crippled with a near criminal lack of phone memory. I think there’s about 25mb in there. Now on my N81 I have the Ngage system preinstalled and a bunch of games, which seems to take up a fairly whopping chunk of the 25mb. I have only installed the gmail app and Handy Taskman, and I’m left with a completely pathetic 2mb of free phone memory. Seriously, I can’t even install the Jaiku app because whenever it tries to run, I’m plagued with low memory warnings. It made me so angry, I had to take a picture just to show you how angry I was.

Wow, that pictures crap. Oh yes, that’s another problem. Why Nokia deemed this handset worthy of only being given a 2 megapixel camera is beyond me. Lets look at me angry again, but this time taken with an N95.

Wow, I’m shiny today. But seriously, do people even buy 2 megapixel camera phones anymore? Weren’t they about… 3 years ago? Is the video any better?

Back to the buttons for one second, there’s a big problem with the location and design of the music keys that surround the Navi key (and more on that monstrosity in a second). Thery’re just too close to everything else so half the time you’re pressing the wrong thing, especially if you’re trying to do it blind. I’m slightly worried that this design is returning with the N96 which seems to have a smaller form factor in that area but we’ll see in time if the same issues return.

Now onto the Navi key… This is possibly the most useless thing I’ve come across on a phone in a long time. It’s very rarely active, in fact it only seems to click into use when you’re using the music player. It’s an obvious attempt to copy the style of the wheel on an iPod, but it fails on nearly every level. When it’s responsive it’s too responsive. When it’s unresponsive it just seems to do nothing. I hate it with a passion that I normally reserve for Chelsea FC and Samsung. I could quite happily never see this on a Nokia handset ever again.

I’m not going to mention too much about this as it could be a fault on this handset, but the signal seems to be awful. I can sit there with signal but the second I pick up the phone, it drops to literally nothing. I’ve tried and N95 and the N81 next to each other, both with sims in from the same operator and there is a huge difference in the strength of the signal recieved by the N95.

Anything else I can moan about… let me think…. Oh yes, the slider is wobblier than me after 10 pints. On the other hand, anyone who’s used a Nokia slider recently won’t be suprised by this. How come companies like Samsung can make rock solid sliders, yet Nokia seem totally incapable of this. Confuses the hell out of me.

Still, I’m ignoring one big point here, and it’s the reason this handset exists. Music. I didn’t want to give this a headstart over any other handset, so I used the same Bose earphones I use normally. Could I tell the difference between this and, say, the N82? Well a little, but nowhere near enough to make me think that this is a worthy addition to the N-series portfolio. I mean think about it, what would you rather do, carry around an N82 with it’s 5 megapixel camera which an 8gb memory card in it (which you can pick up for around £30 now) or carry around a phone with a separate camera because it’s so frigging useless. C’mon, it’s a no-brainer. Even if you’re not a massive camera user, surely there is going to be some point when you’re going to want to use one and lets face it, you’d rather that picture came out good, rather than looking decidedly fuzzy.

On a plus point regarding music, the speakers are really loud and quite good. My car stereo has recently broken and I’ve been using it in my car and it’s performed quite admirably really.

Syncing music to the handset is a painfree process but slow. I use the option of syncing via Windows Media Player and it works without any problems and also syncs any playlists I have. No problems there at all.

So can I recommend this handset? Not really. I can’t find anything seriously redeeming that overlooks it’s obvious problems. I certainly couldn’t tell anyone to go buy it on contract and at just under £300 on Pay As You Go, it’s a price that’s far too steep to comprehend. I know it’s aimed as a music handset, but there’s just not enough of a jump in sound quality to justify the shocking camera. As if you didn’t realise from what I’ve already said, I plainly don’t like this phone. I’ll go as far as to say it’s the most badly thought out handsets I’ve come across.

Nokia, no more like this. Ever.

Special THANKS to CellChaos.com for help!

History

The history of Sprint Nextel Corporation goes back to 1899, when Cleyson Brown founded Brown Telephone Co. which became a major competitor to Bell Telephone. In 1975 Sprint launched the first public data network. In 1986, the company started providing long-distance services and launched its first fully digital wireless network in 1996.

Another key chapter of Sprint Nextel Corporation started in 1987 when Morgan O’Brien founded Fleet Net company that became known as Nextel in 1993. The company was quick to establish itself as a major player on the telecommunication market. In a matter of a year Nextel acquired Dial Call and OneComm as well as the whole package of Motorola SMR licenses for the USA. In 1996 Nextel launched that time’s cutting-edge iDEN technology which allowed combining several features such as digital cellular and text paging in just one phone.

In 2005 the successful merger of the two companies marked the foundation of the telecom giant called Sprint Nextel Corporation.

Services

Sprint Nextel offers a wide range of services and products including wireless and wireline communication for businesses, individual customers, state organizations and network operators. The company is primarily engaged in 2 spheres: namely Wireless communication and Wireline networks. Sprint is also a global Tier 1 (long distance Internet backbone) carrier. The company’s wireless networks utilize iDEN (integrated digital enhanced network) and CDMA (code division multiple access) technologies. Sprint offers prepaid wireless and calling services, residential long distance services and additional features such as prepaid phone cards, collect calling and special calling cards for military personnel.

Wireless Services

Sprint Nextel corporation provides a wide range of wireless services including mobile voice and data transmission. The company has developed a wide range of pricing plans and feature services such as voicemail, three-way calling, directory assistance, Push-to-Talk, High speed wireless data, GPS location services, and Business services including mobile Java applications. Sprint also provides roaming services throughout Americas, Asia Pacific and other regions as well as iDEN-based walkie-talkie services across the US and Hawaii, Canada, Latin America and Mexico. As for the data transmission services, the company offers wireless Internet connection, photo and video data communication, e-mail and instant messaging services, satellite radio and television, and an extensive database of downloadable music of all genres and styles available and Sprint Music Store.

Wireline Services

Through its direct representatives Sprint Nextel offers a variety of wireline communication services including local and international data transmission via MPLS (multi-protocol label switching), IP (Internet protocol), and ATM (automated teller machines) technologies.

Old cellular phones available on Cellularcountry.com are considered to be as good as brand new cell phones. CellularCountry can guarantee you the quality of the preowned cellular phones and ensure that the old cell phone you purchased is compatible with the service provider you deal with.

Buying a used cell phone is the right choice in case you want to replace your lost phone. Some people purchase used phones as parts for the existing phone and service. As a rule, component parts each cost the same amount of money as the full retail of an old cellular phone. Sometimes, one decides to buy an old cell phone to use prepaid phone service. In this case you pay just for what you use and you get access when you really need it. There is also a possibility to use a recycled cell phone as an emergency phone. 911 is a free call from every cellular phone and actually it does not require activation of the network service.

Cellular Country provides its customers with top quality products and service. CellularCountry dedicated to their customer satisfaction through constant improvement of procedures and systems. They are aware of the fact that if their customers profit, they get a profit as well. CellularCountry is a serious sellers and looking to establish long term relationships with their customers. Celular Country sells cheap used cellular phones and carries a huge selection of phones. Buy your used cell phone from them to experience their great services and support with additional benefits! All of their refurbished cellular phones are thoroughly tested, inspected, and guaranteed to work with the service provider that is mentioned with the cell phone. They are a great option in case you have lost or damaged your phone and do not intend to purchase an expensive new one. Celularcountry is also the best source for you if you simply want to upgrade your current phone.

Cellular Country is considered to be a leader in selling old cellphones. They deal with a variety of brands as well as technologies. If you do not know exactly which product you need, they can help you to make your decision.

Alltel Historical Retrospective

What was to become Alltel was founded in 1960 by Weldon W. Case, the grandson of Weldon Wood who was the founder of the Hudson Underground Telephone Company. It stemmed from the merger of two holdings, namely the Western Reserve and Elyria, and at that time was called Mid-Continent Telephone Corporation with headquarters in Hudson, Ohio. The company rapidly grew throughout the 1960-s doubling in size every three years. The high growth rates were mostly accounted for by acquisitions of other telephone companies. By late 1970-s, the Mid-Continent Corporation had become the US fifth largest private telephone network operator with about 700 thousand customers in 13 states.

Another company that played an important role in the formation of the Alltel Corporation was the Allied Telephone Company. Founded by Hugh Wilborn and Charles Miller and based in Little Rock, Arkansas, Allied Telephone purchased a number of minor telephone operators and built a network covering 6 states.

Formation of ALLTEL Corporation

The Mid-Continent Telephone Corporation and the Allied Telephone Company decided to join forces and merged on the 25-th of October, 1983. The newly-born enterprise was called the Alltel Corporation and had $1.35 billion of assets which made it the fifth largest US telephone company. In order to increase the competitive strength in the highly contested market Alltel’s executives decided to diversify its services. Thus Alltel was determined to start manufacturing telecommunication supplies and develop cable TV operations. Later on the company also got the edge over its competitors using such technological breakthroughs like mobile phone services. Investing in emerging technologies with great potential by means of purchasing other ventures at a steady pace Alltel managed to minimize the risk while adding to its holdings. Gradually the company outreached its telecom interests and got into the information processing business purchasing a software manufacturer called Systematics.

In 1991 Alltel switched its headquarters location from Hudson, Ohio, to Little Rock, Arkansas. The recession of 1990s reduced the company’s returns from local telephone operations and equipment distribution business. In response Alltel focused on information and cellular communication services. While already controlling the leading software developer Systematics, the company also purchased another information processing firm – Computer Power, and went on acquiring new cellular communication networks. In 1996 Alltel merged its Internet, wireless and long-distance telecommunications activities which enabled it to provide bundled services.

While developing independently, Alltel also continued looking for potentially strong alliances and appealing acquisitions, becoming one of the largest US telecom conglomerates with revenues approaching $8 billion.

New services provided by Alltel include:

• FAMILY FINDER – a GPS technology based service that allows tracking down the location of your child’s mobile phone in real-time mode.

• My Circle – enables the customers to receive and make free calls from and to a certain set of phone numbers depending on the rate plan costs.

• City ID – matches incoming calls with the state and city where the caller’s number is registered.

Just get some money! Simply Sellular is buying almost all models of cellphones: LG, Motorola, HP, Hitachi, Siemens, Sony-Ericsson, Sharp, Samsung, Sanyo, Nokia, Panasonic, NEC, Vertu and many others cell phones. Also they accept phones, produced in every country, and in every condition. Simply Sellular can offer a good price for your old cell phone in cash. Their mission is giving you a simple way to get money for an old phone, as simple and profitable, as it’s possible. Also they offer a trade-in scheme to get another model instead of your phone, providing a good service after the sale.

Also Simply Sellular works with the so-called 911 cell phone program. So you can donate your cell phone to them to help some people who need it. Simply Sellular works with a special funds supporting law enforcement activities and victim organizations. They know what to do with your old phone! You can be interested in their recycling programs, where every used cell phone could be easily recycled for a few time. Some phones, which are good for refurbish, Simply Sellular donates to people who need it, for example women or military personnel. If the refurbish is impossible they just recycle cell phones.

Just think a minute: it’s a good deal to get some money for your old cell phone, good deal to help somebody with your phone and really important to recycle all techniques after use. Working with Simply Sellular you get every possibility absolutely free. And they will pay to you! That’s a really good deal!

After World War II the Finish Rubber Works became a major shareholder of the Finnish Cable Works that was rapidly developing due to the high demand for its products in power transmission and communication industries. In 1967 the two companies merged in the Nokia Group. The landmark event is embedded in Nokia’s company logo.

However, the Nokia’s success as a telecommunication giant started to build up as early as 1960 when the Cable Works’ Electronics department was formed. By the time Nokia Group was established the Electronics accounted for 3% of the overall net sales and provided for 460 workplaces. The department launched researches into semiconductor technology and later began developing digital switches that eventually evolved into the multifaceted platform that Nokia’s network infrastructure is still based upon today.

The new legislation allowing Finnish telecommunication companies to connect to the public communication network resulted in the establishment of Nordic Mobile Telephony (NMT), that was the first fully-automatic multinational cellular network.

In the late 1980-s the first common digital mobile standard which is known as GSM (an abbreviation for Global System for Mobile Communication) was developed and by 1997 Nokia managed to become the supplier of GSM systems to as many as 59 operators from 31 countries. GSM is now the most widely used type of network around the world and is provided by networks like Afghan Wireless and Comium Liberia.

Although Nokia started aggressive expansion to other business sectors including TV-sets production and information technologies it is the telecommunications and mobile technologies that got the company through the deep economic recession of 1990-s. Nokia was very fast to recover and in 1992 decided to focus on telecommunications as the strategic development priority. That decision to a large extent accounts for the incredible success of the company that in 1994 managed to sell 20 million 2100 series cellular phones instead of the anticipated 500 000.

Today Nokia’s positions as the world’s leading telecommunication company are strong and its range of products is broader than ever including multimedia terminals, wi-fi data solutions and, of course, cell phones.

There are a number of cellular phone standards that can vary from country to country. If you rely on your mobile phone as your major communication tool while you are abroad, you need to know whether it is compatible with the system that is used by the providers in the country of your destination.

GSM – Global System for Mobiletelephones.

As the name itself suggests this system is closest to a “world standard”. GSM systems are used by mobile communication providers in more than 200 countries throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and Australasia.

AMPS – Advanced Mobile Phone System

Once considered a cutting-edge technology, now this system is rather out of date. However in some areas it is still the only functioning mobile network. In most of the USA it has been replaced with a newer digital technology of E-AMPS. Apart from every country in the Western part of the globe the 800mhz AMPS service is also used in China, American Samoa, Western Samoa, South Korea, Nauru, Lebanon, Turkmenistan, Solomon Islands and Uzbekistan. If you are going to one of these countries it might be a good idea to buy a used cell phone with AMPS system as a back up for areas were no GSM network is available.

D-AMPS

It is a digital version of the AMPS system that also uses 800 Mhz band. It is not very widely used but is still functioning in Israel, Canada, Brazil, Panama, Ukraine, Russia, Malaysia and Vietnam.

TACS - Total Access Communications Service

An analog European cell phone system that uses 900 Mhz spectrum. It is still used in Bahrain, China, Congo, Hungary, Ireland, Japan, Italy, Kenya, Kuwait, the UK, the Philippines, Spain, the United Arab Emirates and some other countries.

NMT

This is an analog alternative to AMPS and TACS that works with the 450Mhz and 900Mhz bands. It is used in some parts of Asia and Europe. But with the widespread of GSM many countries have stopped this service.

TDMA – Time Division Multiple Access

This is the first digital cellular phones network to be widely used in the Americas. It is still a major system employed by the wireless networks in the US. TDMA is also used in Argentina, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and other countries. But it is being rapidly overtaken by GSM and CDMA.

CDMA – Code Division Multiple Access

A major competitor to TDMA in the Americas, Australia, Guatemala, South Korea, Russia, Zambia and Venezuela, technically this system is considered to be more efficient than GSM but it is not as widely spread.