Nokia 6500c vs Nokia E51

To kick start this new year, I thought it would be appropriate to do a (very short) review on two new mobile phones in the Nokia line up. I am not sure if they are slated for launch in mainland China yet cos I havent been seeing any teaser ads for them on the Nokia China site. If they are,  their official launch dates are a mystery to me too.

Nonetheless, I got my hands on these two chic models, the Nokia 6500c and Nokia E51, and managed a fling with both of them for quite a few days. For the gadget conscious out there, these are 2 new models that are sure to whet your appetite for 2008.

The 6500c made a good first impression out of the box (The "c" stands for classic, there is another model with sliding function). This slinky model is Slim with a capital "S" , even thinner than her cousin, the already anorexic Nokia 6300. The tactile feel is good having been finished with a metallic casing for most parts. Holding it, it feels like an iPOD Nano. It tucks comfortably and neatly into any shirt and jeans pocket.

Usage wise, the software and functions are very Nokia- intuitive. Existing Nokia users wont feel lost in this one. The in-built camera come with an optional flash too for those desperate situations without  proper photographic equipment.

After using it for a few days, this is what I think of the phone:

Verdict on the Nokia 6500c

I like:
- The thin and slim form factor
- Pretty looks
- 1GB memory space
- Doubles as a memory card
- Slightly more intuitive software than the Nokia 6300
- USB cable/charger as standard

I dont like:
- Pathetic battery life
- Battery charger not compatible with most of other Nokia  phones. It is USB based

The E51, on the other hand, is a direct replacement of the E50. On first usage, it comes across as a Nokia E90 Communicator that has just gone to the slimming center.  Feature packed, the E51 is a business phone that comes with almost anything you need out of the office. Internet access, email synchronizations, Adobe Reader,  Word, Spreadsheet and World Time etc etc. You name it, this powerpak has it. It even has a function to hide your call log with anyone you specify. Hows that for a bit of business confidentiality ? The only bugbear is that it comes with Symbian OS, which takes a while to get used to.

Verdict on the Nokia E51

I like:
- Good battery life
- Symbian OS
- Built in 802.11 g
- Internet access on the go
- Optional USB charger
- No nonsense, would get the job done phone
- An office in a phone

I dont like:
- Symbian OS
- Bulky feel
- Confusing functions and buttons

Conclusion

Well, its a tough fight between beauty and performance.  I like the Nokia 6500c cos I feel just so comfortable with it. However, the short battery life is too much of a irritant at times. Imagine a long day away from home or office and the battery runs out of power when you need to meet some friends for late night coffee.

The E51 on the other hand, is a more robust phone that makes sure you are reachable and reach those you want to reach when you need to - via voice, texts, email or video. I like the in-built 802.11g wireless that allows you to surf the net even without a SIM card. Its like carrying a ultra mini laptop with you. Great for  situations when you need a laptop but do not have one.

Let me name one hypothetical situation. Saturday night out, your date and you want to try out a cosy coffee house in Pudong after dinner. Both of you have forgotten the name and address.  This is where the E51 is in it element.

I pick the E51 in this battle of beauty and performance. For me, I can live with the confusing OS but not a short battery life.

What about you?

Comments

[Alan]

Ya, It is quite irritating when you reached out your phone to make a call but found that the battery is dead. But there is no choice since the phone equipped with so many functions e.g internet, camera, radio, mp3....it tends to drain battery fast. Solution is to get a backup battery or a portable charger using penlight batteries.

[ronald rosales]

nice phone,,ahaah...hmmm..'...i'd like it...

[Tim S]

I bought the Nokia E51 today after almost a year of usage off the 6500 classic. Throughout the year though it caused me many problems mainly the battery life being so awful, not mentioning not charging properly and constantly losing the plastic top. It is a shame because I loved the slick style of the classic. The only fault I have found that David didn't mention was the fact the software inside completely ignores whatever contacts are saved onto the SIM so you must transfer all over which is pointless and annoying.

[Cell phone tracking]

I prefer E51, as a matter of fact, E71 is the best.

Cheers

[HP Compaq Batteries]

i like Nokia 6500c, black and cool!

[dating women russian]

The interesting information, the tonic on a note! The only fault I have found that David didn't mention was the fact the software inside completely ignores whatever contacts are saved onto the SIM so you must transfer all over which is pointless and annoying.

[Camarad]

I am interested in it for a long time! Throughout the year though it caused me many problems mainly the battery life being so awful, not mentioning not charging properly and constantly losing the plastic top. It is a shame because I loved the slick style of the classic.

[Louis Vuitton Outlet]

Are these reasonable demands to make of scientists? Should the public funding of basic science be tied to potential beneficial outcomes for society, or are we closing down possibilities by asking science to deliver prematurely? What barriers does science face in the 21st century and what can we do to challenge them? Is a more open ended approach to the pursuit of knowledge possible, and if so is it desirable?"

[Mia Kirshner]

I think, this theme is quite actual now. It even has a function to hide your call log with anyone you specify. Hows that for a bit of business confidentiality ? The only bugbear is that it comes with Symbian OS, which takes a while to get used to.

[ativan no rx]

My E51 suddenly stopped functioning; I turned it off before my flight and it did not turn on when I got to my destination. I lost all of my recently added notes, contacts and calendar events (I normally take a backup once a month) and you can imagine how bad it could be for the business. The worst part is that Nokia office in Iran refuses to repair the phone and says they are only offering services during the Warranty period!