46 of 51 people found the following review helpful:
Nokia 6101/6102 Early Impressions
I recieved the Nokia 6101 (which is essentially the same hardware as the 6102) cell phone from t-mobile a 2 days ago so here are some of my early impressions about the phone:
Pros:
- The great reception as with most nokia phones: My appt does not recieve a great coverage from my t-mobile and the only phones that work are ones from Nokia. I used a 6610...
Mistakenly Good Phone (bug???)
I got my first Nokia 6102 in October 2005. I got my second Nokia 6102 in March 2006. It is now April 2006 and I'm looking for a replacement. Here's how the story goes:
When I first got this model, I really liked it a lot. I had no complaints whatsoever except that later wished it had Bluetooth capabilities. That is no biggy for me since I'm not one to carry...
I recieved the Nokia 6101 (which is essentially the same hardware as the 6102) cell phone from t-mobile a 2 days ago so here are some of my early impressions about the phone:
Pros:
- The great reception as with most nokia phones: My appt does not recieve a great coverage from my t-mobile and the only phones that work are ones from Nokia. I used a 6610 and a 6230 and there are no problems with the reception of the 6101.
- IRDA to sync data: I own an IBM laptop which have IRDA build in. So it is convinent to use the Nokia PC Suite to sync the phone with my outlook.
- Supports Mp3 ringtones
Cons:
- No Bluetooth: Unlike the 6230 the 6101/6102 does not have bluetooth.
- Limited memory: I do not understand why Nokia did not include the external memory card slot, and music player compatibility with this phone. If it can play Mp3 ringtones then surely it can play mp3s, and it would have been great to add a 512 MB card to play music on the go.
- Size and Weight: The phone is a bit bulky and heavier than other flip phones but not so much that it becomes uncomfortable in to carry around
- Different charger: For some reason Nokia has a different charger for this phone. So your chargers for older models of Nokia will not be compatible.
Overall I think this is a nice cell for business use. For entertainment and such, I think 6230 is still the Nokia leader.
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This is coming from a person that has actually done a lot of research in phones, and is upgrading from a Nokia 3595. Some people have been raving about the Razr V3, but in all honestly it isn't a very good phone. The sound quality isn't very great, the phone although skinny, is very wide, and the camera is lack luster. The keys are bland, and hard to use when not looking, and with the exception of Bluetooth and a 2nd LCD screen, it doesn't really do a whole lot.
I consider this phone a great rival. This phone and the Razr are in great competition for Cingular customers because both have great deals going on for 2-year agreement customers. I actually got mine for roughtly 90 dollars because I upgraded as I previously mentioned. I could have gotten a Razr, but this phone is much more practical.
This phone has plenty of features:
It has video capture
Camera feature (which is pretty clear if you can hold the phone steady
A bright vivid LCD screen (2 actually)
A sleek design
Great sized keys
Easy navigation
Overall very simplistic
This is Nokia's first successful flip phone, and they didn't do anything too outrageous. It does have MP3 playback on ringtones, and full color graphics with available moving screen savers. Sound quality is excellent, and the phone feels very durable. Its a great size, and feels good in your hand. Not only charges quickly, but has a very fair battery life. I'm not sure about other 6102s, but mine came with NO dead pixels on either screen, so that's a great thing to not have to worry about. Although this isn't important to a lot of people, it is to me... and this phone DOES not get face grease on it very easily... which is nice... because my friend has the one LG flip phone that you can use for 10 seconds and have the screen covered in face grease.
With everything however, this phone does not have all the gadgets you may want. It doesn't have Bluetooth, so you can't be lame like everyone else and get one of those earsets, at least not the "cool" ones. The cases for it aren't exciting. There is no expansion slot, this ISN'T a SmartPhone, so you can't do a lot of PDA functions. The sound quality on the ringtones aren't too great, but there are a lot to choose from. Its your call if you can justify spending $2.49 for one. I personally have The Outsider by A Perfect Circle, and its pretty decent quality. Unlike the Razr, this isn't meant for those who have hearing aids, but honestly, that feature isn't that great on the phone, the newer Razr phones coming out will better utilize that feature I believe, but they will be a great deal more money.
This phone did recognize my Sim Card VERY quickly, I was pleasantly surprised. Not much configuration involved. I didn't even have to set up the time or date. The phone didn't set up my numbers into single name folders like my last phone, but it did default put a number next to it: i.e. Corey had 2 numbers... so now I have Corey and Corey1. Not necessarily a bad thing, just something I noticed. The interface is really nicely set up, but the only way to access the camera is to click the button on the right side. The volume rocker is on the left side, and is very simple to use, and the ringtone can get LOAD, so you might want to make it a lower setting, unless you are hearing impaired. Sim Card enclosure doesn't seem very durable, and I was nervous when I need to take it out breifly... it was also pretty difficult to open.
BOTTOM LINE: This is a very durable, easy, phone to use for anyone, and will definately last you until the next phone generation arised. At a great price, with some great deals, this is an ideal phone to suit all your NEEDS, even though it doesn't supply all your WANTS. This stylish phone is a great addition to the Nokia line, as well as the flip-phone craze. In my opinion a more balanced phone than the Razr V3, but like everything, it depends on who you are, and what you use it for.
SUSPECTED LEARNING CURVE: 30 minutes to 1 hour... very quick considering the number of features... I have yet needed to use the manual to find anything.
ACTUAL SPECS:
Modes GSM 850 / GSM 1800 / GSM 1900
GSM 900 instead of 850 on Europe/Asia version
Weight 3.42 oz (97 g)
Dimensions 3.35" x 1.77" x 0.94" (85 x 45 x 24 mm)
Form Factor Clamshell
Stub Antenna
Battery Life Talk: 4.00 hours (240 minutes)
Standby: 350 hours (14.6 days)
Battery Type LiIon
760 mAh
Display Type: LCD (Color TFT/TFD)
Colors: 65,536 (16-bit)
Size: 128 x 160 pixels
Platform / OS (N/A)
Memory 3.5 MB (built-in, flash shared memory)
Phone Book Capacity shared memory
FCC ID PPIRM-76 (Approved May 10, 2005)
PPIRM-77 (Approved Jun 15, 2005)
FEATURES:
2nd Display Location: Front
4,096-color STN LCD / 96 x 65 pixels
Alarm Yes
Calculator Yes
Calendar Yes
Camera Resolution: VGA (640 x 480)
night mode
Custom Graphics Yes
Custom Ringtones supports MP3, MIDI, AMR, and True Tones (WB-AMR) formats
Data-Capable Yes
Email Client Protocols Supported: SMTP, POP3, IMAP4
carrier-dependent
FM Radio Stereo: Yes
Games Yes
High-Speed Data Technology: EGPRS (EDGE)
class 6 / plus class 10 GPRS
Infrared (IR) Yes
Java (J2ME) Version: MIDP 2.0, CLDC 1.1
supported JSRs: 120, 135, 75, 185 / max JAR size: 128 KB
MMS supports SMIL
Multiple Languages Yes
Multiple Numbers per Name Yes
PC Sync Yes
Picture ID Yes
Polyphonic Ringtones Chords: 24
Predictive Text Entry Technology: T9
Push-To-Talk carrier-dependent
Ringer Profiles Yes
Side Keys up/down keys on left / camera (or PTT) key on right
Speaker Phone Yes
SyncML Yes
Text Messaging 2-Way: Yes
plus IM with presence
Text Messaging Templates Yes
To-Do List Yes
USB Yes
Vibrate Yes
Video Capture SubQCIF resolution (128 x 96 pixels) / H.263 + AMR in 3GPP format
Voice Dialing Yes
Voice Memo Yes
Wireless Internet WAP 2.0, XHTML / supports file uploading
[...]
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I have been a Cingular customer for 18 months or so, after switching from Sprint. I have long wanted to switch away from Cingular again due to the poor reception and frequently dropped calls on my original phone. The phone was a Samsung entry-level model, zero cost with 1-year plan. I spoke with a few of my friends in the area and they swore that their Cingular experience has been better than mine. They all have more expensive phones. After some research, I decided to give Cingular a second chance by buying the Nokia 6102 out of pocket (rather than getting an upgrade "deal" with a 2 year contract extension.)
It was a good decision. This phone has turned me into a happy Cingular customer, for the most part. The reception is much stronger. My old phone would give 0 bars at my house, this one gives 1-3 bars and holds calls even inside my house. It still drops calls in a few low spots that I drive through, but I figure that's unavoidable.
The camera is a cute toy. It takes blurry pictures in poor lighting, but decent shots in good light. I got a USB download cable to retrieve my photos. I have yet to get Cingular's multimedia messaging to work to email the pics to my account. (I suspect that's a Cingular problem, not a phone problem).
The wireless web browser is nice, and it's a real convenient way to upload pics and sounds to the phone. The data cable also works well for that, and the free (from the Nokia website) software for the cable includes tools to help construct images and sound clips.
Managing my address book took some work. I had all my numbers stored on the card from my old phone. The new phone didn't read the card quite the same way: it kept all the numbers, but lost the flags that told me which number was home, work and cell for each person. Eventually I moved all my numbers to my Windows Address book and use the cable and software to sync the two. That works beautifully.
Bottom line: The phone is great. Cingular still has a few quirks that I live with. Toy camera is fun. Data cable is a highly recommended accessory.
Followup on Nov 29, 2005:
Still love my phone. I've not noticed any problems with pushing buttons by accident when it's closed.
My USB cable is *not* the one that Nokia sells for $50. It's an asian unbranded cable that I paid around $15 for. Use Google to find one. Had a bit of fun getting the drivers straight at first, but otherwise works like a charm. Also, I think the IrDA function is supposed to work with the Nokia software as well, if you have an IrDA laptop or similar device.
Finally, if you have a website somewhere that you can put files up for download, it's pretty easy to load images and ringtone sound files into the phone using the wireless web browser. Just upload to your website and then download via the phone browser. All you pay for is the airtime to download.
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I replaced my sony ericson with Nokia 6102 flip phone, and I found the following differences:
Nokia has:
1. Better sound quality
2. Better reception
3. Great speakerphone: clear and loud though sometimes echoes on the other side, depending on my location.
4. Camera is nice but the quality is grainy and flash/evening mode is not great at all. Pictures come out real dark and not clear.
5. Less talk time (4 hours) and I have to charge battery every evening, as after 2 hours of talking, which is my average daily use, the battery is real low. Compared to my ericson, which I charged once a week, this is a real setback.
6. Battery also seems to take longer to charge. My ericson after 15 mins was 2 out of 4 bars up. Nokia takes 30-45 mins for 2 bars.
7. It is very hard to find a nicely fitting case for flip phones. If you like a swivel belt clip or a pouch case, you will like it, but if you prefer a sleeve-case you will find it difficult to find something suitable for a reasonable price.
8. It's not bluetooth, so you won't be able to use wireless gadgets, but I find speakerphone sufficient for hands-free-conversations. The only problem with the hands-free option is when you receive a call, you have to flip open the phone to push the button for hands-free talk. If you are placing the call, you have to wait till the other party picks up - only then you can use the hands-free button.
9. Recently I discovered a voice-call option. Pushing a button on the left activates a voice tag receptor. If you saved someone's number in the address book and assigned voice to it (such as "Home"), saying "home" while the voice receptor is on will dial the number. Very nice when your second hand is full of groceries! But the number of voice tags is limited. I think it is 10 maximum.
In overall, I gave it 4 stars because of a comparatively weak battery, but in terms of serving basic phone functions it works very well.
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This is by far the coolest and best cell phone I have ever owned. The reception is great everywhere, even at my home where reception is generally poor. The camera and video features are superb, extremely well image quality, the one thing it lacks is bluetooth capapbilties. I used to have a motorola v220 which was a horrible phone, and i also have a sony erricson z500 and an older nokia through cingular, but this tops them all. kudos to nokia, a job well done
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What do you look for in a cell phone? Is it battery life, features, design, or call quality? Well, let me tell you, you will find all of those in the Nokia 6102.
I have had many phones throughout my 2.5 years of being a Cingular Customer. Many have caught my eye, but none like this one has.
The design of this phone is amazing. It is the second flip-style Nokia phone I've owned. The flip itself is very sturdy, and the phone does not feel plasticy at all. The spring in the phone feels much better than any Motorola or Samsung flip phone I've ever had. The buttons are a very nice size, which is a good thing for many people. The color, grey and black is an awesome color scheme.
All Nokia phones have the basics, text messaging, picture messaging, wireless internet access, etc. This phone takes all of that a step further with class 6 EDGE, FM radio capability, and it has dual displays. The menus are also much easier to use than other phones, and other Nokias.
The battery life on this phone is amazing!!! I've made many calls after receiving the phone a few days ago, and the battery strength indicator has not gone down at all! That's pretty amazing. The battery also charges very quickly. A newly designed Nokia charger is used with this device. It's very unique, and is alot smaller than other Nokia chargers.
Nokia phones have always been known for their excellent call quality, and ability to keep calls in very low-signal areas. This Nokia phone is no different. There is no traditional GSM hiss noise with this phone, only crystal-clear calls that stay connected for a very long time even in low-signal areas.
My overall opinion of this phone is that it is a very trustworthy phone, that won't let you down, especially when you need it most. It has excellent battery life, call quality, and it has all of the features that you will ever need. I have had many phones in the past, and I would recommend this phone above all others.
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A recent move forced me to change service providers because my new home (in a major metropolitan area) is in a dead spot. "Can you hear me?' No, I can't! So I took advantage of Cingular's 30 day return policy hoping I could make a call and not lose my signal. After a week I can honestly say this phone lives up to and beyond my expectations! I have great reception, no dropped calls and am very pleased with my purchase.
To me, the slickest thing about this phone is the infrared port. One less cable to keep track of! I beamed my Outlook address book on my PDA into my phone in seconds.
Although I didn't need a camera, it is a nice addition. In fact, it is capable of taking a photo in low light without a flash. The documentation on it's' use is poor, so I would advise you to play with the camera options key to get the most use out of it.
A lot of reviewers have complained about low volume, and I did too until I repositioned the phone lower on my ear. My natural tendency to hold the phone almost against my lips caused the very small speaker to be above the opening of my ear. Try it, and I bet you will notice a marked increase in volume also.
I have not used the radio yet and contrary to one review here, a mini headphone jack is too big for the jack on the phone. I guess this is my only disappointment and I can live with it.
After reading many website reviews I think that most negative reviews are from people who did not tale the time to READ THE OWNERS MANUAL. Now I admit the documentation can be overwhelming, and trying to find out how to use a specific feature is time consuming, but here's a tip. Download the PDF owners manual file, (a link is on this page) and use Adobe's search function to find the answer to your questions.
Well, thanks for letting me share my opinions and I hope they help your decision.
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I just wanted to quickly clarify and respond to something another reviewer said. It is in fact possible to assign individual ring tones to people. You just have to create a group and then add that person to the group. Once you do that you can assign a ring tone to the "group." Yeah, it's not as simple as my last phone, a Motorola, but it's still pretty quick and easy.
Additionally, you can in fact use a photo you took a while ago to attach it to a contact. Click on the entry in your phone book, Click on Options -> Add Detail -> Image, then search through your saved images. Again, a little time consuming, but I just did it under 10 seconds. In the grand scheme of the phone's features, I wouldn't let those things deter me from purchasing the phone.
I am having the same issue about accidentally pressing buttons while the phone is closed. It's more a puzzler than an annoyance at this time as it doesn't seem to drain the battery any quicker or cause any problems besides the fact that I have to click out of the feature.
Overall I love my phone, and would highly recommend it. I actually like that the phone display and ear piece is larger than some other phones, I find it to be more user-friendly, personally. I bought my phone to use as a phone, and as such I have been very satisfied with its performance.
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I got my first Nokia 6102 in October 2005. I got my second Nokia 6102 in March 2006. It is now April 2006 and I'm looking for a replacement. Here's how the story goes:
When I first got this model, I really liked it a lot. I had no complaints whatsoever except that later wished it had Bluetooth capabilities. That is no biggy for me since I'm not one to carry around a cell phone every where I go. It stays in my car when I'm at home and it usually stays on my desk at work. If I'm out of the office for a few minutes, I'll bring it along with me. Cell phones are nice to have, but..... I'm getting off track with my story.
Like I said, I really liked the phone. Occasionally, I'll use Yahoo Instant Messenger at work to communicate with a couple of others while in meetings. For five months, my daily routine of using this phone worked flawless. The suddenly one day, it reset itself when I was attempting to access Messenger. I lost some settings and the "G" vanished from my main screen. Normally, when I used Messenger, it would time-out after a few minutes and the phone would switch back to the main screen. I would get a pop-up if a message was received, and I could go back into Messenger and be connected.
After this reset occurred, if Messenger times-out and goes back to the main screen, my connection is lost. After the error, when I attempt to connect to Messenger or the Internet, it asks me if I want to allow network access.
Anyhow, after going through three layers of Cingular support, they first decided that there was nothing they could do and gave me the impression that they wanted to end the conversation. I eventually had to get a little ugly by telling them the problem is your problem; either the phone you gave me, or your network, and I want it fixed. They sent me a new phone overnight.
The new phone worked flawless for almost two weeks. One day, I was in Messenger and decided I needed to exit out and place my ringer on silent, so I did. When I attempted to call up Messenger again (it runs in the background), I get this Java error and some error codes. Then the phone resets itself. Lo and behold, I back with the very same problems I had with the first phone.
As I'm writing this, I have an email out to Nokia looking for a suggestion. I like the phone and I don't see any other current Cingular compatible models which I think I would like any better. If Nokia doesn't have a clue, I'll have to call Cingular for another replacement, and I may go with a different make and model.
For this to happen twice, I'm beginning to think this may be a software bug. Anyhow, if you don't plan on using the Yahoo Messenger application which comes with the phone, you should be very satisfied with this phone.
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I am a vey particular consumer. I do tons of reseach about an item before I purchase it, I compare it to other items. I read website reviews and everything. I was rather hesitant about ordering this phone after reading many negative reviews. But,I took a chance and ordered it any way (I got it for a really good price) and was plesantly surprised to find out that it was actually a really good phone.
I found that it is a bit difficult to navigate the menu when you begin to use it, but after a while you are able to find what you need pretty quickly. I thought the picture quality was good. (I mean you're probably not going to take professional headshots with a phone camera so...)I was pleased with the quality of the video. The sound was fine, as was reception. I was very plesantly surprised by the quality of the phone itself. It is sturdy, has a very strong flip. and though several parts are plastic it does not feel light and flimsy as many other reviews stated. I would suggest ordering a case, the shiny black outershell just seems like it may scratch easily. This phone has a lot of features including a FM radio, the headphones needed to listen to the radio are not included. (Another service provider who sells the same model includes the headset with their phone...tsk,tsk Cingular)however, I found that an inexpensive earbud will work just as well.(I purchased one from a dollar store)
All in all I think this phone is a good choice for someone looking to purchase a multi function phone without all the frills and unneeded extras.
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