Nokia 6102 for Cingular, the 6102i (and 6103 for T-Mobile) adds previously missing Bluetooth technology, while retaining the same striking clamshell design and ease-of-use that made the 6102 such as hit with consumers. The addition of Bluetooth opens up a myriad of options for owners to increase the productivity and convenience of their mobile experience. With a wide array of Bluetooth technology-enabled enhancements, the 6102i can connect with accessories wirelessly, from adapters and headsets to laptops and automobiles.
Along with Bluetooth, the 6102i comes bundled with a strong feature set including a VGA camera with dedicated Camera Key, Nokia Xpress audio messaging for sending audio clips, and dual color screens with support for animated wallpapers and screensavers.
For productivity, the 6102i offers synchronizable contact and calendar information, voice dialing and recording and a built-in handsfree speakerphone. Meanwhile an integrated FM radio and downloadable content support including MIDI and MP3 ringtones, themes and games ensure consumers have time for some fun.
Design
The Nokia 6102i is cosmetically identical to the 6102, with the same conservative lines and traditional design. Without being flashy or gaudy, the 6102i strays from the razor-thin designs sweeping the market, measuring a much thicker 85 x 45 x 24 mm, about average with current devices on the market.Basic and incoming information is displayed on the 4K-color external LCD, such as battery level and signal strength. With the VGA camera lens above, photos can be captured up to 640 x 480 px in resolution, activated by pressing the dedicated Camera Key located on the right edge.
Also along the right, an infrared port conveniently lets consumers send, receive, and synchronize data wirelessly. Volume Keys on the left adjust earpiece and ringer volumes during calls and standby.
For handsfree communication, a speakerphone is integrated on the spine, while the multi-functional Pop-Port connection is positioned on the bottom. Transmitting at rates of up to 230 kbps, the Nokia designed outlet functions as the charger and accessory port, even offering stereo sound with the use of headphones.
Opened, the 6102i reveals its 65K-color internal screen, with two soft keys below to provide convenient access to shortcuts. The comfortable 5-way keypad provides easily navigate through the menu, while a standard numeric keypad offers fast text messaging through T9 predictive text.
As one of the better designed clamshells on the market, Nokia emphasized usability when creating the 6102 and 6102i. Unlike many other manufactures that sacrifice ease-of-use for a thinner profile, the 6102i is intuitive and familiar, with buttons and layout placement for maximum convenience.
Out of the box, the Nokia 6102i comes with a Standard 720 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Charger, Handsfree Headset, and User Manual.
Basic Features
Released exclusively for Cingular, the tri-band Nokia 6102i runs on GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900 network worldwide, provided it's unlocked. As a common carrier practice, the 6102i is "locked" to Cingular's network to prevent customers from taking discounted phones (purchased in conjunction with a plan) to other carriers. However good-standing customers can usually request the unlock code after 90 days of service. Only after entering the code can users take the 6102i to different GSM carriers.
Rating the 6102i's 720 mAh Li-Ion battery at 4.0 hours and 350 hours (14.6 days) of talk and standby times respectively, these are under optimal conditions. Manufacturers and carriers often list talk and standby times with disclaimers about variable performance, and refer to the times they publish as maximum times. Actual talk and standby times are lower.
Camera
Triggering the dedicated Camera Key activates the integrated VGA (0.3-megapixel) camera, converting the 6102i's internal LCD into a viewfinder (self-portraits are also possible using the external LCD). Capable of snapping images up to 640 x 480 px in size, photos are encoded in JPG file format with settings for High, Normal, and Basic image quality.
With most camera phones integrating 1.3-megapixel cameras, and high-end devices pushing 2.0- and 3.2-megapixels, the 6102i's imaging capabilities are lacking. Too low in resolution to make decent prints, the 6102i's camera is best suited for phone wallpapers or attachments in multimedia messages.
Self-Timer and Night Mode are included, but the lack filters and functions such as digital zoom, exposure and brightness adjustments, and color balance make the 6102i's camera disappointing. Offering video recording at Sub QCIF (128 x 96 px) resolution, clips are encoded in the 3GP codec (H.263 and AMR) format. Blurry and low quality, video clips aren't particularly usable, integrated as novelty item than actually functional.
Audio
Missing an MP3 player (although it supports MP3 ringtones), the 6102i makes up for it with an FM stereo radio (headset sold separately). Presetting up to 20 radio stations, manual and automatic tuning let consumers enjoy live music on the road.Activating the speakerphone users can talk with their hands free. Wonderfully loud, the 6102i's audio capabilities are clear and free from distortion.
Messaging
The 6102i supports SMS (Short Messaging Service), EMS (Enhanced Messaging Service), and MMS (Multimedia Message Service) for text and multimedia messaging. A new feature called Nokia Xpress is also included, allowing consumers to send voice clips over the network for personalized audio messages.
Cingular integrates popular instant messaging platforms on its devices, and the 6102i goes beyond traditional SMS-based chat with AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger. Giving users real-time access to their buddies on the road, conversations can be held just as if they were sitting in front of a PC.
Screen
Delivering a bright 65K-colors, the 6102i's internal LCD is the same one found on the 6102. Measuring 128 x 160 px in resolution, the display is built from TFT (Thin Film Transistor) technology, placing circuit transistors directly on the glass to provide more brilliant imaging and quick refresh rates.
By comparison, the external STN (Super Twisted Nematic) screen offers 4K-colors. While not as vibrant as the internal TFT screen, the 96 x 65 px STN display has the added benefit of consuming less power and conserving battery life, ideal for external displays that shows static indicators. Presenting signal strength and battery level, the 6102's external screen also includes network name, time and date, the active profile, and alarm clock or calendar note alerts. During incoming calls, the caller's name or number is shown.
Compared to other LCDs on the market, the 6102i's twin displays offer ordinary imaging, falling short in vibrancy and clarity to 262K-color and now even 16.7 million color screens on high-end devices. However, being priced as a mid-tier handset, the 6102i offers an suitable display at a competitive price.
Internet
Cingular offers convenient access to online multimedia services, letting customers connect purchase wallpapers, ringtones, and games, and access a variety of premium services.
The 6102i integrates GPRS (General Packet Radio Service) Class 10 to transfer data up to 48 kbps, but users will probably opt for EDGE (Enhanced Data rate for GSM Evolution), Cingular's 3G high-speed network.
Transferring 3 to 4 times faster than traditional GPRS networks, EDGE achieves realistic rates of around 70-135 kbps; giving customers high-speed Internet access from the road, through the 6102i or an attached laptop.
Offering coverage in over 13,000 U.S. cities and towns and more than 39,000 miles of U.S. highways, EDGE covers a population of nearly 253 million people. Internationally, EDGE and GPRS roaming is available in more than 80 countries.
Storage
With mediocre multimedia capabilities, the 6102i's 4.2 MB of internal memory should be enough to storage photos, ringtones, emails, and text messages. Without an expansion card slot, users will need to clear out extra room should more space be needed.
Connectivity
Newly added, the 6102i adds Bluetooth wireless technology. Able to transfer data within a 10 meter (30 feet) range, the Bluetooth protocol allows users to pair the 6102i between other peripheral devices such as headsets and car handsfree systems. Combined with the built-in infrared port, the 6102i is a well connected device with multiple ways to connect.
The Nokia 6102i is little changed from the 6102, presenting identical design, imaging, and audio features. With other devices improving functionality, the 6102i is lackluster with outdated technology such as a VGA camera and missing MP3 playing capabilities.
But the addition of Bluetooth wireless technology, combined with an infrared port, makes the 6102i a formidable device with connectivity features. Offering dual color screen, an FM radio, and J2ME downloadable games and applications, the 6102i packages a reasonable multimedia set for users on the road.But the 6102i's greatest strength is its ease-of-use, providing intuitive design and functional keys for a different set of consumers. For users looking for high-end multimedia-rich features, the 6102i is a poor device. Priced as a mid-level device, the 6102i is an ideal device for consumers looking for solid phone for communicating.
Nokia 6102i Features
* Dual internal and external color screens able to show up to 65,536 colors (128 x 160 px) and 4096 colors (96 x 65 px)
* Bluetooth wireless technology for hands-free conversations
* Built-in VGA camera with dedicated camera button, self-portrait, and video recording and playback capabilities
* FM stereo radio and headset offering convenient listening on the road
* Conference calling with push-to-talk functionality for one-on-one or group talk and integrated hands-free speakerphone
* J2ME MIDP 2.0 support for application, ringer, wallpaper, graphic and game downloads
* Enhanced T9 predictive text for messaging via Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), AOL Instant Messenger (AIM), MSN Messenger, and Yahoo! Messenger and email (POP3, IMAP4, SMTP)
* WAP 2.0 compliant browser with GPRS Class 10 technology for high-speed data transmission
* SyncML device management and Personal Information Management (PIM) Synchronization through infrared
Nokia 6102i Specs
Technical Specifications
Network: GSM 850 / 1800 / 1900
Form Factor: Clamshell
Dimensions: 85 x 45 x 24 mm
Weight: 97 g
Antenna: Stub
Navigation: 5-Way Keypad
Battery Type: 720 mAh Li-Ion
Talk Time: 4.00
Standby Time: 350
Memory: 4.2 MB
Expandable Memory: No
Imaging
Main Screen: 65000 colors (TFT)
128 x 160 px
External Screen: 4096 colors (STN)
96 x 65 px
Camera: 0.3 MP / 640 x 480 px / Video Recorder
Audio
MP3 Player: No
FM Radio: Yes
Speakerphone: Yes
Push-To-Talk: No
Multimedia
Wallpapers: 128 x 160 px
Screen Savers: 128 x 160 px
Ring Tones: 24 chord / MP3
Themes: Yes
Games: J2ME
Streaming Multimedia: No
Messaging
SMS: Yes
EMS: Yes
MMS: Yes
Email: POP3 / IMAP4 / SMTP
Chat: AOL / ICQ / MSN / Yahoo!
Predictive Text: T9
Applications
Phonebook Capacity: 500
Calendar: Yes
To-Do List: Yes
WAP: 2.0
Voice Commands: Yes
Calculator: Yes
Connectivity
Bluetooth: Yes
Infrared Port: Yes
High-Speed Data: GPRS (Class 10) / EDGE
Wi-Fi: No
GPS: No
PC Sync: SyncML
