Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)The Nokia 2700 is a basic GSM phone with next-generation Nokia styling--sleeker, more sophisticated, and no longer reminiscent of LEGO. For people upgrading from an older phone, the screen is gorgeous, displaying information large and clear with the help of tasteful wallpaper and themes. The classic user interface and shortcuts are carried forward from past Nokias I have owned, and it has been pretty easy for me to navigate.
Of course economics dictate that a phone this affordable comes with trade-offs. For starters, the one-piece back that gives access to the battery and SIM card is about as easy to open as a secret passageway. Apart from vague instructions on exactly where to press, the phone's all-plastic construction belies the force required to open it. The SIM slot does not pivot up like my previous Nokia, so inserting and removing cards is a pain. For people staying with the same carrier, this is a one-time inconvenience and not an issue. But given that this is an inexpensive quad-band phone (no US carrier uses all 4 bands), I'm thinking most buyers are going to want to swap the SIM for a local card in another continent. To be fair this phone is actually not sold or supported by Nokia USA, so was not intended for this market. One thing I am still trying to get used to is the screen going completely blank when the backlight times out. I've not found a way to customize how many seconds it stays on, but the printed manual--which states it is an abridged version that does not cover all features--has not helped. The 2MP camera is barebones, and I'm going to take the word of an outspoken European reviewer on YouTube that the video quality is pretty atrocious.
Nokia allows the 2700 to operate even without a SIM card inserted. This could be useful, especially when I want to move my SIM to another phone and possess only one card. I personally do not plan to use the built-in instant messenger, web browser, media player, micro USB port (requires cable purchase and is not compatible with Mac OS), download apps, or upgrade the capacity of the micro SD card (although latter is a nice feature). I am not even sure if these 'classic' capabilities can satisfy a user who really wants a smartphone but can only afford the 2700. Battery life is OK with a recharge required every 3 days if used sparingly and left on 24/7. I'm not sure if riding the subway 1-1/2 hrs a day causes the phone to hunt for a signal and drain the battery faster.
At the end of the day, this is a smart looking phone at a very reasonable price. For someone like me who uses a phone mainly as a phone, and wants it to be a 'candy bar' type that is not ugly, it fits my bill perfectly. T-Mobile works on it right out of the box, and I have yet to experience any reception problems in and around New York City. Well done Nokia. 4.5 stars.THREE MONTH UPDATE:
It turns out the back cover is easier to remove the 2nd and subsequent times, and it's actually not too hard to swop SIM cards. As noted in the comments, Nokia sells the 2730--a similar model for the US market.
So far, I have been pleased with reception and sound quality. No doubt about it, the battery lasts a couple of days longer--4 days in Asia and Europe vs. 2-3 days in NYC, despite more talking and texting overseas. I can't figure out why. Signal strength? Charging voltage? Some frequency bands draw more power?
Because it comes with a non-US power supply with round prongs, a cheap adapter was provided by the seller. When I plug it into the wall, the whole assembly droops and charges for only a little while before the connection is broken. I have taken to recharging from a power strip on the floor so the prongs point downward, but it's still a balancing act. I may have to bite the bullet and buy a US charger from Nokia.
The membrane keypad is low profile enough that I no longer lock the keys before putting it in my pants pocket. People with longer finger nails may leave permanent dents in the membrane surface. This, and the fact that the keys are close together, means it is not suited to heavy text messaging. The rounded square navigation ring works well for me.
I'm still very happy with my 2700. I know the profit margin is way better on smart phones, but Nokia, please keep offering these well-designed classic phones for the rest of us.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Nokia 2700 Classic Black Unlocked Import
Click here for more information about Nokia 2700 Classic Black Unlocked Import
0 comments:
Post a Comment