Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I purchased this phone (blue E63-2) three weeks ago. Overall, I am very happy with this phone. $200 for this unlocked smartphone is a great deal.
I add my application background first in the following. Because I think a review will only be fair with certain application background. For example, for the email application, Blackberry is more powerful for the business user, it can have more functions or better performance when it is hooked up with your company exchange server. Also for data service performance in wireless network, I only use it in T-mobile network; I don't know how it performs in ATT's 3G network, so I don't comment on this.
My service provider: T-mobile
My service package: voice + 100MB/month data service
My application: personal use
Pro:
1. Full Q keyboard. Yes, a lot of smartphones have the full Q-keyboard. But the keyboard of E63 has the better design, the shape of each key enables you to type with less error-stroking.
2. WI-FI: 802.11g compatible. The setup is very easy, it supports WEP/WPA/WPA2 wireless security features. And the link speed is very good. This enable me to go to internet and download applications at home (or hot-spot) without using the 100MB data-service bandwidth.
3. When the "bluetooth" and the "WLAN scanning" are turned off, the battery life is GOOD; thanks to the physical size of the battery. When the "WLAN scanning" is off, you still can use the WLANs that have already been setup in the phone; it just won't search for the new WLAN. But for the "bluetooth", you will have to turn it on in order to use it; and the "bluetooth" seems draining more power than WIFI.
4. Email service: I am using Nokia's free (for now) mail push service; it pushes my yahoo mails and the other mails to my E63, it notifies me when there is a new mail. Most time, it worked very quickly in T-mobile network (but my emails are more text oriented, HTML contents require additional download time). This is a great feature, I don't have to go to the internet to fetch the mails manually. One can download this email setup software from Nokia website. This is only available for BlackBerry and iPhone before, with a more expensive data service. (I don't know when Nokia will start to charge this service.)
5. Completed PDA functions and reliable sync with PC (Syncing with PC by bluetooth is great!)
6. Compare with the Nokia E71, I like this one better. The reasons are: lower-price and thicker body with plastic finishing. Although the body of E63 is plastic, but the texture feels very good and not easy to get the finger-prints. The thicker body has the acoustic advantage, the speaker performances well even when you are listening music. Of course, the lower price comes with the trade-offs: comparing with E71, the E63 does not have integrated GPS and the resolution of the camera is lower (3mp via 2mp)
7. Music function: E63 has the 3.5 mm standard connector, which means you can use your favorite headset to listen to music. Although, the headset comes with the phone is stereo, and it has an in-line microphone; but the frequency response is not good enough to listen to music (if you are serious about listening). By using a standard headset, you still can make calls or receive calls, but you will have to speak to the microphone in the phone.
Con:
1. Image quality of camera. I can live with the 2MP resolution, but the noise of the camera is too obvious; even the pictures taken outdoor.
2. Micro-USB cable is not included: This phone uses the Micro-USB interface, which is smaller than the mini-USB. I am sure most people have one or more mini-USB cables, which is widely used. But a lot of people don't have the micro-USB cable, at least I don't. So I have to go to a local shop to buy one ($15), and it is not easy to found one too. Very unfortunate, Nokia did not throw one in the box. Sometimes, it is very useful, such as when you want to copy a hundred songs to your phone's memory card; bluetooth is simply too slow to do this task.
Update:
Here is the update after three month use.
(A) Don't put this phone into a case that is too tight; especially: preventing the keyboard to be touched when it is in the case. I found out if the keyboard is being touched, the phone will not go into the sleep mode and the battery runs out really fast.
(B) The IP phone function(aka Internet phone) is great for the international long distant call (you must sign-up the "Gizemo" first), you can use it whenever you have the WIFI access; it cost much less than your wireless service provider's international plan. But after you finish a call, you should disconnect the phone from the WIFI completely; otherwise the battery goes down real quick. The reason is: as soon as you connect the IP phone service, it will contact the WIFI access point (such as your wireless router) periodically even when you are not making calls, this activity will use a lot of power.
(C) The "Remote lock" is a great feature, and it is very easy to setup. First, you need to setup the "lock code" of this phone (after setup, write it down). Then enable the "Allow Remote lock" feature, it will ask a lock code again; it can be the same code in the FIRST step or a different one. If you lost your phone or simply forget your phone in the office; just grab another phone and send a text message to your phone, the message is the lock code. The message must contain the exactly same lock code, case must be matched and no extra space. Use another phone to send a text message is the best way to do it; some computer programs can send a text message to a wireless phone, but it tends to add some extra text in the message automatically, this will fail to lock the phone.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Nokia E63-2 Unlocked Phone with 2 MP Camera, 3G, Wi-Fi, Media Player, and MicroSD Slot--U.S. Version with Warranty (Ultramarine Blue)
Designed for people who need to manage their business and personal lives equally well, the Nokia E63 is a more affordable sibling of the popular E71 mobile phone and includes many of the same features--encased in plastic rather than metal. With the E63, you'll be able to easily stay on top of your email inbox with a full QWERTY keyboard and support for corporate communication via Microsoft Exchange. It's ready to run on 3G networks in the U.S. (850/1900 MHz UMTS), enabling fast downloads and streaming multimedia.
It includes integrated Wi-Fi connectivity (802.11b/g) for accessing open networks at work, at home, and on the road as well as connecting to Voice over IP (VoIP) internet telephony services. Other features include a 2-megapixel camera/camcorder, Bluetooth for hands-free devices and stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion (up to 8 GB), built-in Nokia Maps application, 3.5mm headset jack, and up to 10.5 hours of talk time on standard GSM networks.
Unlocked PhoneThis unlocked cell phone can be used with a GSM network service provider and it provides quad-band connectivity (850/900/1800/1900 MHz). It does not come with a SIM card, and it requires that you provide a SIM card for usage with your selected service provider. This phone comes with a full manufacturer's warranty.
Additionally, this version of the E63 (E63-2) can be paired with 850/1900 MHz UMTS 3G networks in the United States. When paired with a compatible 3G network, you'll enjoy a high-speed connection offering a variety of feature-rich wireless services--from data connectivity to your office, to multimedia streaming--and take advantage of simultaneous voice and data services. In areas of the U.S. not served by a 3G network, or in foreign territories, you'll continue to receive data service via the EDGE network (depending on network compatibility).
Phone Features As stylish as it is functional, the Nokia E63 sports a 2.4-inch LCD screen with a 320 x 240-pixel resolution and support for 16 million colors. The full QWERTY keyboard makes it easy to compose and respond to email with just one hand. It features intelligent input with auto-completion, auto-correction, and learning capability for fast and error-free typing. The Nokia E63 also has the ability to switch modes with a single key press--switching from a view of corporate mail, appointments, and intranet data to a personal mode with a picture of friends, personal email, and shortcuts to favorite blogs or websites. This phone has 110 MB of internal memory which can be expanded using optional MicroSD memory cards (up to 8 GB in size).
The Nokia E63 comes fully equipped for easy-to-install and easy-to-use professional and personal email. People who use Microsoft Exchange at work can access their email using the Mail for Exchange mobile email client, which comes pre-loaded. You'll enjoy reliable real-time access to your email, calendar, contacts, and tasks, as well as be able to download attachments like Word, Excel, Powerpoint, or PDF files directly to the device.
The Nokia E63 also supports email accounts from more than a thousand internet service providers (ISPs) around the world, as well as Gmail, Yahoo! mail and Hotmail. Additionally, it supports the Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email solution as well as third party email solutions like System Seven and Visto Mobile.
Hands-free communication is easy thanks to the integrated speakerphone. This phone also provides Bluetooth wireless connectivity (version 2.0), and includes profiles for communication headsets, hands-free car kits, and file transfer. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (either via Bluetooth or wired USB) and enjoy dial-up networking--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server (additional charges or subscription applicable).
The 2-megapixel camera (1600 x 1200-pixel maximum resolution) offers a wealth of features, including a digital zoom, LED flash, white balance modes, and a self timer. The phone can capture video clips up to 320 x 240 pixels (at 15 frames per second) at up to one hour in length, and it offers several adjustments including scene and white balance.
Take your media with you when you're out on the go. With the built-in RealPlayer software, you can stream and download your favorite content onto the phone and gain access to the latest news, sports, and entertainment updates. Or sync up with your PC and play the music and movies stored on your hard drive. It's compatible with a wide variety of digital audio formats (including MP3, AAC/AAC+/eAAC+, and WMA). You can listen to your favorite radio programs via the integrated FM radio.
View web pages as they were originally intended with the integrated Nokia Web Browser, which enables you to zoom out to a full screen view of the entire page using the Mini Map feature. Find the section you want and then zoom in to the content you need. The text instantly adjusts to the size of your screen. The browser also keeps a history of your browsing so you can quickly get back to where you started.
Other features include:
Email support: IMAP4, Mail for Exchange, POP3, SMTP, IMAP IDLE, attachments
Messaging support: SMS, MMS
Instant messaging with Presence-enhanced contacts
110 MB internal dynamic memory; MicroSD expansion support to 8 GB
Applications include PDF Viewer, Quickoffice (Quickword, Quickpoint, Quicksheet), ZIP Manager, Nokia Maps, Flash Lite 3.0
Speaker dependent and speaker independent voice dialing
Intelligent input with auto-completion, auto-correction and learning capability
Micro-USB connector, full-speed
Support for local and remote SyncML synchronisation, iSync, Intellisync, ActiveSync
FM radio (required wired headset to be attached)
Ovi Files service allows you to remotely manage and share files stored on a PC, even when the PC is switched off
Compatible with HSCSD (High-Speed Circuit Switched Data)
Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), BIP (for sending images to another device), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures), SPP (serial port profile)
Vital Statistics The Nokia E63 weighs 4.44 ounces and measures 2.32 x 4.45 x 0,51 inches. Its 1500 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 11 hours of GSM talk time (4.7 hours on 3G), and up to 18 days of GSM standby time (20 days on 3G). It runs on the 850/900/1800/1900 MHz GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies as well as 850/1900 MHz 3G networks.
What's in the Box Nokia E63, battery (BP-4L), charger (AC-8U), wired headset (WH-102), user guide, quick start guide, and other documentation
