Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I've just got this phone, after having a Nokia/Verizon candybar phone for 3 years (and being totally happy with it.) The WiFi/UMA calling will make this far more useful and have far greater coverage--when the phone is in WiFi mode, it will not be using a GSM network, which design necessitates the occasional dropped calls (unlike a CDMA network--Verizon/Sprint). I was very much loyal to CDMA coverage and technology--from a user standpoint, it's superior, objectively speaking. However, I did not like Verizon as a company, and was eager for some opportunity to switch. The WiFi option offered by Tmobile was the perfect choice for me. When on WiFi, a user will only have a dropped call if the wifi connection itself falters.
I have just activated the phone and only made a few calls, but I will say I like the mainly metal body of this phone, the very slim and lightweight form factor, and the bright, high resolution screen. The software and design are typically reliable for Nokia. One minor problem mentioned in other reviews that I'll confirm--the keypad and physical interface is a little too minimal. I have small, fairly dextrous fingers, and I did not anticipate this would be a problem for me, but so far, I, too, am finding the buttons a bit of a pain to press easily and consistently. I'm sure with further use it will become easier, but I wouldn't recommend this phone at all for someone with thick or big fingers, or more elderly users who might have joint stiffness or arthritis. (I'm sure the finer display also deters older users).
I also confirm what another reviewer wrote: you do NOT need the Hotspot service from Tmobile in order to make WiFi calls. You can simply connect to any available WiFi network; I share a wireless connection with a roommate, and with the passkey, I was able to connect my phone.
HOWEVER, this ties directly into what other reviewers have noted about the battery life on this phone. It CAN be very low. But this is not due to a design defect, but a design necessity: Any device that uses WiFi necessarily uses a lot of power. WiFi is a highly power-intensive feature, and therefore will drain your batteries quickly. This will occur as long as the phone is connected to a WiFi network, whether it is actually being used for a call. If you want to preserve the life of the battery, I'd suggest disconnecting from WiFi unless you're at home, or in a place where you know you will be able to recharge. This is the Achilles heel of the WiFi calling feature, and simply needs to be understood and compensated for. I do not think it's enough of a reason not to get the phone, but you should just understand how this works so you can plan accordingly. (For example, during free nights and weekends, that would be a time you'd probably want to just keep WiFi off and simply use the normal GSM network. If you're having network falloff and dropped calls in an area, switching WiFi on could help; in that case, you just need to be aware the battery will be drained more quickly.)
UPDATE: 2 Weeks later, the phone is great. Another suggestion for improving battery life is turning on the "flight" feature when not planning on making or receiving calls. Also, the Bluetooth worked great for transferring music wirelessly my Mac to the phone. The music player is good enough to be able to stop carrying around my old iPod and just use the phone for this.
I was also able to use Apple's iSync software and a hack I found online to sync my phone book wirelessly. I couldn't be happier with the phone.
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Nokia 6301 Phone, Black/Silver (T-Mobile)Enjoy unlimited, nationwide calling over any accessible Wi-Fi connection in addition to great in-home coverage with the stylish and highly functional Nokia 6301 candybar phone from T-Mobile. Blending the style of a home phone with the look of a mobile, the sleek, stainless steel 6301 comes with a standup charger so you can conveniently dock the phone much as you would a home cordless phone. Other features include a 2-megapixel camera with video capture, digital audio player, FM radio, Bluetooth stereo music streaming, MicroSD memory expansion (to 2 GB), instant messaging capability, and up to 3.5 hours of talk time.
T-Mobile Service With T-Mobile HotSpot @Home service, you'll effortlessly transition between Wi-Fi calling and T-Mobile's wireless network while you talk. You can get unlimited nationwide calls over Wi-Fi--at home via your wireless router or at any U.S. T-Mobile HotSpot. You can also use the HotSpot @Home service via most open, or unsecured, wireless routers, as well as any secured wireless router for which you have access to the password from the owner. This phone is compatible with routers running the 802.11b/g Wi-Fi standard. Whenever you're not using a Wi-Fi network, this phone works just like a regular mobile phone, using your Whenever Minutes under your T-Mobile voice plan.
Additionally, this mobile phone operates on GSM 900/1800/1900 networks and can handle high-speed data connectivity via T-Mobile's EDGE network (which stands for "Enhanced Data Rates for Global Evolution"). This high-speed, mobile data and Internet access technology is fast enough to support a wide range of advanced data services (with average data speeds between 75-135Kbps), including full picture and video messaging, high-speed color Internet access, and email on the go.
This phone also includes compatibility with T-Mobile's myFaves service, which allows you to call up to five of your most common contacts--on any network, even landlines--without using any of your minutes. Learn more about myFaves from T-Mobile.
Download cool new games, HiFi Ringers (real songs by today's hottest artists), MegaTones (instrumental versions of songs), and wallpapers quickly, as well as stay connected via the Web, instant messaging, and email.
Phone Features An evolution of the modern monoblock design, the Nokia 6301 is constructed of stainless steel for added style and durability. A large 240 x 320, 16.7 million color display resides above a five-way center button that controls most of the phone's menus and functions, while large, easy-to-press buttons are arranged on a sleek rectangular-shaped case. A 2.5mm headphone jack is provided if you want to use a wired headset for calls or for music playback on the built-in music player. Volume control keys are available on the right side of the phone, while USB connectivity is featured on the phone's bottom edge. The backside of the phone houses the device's 2.0-megapixel camera lens.
The phone has a 30 MB internal memory, which can be expanded via optional MicroSD memory cards (up to 2 GB in size). The internal phonebook can store up to 1000 contact entries, each with multiple numbers per entry and support for picture and ringer ID as well as caller groups.
This phone provides Bluetooth version 2.0 wireless connectivity with EDR (enhanced data rate), and includes profiles for communication headset, handsfree car kits, and audio/video remote control. With the A2DP Bluetooth profile, you can stream your music to a pair of compatible Bluetooth stereo headphones. You can connect your laptop (via Bluetooth) and enjoy dial-up networking (DUN)--surf the Internet, send email, and access files from a server--using T-Mobile's EDGE network.
If you need text messaging capabilities, the T339 has you covered as support is built-in for sending and receiving SMS and MMS messages. Instant messaging is also supported too, and comes preloaded with AOL, Yahoo!, MSN and ICQ IM clients (additional fees may apply). When it's time to connect to the Web, you can do so quickly over the supported EDGE data protocol using the WAP 2.0 browser. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built-into the unit--a plus for text messaging users.
Other features include:
Organizer with calendar, to-do list and notes, alarm clock, countdown timer (normal and interval timer)
FM radio with Visual Radio feature lets you see information about songs or artists (FM radio requires wired headset)
Digital audio player compatible with MP3, AAC, AAC+, enhanced AAC+, WMA music files
Video 3GPP streaming
Flight mode allows you to safely use the non-wireless functions of this phone (such as music, games, or organizer functions) on an airplane during flight
Mini-USB connector
SyncML provides an easy way to sync your phone and PC's contact list
Bluetooth version 2.0 with the following profiles: A2DP (stereo music streaming), AVRC (remote control), HFP (hands-free car kits), HSP (communication headsets), DUN (dial-up networking), FTP (file transfer), OPP (object push for business cards, calendar items, and pictures), SPP (serial port profile)
Macromedia Flash Lite 2.0 and Java MIDP 2.0
Vital Statistics The Nokia 6301 weighs 3.3 ounces and measures 4.2 x 1.7 x 0.5 inches. Its 860 mAh lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3.5 hours of talk time, and up to 336 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the 900/1800/1900 GSM/GPRS/EDGE frequencies.
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