Nokia 3220 review
The Nokia 3220 is all about having lots of fun. Geared for kids and teenagers, the phone supports wacky features like light effects, cut-out covers, "tilt" gaming and an innovative lighting system that lets you "write" messages in mid air. The 3220 is also a powerful GSM phone with advanced data and messaging features, plus a built-in VGA still and video camera. Design The 3220 is a candybar phone with tons of candy. The phone is made to withstand the rigors of book bags and plenty of falls from the bleachers. Thick, replaceable rubber bumpers line both sides of the phone. For added fun, they also illuminate and glow when a call is incoming. The front of the phone sports a 128 x 128 display, with up to 65,000 colors. The button pad features large, easy to press buttons. The rear of the phone houses a VGA (640 x 480) camera, which is surrounded by a panel that can be removed for placement of "cut-outs." You can design your own covers and slide them under the cut-out panel to personalize your 3220. Both front and rear panels of the phone can be replaced with a variety of colored faceplates, as well. An optional "Xpress-on Fun Shell" adds light wave messaging and a tilt sensor for games. Calling Features The Nokia 3220's phone book can hold up to 500 contacts with multiple entries per contact. It also features a speakerphone for easy handsfree talking. Ringer profiles can be set up to trigger unique light patterns and ringtones for different people on your calling list. Pictures of your friends can also be used as caller ID alerts. The phone features 16 built-in polyphonic ringtones, and custom ringtones can be uploaded to the phone via its USB data port. For those times you want to keep things discreet, there's also a vibrate ringer mode. Messaging, Internet and Tools The Nokia 3220 has all the bases covered when it comes to messaging. Support is built in for sending and receiving text, graphics and sound via messages. When used in combination with the phone's built-in camera, MMS opens up a whole new world of messaging fun. Instant messaging is also supported and the phone ships with a built-in email client. T9 text entry, which is a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users. Getting on the Internet is easy with the 3220. It supports the GPRS protocol, as well as the new, high speed EDGE data protocol. A number of handy software tools are bundled with the Nokia3220 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar with up to 100 entries, and an alarm clock with snooze and a countdown timer. Via download on its Web site, Nokia offers a free application called PC Suite that facilitates easy synchronization of contacts, calendar events and other data between the phone and your PC. Imaging and Entertainment Because the Nokia 3220 is designed for fun, it shines in the entertainment department. The phone's VGA camera can capture stills and video, both of which can be sent to your friends via MMS messaging or email, or to your PC via USB. An included image-editing application lets you modify the pictures you take before you send them. You can record up to 5 minutes of a voice or music clip to use as your ring tone. With an optional stereo headset, you can listen to tunes on the phone's built-in FM radio. The phone also supports custom themes and wallpapers. Java support is built into the 3220, making it a powerful gaming companion for both online and offline games. The phone ships with four games, Survivor, Club Pinball, Dance Delight and Phantom Spider. Add the optional Xpress-on Fun Shell and you can tilt the handset in three dimensions, making the phone a virtual joystick. Vital Statistics The Nokia-3220 weighs 3.03 ounces and measures 4.11 x 1.74 x 0.74 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 3 hours of digital talk time, and up to 280 hours of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS 800/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty. What's in the Box / Accessories Nokia 3220 handset, battery charger, lithium-ion battery.
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