I've got a signal EVERYWHERE!
Written: Oct 23 '03 (Updated Oct 23 '03)
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Pros: Works just about everywhere, light weight, battery life
Cons: No in call timer, profile selection, indoor noise.
The Bottom Line: Get this phone if you put coverage area above style. If you want the latest and greatest features this is NOT your phone.
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| cspu's Full Review: Nokia 6340i |
I had a Nokia 5165 for two years and I only had two gripes about that phone. 1 - it was heavy, 2 - it would not work where my best friend lives.
I got the 6340i because it works on everything! All the cell phone technology that is being deployed by Cingular Wireless will work with this phone, including the new GSM that Cingular is deploying. It also works with most of my 5165 accessories.
Styling
The 6340i is much thinner than my old phone. It's about the same size otherwise but noticeably lighter. The display is larger and easier to read than I'm used to. My phone came with a brushed aluminum colored faceplate. It's a classy looking piece but much larger than the latest and greatest phones.
Features
I'm a "basic" user. I just use my phone to talk. No email, no fancy games, and I don't care about ring tones. The 6340i has more than enough features for me. It has several features that I'll never use.
Useful features (for me): To do list, Calendar, calculator, volume control on the side, multi network compatibility, separate start and end call buttons, call silence and decline.
Stuff I'll probably never use: Voice dialing, voice recording, infrared port, wireless internet, downloadable ring tones, equalizer
Nokia relocated the power button to the top of the phone. It's also recessed just a little to keep you from accidentaly turning the phone on/off. It's a little awkward at first, but once you figure out just what angle to use it's as easy on/off as any other phone. You still have to hold it down for a couple of seconds for it to work.
The 6340i has an option for turning off the annoying help that automatically pops up. There is a screen saver option that will automatically display a clock when the phone sits idle.
Performance
This is the whole reason I picked the 6340i. I spend a lot of time in rural areas of east Alabama and west Georgia. My old phone had a lot of "no service" areas in this region. When I got the 6340i I drove through with both phones powered on so I could compare signal strength. The 6340i consistently had a better signal than my old 5165 everywhere I went. There were noticeably less "no service" areas as well. I even have a signal at my friends house so the phone has proved it's worth!
I've noticed that if I use the phone inside my house that sometimes I have a strange background noise. I've been told that GSM doesn't have the greatest quality when you are indoors. The noise comes and goes, if I move to the right spot it goes away completely. Otherwise the sound is at least as good as my old phone. When I use the headset I don't sound like I'm in a hole somewhere like I did with my previous phone.
Battery life is outstanding. I charge it once per week, about half as often as my old phone. The battery is installed inside the back cover of the phone but easily removed if you wanted to carry a spare.
The vibrating feature is a lot less harsh than my old phone/battery combo. I guess because the vibration function is built into the phone. It is a subtle buzz instead of an all out earthquake. Even on silent my old phone buzzed loud enough that I was afraid to have it on while hunting. The 6340i doesn't make any noticeable noise when it's on vibrate.
The interface is similar to the 5100 series phones, but you have a couple of extra buttons that you have to use to navigate. Once you get used to it you can find what you are looking for easily, you'll be exiting a lot for the first few days though if you are used to the 5100's.
What I dislike
When you select a profile (Silent, Normal, etc) you have to press select twice.
There is no call duration setting for during the call. You can set the phone up to give you a call summary at the end but you don't have the running counter while you are still on the call.
Summary
The 6340i is THE phone to get if you want complete coverage. It works on old, new, and newest networks so you are likely to have coverage wherever you go. If you just want a phone that works this is the one. If you have a lot of 5100 series accessories this is also your phone because you can use your current chargers, headsets, and car holders.
Nokia only made this phone for a short time (I guess it's not cute enough) but you can still get if free from Cingular (with a contract, but you gotta have service anyway right?)
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): FREE
Recommended for: World Travelers - Works Anywhere and Everywhere!
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Epinions.com ID:
cspu
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 in Electronics |
 - Top 500 |
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Location: The Island of Misfit Toys (Alabama)
Reviews written: 116
Trusted by: 97 members
About Me:
Sarcastic car audio enthusiast, motorcycle rider, and hunter... and I make NO apologies for it!
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