Better keys edge the 6162 over the 6160
Written: Sep 12 '99 (Updated Sep 16 '99)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Flip-cover to protect keys, better keypad than 6160, lots of talk/standby time, easy to use interface
Cons: Some find the flip cover awkward, a little tall to comfortably fit in pockets
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| smacnew's Full Review: Nokia 6162 Cell Phone |
I'm going to focus first on the difference between the 6160 and 6162 because they are both comparable phones, then talk a little about why the Nokia 6100 series is currently the top choice in value and performance.
The 6160/6162 debate rages hotly among Nokia fans and essentially centers on one feature: the flip cover. Aside from the flip cover, the two phones have essentially identical performance, features and size. Many people feel the flip cover gets in the way and that it makes use awkward at times. I chose the 6162 for 2 main reasons, 1) protection - the flip cover protects the keys from inadvertant hits(much easier than remembering to key lock each time) as well as sharp keys and other objects in my pocket and 2) the keys are easier to push and slightly larger than the 6160. Because the 6160 has no cover, the keys are flush with the unit and rather small, making it difficult to get through voicemails and dial quickly. I also find the flip cover marginally reduces ambient noise when talking and also, as a previous StarTac owner, found that the flip cover gave me the psychological "handset" to speak into and orient myself with that I felt the 6160 didn't. In summary, its solely a matter of preference between the two. If you are focused on strict ease of use, and would get annoyed at flipping a cover, go for the 6160, if you don't mind the cover but might subject the phone to a lot of pocket time or need easier buttons to push, go with the 6162.
Its much simpler in my mind to compare the Nokia 6100 series to other phones, however. The key performance differentiators for me are talk/standby time, features and reliability/performance. The Nokia is the class of the industry for talk and standby times, making the phone ideal for commuters and heavy phone users as well as casual users who might not always be diligent about charging their phones. The phone has a great display and the easiest menu-based interface I've ever used on a cellphone. Compared to my old StarTac, where if I didn't have the manual I couldn't even program a phone number, the Nokia is so simple it almost encourages customization. There are a lot of different ringing "styles" to pick, and you can customize phone profiles that enable you to pick settings to make you phone more obnoxious (outdoors) to quiet (meetings). Furthermore, it can pass on numeric pages and simple text messages. Finally, although I've only had the 6162 for a short while, all my informal polling of friends and colleagues indicates that the 6100 series is extremely reliable and gets good reception.
The Nokia 6100 series is simply the class act of the industry right now, and a tremendous value at its current price range. I highly recommend it as a well-rounded phone that will work well no matter how its used.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
smacnew
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Member: Sean Macnew
Location: San Francisco, CA
Reviews written: 37
Trusted by: 107 members
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