~~THE NOKIA 918 CELLULAR PHONE~~HELLO, MOM??
Written: Dec 19 '01 (Updated Dec 19 '01)
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Pros: Available in several stylish colors; a good choice for emergency and occasional use.
Cons: Too large to wear at the waist; battery life is rather short.
The Bottom Line: Considering that the Nokia 918 was free with our cellular phone service contract, it still provides adequate features and reliability for the basic user.
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| melissasrn's Full Review: Nokia 918 Cell Phone |
As an owner of the Nokia 918 cellular phone for about two and a half years now, I feel that I can accurately give a good description of its product features, long term durability and ease of use for the basic cell phone user. And because my husband owns the exact same phone (only in a different color with a different battery type) and uses it often for business calls, I can also explain why this particular model would not be the best choice for more regular users. Free with our three year contract with Cellular One, my red model and my husband's blue one are still going strong after all if this time. Measuring a little more than 4 inches in height with the antenna not extended, my Nokia 918 cellular phone can be found inside my purse any time I leave the house.
Because I work the 3-11 shift at the hospital and usually do not get home until right before midnight most of the time, we decided a few years ago that owning a cell phone was not just a luxury but a necessity. Having that extra peace of mind knowing that my Nokia 918 is safely tucked away in my purse fully charged and ready to go in the event of an emergency as I drive is certainly worth the $20 a month I pay for 200 minutes of talk time. While that probably does not sound like much to more frequent cell phone users, it has always been plenty of time to fit my individual needs. For in an average month, I use MAYBE 30 minutes of my allotted time, if that. Quick calls home while I'm in the car or sometimes out shopping are usually the only calls that I make. When not in use, I rarely keep my Nokia 918 turned on unless I am specifically expecting a phone call. So as a basic, rather infrequent cell phone user, I've found that this particular model has served me well over the years without the need to upgrade to a more advanced model.
~~~Cell Phone Design~~~
At the time when we received our Nokia 918 cellular phones, I remember thinking just how SMALL I thought it was compared to the much larger and heavier version we had owned previously with a different service contract. Now over two and a half years later, this particular model seems HUGE compared to many of the newer phones that may be purchased on the market today! This only proves just how much difference a few years makes in the electronics industry. Still, my attractively designed red Nokia 918 is constructed with durable materials containing a fully extendable antenna for use as necessary. And it still looks almost brand new since we purchased the optional black leather cover with strap and belt clip for to protect the exterior of our phones. Available in several other optional colors (green, yellow, and black) besides the red and blue ones we own, the Nokia 918 cellular phone not only provides reliable performance for the basic user, but is also stylish in its design as well.
~~~Battery Life & Talk Times~~~
With the Slim 600 mAh NiMH (BMT-1L) battery that is currently attached to my Nokia 918 cellular phone, I have approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes (75 minutes total) of talk time and 15 hours of standby time when this model is turned on to receive calls. My husband's larger Extended 800 mAh NiCd (BKL-2S) battery lasts a bit longer, giving him 1 hour and 40 minutes of talk time (100 minutes total) and 21 hours of standby time in contrast. And using the standard charger we both own, it takes around 5 hours to fully charge my slim battery while it takes about 6 hours to fully charge his extended one. To prolong the battery life of the Nokia 918, it is recommended that the battery to be allowed to fully discharge before recharging it up again. And when stored fully charged but turned off, my phone will still have enough life left to make a short phone call several weeks later. But on average, I charge mine every one to two weeks for basic occasional use. My husband has to charge his more often, usually daily, and he often runs out of battery/talk life frequently in the middle of a phone call. This can be very frustrating for him at times to say the least, but if I'm around when it happens, he simply "borrows" my Nokia 918 and picks up where he left off.
~~~Cell Phone Features~~~
Along with several ringing style choices and the keyguard feature, the Nokia 918 cellular phone offers speed dialing with a memory of up to 40 different numbers (see tech specs below) as well as voice mail and caller-ID (service is extra). When the battery or signal reception is low, the bars on the display area of the phone will line up accordingly so that any adjustments can be made. As the phone is turned on, the pre-programmed number will be displayed for a split second with the light turned on for easier use in the dark. Storing numbers and making calls are as simple as pressing a few buttons, and both the ringer and receiver volumes on the Nokia 918 cellular phone can be altered to meet your particular needs.
~~~Technical Specs~~~
Weight
7.6oz with Extended 800 mAh NiCd Battery
6.7oz with Slim 600 mAh NiMH Battery
Transmitting Power
0.6 W ( + 2 dB - 4 dB)
Operating Voltage
4.8 V (Internal Battery),
120 V (AC), 12 V (Car)
Frequency Band
824.040 - 848.970 MHz (Tx)
869.040 - 893.970 MHz (Rx)
Number of Channels
832
Memory Locations
40
Memory Capacity
Alpha: 16 characters/location
Numeric: 32 digits/location
~~~Cell Phone Safety Issues~~~
Please use common sense while using the Nokia 918 as well as any other cell phone, not only in the name of basic courtesy and safety for others, but for your own as well. Always pull over the side of the road to dial a number and pay particular attention to everything going on around you while talking as any form of distraction can lead to an accident with injuries or even tragic fatalities. The safe use of cell phones while driving has become such a serious issue lately that some states are now considering banning their use altogether for this purpose. So talk smart and be considerate. Your fellow (wo)man will thank you. {Rant on} And please pay attention to those "No Cell Phones" signs when you enter the hospital to visit a sick relative or friend because they are there for a very legitimate reason and not for your inconvenience. The signals they transmit sometimes interfere with medical equipment, which could potentially place patients at a dangerous health risk. So compliance here would be greatly appreciated by both the patients and the hospital staff. {Rant off}
~~~Overall Recommendation~~~
For basic, occasional use, the Nokia 918 cellular phone is a good reliable choice. Kept tucked away inside your purse or jacket, this average sized model provides basic quality and performance at a rock bottom price. But more frequent users like my husband who talk longer than 30 minutes a month, pass this one by and purchase a more up-to-date top of the line model instead, especially if you prefer a smaller, wearable size. So check out the Nokia 918 today and see if it fits your particular cell phone needs. Because of its long term durability and service, I have no complaints at all regarding this cellular phone's ability to get the job done. But I DO have one question for any of you more advanced users out there: Is Nokia pronounced "No-kia" or "Nok-ee-a"?? Inquiring minds would LOVE to know!!
The Nokia 918 is sold with a one year limited warranty and many convenient accessories are also available if desired. See the owners manual for details.
For more information on the Nokia 918 cellular phone and other more up-to-date models, check out their website online at:
www.nokia.com
Questions or comments?
1-888-NOKIA2U
Nokia Mobile Phones, Inc.
6200 Courtney Campbell Causeway, Suite 900
Tampa, FL 33607
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): free
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