Nokia 6682 (Unlocked)

Summary: I am not a phone geek and have used a Star Tac on Verizon since 2001. My new vehicle has integrated hands free bluetooth so I needed a new phone. I recently purchased a Nokia 6682 from Cingular. Wow, this thing seems to do it all and does it well! I frequintly use the "contacts" and "to do" functions and the phone allows me to easily assign these to the left and right selection keys. Up to five additional functions of my choosing (caculator, music player, email, call log, games etc.) can be programed to the different points on the round navigation key, so I am not constantly scrolling through menus. The phone has a dedicated button which activates the speaker phone and, if held down for a second or two, opens the voice command dialogue. This allows not only calls to be placed but also opens programs by merely speaking the appropriate voice tag. Program icons on the menu screen can be moved and arranged in a grid pattern, further enhancing the ease of use. The Bluetooth links flawlessly with my cars integrated hands free system whenever I enter the vehicle. I like the fact that I now have a 1.2 MP camera (with video capabilitiy) with me at all times and I am not carting another device. I have used the editing software to automaticly create videos and perform simple editing with the images then email them. I also have found it convienient to be able to easily check and send email from my phone. The trial MobiTV program works but the picture stutters a bit and the service is an additional $10/mo. I don't intend to keep it. There may be several features I may not ever need but this phone is remarkably easy to use, gets a good signal and reliably connects to my cars system. The MP3 player works great although there are no controls for modifying the sound. A nice selection of ringtones is provided and they are easily assigned to specific entries or groups in the contacts. The related help menu is available from the option tab. Battery life seems good. I have been using it alot as I explore features and leave it powered on (with bluetooth) 24/7 and have not charged it for 4 days and I still have 4 of 5 bars. The speaker phone sounds better than others I have heard and music through the speaker is tinny but ok. I have seen some reviews complain about the small keys but I have found them very easy to use with the possible exception of the center position on the navigation button which sometimes requires extra care to press accuratly. I have read where some find the phone too large. I personally think it is a nice size considering all it has to offer. How much smaller can such a device become and still be practical? Neither do I have any complaints about the sliding cover for the camera lense that others have mentioned. Perhaps it could be improved but I have not experienced any problems yet. I would like to see a good case for it though. There is also folding bluetooth qwerty keyboard available which might be a benifit for some people. The capabilities on this phone so surpass anything I have used in the past 15 years it is difficult for me to even make comparisons. Despite its many features, it is remarkably easy to navigate and set up. I found it a breeze configuring my AOL email (had to enter server info)and accessing nearly all functions. The 64 meg card is fine but I will be getting something larger for image and audio files. I cannot speak for other phones currently on the market but it is my opinion that Nokia did an excellent job integrating the many features on this phone to make it easy to operate. I do not know what else I could possibly want or expect in a cell phone.