| Nokia 6260 |
| General |
| Network | Gsm 900 / Gsm 1800 / Gsm 1900 |
| Announced | 2004, 2q |
| Status | Available |
| Size |
| Dimensions | 102 X 49 X 23 Mm, 109 Cc |
| Weight | 125 G |
| Display |
| Type | Tft, 65k Colors |
| Size | 176 X 208 Pixels, 35 X 41 Mm |
| | - Screen Rotates In 4 Positions
- 5-way Navigation |
| Ringtones |
| Type | Polyphonic (48 Channels), True Tones, Mp3 |
| Customization | Download, |
| Vibration | Yes |
| Memory |
| Phonebook | 10 Fields, In Shared Memory, Photo Call |
| Call Records | 20 Dialed, 20 Received, 20 Missed Calls |
| Card Slot | Rs-mmc, 32 Mb Card Included, |
| | - 6 Mb Total Internal Memory
- 3.5 Mb Available Shared Memory |
| Data |
| Gprs | Class 6 (3+1/2+2 Slots), 24 - 36 Kbps |
| Hscsd | No |
| Edge | No |
| 3g | No |
| Wlan | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes, V1.1 |
| Infrared Port | Yes |
| Usb | Yes |
| Features |
| Os | Symbian Os V7.0s, Series 60 V2.0 Ui |
| Messaging | Sms, Mms, Email, Instant Messaging |
| Browser | Wap 2.0/xhtml, Html |
| Games | Yes - Bounce Arcade, Card Deck, Snake Ex, |
| Colors | 2 - Silver, Black |
| Languages | Major European And Asia-pacific Languages |
| Camera | Vga, 640x480 Pixels, Video |
| | - Fm Radio
- Push-to-talk Service
- Mono Mp3 Player
- Java Midp 2.0
- Document Viewer
- Voice Commands
- Voice Memo
- Presence Enhanced Contacts
- Built-in Handsfree |
| Battery |
| | Standard, Li-ion 760 Mah (bl-4c) |
| Stand-by | Up To 144 H |
| Talk Time | Up To 4 H |
|
Nokia - 6260Twisty with the Nokia 6260
Major features
Tri-band with support for GSM 900/1800/1900MHz network bands
65,536 colour TFT LCD @ 178 x 208 pixels
User Interface themes
Java game and application support
Clamshell design with 270° rotating display
VGA still and video capture digital camera
SMS/EMS, MMS, and e-mail messaging (POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP)
Bluetooth Wireless Technology
Infrared connectivity
Pop-Port™ Interface
GPRS, HSCSD, and CSD network data
Push-to-talk compatibility
Word and PowerPoint viewer
Integrated stereo FM radio
Hands free speakerphone
Hot swappable RS-MMC card slot
RealPlayer application – MP3, MPEG4 and other format support
Polyphonic-48 and MP3 ring tones
Symbian 7.0s operating system with Series 60 Second Edition platform
Problems/Issues?
No stoppers on top flip!
Camera viewfinder and size problems
Unlimited access to functions when rotated
Power on/off button hard to press
Sales package (should contain):
1x Nokia 6260 handset
1x Standard Charger
1x Battery @ 760mAh
1x RS-MMC card (32mB) with case and MMC adapter
1x User manual
1x Stereo Pop-Port™ headset
Introduction
There is a growing demand for something other than standard form factor phones. They’re getting old really quickly, and the next best thing with every market is the clam shell form factor handset. It’s usually the same size as the standard form factor handset when closed but when opened has much more space to work with and they are very stylish.
Nokia haven’t really been in with the clam shell market until recently they released several handsets like the Nokia 7270, and 2650. The Finnish giant’s first clamshell handset didn’t do as well as other clamshell handsets, so Nokia are back bigger and better.
Rated by some as the best Symbian operating system on the market today, the Nokia 6260 has some big boots to fill! I’ll give you a little teaser about the handset overall – it’s fantastic.
New/outstanding features
The clamshell form factor was once thought of as more of a stylish device rather than one with a heap of power inside. The Nokia 6260 squashes that stereotype in so many ways – to start off with it runs a Symbian 7.0s operating system on Nokia’s Series 60 Second Edition interface. The handset also has RS-MMC card (hot swappable!!) support, a VGA still and video digital camera, 65,536 colour rotating TFT LCD, high speed data and all the ‘office’ features you need to stay productive when you’re out and about.
The Symbian 7.0s operating system is used in almost every high-end handset because of its stability and ease of use, and expandability. It is the best choice for business-market handsets (Microsoft probably disagree) at the moment and is used with different manufacturers the world over. The Series 60 Second Edition interface that the 6260 also has is used in other Nokia handsets like the 6600 and 7610. Using this interface is just the same as using those interfaces, except for the little change of keypad layout.
The display on this sleek clamshell from Nokia is 65,536 colours at a resolution of 176 x 208 pixels. The top flip section of the handset which houses the display and the navigational keys is 270-degree rotational, you can even close the handset when the top flip has been fully rotated – putting it in “Browser” mode. Twisting the display is also great for taking pictures, especially self portraits. For more detailed information on both the display and user interface, check the appropriate section a few headings down this page.
But what about imaging is a question you may be asking? Well, the Nokia 6260 has an integrated (in the left side of the handset) digital VGA camera which can capture images and video. With internal memory and an RS-MMC card slot (32mB supplied), you’ve got enough memory for all your images and video. I had one little issue with the camera on the 6260, which can be found in the Problems/Issues section. The 6260 has the RealPlayer application for playback of video, and a full featured gallery gives you access to all your files on the internal and memory card memory.
When it comes to data transfer the Nokia 6260 has every corner covered. Three data pipes are offered – GPRS (mostly used and the only one supported in Australia as yet), HSCSD, and CSD data. With the inbuilt Nokia (not Opera anymore) WAP browser you have access to information wherever you are. The handset also has the ability to playback streaming video and audio with the mentioned RealPlayer application. Bluetooth and infrared connectivity are also offered, and there is a Pop-Port™ interface at the top of the handset.
Being a handset designed with the business user in mind, the Nokia 6260 has the ability to open Word and PowerPoint files. You read right, on the handset you can view these files. If you’ve got e-mail set up on the handset (it’s supported along with SMS/EMS, and MMS) you could receive your e-mail with attachments straight to the handset and then open the files and reply straight away. Other applications can be downloaded to perform many other functions, like opening PDF files, compressing/uncompressing ZIP files etc. Both Symbian and Java applications are supported.
Physical aspects
The Nokia 6260 comes in two different colour variations – silver or black. I received the silver trial unit as you can see from the images around this review! There are several changes in the 6260 from other clamshell handsets; for example the swivel mechanism in the hinge, and the location of the interface ports (charging & Pop-Port™ on this model). The design of this new handset is a perfect example of Nokia at their best. Slightly rounded edges, smooth colours and a definite theme to the handset all leave a lasting impression.
Unlike most clamshell mobile phones the 6260 doesn’t have an external display. This may be a down side for some, but for others it’s great because the price of the handset is kept reasonably low. The 6260 has a single LED on the front which is activated at different times – when charging this light it steady on, when a call is coming through the light flashes, etc. Below the light is the NOKIA stamp, all this contained in a grey “island” in the rest of the front of the handset. For the most part the front of the 6260 is silver, but there is a section with tiny holes, and underneath little grey dots. This is a stylish finish to a handset which would otherwise be very boring.
The top and about ¼ of the left and right sides of the handset are black, like an extended infrared window. On the left side you will find the VGA camera lens and below it is the infrared window, although you can’t tell where it starts and where it finishes. On the right side is the volume up and down buttons, and the dedicated camera button. The rest of the 6260 is silver – or black depending on which colour variation you receive.
Open this baby up and the display springs to life… but that’s not what this section is about is it! The first thing anyone notices upon opening of the 6260 is the key arrangement. Sure, the numerical keys are on the bottom flip, that’s normal – but what are the navigational keys doing up there! They are now located below the display on the top flip for very good reason; they allow the used to put the handset into “Browsing” mode and still make use of some functions.
The handset can be closed in two ways; one with the display facing inwards, and the other with the display facing outwards. Of course the latter will mean excessive wear and wear of the display and isn’t recommended. The display can also be rotated for photo taking mode but it can’t close like this. The display can perform a rotation of 270° in total.
The little on/off button is on the top right hand corner of the top flip, and it’s deep inside the handset when it has no need to be, it doesn’t hit anything when closed.
The display and navigational keys are surrounded by a thin chrome plate, and same goes with the numerical keys. The pick-up/hang-up keys on the bottom flip make up some of the chrome plating also. The rest of the keys (except for the menu key on the top flip which is chrome) are silver. Below the last row of numerical keys is a little plastic plate with holes in it, similar to that on the front of the handset.
The back cover of the 6260 is easy to remove by just pushing up the little tab and hitting the handset at the top a little, the whole portion will release a little and you can grab a hold of it. There is a small sensor in the back cover which detects (when the phone is on) if you’re removing the back cover and warns you about closing applications if removing the memory card.
User Interface & display
Take a closer look!
The Nokia 6260 uses one of the most familiar operating systems in Nokia phones – Symbian 7.0s. Being a Series 60 Second Edition device, the user interface is very similar to handsets such as the 7610, and 6600. Users of these devices, or even First Edition Series 60 devices will have no problems making the move to the second edition, the basic functionality is the same. The 6260 uses a 65,536 colour TFT LCD @ 176 x 208 pixels, the largest size found mass market on mobile handsets these days. Also related to the display is some way is the rotating ability of the Nokia 6260.
Most of the time the 6260 will be in the closed mode, for obvious reasons being a clam shell handset. Once you open the handset you are greeted by the same “screen” as, for example, the 7610 once you have unlocked the keypad. Because of the swivel design of the 6260 the navigational/soft keys are located on the top flip below the display. Being a Series 60 device you will see the familiar main menu button on the left hand side of the top flip, in between the left soft key and input button. Pressing this will launch the main menu – but before even doing this you can jump to quick functions by using the two soft keys which can be programmed in the menu. Unfortunately navigation keys (up, down, left, and right) can’t be linked to special functions. The “Select” or navigational-in key is located in the centre of the navigational key.
The 3x3 on a single screen menu system is back in the 6260, and pressing the navigational keys will move between more menu icons, depending on what you have installed on the handset. From the sales package and inserting the RS-MMC card which is loaded with some applications, you will have around 27 icons. As you install more applications their icon will be placed in the menu.
Messaging is the first icon selected when you open the menu. We’ll use this as an example for explaining the user interface of the 6260. Selecting the messaging icon will open a list of things you can do, from new messages to opening folders. New message is at the top for easy access. This is a stereotypical “screen” on the 6260, a list of functions. The next is shown when you open the Inbox or any other folder – you will see tabs up in the top right hand corner of the display which you can change to and from with the left and right navigational keys. This is also stereotypical of the 6260, with almost every function having a tabbed system. The two soft keys always have labelled functions above them, and the select key (in the centre of the navigational key) is used to open, accept, or perform a similar function.
As you would know by now the 6260’s display rotates. Each “rotation” has a specific function. When you rotate the display north-east until it clicks into place horizontally the camera application is automatically launched and the text rotated. This is the best rotation to use for capturing images where the person taking the photo isn’t in the photo. The camera lens is located on the side of the handset so there is no obstruction. A silly thing here is that if you press the red hang-up button the handset goes back to the idle screen – but you can hardly perform any functions because of how the display is rotated. There’s more on that in the Problems/Issues section of this article though.
The display also rotated south-west which is ideal for capturing self-portraits, because the display is facing the same way as the camera lens. The dedicated camera button is used best in these two rotated modes because it’s the easiest to press without getting in the way of the lens.
The third rotation is all the way around! Twisty! The 6260’s display, when fully rotated at 270° (it can only go all the way around when you push it north-east, not south-east) can then be placed back down on the numerical keys so that the handset is “closed” but the display is facing up. This is the so-called “browsing” mode of the 6260 because you don’t necessarily have to have the numerical keys accessible to browse WAP pages – you’ve got navigational/selection keys below the display.
The UI of the 6260 can be altered with themes downloadable from WAP sites or transferred to the handset. These drastically change the look of the UI and sometimes come with wallpapers, but you can use your own captured/transferred image files as wallpapers if you wish.
The choice of display is ideal for the 6260’s needs. You may feel that the display is too far away, for lack of better words – and if you look closely at the 6260’s display it is sunk quite far into the top flip. This is probably because it is a clam-shell device and can’t risk the display hitting the bottom flip and getting damaged – displays are the worst thing to fix.
I found the UI of the 6260 very friendly to use and with everything laid out clearly I didn’t have any problems finding the function I needed without delay. The only thing I can think of which people might have troubles with is getting used to the placement of the navigational and soft/selection keys which are now below the display. After a few days of using the handset it becomes second nature and anything other than this lay-out is weird! :) Some users with smaller hands have said that they needed to use two hands at all times because they couldn’t reach the navigations/soft keys.
Making and receiving calls
Clamshells offer the best quality audio thanks to the physical design, they’re curved and wrap around the users face to pick up every word. The 6260’s microphone is placed inside the hinge. The quality of audio I experienced with this model from Nokia was great and even if I had to adjust volume I could just use the two volume buttons on the right side without having to ask the person on the other end to hold while I was fiddling with the volume. There’s another feature one wouldn’t expect the 6260 to have – push-to-talk capabilities!
The 6260 has a loudspeaker built into the handset for conference/hands free calls which can be turned on and off at any time from the in-call menu. The loudspeaker is located on the top flip in the right hand top corner – what looks like a wrist strap slot is it. Once again volume is adjusted using the two keys or the navigational keys below the display.
Bluetooth is one of the connectivity methods offered in the Nokia 6260, which means wireless freedom! Car kits and hands free headsets can all be connected and used for making and receiving calls with Bluetooth on the Nokia 6260 once the devices have been paired and a connection established. The sales package of the 6260 comes with a stereo FM Pop-Port™ wired headset for hands free conversations.
Being a clamshell with hang-up/pick-up buttons on the inside, the 6260 has the ability to turn off flip-answer, that is opening the flip will not pick up when the handset is ringing. A photo phonebook feature is included also so if you turn this function off and someone in your contacts calls with a photo attached you can see their photo before you accept or reject their call.
Push-to-talk is being quickly integrated into Australian networks with some of the major telecommunications networks already supporting the service. Check with your service provider for more information and all the small details. The PPT function on the 6260 can be found in the main menu, the very last icon. This function allows you to communicate in close-to real time with groups or a single person, much like a walkie-talkie. Your audio is immediately played through the recipients (generally, but not always) loudspeaker, so there is no need for calling and accepting the call. This service has a virtually unlimited reception area as it uses a data pipe to transmit voice in a cellular network. Think of it as walkie-talkies for the technology minded!
Messaging
The 6260 has a full set of messaging capabilities, from the simplest to one of the most advanced and widely used formats to date. SMS/EMS, MMS and e-mail are the four formats supported and the ever-so-friendly Symbian messaging interface is back! T9 predictive text can be used along with the old multi-tap method, and a special enhancement for the 6260 can be purchased separately, the SU-8W wireless keyboard (how cool would it have been if this was in the sales pack!). The full QWERTY keyboard connects to a compatible handset (the 6260 is one) via Bluetooth and allows you to compose messages and input other text as quick as possible! It also folds up so you can take it virtually anywhere.
The messaging icon on the main menu is preselected when you launch the main menu, just beckoning for you to select it :P. Once you do a list of functions are displayed where you can make a quick selection from. On selecting a new message you are prompted with the type of message – Text, Multimedia, or E-mail. The messaging input window is basically the same for all formats. A small box at the top contains the recipient(s), be it a phone number, name, or e-mail address. If you push the directional key button in you will open the contacts list where you can mark your recipient(s).
Once you’ve figured out who your message is to and inserted that information you can press the down button and start typing on your message. Lines are drawn in case you’re messy and tend to write in places other than between the lines :P. All finished? Press the green pick-up button to send your message straight away or press the left soft key for a list of options.
When creating an MMS message the left soft key needs to be pressed to bring up the menu where you can insert images, video, animations, sounds, and text. The integrated VGA camera can be used to capture images and video for your MMS messages and T9 predictive text ensures there’s no delay in keeping in touch with friends all around the globe.
Presence enhanced contacts are also supported on the 6260; you can find that under its own special icon in the main menu.
Connectivity
Connections can be established for data transfer on the 6260 with wires or wirelessly. Wired you have the following to choose from: Pop-Port™ USB data-cable or Infrared (its short range wireless... close enough!), and true wireless you have Bluetooth, GPRS, HSCSD and CSD. The Nokia 6260 supports heaps of file formats including office documents, MPEG4 video and MP3’s, so connecting to a PC and transferring files should be something you do often!
The Pop-Port™ interface of the 6260 is located on the top of the handset instead of the usual spot at the bottom. In my opinion this looks much better when plugged in and charging or connected to a PC with a Pop-Port™ data-cable. Wherever it is it works the same though. There is no USB data-cable in the sales package for you to connect straight away with, so you’ll have to purchase one separately.
Other ways of connecting to a PC/laptop are with Bluetooth or Infrared. These two connectivity options can be accessed from the options menu of a file, where you can select “Send via Bluetooth” or “Send via Infrared”. Infrared is probably the easiest if you’re just sending a file one-off because you don’t have to establish connections and such. If you have an infrared port on your laptop or a USB dongle you can use that to connect the handset to your computer. There is no software in the sales package either so you’ll have to obtain that from Nokia’s website.
Build quality
Clam shell form factor handsets can really put people off if they’re not made to the best standards, because of the moving parts. The 6260 has even more moving parts than just the regular clam shell handset so it has even more barriers to overcome to ensure it’s not going to fall to pieces with a little bit of wear and tear. The moving parts of the Nokia 6260 are the rotating display and the flip mechanism.
The first thing I noticed about the 6260 which can be mentioned here was the absence of stoppers at the top of the display to absorb shock. Second was the sunken-in display, and third was the plastic feel that the handset had at some times. More on the shock absorbers can be found in the Problems/Issues section; and the display in the User Interface/Display section on page one.
By plastic I mean that the handset feels almost hollow. This is noticeable when rotating the display around or when the handset is closed and you can move the top flip slightly to the left and right. Other than that the build quality of the 6260 was pristine.
The top flip clicks into place in several positions – when the handset is closed, open to half-way, and fully open at 157°. Also when you rotate the display for camera usage and when you rotate it fully and close it back down on itself (270°). The 6260 also has some sensor mechanisms which I haven’t seen on many devices. The back cover is probably the best example – when you start to remove it the handset will inform you that removing the memory card will close all open applications. Smart-phone? I think so!
Oh, one other thing. If you’re having trouble removing the SIM card – push the little red tab up. It’s the only way.
Battery life
The battery life of the Nokia 6260 was most impressive, Nokia don’t have many problems with power management in any of their handsets. Unfortunately I didn’t have the services available to try PTT and see how that affected battery life, but using functions like the camera and games quite steadily didn’t seem to worry the 6260 very much. Of course battery life decreases when you use these kinds of functions, it’s to be expected.
The handset uses one 760mAh lithium ion battery pack which charges reasonably quickly. Around 2-4 hours of talk time and 100-150 hours of standby time are estimated over at Nokia with the single battery.
Major features...
Tri-band with support for GSM 900/1800/1900MHz network bands
If you’re a traveller, be it for fun or for work, a mobile phone is usually one of those things you need to have on all the time – especially somewhere foreign where you may not know your way around. The Nokia 6260 supports three GSM bands for compatibility in almost every continent on Earth.
The three network bands supported are GSM 900/1800/1900MHz, the most common on Asia-Pacific tri-band handsets.
65,536 colour TFT LCD @ 178 x 208 pixels
This display is common in Nokia Series 60 handsets; just like the 128 x 128 pixel 4,096 colour display used in Nokia Series 40 handsets. For this handset the display is great, a move up to 262k colours would have been unnecessary due to the camera quality and aimed market of the handset.
Being a clamshell handset the display is well supported in the top flip and embedded further into the handset to ensure it receives no shock from opening and closing the display. More on this can be found in the User Interface/Display section of the article.
User Interface themes
Symbian-based devices always have this feature so the Nokia 6260 is no different – it offers the ability to change the entire look of the user interface (including icons, wallpapers, screensavers etc) to practically anything you want.
There are three different themes available immediately when you turn on the handset, and more are acquirable from Nokia, and endless other websites. You can also download themes to your PC and transfer them to the handset.
Java game and application support
Accompanying the Symbian operating system is Java gaming and application support. Java MIDLET’s can be transferred or downloaded onto the handset to extended functionality of the Nokia 6260.
When applications are installed they are usually placed at the end of the main menu with their own little icon, but some games will be placed in the Games folder.
Clamshell design with 270° rotating display
This isn’t a very common design (clamshells from Nokia aren’t either), and Nokia have done quite well with it. From a regular clamshell to having a resemblance to a tablet notebook in seconds, the 270° rotating display has two modes – camera and Browsing. The display can even be closed when fully rotated and then rotated back around again to close the handset properly.
VGA still and video capture digital camera
The VGA camera on the 6260 makes full use of the rotational display, but can still be used when the handset’s display isn’t rotated (although it’s very hard this way). Supporting both video and image capture you can store everything on the internal memory or external RS-MMC card.
There were a few issues I had with the camera on the 6260, mainly related to getting true VGA resolution – these can be found in the Problems/Issues section and a more detailed review on the camera in the appropriate page two.
SMS/EMS, MMS, and e-mail messaging (POP3, IMAP4, and SMTP)
The same messaging options found in the other Series 60 devices (and many others) are offered with the Nokia 6260 clamshell. You will be able to send and receive SMS/EMS, MMS, and e-mail messages all on the single device from the main messaging menu. Setting up messaging is the hardest part, defining mailboxes and such. After that you’re free to message all you like!
You can select the memory for messages to be stored on – the internal shared memory or larger RS-MMC card memory.
Bluetooth Wireless Technology
The Bluetooth Wireless technology in the 6260 will be much appreciated by many business users with Bluetooth headsets or car kits, to keep the hassle of wires out of their life.
Bluetooth isn’t just wireless audio conversations though, you can also transfer files to and from the handset using Bluetooth or
even connect to a heap of new accessories with the technology.
Infrared connectivity
The Nokia 7610, also a Series 60 device, didn’t have the ability to connect via infrared. This wireless connectivity option is back in the Nokia 6260 however, the small IR window found on the left hand side of the phone below the camera lens. You can connect the handset to a compatible PC or laptop using Infrared, or just send files to another device (you can also receive them) in a few button presses.
Obviously Infrared isn’t totally “out” just yet, it’ll be a while before we see Infrared being a rarity.
Pop-Port™ Interface
The single Pop-Port™ interface removes the hassle of having different connectors for different devices, as the Pop-Port™ is used for every accessory attached to the handset. The Pop-Port™ interface is used in many handsets from Nokia these days, and it has changed position on the 6260 from the bottom to the top of the handset.
The charging port is located next to the 6260’s Pop-Port™ interface on the top of the handset.
GPRS, HSCSD, and CSD network data
To use the 6260 as a modem for your PC or laptop, you can use CSD or HSCSD and a connection via Infrared/Bluetooth/Pop-Port™ data-cable. This allows you to get online without even having a modem! When it comes to wireless connections GPRS is
available for connecting to WAP pages, sending MMS, and more!
Push-to-talk compatibility
The walkie talkie technology for the new age is Push-to-Talk. This service allows users to communicate with each others through their supported mobile handset without having to accept a call – the audio is broadcast directly through the other handsets speakerphone. The Push-to-talk (PTT) service can be used to speak to a single person or group of users.
Word and PowerPoint viewer
Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (a range of different versions) files can be viewed directly on the Nokia 6260 with the QuickWord and QuickPoint viewers. Files are simply saved on the 6260’s external or internal memory, and can be received via Infrared, Bluetooth, Data-cable, WAP download, MMS or e-mail message.
These two applications are preinstalled on the handset and can be found in the Extra’s folder on the main menu.
Intergraded stereo FM radio
The sales pack of the 6260 includes a Pop-Port™ Stereo headset for very good reason – it acts as the antenna for the 6260’s built in Stereo FM radio. You can tune into your favourite stations whenever you need a little bit of music (provided you have the Stereo headset plugged in!) The 6260 offers the ability to remember tuned stations and the headset has a button to change station, and the volume keys on the actual handset can also be used.
Hands free speakerphone
The Nokia 6260 incorporated a speakerphone for playback of audio from the handset and also to use as a hands free speakerphone. This allows you to make hands free conversations without using a Bluetooth/Pop-Port™ headset. The speakerphone can also be used for the Stereo FM radio.
Hot swappable RS-MMC card slot
Finally it’s happened! Nokia have realised how annoying it is to remove the back cover and battery to access an (RS)-MMC card. This was one of my major complaints with other Nokia handsets like the 7610/6600 models.
The RS-MMC card is still located underneath the back cover of the 6260 but you don’t need to turn off the handset to access it, and you can therefore change cards and access the information on the new card immediately. A small metal frame houses the RS-MMC card- and it’s easily accessible once the back cover is removed.
Hopefully Nokia will keep the hot-swapping ability in their new devices.
RealPlayer application – MP3, MPEG4 and other format support
The RealPlayer application on the 6260 is your one stop location for media playback on the handset, as it supports heaps of different formats, including audio and video. Streaming media is also supported with an appropriate GPRS connection.
RealPlayer on the 6260 supports MP3’s, and MPEG4 video along with many more audio and video formats. The 6260 unfortunately doesn’t have stereo sound so MP3’s sound quite choppy if they’re high-quality.
Polyphonic-48 and MP3 ring tones
As said in the previous point, the Nokia 6260 has MP3 playback support. It would be a shame if the handset didn’t support MP3 ring tones then, wouldn’t it?! Well, don’t despair as the Nokia 6260 supports 48-chord polyphonic ring tones and MP3 ring tones.
When it comes to selecting a ring tone you are given a list of ALL the supported music formats on the handsets internal and external memory to choose from. This makes it much easier than browsing through folders to find that sound clip you wish to use.
The LED on the front of the 6260 lights up when a call comes through.
Symbian 7.0s operating system with Series 60 Second Edition platform
The Symbian operating system is back in the Nokia 6260, as well as the Series 60 Second Edition platform from Nokia. Symbian 7.0s is used in this handset, the newest version, 8.0, isn’t used in many devices as yet. This operating system is one of the best for the business market as it is easily expandable and supports all the new technology there is.
If you’ve come into contact with another Symbian handset or Series 60 device the 6260’s interface will only have a few changes, it’s not a major learning curve.
Problems/Issues?
No stoppers on top flip!
This particularly scared me when I first noticed it, which was when I first opened and closed the clam-shell form factor 6260. If you’ve used a clamshell handset before or even come in contact with one you’ll usually notice small rubber (or other material) stoppers on the top of the top flip, to absorb shock when the flip is closed down on the bottom. The 6260 has no such stoppers.
Either Nokia are very confident with the build quality of their devices, or they forgot! The handset does make a different sound to other clamshells when closed but there doesn’t seem to be any extreme damage to the top flip or even display by closing the handset.
Camera viewfinder and size problems
I only found out this in the later stages of writing this review, after going through some image’s I’d captured for fun and for the review. I thought to myself that the photos looked a little smaller than normal VGA resolution (640 x 480 pixels) and then on taking a close look found out they’re only 480 x 320 pixels – what!
The only way to capture a true VGA sized image is probably one of the stupidest ways I’ve ever come across. The camera application has no resolution settings, so to get a 640 x 480 sized image you’re going to have to rotate the display a full 270° around and then launch the camera application. This is particularly tricky to capture images with because of the lens placement. The only question to ask here is – why Nokia, why!?
This viewfinder issue was a major one for me – it annoyed the hell out of me! When you’re using the integrated camera application to capture images and you press the capture button, the viewfinder stops at what you think your picture will be of. The camera sound plays and a little “Saving Image” notification pops up. Great, you think you’ve captured a great photo.
After the photo actually saves you’ll see that the actual image is one or two frames AFTER what the viewfinder window was showing you. People move after they hear the camera clicking sound (like with a digital camera and the flash), so I had to tell subjects to keep still until the photo captured properly.
Unlimited access to functions when rotated
More of an issue than a problem, but still I felt it necessary to place this in this section. As you will know by now the 6260’s display can rotate and be placed “backwards” against the keypad. That said, you can’t access the keys when the display is rotated as such.
For some reason the Nokia 6260’s operating system still allows you to access, for example, the “New Message” function. All other functions can also be opened including those which need text to be input. Surely restricting some functions would have been appropriate, almost like with the P910i – you can’t use every function in the closed mode that you can in the full mode.
Power on/off button hard to press
The power on/off button of this new Nokia clamshell has been moved to the inside of the handset. It’s stylishly placed at the top right hand corner of the top flip and looks great up there. It’s quite hard to press the little button though; it’s not very “out” of the handset, quite sunken in. Using your fingernail on a diagonal angle is the only way to get the handset to respond to pressing it – which can hurt if you change profiles frequently.
In Summary
The Nokia 6260 is the newest clamshell form factor handset from Nokia, with a few more coming soon. This is an unusual form factor for a handset like the 6260, which is mainly business orientated; most clamshells are aimed at the teenage market. It isn’t just a clamshell though, it comes with a 270° rotational display for web browsing and capturing of images and video. It seems to me that those that would like a trusty handset with something other than the norm of a candy bar form will love the 6260.
The 6260 has many features that the business user can take full advantage of – like e-mail, VPN network access, Document viewers, a familiar and friendly Symbian 7.0s operating system, RS-MMC card support, and many more. There are also the fun features like a VGA still and video camera, and Java game/application support. With tri-band GSM compatibility and GPRS data the 6260 can travel around the world with you and still be able to stay connected.
The Nokia 6260 is available on plans now from most service providers, and can be purchased from around $650. |
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