 Compatible
with T-Mobile service, the Nokia N-Gage QD is a GSM phone and
handheld gaming console rolled into one. The N-Gage QD features
Bluetooth wireless connectivity, a hot-swap MMC-card slot for
memory expansion and games, and a 36,600-pixel screen.
Like all the latest Nokia phones, the N-Gage
QD runs on a variant of the Symbian OS, which allows fast
multitasking between game applications, phone calls, messaging and
other functions. Users of the original N-Gage will be delighted to
know that the N-Gage QD operates as a phone without the
need for a headset; hold it to your ear and talk all you want.
It's also smaller and more jeans-pocket-friendly than the original
model.
Overall, we found the N-Gage QD a stunning successor to the
original. Nokia has certainly listened to users and made
improvements in all the right places. Barring a few quibbles, this
new gaming phone is poised to make a real name for itself in the
portable gaming space, something the original model was largely
unable to do.
Calling and Multimedia - Gaming is the heart and soul
of the N-Gage QD, but don't forget, it's also a powerful phone
with the latest mobile Web, e-mail and messaging features. While
we liked the ability to use it as a conventional handset,
Bluetooth is built in, so going hands-free is easy with a
Bluetooth-enabled headset. If you're not Bluetooth-inclined,
there's also a jack for a wired headset. Like ringtones? You can
get creative with polyphonic sounds that get you noticed in a
crowd.
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The N-Gage QD packs plenty of portable graphics
firepower.
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If you have GSM or GPRS data service, you can browse the wireless
Web using the built-in browser. We found these features tricky to
set up and the Nokia interface for these functions somewhat
confusing, but once we got things going, we enjoyed downloading
some game tips and tricks from n-gage.com.
The unit also serves as a wireless e-mail and messaging client
with support for all the latest protocols (MMS, SMS, IMAP4, POP3,
SMTP, and MIME2). We especially liked the Java-based expandability
of the phone; with a data connection it’s fun to download new
Java-based games and new game levels. You can also download
productivity apps like calendars and planners.
With this iteration of the N-Gage, Nokia decided to drop the FM
radio and MP3 player functions from the device. We think these
would have been nice to retain, but Nokia was intent on making the
N-Gage QD more exclusively focused on gaming. Nokia has retained
multiplayer gaming via Bluetooth so you can still go head-to-head
with up to four players via a wireless connection.
Gaming - Okay, the meat and potatoes. The Nokia N-Gage
QD didn’t disappoint when it came to gaming performance on a
handheld device. The redesigned controls are far more
user-friendly than those on the classic N-Gage. Gone are the days
of clumsily pushing the directional pad inward to make a
selection; a separate selection button is now available.
The newly placed slot for games and memory expansion cards is one
of the biggest improvements as users no longer have to remove the
battery and cover to pop in a new game. The card slot is now
easily accessible on the outside edge of the unit and is protected
by a rubber cover.
Our test model came with Ashen, a three-dimensional
first-person shooter set in a macabre, supernatural world.
Creepy-crawly things were coming at us from all directions and we
found ourselves pretty immersed in the game--quite amazing, given
that the screen is a little smaller than a business card. Graphics
were impressive, too, for such a small device that offers robust
battery life (Nokia claims 10 hours of play time on a single
charge).
We
had some reservations about the number of currently available
games for the N-Gage. Many are forthcoming, however, and Nokia has
obviously made a serious commitment to improving the platform. The
N-Gage QD is a clear and positive sign of what’s to come. --Joshua
Gunn
Pros:
Cons:
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MP3
and FM radio features dropped
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Small
library of available titles
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Somewhat
confusing user interface
What's in the Box: The Nokia N-Gage QD unit, an AC
charger, a dual mono headset, a rechargeable lithium-ion battery,
a software CD-ROM, a games brochure
Features:
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High-performance
mobile 3D gaming
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4096-color
screen and backlight
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Bluetooth
wireless technology
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Hot
swap MMC-card slot for external memory.
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Download
Hi-Fi Ringers & MegaTones
Technical
Data:
Symbian
OS v6.1 -
User
Interface: Backlit, Clock, Text Message Indicator, Voice
Mail Button, Voice Mail Indicator, Volume Select/Display,
Signal Strength Indicator
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Display
Size: 3 lines
Size:
4.7 x 2.7 x 0.9 inches -
Weight:
5.0 ounces
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Call
Management: Call Timers, Redial, Missed Call Indicator,
Call Log, Voice Activated Dialing, Any-Key Answer,
Auto-Redial, Speed Dial, Mute Control, No-Answer Transfer,
Vibrating Ring, Differential Ring
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Phone
Book Capacity: 500 entries
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Advanced
Messaging: Numeric Paging, Text Messaging
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Web
& Data Features: Internet Browser, Call Restrictions,
Lock Alarm
Power:
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Battery
Strength Indicator
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Minimum
Rated Standby Time: 240 hours
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Minimum
Rated Talk Time: 330 minutes
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Battery
Cell Composition: Lithium Ion
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Charging
Time: 3.5 hours
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Extras:
Personal Information Manager, Headphone Jack, Alarm
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Components:
Includes Charger, Battery, and
Hands-Free Headset
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Network
Compatibility: GSM
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