Big Things From a Little Package
Written: Sep 20 '99 (Updated Jan 08 '00)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: small; light; replaceable faces; simple menus; easy-to-use
Cons: often difficult to access certain functions; slippery body which can easily slip out of your pocket while you're in a cab (trust me on this one); not quite as good-looking as the more-expensive 6100 series (but a MUCH better value)
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| terence_carter's Full Review: Nokia 5160 Cell Phone |
I have owned many cell phones in the past (I've run through several Nokia models and a couple Motorolas) but this is by far the best one I've come across. While reasonably priced, the Nokia 5160 offers most of the functions of the higher-priced models without the extraneous nonsense.
The Functions: The 5160 is equipped with all of the basic menu options that you would expect (a phonebook, keyguard, and general settings) presented on a clear, fairly-bright LCD display. But then the 5160 goes wild, offering such functions as an advanced Call Log, which lets you see a list of everyone who called you, when they called, who you called, when you called and even how long you all talked for. It will even tell you the calls you missed and the ones that you placed but didn't go through. Then there's the "My Tones" section which lets you adjust the ringing volume, ring-type (offering such familiar tunes as Beethoven's Fur Elise, Mozart's 40, the William Tell Overture, Jingle Bells, Take Me Out to the Ballgame, and the Entertainer) and ring-style (standard, gets louder the longer it rings, etc.)
The Accessories: While often useful, many of the available accessories for the 5160 are just plain Fun! At the top of the Fun-Only List are the replaceable faceplates and antenna. While Nokia only offers a select 5 or so face plate colors, there are many other colors and patterns available from other companies. And these faces can be standard (with the buttons exposed), flip-down (like the 6162), or slide-down (sort of like the phones seen in "The Matrix"). The antenna or also replaceable by clear antenna with lights inside which actually light up blue, red, green, or yellow when you get a call. This only seems to work with an AT&T service plan though. Also, you can't find the antenna in the states very easily. Usually they're only available from Asia, but check the internet for offers. The car kit is also handy, turning your lighter plug into a speakerphone and charger in one. The most useful accessory, perhaps, is the handsfree kit which consists of a single wire running out of the phone with an earpiece in the other end which you listen through. The microphone is built into the wire so you don't need to touch anything. And you can even program your phone to answer automatically when you get a call for complete hands-free usage. (Note: You do look a bit ridiculous using this feature because to everyone else, who can't see the earpiece or wire easily, you look like you're just having extended conversations with yourself.
The Upgrade?: So the 5100 series sounds good to you. But what about the 6100 series? What does that have to offer? While you may see the 6100 series resting in the leather pouches on the hips of their yuppie owners more often than the 5100s, this higher line is really over-rated and pricey. For the extra $50-$150 you fork over, you get...ready for this?... "Profiles" (which adjust the ringing and listening volumes for outdoors, meetings, etc. - something which can be done manually with the 5100s) and a calculator. WOW! The only really nice things about upgrading to the 6100 series is the more aesthetically pleasing face and the ability to create or download personal ring tones. This latter capability is actually very key if you find all of the original 30-something ring tones annoying or you want to use a specific song. But you can guess my opinion on the matter: go with the 5160 for practicality, easy-of-use, and looks; get the 6160 if you're just buying a cellphone to show off to your friends.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
terence_carter
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Member: Terence Carter
Location: Cambridge, Massachusetts
Reviews written: 23
Trusted by: 5 members
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