Nokia 6682 - Cellular phone with digital camera / digital player - Cingular - GSM

The 6682 is Nokia's latest Series 60 smartphone for the U.S. market. It is based on the 3G-capable 6680, which is available in some other parts of the world. The triband GSM 6682 will work on both of the U.S. network frequencies (850 and 1900Mhz) as well as on the 1800Mhz GSM band used in many other places in the world. The 4.6-ounce (131g) handset is a bit large, but one can forgive that in light of the 6682's other features--like a video-capable 1.3-megapixel camera with flash, a RS-MMC memory card slot, a large 262k color display, and the ability to play stereo MP3 files when used with a headset.

The Nokia 6682 features a reduced-size Multimedia Memory Card slot (64 MB RS-MMC card included).

The 6682's keypad is equipped with the standard array of keys and then some. Dedicated menu, edit, and clear buttons straddle the somewhat cramped, but still usable, numeric keypad and softkey buttons. The 5-way directional controller that sits directly below the display is comfortable to use as well as accurate. On its side you'll find a small chromed door that conceals the hot-swappable memory card slot. The back cover of the phone conceals the battery compartment and has a protective slide that is linked to the camera. Sliding the cover open reveals the camera and starts the camera--even when the keypad has been locked.

As a Nokia Series 60 smartphone, the 6682 has a vast array of both commercial and freeware/shareware software that can be installed. These applications range from games to e-mail applications to VPN support. This latest version of the Series 60 user interface adds what Nokia calls the Active Standby display. The Active Standby display is something akin to the Today screen on a PocketPC device, showing current tasks and calendar appointments, as well as a user-configurable set of icons that act as shortcuts to commonly used applications. You still have the option of using the old standby screen, though, in which case the four directions on the d-pad controller can be used as shortcuts in lieu of the icons.

The Nokia 6682 features a 1.3-megapixel camera (1280 x 960) with flash, 6x digital zoom, night mode, and black-and-white mode.

In terms of data support, the 6682 supports both GPRS and the newer and faster EDGE standard. USB connectivity is also possible with a Nokia Pop-Port compatible USB cable. Bluetooth wireless support offers yet another means for connecting to a desktop or laptop PC. It also means that you can use the 6682 with Bluetooth headsets as well as with other devices, such as GPS units like Nokia's own LD-1W.

If you are into messaging, the 6682 will let you hook up with both IMAP- and POP-based e-mail accounts right out of the box. SMS and MMS picture messaging is also available, and all of the message types are wrapped in one of the best all-around messaging apps available on a mobile phone today.

While the messaging app is good, the contacts manager in the 6682 is even better. Plus, you can use the freely available Nokia PC Suite software to sync up your 6682 with your desktop computer so that your contacts, calendar appointments, task list, and notes are available when you are away from your computer.

Nokia claims that the 6682 lasts for up to 11 days of standby time, but that claim is very optimistic. With any kind of usage at all, you should expect no more than 3 or 4 days of standby time. However, we did manage to get 6.5 hours of talk time out of the 6682, more than 50% better than what Nokia claims it is capable of.

Overall, the Nokia 6682 is great phone. There is a lot of software available for the Series 60 platform, and combined with all of the goodness that is baked into the 6682, you end up with what is simply one of the best smartphones available anywhere today.

Pros:

• 1.3-megapixel camera
• RS-MMC slot
• Large 262k color display

Cons:

• Somewhat large
• Only average standby battery life

--Reviewed by Michael Oryl, editor in chief of www.MobileBurn.com

Amazon.com Product Description
Built on the now-legendary Symbian Series 60 smartphone operating system, this mobile office companion continues Nokia's long tradition of delivering innovative, feature-packed handsets that work with you to help you get work done. With a 1.3 megapixel camera, support for EDGE high-speed data, a powerful music player, Bluetooth, push-to-talk capabilities and a whole lot more, the Nokia 6682 is a new powerhouse on the block.

Design
The 6682's gorgeous screen sports 176 x 208 resolution, as well as support for a whopping 262,000 colors. Just below the display is a five-way selection button that allows you to navigate and control the phone's menus and features, and the unit's internal antenna means there's nothing to snag or break off. The rear of the phone houses the 1.3 megapixel camera unit, which is protected by a nifty sliding cover. While the phone ships with 8 MB of embedded memory, An MMC memory slot allows you to expand it. The unit ships with a 64 MB expansion card.

Calling Features
The 6682's address book is only limited by the amount of available memory, and it can store multiple phone numbers, as well as physical and email addresses. Meanwhile, the 6682's built-in speakerphone makes it easy to talk without having the phone to your ear. Polyphonic ringtones are included, as is a vibrating alert, and you can use your favorite music as ringtones. Meanwhile, more ringtones can be downloaded from Cingular's MEdia wireless web service. Ringer IDs let you assign specific ringtones to particular callers, while picture ID technology lets you similarly assign images or pictures to callers. You'll also get name-based voice recognition dialing to put you in touch with your contacts quickly. The phone's Bluetooth connectivity means that your favorite Bluetooth headset is fully compatible and, as mentioned, the 6682 also ships with push-to-talk capabilities, meaning you can have walkie-talkie communications with other push-to-talk subscribers in your contacts list.

Messaging, Internet and Tools
With support for the MMS (multimedia messaging service), the 6682 can send picture, video and text messages (Cingular messaging charges apply). When coupled with the 6682's camera, MMS opens up great opportunities for robust messaging. Instant messaging is also supported, and the phone ships with a built-in email client that supports POP3 and IMAP protocols, as well as Microsoft Office-based email attachments, and push email services.

Getting on the Internet is easy with the 6682. It supports the GPRS data protocol, as well as the new, high-speed EDGE wireless data service. When used with a Cingular Wireless Internet Express data plan and the phone's USB or Bluetooth data capability, the phone can be used as a wireless modem for laptops and PDAs. There's also a built-in web browser for MEdia downloads and mobile web browsing. Cingular's MEdia service lets you receive and send emails, read news headlines, get weather updates, download games and ringtones, and more. T9 text entry, a technology that makes it easier for people to enter words and text on handsets, is built into the unit-- a plus for mobile email and text messaging users.

The 6682 supports PC synchronization standards via USB or Bluetooth, which means you can manage and synchronize contacts, calendars and other data with your PC. Nokia's PC Suite application makes this process a breeze. You can also use Bluetooth to connect a wireless keyboard for efficient text entry. And because the 6682 is Bluetooth 1.2 compliant, it supports faster data rates and extended range when communicating with other Bluetooth 1.2 devices. A number of handy software tools are bundled with the 6682 including a voice memo recorder, a calculator, a calendar, and an alarm clock. Plus, a wide range of applications are available for Symbian devices like the 6682, such as mobile document editors, spreadsheet apps, and much more.

Imaging and Entertainment
All work and no play might make the 6682 just another smartphone. The built-in megapixel camera also features an LED flash for low-light shooting, and it can captures video clips (up to one hour in length, 176 x 144 resolution), as well as stills. When shooting stills you can take advantage of a 6X digital zoom, as well as night, and black and white modes. Nokia's XpressPrint technology allows direct photo printing from a compatible USB printer (cable included) without using a PC.

The phone supports playback of MP3 and AAC audio files, as well as streaming or locally-stored 3GPP and RealMedia video files, so you can use it as a mobile video and music player. Picture effects and custom screensavers, as well as backgrounds and themes, can be set up to fit your personality. And don't forget that the 6682 is a powerful gaming companion with support for Java and Symbian games. Many games are downloadable via the Cingular MEdia service.

Vital Statistics
The Nokia 6682 weighs 4.62 ounces and measures 4.23 x 2.19 x 0.86 inches. Its lithium-ion battery is rated at up to 4 hours of digital talk time, and up to 11 days of digital standby time. It runs on the GSM/GPRS/EDGE 850/1800/1900 frequencies. The phone comes with a one year limited warranty.

What's in the Box
Nokia 6682 handset, stereo headset, lithium-ion battery, travel charger, user's manual, application software, USB data cable.