Nokia 5100 Cell Phone : Super Phone

When it comes to cell phones, I was a complete virgin until I met the Nokia 5100. I was also convinced that, despite my love of gadgets, I would never use, need, or like cell phones. Now, after a few months with my Nokia 5100, I can't think of a better travel partner.

With a phone like the Nokia 5100, you don't need a calculator, a radio, a thermometer, a flashlight, a calorie counter, an alarm clock, a day planner, an answering machine, or any other electronic device. This phone has all those features, and more.

Built for Life

The Nokia 5100 was designed for people with active lives. Its hard plastic and rubber case protects the phone from sand, water, and bumpy rides in your backpack. I took mine on hikes, to the beach, and everywhere else I went. The Nokia has General Packet Radio Service (GPRS) so you can send and receive data over a mobile network (over 3 simultaneous connections). The phone can also send and receive multi-media messages (text and pictures, supports JAVA applications) and has a variety of polyphonic sounds that can be used for ring tones or alert tones.

Talk Talk Talk

I like to be comfortable when I use the phone because I make a lot of calls. The Nokia can be used on its own, with a headset, or in speakerphone mode. And the reception is crystal clear. Whether I was calling someone in New Zealand (where I was traveling) or back home in Seattle, it always seemed like the person I was calling was right next door.

During my long trip I found the text messaging feature to be quite handy for staying in touch with people and for making and confirming motel reservations (and texting is half the price of making a cell call in New Zealand).

Although there are plenty of dead zones in NZ where cells phone service isn't available, I used my Nokia every day. It has an excellent alarm clock (with a snooze button) that vibrates and buzzes; it woke me up even when I was wearing ear plugs! The games kept me busy whenever I had to wait around for a flight or ferry. The flashlight came in handy more than a few times when I returned to my parked car at night. And the radio was a handy feature on days I didn't want to carry around a portable cassette player.

Bottom Line: Don't leave home without one.--E.D. (Mar '04)

Price: $239.99

Manufacturer's Site: www.nokia.com

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