Compatible with Cingular 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 will be delighted to know that the new 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.
The new N-Gage QD is smaller and more intelligently designed than its predecessor. Plus, inserting game cards is a snap. |
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.
The N-Gage QD packs plenty of portable graphics firepower. |
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 thosn of 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
- Vastly improved design
- Compact
- Good portable graphics power
- User-friendly controls
- Robust phone features
Cons - MP3 and FM radio features dropped
- Small library of available titles
- 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
1 I dig it, man
I was a bit hesitant after reading about the crash and burn of the original N-Gage. It sounded like a complete flop. However, it seems as though Nokia may have redeemed themselves by releasing a new and improved N-Gage-the N-Gage QD.
After wrangling with Cingular to get the internet working, I was finally on my way to exploring the full capabilities of this phone. Obviously the main draw is the gaming function so I'll cover that first. I was very impressed with the clarity and sharpness of the picture. Games load and run very fast and the keys allow for quite a bit of versatility. You get used to the controls pretty quick and in my opinion, it just as easy as say, the Gameboy Advance. So far I have played Ashen, Tony Hawk & Tomb Raider, all of which have been quite fun. You forget you are gaming on a PHONE after awhile! I even purchased a Nintendo Emulator and have had a blast playing all the games from my childhood, including all the Super Mario Brothers and Castlevanias. The sound is pretty loud for such small speaker, which really surprised me.
Now for what the phone really is-a phone. I thought I would be compromising the functionality of an actual cell phone for the game features. But fortunately I was wrong. I have very little criticisms. I originally owned the Sanyo 4700 and then 4900 and I wanted a phone that had similar offerings (speaker phone, voice dial, speed dial, ergonomic, etc). First thing-thank God you do not have to talk sideways on *this* N-Gage! You actually hold it like a normal phone! And although it has a lot to do with the carrier, the reception is very clear and crisp. The speaker phone works much better than my 4900 and since I use the headset most of the time, I appreciate the easy access to the jack. Battery life is awesome, especially with the rapid charger which takes about 1? to 2 hours & gives me anywhere from 24 hours of heavy usage to several days with light usage before needing another charge.
Other cool functions are the MMC card slot for expandable memory and games (again easy access - no removing the battery to insert your card like the old N-Gage), Bluetooth (which is awesome especially if you have a PDA or a dongle for your PC/laptop), a notepad, voice recorder, image viewer, to do list, ring tone composer, video player (software includes Real Player) and image viewer. You can even play MP3's and watch movies if you look in the right place!
All in all this is a great phone. The only gripes that come to mind are: you aren't able to play MP3 and QCP ringtones, you can't display a picture for an incoming call, and a decent case is very difficult to find (hint - the Nokia 3300 fits almost perfect).
To sum it up I would definitely recommend this phone if a) you like games and b) you want your phone to do a lot of cool stuff.
2 excellent system
Having purchased a new N-Gage QD about a month ago, I have to say that so far I am very impressed and pleased. The phone contains most of the features available on other high-end mobile phones, plus special features that are pretty astonishing. The most obvious advantage of the system is its gaming capabilities. The screen, though smaller than that of a Gameboy Advance, is still large enough to allow a window into the gaming world; you don't feel as if you have to hold it right up to your eyes to see what's going on. The graphic clarity is awesome, and the game sound is excellent and adjustable. You can easily change games on the fly (my phone case even includes a special pocket in which to store games). Outside the gaming environment, the phone is a fully functioning PDA with Internet access, built-in wireless Bluetooth communications and more. With minor adjustments, it can display full-length movies and play MP3s. The device supports music tones as well as polyphonic tones, and the Internet interface is made better by the size of the screen. It's more intuitive than on phones with smaller screens. Unlike its predecessor, the QD's phone is also intuitive; you hold the flat end up against your ear. (On the previous version, the phone had to be held sideways.) If there is a problem with the phone, though, it is the phone itself. It's difficult to hear what people on the other end of the ether are saying. Actually, the phone works best as a speaker phone. In short, I recommend this phone to pretty much everyone. My wife bought a Motorola V400 the same day I got my QD; she already regrets it.
