It's settled: N6230

After being offered a terrific discount on any phone I want, I've finally chosen to get the Nokia 6230. I chose this phone over the SE k700i and the Nokia 7610.

The following were my considerations for the phone I was getting:
1) Has to have a "good enough" camera.
2) Has to be powerful enough to satisfy my needs for the next 4 years.
3) Has expandable memory using a standard MMC card (not a mini-MMC card).
4) Has Bluetooth.
5) Has good looks (small, sleek, seductive).
6) Not a smart phone.

Originally, I was only choosing between the N 6230 and the SE k700i. The 7610 got into the picture because it was priced just a little above the two and has a 1.3 MP camera (the other two only have a current industry standard .3 MP camera). I would have picked the 7610 but: a) it's too big b) the camera lens has no cover c) it looks like a fun teeny phone.

Between the k700i and the 6230, I considered: a) my affinity for Nokia phones (my first phone was actually a Philips Genie and I used a Siemens phone before; I have been exposed to other phones) b) the "slow" SE interface and the high # of key strokes to make before the write text screen c) the menu screen with those little pictures; I don't like those.

Both phones score high on looks.

The k700i's dual face design is something that I've been drooling over ever since SE previewed the phone to the public. It also has a flash for the camera. It's screen is bigger than the 6230's. And obviously, it's not a Nokia phone (which is a good thing).

But in the end, I had to consider that I was going to use my phone in tandem with my Tungsten T2. I don't need a big screen since my T2's screen will suffice. I am shying away from the slow interface of the SE. And damnit, I have to admit that I too have an affinity for Nokia phones. I'm such a lamb.

One small warning for Tungsten users though. Palm's phonelink doesn't have a driver for the 6230 yet!! You can work around it a bit, but it's not perfect. That really sucks because I plan on using my palm to text. After a lot of angry requests from T2/6230 users though, palm has promised to come up with the driver by September. I hope they keep their word.

So there, after a lot of thinking and surveying the market, I've finally made a choice. I can't wait to get my hands on my 6230. At last, my T2 won't have to look bad paired with my lousy entry level Nokia phone. Don't get me wrong, but they really don't look good together.