It's a phone that, well, phone's (Nokia 1100)

Member Name: f1ndl0w

Product:	Nokia 1100
Date:	02/06/09 (46 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Cheap, simple, reliable, other folks can't annoy you with their "music" on it.

Disadvantages: None really, it's advertised as a basic phone, and does exactly that.

This in my opinion is one of the last classic Nokia's; it's a phone which does just that. No messing about with camera(s), mp3 players, colour screens, or anything else to distract from its core use. Admittedly nowadays people would laugh at this seemingly lacking device, although in fact that this is essentially what most people use from their mobiles most of the time. You don't have a cooker that also cleans the dishes, so why should a phone be any different?

It is clear that this phone isn't meant for people who expect everything from a little device, so this concentrates on just a few core features. Calling is very simple; it has the traditional Nokia menus so navigating around isn't a problem. The address book has plenty of room for most people - if you need any more then clearly a low-end phone like this isn't for you! The only small issue with calling is that this phone doesn't have dedicated call/hang up buttons, just a one-for-all button in the middle, but, this get's the job done - after all you aren't ever going to need to use both at the same time!

When compared to today's phones the messaging can seem somewhat archaic, with only up & down arrows to navigate around the message - making adjustments a length process. Despite this it is a layout similar to phones of the late 90's, so it has obviously worked for many people, just not exactly what I am used to! It also comes with the usual predictive text, something which I think is essential, it just takes a bit of getting used to.

As far as I'm concerned there is yet to be a game released which beats the classic, Snake 2, it was simple, easy, and addictive. Best of all it's installed on this phone! You can forgive the lack of a colour screen and all other minor niggles, as this game alone brings back many memories of trying to beat that high score without driving into myself. Additionally it comes with Space Impact, of which I'm not really a fan, but at least it gives folks a second (and final) choice!

Extras ... it sounds awfully luxurious, although I'm not talking about a magical monochrome camera here. The only thing that it has which you wouldn't expect is a small LED torch on the top, this is activated simply by pressing & holding the "C" button, it can be useful when you just need to light up the place, although has a time limit of 15 seconds so not suitable for prolonged use. If it wasn't for this I think its uses would be greatly improved, as at least than it gives you more of a chance of finding lost treasures!

As with most Nokia's build quality is second to none, it feels like you could drive over this and still phone someone up to let them know it's working. The keys are all joined on a single rubbery keypad, giving it a feeling that it would withstand dust and small amounts of water. Another nice touch for customisation is that you can change the coloured fascia's of it - although the replacements often cost as much as the phone itself!

This phone isn't going to blow anyone away with its features, but offers you a cheap and basic package for doing what phones do best!

Summary: Built to last, ideal if you just need to keep in touch.

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