End of 3210 ? (Nokia 3310)

Member Name: FoRk

Product:	Nokia 3310
Date:	11/03/01 (124 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Vibra-call, more ring tones, more games, stronger, sexier.

Disadvantages: -

I have owned a 3210 from when they first came out and it has been a brilliant phone. Last week, someone lent me their 3310 for a couple of days to see if I wanted to buy one...

On first impressions, the dual band 3310 is smaller than the 3210, being even more ergonomic, and lighter. It looks damned sexy to be honest, and most people like Nokia's new look. The user interface is the same, and still as easy to use as previous Nokia models, which I think makes these phones great.

So, what's new over the 3210 series? Well, as well as the obvious functions such as SMS and crystal clear sound quality, the 3310 boasts longer talk time and battery power and a chat function. I used this with a friend to test it, and I don't see the point myself. Basically, you send a chat request and then communicate via streaming SMS messages on screen. Personally, I find it much easier and cheaper to simply phone someone to state your point, although it is quite nifty being able to converse as though you were in a net chat room.

The phone improves on the 3210 by adding vibrating function, and the ability to save about 6 ring tones, which can be sent via SMS. Also, it has voice activated dialling, but setting this up, and speaking into your phone is much harder than simply pressing a speed dial button.

Being a Nokia, four games are included - Snake 2, Space Impact, Bantumi and Pairs II, which is a novelty for those people who don't want to listen to their lecturers. However, I still see some unfortunate people playing Snake 2 at the pub over a pint...

So is it worth the upgrade? Well it does look nice, and has some good features, the best being the vibra-call function. Apart from this, the only extra advantages are the games and ring tones, but these aren't essential, especially for users that use a phone as a phone, not an entertainment device.

However, I would consider the upgrade, because I am a child at heart, and
have a compelling urge to play at Snake 2 during lessons. Also, the build quality is better than my 3210 and this is a good reason to upgrade.

Cost-wise the 3310 varies, and can range from about £20 on contract to £100 on PAYG. However, if you buy a sim-free handset, be sure to check that it is compaitable on your network and isn't locked to a single network.

Summary: