10 Best Smartphones Featured in The Smartphones Show

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Mio a701 GPS Communicator
   • Design and Display
   • Hardware Features
   • Software Features
   • Navigation Experience
   • Pros and Cons
3. Nokia E61 - The BlackBerry Killer
   • Design and Display
   • Keyboard and Navigation
   • Software Features
   • Office Applications
   • Multimedia Capabilities
   • Connectivity Options
   • Pros and Cons
4. Comparison: Mio a701 vs Nokia E61
   • Design and Build Quality
   • Display and User Interface
   • Communication and Connectivity
   • Productivity and Office Applications
   • Multimedia and Entertainment
   • Navigation and GPS Capabilities
   • Battery Life and Performance
   • Price and Value for Money
5. Conclusion

Mio a701 GPS Communicator

The Mio a701 GPS Communicator is a versatile device that combines the functionalities of a GPS system, a Windows Mobile 5 smartphone, and a communication tool. It features a sleek and stylish design with a compact form factor. The device offers a neat and tidy display with a low-resolution screen of 320 by 240 pixels. While the screen may not be the brightest or most vibrant, it is sufficient for most users.

Design and Display

The Mio a701 GPS Communicator boasts a nicely finished and stylish design. It has a compact form factor that makes it easy to hold and operate with one HAND. The device features a low-resolution screen, which may not be the brightest, but it is acceptable for most users. The display offers a neat and tidy interface for navigating through the device's features and functions.

Hardware Features

One notable hardware feature of the Mio a701 GPS Communicator is the absence of function keys on the front of the device. Unlike other Windows Mobile 5 smartphones, which typically have soft keys at the bottom of the screen, the Mio a701 relies on a large area of plastic that users need to press to activate functions. This lack of dedicated function keys can be a bit inconvenient and may require users to use their stylus more frequently.

The device includes buttons for system volume control and zooming, as well as a rubberized SD card holder and a camera button on the right-hand side. It also features a stereo headset socket for audio output. While the hardware of the Mio a701 is adequate, it may not be as advanced or cutting-edge as some other smartphones on the market.

Software Features

The Mio a701 GPS Communicator runs on the Windows Mobile 5 operating system, which offers a range of features and applications for productivity, communication, and multimedia. The device comes bundled with Mio Map software, which provides GPS navigation functionality. The Mio Map software is Based on Tele Atlas maps and is available for Western Europe, including Great Britain.

One customization that Mio has made to the standard Windows Mobile 5 interface is the Mio menu. This menu provides shortcuts to 12 pre-selected programs that Mio thinks users will use the most. However, users cannot customize these shortcuts or replace them with their preferred applications, which may limit the personalization options for some users.

Navigation Experience

The navigation experience on the Mio a701 GPS Communicator is decent, but it may not be as smooth or intuitive as other GPS systems. The Mio Map software allows users to search for addresses, navigate to specific locations, and access points of interest. However, there have been reports of slow response times when entering search queries, which can be frustrating for users.

The GPS performance of the Mio a701 is generally reliable, with accurate positioning and navigation instructions. The device features a 3D display option for a more immersive navigation experience, as well as manual zoom buttons for adjusting the map view. Overall, the Mio a701 provides a satisfactory GPS navigation experience, but it may not offer the advanced features or seamless performance of dedicated GPS devices.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Stylish and compact design
• GPS navigation functionality
• Windows Mobile 5 operating system
• Decent battery life
• All-in-one device combining GPS, smartphone, and communication features

Cons:

• Low-resolution display
• Inconvenient lack of function keys
• Limited customization options for the Mio menu
• Slow response times in the Mio Map software
• Not as advanced or feature-rich as dedicated GPS devices

Nokia E61 - The BlackBerry Killer

The Nokia E61 is a smartphone that aims to compete with the popular BlackBerry devices in the market. It features a distinctive design with a landscape-oriented screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. The device runs on the Symbian S60 operating system and offers a range of features for productivity, communication, and multimedia.

Design and Display

The Nokia E61 stands out with its unique design, which is reminiscent of BlackBerry devices and Palm Trios. It features a landscape-oriented screen, which offers more space for displaying content and typing on the full QWERTY keyboard. The device has a metallic finish and is surprisingly light for its size.

The display of the Nokia E61 is larger than traditional Symbian S60 devices, providing more room for viewing and interacting with content. However, the larger screen size also means that icons and fonts may appear small or cramped in some applications. Despite this, the display is generally readable and offers good visibility.

Keyboard and Navigation

One of the standout features of the Nokia E61 is its full QWERTY keyboard. The keyboard allows for fast and accurate typing, making it suitable for users who need to Compose emails or text messages frequently. The keys are well-spaced and offer good tactile feedback, contributing to a satisfying typing experience.

Navigation on the Nokia E61 is straightforward, thanks to its intuitive user interface and dedicated navigation buttons. The device includes up and down volume buttons, as well as a voice recording button for quick access to voice memos. The user interface is standard for Symbian S60 devices, with familiar menus and options.

Software Features

The Nokia E61 runs on the Symbian S60 operating system, which provides a wide range of applications and features for productivity, communication, and multimedia. The device comes with a full set of standard S60 applications, including a clock, calculator, calendar, and messaging tools. It also includes an office suite, which allows users to Create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations on the go.

The office suite on the Nokia E61 is impressive and offers most of the features found in Microsoft Word and Excel. The document editor allows users to create and edit Word documents, while the spreadsheet editor supports Excel files. The presentation editor allows users to create, view, and deliver PowerPoint presentations.

Office Applications

The office applications on the Nokia E61 are a major highlight of the device. The document editor provides essential formatting and editing options, allowing users to work on their documents with ease. The spreadsheet editor supports formulas, functions, and charts, making it suitable for basic data analysis and calculations. The presentation editor offers slide creation and editing capabilities, enabling users to create professional-looking slideshows.

In addition to the standard office applications, the Nokia E61 also includes a file manager that allows users to organize and manage their files easily. The device supports a wide range of file formats, including documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and PDF files. This makes the Nokia E61 a versatile tool for professionals who need to work on the go.

Multimedia Capabilities

Despite being primarily marketed as a business device, the Nokia E61 also offers multimedia capabilities. The device supports various audio and video formats, allowing users to listen to music and watch videos on the go. The large landscape-oriented screen provides a decent viewing experience, although it may not be as vibrant or detailed as dedicated media players.

The Nokia E61 also includes a 1.3-megapixel camera on the back, which allows users to capture photos and videos. However, the camera quality is average at best and may not meet the expectations of users who prioritize photography. Nevertheless, the camera is sufficient for basic snapshots and video recording.

Connectivity Options

Connectivity options on the Nokia E61 are extensive, making it easy to stay connected wherever You are. The device supports Wi-Fi, allowing users to connect to wireless networks and access the internet at high speeds. It also includes Bluetooth and infrared for wireless data transfer and communication. The Nokia E61 offers good compatibility with a wide range of Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as headsets, speakers, and keyboards.

The Nokia E61 supports 3G and GPRS for cellular data connectivity, allowing users to browse the internet, send emails, and access online services. The device also includes a USB port for wired data transfer and charging. Overall, the Nokia E61 provides a comprehensive set of connectivity options, ensuring that users can stay connected and productive on the go.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Unique design with a landscape-oriented screen
• Full QWERTY keyboard for fast and accurate typing
• Symbian S60 operating system with a wide range of applications
• Impressive office suite for document editing and creation
• Extensive connectivity options, including Wi-Fi and Bluetooth

Cons:

• Small fonts and cramped interface in some applications
• Average camera quality
• Limited customization options for the user interface
• Lack of advanced multimedia features
• Relatively large and bulky compared to other smartphones

Comparison: Mio a701 vs Nokia E61

When comparing the Mio a701 GPS Communicator and the Nokia E61, there are several key factors to consider. These factors include design and build quality, display and user interface, communication and connectivity options, productivity and office applications, multimedia and entertainment features, navigation and GPS capabilities, battery life and performance, as well as price and value for money.

Design and Build Quality

In terms of design and build quality, both devices offer distinctive looks and solid construction. The Mio a701 has a sleek and stylish design, while the Nokia E61 resembles BlackBerry devices and offers a landscape-oriented screen. Both devices are well-built and feel comfortable to hold, although the Mio a701 may be slightly more compact.

Display and User Interface

In terms of display and user interface, the Mio a701 and the Nokia E61 offer different propositions. The Mio a701 features a low-resolution screen with neat and tidy graphics but may not be the brightest or most vibrant. On the other hand, the Nokia E61 has a larger landscape-oriented screen, which provides more room for viewing and interacting with content. However, the fonts may appear small and the interface may look cramped in some applications.

Communication and Connectivity

Both the Mio a701 and the Nokia E61 offer a range of communication and connectivity options. The Mio a701 features Bluetooth and a headset socket, which allows for wireless communication and audio output. It also supports GSM, GPRS, and 3G for cellular connectivity. The Nokia E61 offers similar connectivity options, along with Wi-Fi for high-speed internet access. Both devices provide good compatibility with various Bluetooth devices.

Productivity and Office Applications

When it comes to productivity and office applications, the Nokia E61 outshines the Mio a701. The Nokia E61 comes with a comprehensive office suite, allowing users to create and edit documents, spreadsheets, and presentations. The Mio a701, on the other hand, offers basic productivity features but may not have as advanced office applications. This makes the Nokia E61 more suitable for professionals who need to work on the go.

Multimedia and Entertainment

In terms of multimedia and entertainment features, both devices offer decent capabilities. The Mio a701 supports music and video playback, although its screen may not be as vibrant or detailed as dedicated media players. The Nokia E61 also supports audio and video playback, and its larger landscape-oriented screen provides a better viewing experience. However, the camera quality of both devices is average at best.

Navigation and GPS Capabilities

The Mio a701 has a clear AdVantage in terms of navigation and GPS capabilities, as it is primarily marketed as a GPS communicator. It comes bundled with Mio Map software, which provides GPS navigation functionality. The Nokia E61, on the other hand, does not have built-in GPS capabilities and may require external accessories for navigation.

Battery Life and Performance

Both devices offer decent battery life and performance for their respective features and functionalities. The Mio a701 and the Nokia E61 can handle typical smartphone tasks, such as calls, messaging, and multimedia playback, without significant issues. However, the Mio a701 may have shorter battery life due to its GPS functionality.

Price and Value for Money

In terms of price and value for money, the Mio a701 and the Nokia E61 offer different propositions. The Mio a701 is generally more affordable, considering its GPS functionality and all-in-one features. The Nokia E61, on the other hand, may be slightly more expensive due to its advanced office applications and larger screen size. Ultimately, the choice between the two devices depends on the user's priorities and budget.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both the Mio a701 GPS Communicator and the Nokia E61 offer unique features and functionalities. The Mio a701 is a versatile device that combines GPS navigation, smartphone capabilities, and communication features. It boasts a sleek design and decent performance, although its low-resolution screen and lack of function keys may be drawbacks for some users.

The Nokia E61, on the other hand, is a smartphone that aims to compete with BlackBerry devices. It features a distinctive design with a landscape-oriented screen and a full QWERTY keyboard. The device offers a comprehensive set of features for productivity, communication, and multimedia, making it suitable for professionals who need to work on the go.

Ultimately, the choice between the Mio a701 and the Nokia E61 depends on the user's priorities and preferences. Users who prioritize GPS navigation and all-in-one functionality may prefer the Mio a701. Users who prioritize productivity and office applications, as well as multimedia capabilities, may prefer the Nokia E61.