Over the past month I have tested the Nokia E61 (reviewed here earlier)…concluded I don’t like it and have started using the N73 instead. Bottom line (for the N73) - too smart, too slow, I like it but it’s definitely not an “off the shelf” product.

What is true for real life (spouse, friends, job) is true for technology as well - expectation is an important factor of interaction. If I know what to expect, my full mindset shifts accordingly. Over the years I have tested (and created) many, less then perfect products, some of which I loved. When I know I should ignore the imperfections and focus on the core, the context remains the right context. THAT’S what beta is for (what’s up Google?). The “Beta” label puts everything in perspective. It signifies the recognition that this is still work in progress and that comments are welcomed. Once you go live - imperfections are much less excusable. Google realized (but abuses) the fact that Beta have a romantic marketing side to it. Participating in a beta makes you feel unique, involved and excited about being first.

The Nokia N73 should have been released in beta and this is why:
• Its sluggish, sluggish, sluggish - it makes you feel like you are working with a bad web service. This is simply unacceptable. Reminds me of my first car, a beautiful yet completely unreliable Alpha Romeo.
• Switch from idle mode to active - phone hangs for 5-10 seconds. Select gallery - wait 5 seconds. Press End instead of Back to go stop and action - hangs. Open a text message - wait 5-10 seconds (sometime more)….its bad, bad, bad.
• Loading a phone with smart features is nice, but implementing them into every single flow - not advised. Every time I select a contact I have to select whether I want to make a video call or voice. Common - give me a break - is my name James Bond???

• Camera - 3.2 Mega Pixel is awesome, but don’t throw out your regular cameras just yet. The camera is great for better then normal lighting conditions, but in a closed room it reminds you that there is still a lot of work to be done on convergence of cameras and phones. None the less, this is the least of my worries and actually one of the biggest sweet spots of this whole early release fiasco.

What could have turned this around? Label it Nokia N73beta If I had this phone with a beta label I would be showing it off left and right. Forgiving all the little things mentioned above. After all its beta - focus on the core - its loaded with features, the smartest phone I have ever had. Incredible screen, slick looking. I could always make these video calls to Q to pretend I am a covert agent working for a start up. Beta…makes all the difference.

a few notes about the Nokia E61 Aner raved about (and why I didn’t like it):
• Its too wide - those few millimeters more than the Motorola Q or Blackberry make all the difference. Very awkward to hold while talking.
• Round corners, guys! Holding a wide phone is one thing but when the corners are not round (or round enough) it’s really not comfortable. Notice how the Blackberry’s corners are rounder and smaller at bottom end. The folks there understand what holding a mini computer over your ear is about..and made it more comfortable. Nokia has yet to learn.
• Tight qwerty. QWERTY keyboard is good but making it too tight looses the edge. I found my not so big but above average fingers where hitting wrong keys. I type faster using T9. Again - Motorola Q and Blackberry buttons are much smaller but better spaced. Very big difference.
• Lack of camera - I realize the enterprise models need to be camera less. This is something I realized in hind sight. Camera phones are important to me…if a phone doesn’t have them I’d prefer the model with. Motorola Q seems like a much better pick.