Review of GSM/UMTS-handset Nokia N85
The N85 comes in to claim the title of the best all-in-one phone around, and no other offering will stop it. Sit back and enjoy our review of the phone that has the first place in sales charts all sewn up...
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Classification of cellular devices or how to understand, who is who in the world of mobile telephony.
Conditionally all devices can be divided into 6 classes:
In each class it is possible to allocate subclasses, but the basic types of mobile phones will interest us now. So, to devices of entry level it is accepted to relate inexpensive low-end models equipped with a minimum of functions, which basic purpose - granting of mobile communication. As an example of such phones can serve models of m - series from Motorola, which were extremely popular in 1998-1999 because of the price and quite good quality of communication. At that time such devices differed from superiors in the model line in absence of many functions and, the most important, vibration alert (compare, for example, m3788 and StarTac 130). With the release of new phones and development of technologies representation about the device of entry level varied, and today phones of the lowest price category - functionally rich models. It is enough to tell, that many devices of this class have vibrating alert, voice dial, automatic power on/off under the schedule, alarm clocks and other not less useful functions. Not the last role in change of filling cheap (but completely not bad!) phones has played the decision of manufacturers not to sell devices under the cost price. Crisis of the telecommunication industry has compelled the companies to refuse an opportunity to earn money on sale of cheap devices. The second reason is the refusal of large European operators of granting practice of free-of-charge phones together with the contracts. Disappearance of similar models has sharply reduced quantity of cheap devices in the market that has resulted in the general rise of the prices for phones of entry level. It is absolutely normal situation, and to expect, that it will change in the nearest some years, is not worth waiting - henceforth devices of the lowest price category will cost about 100 dollars, but in no way half from this sum. Rather high prices have allowed manufacturers to equip low-end devices on the maximum, having given them vibrating alert, games, an alarm clock and sometimes even extended lithium-ion batteries. 
Now almost all companies - manufacturers, behind exception Nokia, release models of entry level. For example, Siemens A35/A36, А40, Ericsson A1018s, Ericsson A2618s, Ericsson A2628s, Ericsson A3618, Motorola v2288, Motorola T191, Motorola T192, Motorola T205, Alcatel 300, 301, 302 and others. However, some from the listed above models are extremely simple and equipped with a minimum of functions - for example, all A-series from Siemens, Ericsson A2618s, Ericsson A2628s. Such devices can be named low-end models. As you can see, it is the whole subclass of phones of the entry level. The staying devices can be related to high low-end subclass. Frequently the difference between this subclass of devices and phones of average level is rather ephemeral and consists basically in the price. As a rule, on a measure of ageing middle class models smoothly pass in the category of entry level devices of the maximum price segment. Striking example is Siemens C35i, which for one and a half year has fallen in price up to 100 dollars that has made it high low-end device. Thus on functionality Siemens C35i does not concede to the best models of this class, but loses them on age, and it frequently plays the big role. The longer model is in the market, the better it is recognized, but not sold at all. As practice shows if not to change design and not to expand functionality, sales of model gradually fall and it leaves from the market, to exempt a place for new devices. To compare phones of different classes is incorrectly as functional distinctions between them are at times rather important. It is competent to compare only models of one year, and one class, - only in this case you receive clear representation about pluses and minuses of this or that device. Attempt to compare models of various classes, moreover released in different time, but identical under the price, results in full confusion. In fact, we do not compare cheap and, the main thing, new minibuses of 80th years with modern cars though they cost equally, - so what for to correlate with each other phones of various classes?! The situation is complicated that some devices can be ranked both as middle class and low-end phones. For example, Samsung SGH-R200/R210 as, however, models from Alcatel 30x, are very much advanced devices of entry level. But with the same success, it is possible to relate them to the bottom price segment of middle class phones. Unfortunately, the formal attributes allowing unequivocally to rank this or that phone to a certain class, does not exist. But, on the other hand, due to such variety the user can choose that model which will as much as possible satisfy his requirements.
For use in marching conditions, or Outdoors, it would be possible not to allocate phones in a separate class as they are same standard models, but in the protected execution. So, analogue of Siemens C35i is model М35 identical on functions, but having the rubber case which makes the device damp-proof, that, however, does not assume an opportunity of immersing in water. Nokia 6250 is intended for use in more severe conditions: it can be under water till 10 minutes, has shock-proof fixings, and is protected from penetration of dust. In comparison with similar model 6210 in 6250 there are some additional functions. Thus, in the given segment can be submitted both phones of average, and business class, in the protected execution. Models of business class are the most functional devices. These phones have the most advanced notebooks, organizers, wide communication opportunities. Differences from devices of middle class are well appreciable: in modern business-phone the battery of the big capacity (lithium-ion or lithium-polymer, but in no way nickel- metal hydride), as a rule, is installed. In a case if the capacity of the battery seems small, it's possible to be sure, that it anyway provides some days of a hard work of phone. Support of batch data transmission (GPRS), a wap-browser, as a rule in version 1.2.1 in new devices, (difference from version 1.1 is in support of safe connections used in electronic trade) are envisaged. From obligatory attributes it is necessary to note presence of IR-port and opportunity to data sync with organizer from the personal computer by means of the special software which is frequently included into the complete set of delivery. Many business-devices have also built-in support of Bluetooth (Ericsson R520m, Nokia 6310) or there is an opportunity of connection of special Bluetooth-modules (Nokia 6210, Motorola T280). The support of 3 bands (GSM 900/1800/1900) is a merit of business - phones from Motorola, in devices of other manufacturers the third band - 1900 has appeared later, and besides all over again in business-models. The memory size in business-devices is those that you can keep quietly up to 500 contacts, and frequently for one name it is possible to record more than one telephone number and the text information as small notes. Even the opportunity to keep the e-mail address is envisage and, of course, to send the information via IR-port to any device (handheld computer, phone, PC), supporting vCard format. Representation of manufacturers about phone of this category has undergone essential changes. Earlier business-devices had few games, the design was ascetic and strict, the dimensions - big (though there was an opportunity to make phone smaller). Now the situation is a little bit other: so, even in Motorola phones games have appeared, the weight was reduced at rather insignificant reduction of dimensions. Nevertheless now released business-devices have rather big sizes - those is the stereotype of users under who manufacturers are arranged. So, for example, company Ericsson, having released model R520m, the typical business-device, then declares precisely same model on functionality Т39m which because of design and the smaller sizes concerns more likely to a class of fahsion phones (by the way, the company positions this device so). So, what are differences of image phones from business-devices and whether it is possible to unit them in one class to simplify classification?! It is impossible; frequently fashion devices have scantier (in comparison with business-phones) opportunities. With occurrence of universal platforms the situation has changed: present fashion devices are frequently functionally identical to business-models of the same model line, as an example can serve Motorola T280 and Motorola v66. The major distinctive attribute of fashion phones, in my opinion, is the opportunity of their customization; in particular, an opportunity to change covers (Nokia 8210, 8310). For fashion devices the greater range of standard colors of the case is initially stipulated, and frequently it is bright coloring drawing an eye, as against the quiet, sustained tones of business-phones. Image devices are created to draw attention of associates, from here follow characteristics of design, for example, two displays in Samsung SGH-A300 (the design of a folder type in general is characteristic for fashion devices). The last what it is necessary to mention, are the sizes. In the given nomination a class of fashion phones is out of competition - the smallest devices not only by dimensions, but also by weight! 
And in conclusion of the conversation about the class of fashion devices I'll name its two representatives - Benefon Q and Sony CMD-Z5. I expect the indignant responses of admirers of these models, but, in fact, I have not told, that these phones are bad, - simply they concern to the category of fashion phones. To rank them as this class allows the absence of IR-port and as consequence impossibility not only synchronization of the data, but also their use as the cellular modem. As to the cable, its presence transforms into the modem practically any modern phone. Phones equipped with uncharacteristic functions for them, for example having opportunities of a handheld computer, concern to a class of hybrid devices (smartphones) or the GPS-receiver (Benefon ESC!, Track). Among the smartphones it is necessary to note Nokia 9210, Ericsson R380s (e), Motorola Accompli 008, A6188, Siemens SX45, Sagem WA3050, Handspring Treo 180, 270. For the time present, there is a little of such devices, but every year their quantity will grow. However, forecasts of some analysts according to which smartphones become leaders of sales in the market of mobile terminals, are meanwhile far from a reality. Undoubtedly, these devices have their own niche, but hybrids are not necessary for everyone: many prefer a simple sheaf of a handheld computer + phone. In this case you can choose that handheld computer which is more pleasant to you. By the way, such device will work longer both in the phone mode, and in the handheld computer mode. The operating time of smartphones now leaves much to be desired. The same is possible to tell about opportunities of the separate GPS-receiver and phone. Also it is necessary not to forget about those, for whom additional functionality in phone is absolutely unnecessary - these people, undoubtedly, will choose usual phone. So, meanwhile smartphones and other hybrid devices concern more likely to the category of popular wonders, a little widespread because of their high price.
Positioning by manufacturersFurther in brief we'll take up, how manufacturers position phones and what classes allocate. Motorola. Positioning of models of this company is determined exclusively by phone's price by the current moment that is not completely right. So, the model of a top-class in the past - v3690 because of reduction in price is referred to phones of a business class though other devices of a v-series are top-models. The same situation is with phone of business class Р7389 which, having fallen in price, has passed to the category of middle class models.
For the current model line Motorola company adheres to rather precise positioning. Phones of various categories (I think, descriptions are eloquent enough) are so advertised.
Correlate slogans with the described categories of phones and will see, that Accompli is the device concerning to smartphones, Timeport represents a business class phone, V. - fashion and, at last, Talkabout - a category of initial level models. Ericsson. With phones of this company all is very simple. In the beginning of 1999 Ericsson has entered the ART system of positioning, in which name each letter designates a class of model:
Letters after figure specify the standard in which phone works:
To these letters others can be added:
Siemens. Marks of Siemens company is similar to system of a designation of the models, accepted by Ericsson, but it is easier - only two letters, sometimes one. In total there are some classes:
Nokia. The model line of this company differs in a variety, and positioning - complexity. So, some models form a separate class; in total distinguish several segments.
Samsung. The company divides the market into 4 various sectors: Fashion, Business, Techie, Connector.
Seemingly, the company carries simple division, but model R200/R210 is not related to Connector, and to Fashion, thus other model, namely N400, is quite competent placed between segments Fashion and Business. Such arrangement is caused by that N400, having all functions inherent in devices of business class, has unusual appearance and automatically put forward aerial which makes it similar more likely on a toy, rather than on a “serious” phone. To the same class, which can be named Stylish utilitarian, also concerns N500 model. Devices of average level in Samsung are frequently allocated in Fashion&Classic segment. 
Alcatel. This company divides cellular telephones into some classes without dependence from that, whether there are models in the given sector of the market or not. In total Alcatel allocates 5 classes:
The company positions phones of 500-th and 700-th series as business - devices. 300-n series are models of the highest entry level. Rather reasonable approach to classification, all is precise and clear. Eldar Murtazin (eldar@mobile-review.com)
Published — 10 December 2002. Have something to add?! Write us... eldar@mobile-review.com
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As is
known, cellular telephones differ from each other in functionality and, hence,
given opportunities. Unfortunately, universal classification of phones does not
exist, and there are some explanations to this. The first and the basic is an
absence of the consent between manufacturers, each of them develops its own classification
for released devices. Division of models into some classes pursues first of all
the marketing purposes: having related phone to this or that category, it is possible
to change its price. For example, business-devices are more prestigious than phones
of entry level, they, hence, cost a bit expensively. In the model line from this
or that manufacturer one of the classes can be presented by several devices, and
in the other can not be even one. So, for example, Nokia in general does not have
inexpensive models of entry level.
The
second group - middle range devices. It is the biggest group of various
models by quantity, on sales it is also confidently in the lead level with phones
of entry level. The functional equipment of such devices is rich enough - they
meet practically to all requirements, frequently have a voice dial, a WAP-browser,
games and other advanced features. The most typical phones of average level are
Nokia 3310, 3330, Siemens C35i, C45, Panasonic GD52, Alcatel 511. The listed models
differ from more expensive devices of business class in absence of IR-port, the
Bluetooth-transmitter, the built-in tools for synchronization with the personal
computer (the cable is required as there is no IR-port), smaller operating time
from one charge, smaller memory size and more simple organizers. As well as the
first considered class, this category of cellular telephones can be divided conditionally
into some small subgroups, but it is not so interesting, as devices of middle
class are rather similar on functions.