Feature

Mobiles for TV

Networks & Network Services

Most of the networks are looking at mobile TV as a potential money-spinner (or at least as a way of using all that expensive 3G bandwith). The first serious trials have been completed, and the news is generally good: the punters will go for TV on the mobile... if the price is right, and if the content is right. But which handset should you be selling them?Motorola E10003, O2, VodafonePLUS3GBig, bright screen (one of the first with 262K colours) with landscape display optionDecent 1.2mp camera with 8x zoom, plus second VGA camera for video messagingBluetooth, MP3 player, quad band, TransFlash memory cardMINUSChunky: 138g, 113x54x20mmNo flash for cameraBattery life could be betterMemory card located awkwardly under batteryWE SAYCarries its age well (launched Nov 2004) – a great 3G all-rounder and a good TV viewer.Nokia 62803, O2, Orange, VodafonePLUS3GExcellent 262K display with landscape mode2mp main camera, 8x digital zoom, and integrated flash; plus VGA camera for videoBluetooth, USB, infrared, MP3MINUSNo expansion memory shipped in the boxStyling isn’t to everyone’s tasteWE SAYA sleek slider, good at taking moving pictures as well as displaying them.Nokia 66303, O2, Orange, T-Mobile, VodafonePLUS3GBusiness apps include full email, support for Virtual Private Networks, reader for Microsoft Office documents64MB memory card suppliedExcellent battery life for a 3G smartphoneGood network choiceMINUSReliability problemsGimmicky shapeNo video callingDisplay is only 64K coloursWE SAYNokia’s first 3G smartphone (Symbian 60) and another decent all-rounder despite its relative age.Nokia 66803, O2, Orange, VodafonePLUS3GSleek designTwo good cameras: 1.3mp with 6x zoom, slide cover, flash plus VGA video cameraExcellent 262K screen with automatic brightness controlGood signal receptionMINUSSlow menusUncomfortable to use for people with small handsA bit too heavy at 133gWE SAYBetter looking and more reliable than the 6630. A businesslike phone that works well for TV, despite the relatively small screen.Nokia 7710O2, VodafonePLUSWidescreen smartphone90MB internal memory plus another 128MB on memory cardLoads of business and organiser apps Bluetooth, FM radio, MP3MINUSNot everyone will like touch screen as sole input optionToo bulky to use comfortably as a handheld phone (headset is essential). Weighs 189gCould be fasterWE SAYIt may be an iffy phone but it’s a great TV viewer (and not bad as a PDA-type organiser with email and web capabilities).Nokia N70O2, Orange,T-Mobile, VodafonePLUS3GSymbian 60 under the hood, including its great setup wizardGood 262K colour screenUnderstated but stylish designTwo cameras, including 2mpNetwork choice30MB internal memory plus 64MB card suppliedMINUSNo standard 3.5mm jack for headphonesWE SAYClassy smartphone with great video and good TV capabilities. A good all-rounder.Samsung D600O2, Orange, T-Mobile, VodafonePLUSCrisp 256k colour 240x320 screenTV Out for playing video and TV on a monitorExtras – good 2mp camera, excellent video recording, MP3, Bluetooth, USB, microSD memory expansionLooks great, feels great, works wellMINUSNo memory card in the boxWE SAYSurprisingly good at most things, and while it’s not 3G it will do until Samsung’s Z130 (swivelling wide-screen display) arrives.Sony Ericsson S700iVodafonePLUSCool minimalist Scandanavian-style looksUltra-thinStylish perforated aluminium outer coverMINUSCamera is only VGAOnly 128x160 displayNo Bluetooth or mediaBattery life average to poorSome may find the styling a bit old-fashioned (they’re wrong)WE SAYArguably overdesigned and underpowered. But what a looker!