S60 Open to new features

People say that you shouldn't judge a book just by its cover.

Perhaps they should say that about S60 devices too.

I was just recently reading one of the S60 related blogs from our friends in India, called, (drum roll please) The S60 Blog. They were suggesting that there should be an S60 version of the Nokia 8800. Their intention was to say that although the Nokia 8800 has a wonderful combination of beauty, elegance, style, etc., but was lacking the power, functionality, and user experience delivered through the S60 platform. I think they really liked the form factor as well.

Just for a bit of background here, for anyone who may not have been reading this blog over the past week, you need to know that I was separated from my S60 multimedia enhanced (Nokia N95) most unceremoniously last weekend.

Yes, thieves broke into my car and stole it. ;-(

Since then, I have been granted the use of a Nokia E66, a business focused device. (I know, you can't buy them yet, and I'm truly sorry for that, because, well, you know...)

So imagine my surprise when I unwrapped the E66 and held it in my hand, then opened and shut the slide a few times...and I was reminded of some of the very good things found in the fashion conscious Nokia 8800.

Wait a minute...did he say...?

Yes, I did.

Allow me to explain. Before I set anyone off, let me just say upfront that this is not a "fashion" phone. It is certainly not an "all beauty - no brains" package. This is, first and foremost, an enterprise optimized device with GPS, Wi-Fi, S60 browser, basically the whole s60 package plus email options galore, security features,etc. But, it reminds me of the Nokia 8800.

Uh, in what way...?

First, look at the physical dimensions.

Nokia 8800
Size: 107 x 45 x 17.2 mm
Weight: 139 g

Nokia E66
Size: 107.5 x 49.5 x 13.6 mm
Weight: 121 g

Height/length, almost exactly the same.
Width - the E66 is a bit wider, but that allows for a significantly larger screen.
Thickness, the E66 at only 13.6 mm is actually 3.6 mm thinner than the Nokia 8800!
Weight, the E66 weighs 18 grams less, but still feels incredibly solid.

But beyond just the dimensions, it was the solid construction, the precision of the slide, the satisfying feel of the spring loaded slide mechanism and the sophistication of the finishes that kept bringing me back to the Nokia 8800 comparison. Wait until you see it in person - then you'll understand!

Anyway, this isn't supposed to be a commercial for the Nokia E66, but my point is, i wasn't looking for this kind of experience from a phone designed for the business segment. Maybe I should be.

And maybe our friends at The S60 Blog in India should be as well.