Features

The N-Gage -a gaming platform

Courtesy of Cable & Wireless, I got a look at the much-hyped Nokia N-Gage recently and to put it mildly, it was an interesting experience. First of all, here is an introduction. The N-Gage is not merely a phone, it is also a gaming platform, offering multi-gamers opportunities via the Internet and Bluetooth connections. Yes, you read that correctly ladies and gentlemen, not satisfied with offering you cellular telephones that has a radio, or a flashlight, or can count how many calories you burn, Nokia decides to create one that you can play complex games on. For the record it works, but with a few hitches along the way.

However, before we get to that, let's look at the telephone aspect of the N-Gage shall we?

First of all, never, ever, answer the phone - if and when you have one - without using the earpieces provided. You will look like you are trying to eat a taco with your ear - not a pretty sight.

That said, with sophisticated features like Bluetooth, Java, high-speed Internet and multimedia messaging, based on the same core platform as the Nokia 3650 or 7650 Nokia has created a product that will satisfy both hard-core gamers as well as those seeking an all-round fun mobile phone package with games thrown in. Features of the Nokia N-Gage include:

Large 4096 colour display (176 x 208 pixels)

5-way directional controller (works eight ways in games)

Online gaming and multiplayer gaming via Bluetooth and the Internet.

Digital music player (MP3 & AAC formats) and a digital recorder.

Stereo FM radio

Stereo headset

Nokia Audio Manager PC software

WAP, GPRS, HSCSD (high-speed Internet), E-mail and a XHTML browser

Symbian operating system

Java

MMS multimedia messaging and enhanced SMS

64 MB external memory card

USB connectivity for music download from PC

Built-in handsfree speaker

Calendar, contacts

Voice dialling

Size: 134 x 70 x 20 mm; Weight : 137g; Battery standby: 150 - 200 hours ; Battery talktime: 2 - 4 hours (3-6 hour game play; up to 20 hour radio play) Vibration alert; Tri band.

In fact, the only thing that seems to be missing is a camera. Next week we will take a look at how the N-gage performs as a cellular telephone and as a gaming platform.

Comments or questions?

E-mail me at chaos_theory@ureach.com.