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I have to admit from the beginning that I am an avid Windows Mobile fan and over the years have always found it difficult to look at and use other devices. I am sure that the biggest reason for that has been because I have been so used to the Windows platform and when looking at a non-windows device, I compare every aspect of it to Windows Mobile.  Over time I have mellowed somewhat and have acquired an absolute liking to a variety of non-windows devices.

Several years ago I was included in a special bloggers program where I had the opportunity to check out a variety of Nokia N-series devices and quite frankly, I was very impressed with most of them. In fact, I still use a couple of Nokia devices when I want that special experience while I am on the road. If one were to ask what impressed me the most as I used those devices, I would have to reply that it was the unparalled quality of the Nokia Experience.

Last summer I had the opportunity to check out the Nokia E75  via the Nokia WOM program and it was a device that surprised me. In fact, I felt it was incredible experience and was sad to have to return it after using it for several weeks. It was a perfect device for someone who wanted (and needed) the ability to do that little extra that is required on the road as well as enjoy features like music, video and the web when relaxing.

A few weeks ago I was asked if I would like to check out the new Nokia E72. I didn’t hesitate for a second because the experience with the E75 was excellent coupled with the fact that the E72 had some design features that I really wanted to check out. So today I am going to give you just a little tour of the device and tell you what I liked.

The Package

When the device arrived I opened the package with great anticipation and found a device that was much thinner than I expected and upon holding it for the first time, I was immediately struck by the keyboard (not only by its looks but the “feel” was extraordinary). In fact, it may well be the best designed keyboard I have ever used. The buttons are almost like tiny tic tacs with a raised portion in the center. Sliding your finger over each button you can distinctly feel each button. There is little or no chance of ever hitting a wrong key … I like that.

Included with the device was an AC charger (I wish that they would include “inserts” so you would be able to use a variety of AC outlets like US, European, Asian etc), a slip case, earbuds, Sync cable, soft cleaning cloth and a tether cord.

Initial Start and Device Design

The design is typical of Nokia devices … SOLID!  It has an immediate great feel as you hold it for the first time and trust me, the juices start to flow because you want to fire it up and get the experience going.

I inserted the battery and there was sufficient power in the battery to run through the initial setup of the device and my email settings. In a matter of a few minutes I was making calls, checking my email, surfing the net and exploring the device. Nokia makes the process easy so the novice (as well as the experienced user) has a great initial experience.

After the setup I spent a period of time composing several emails to see if my initial experience with the keyboard was going to be as good in actual usage. In fact it was better than I had ever expected offering ease of use and flawless text entry.

So lets take a look at the device and see what it looks like.  It felt a little heavy as I held it for the first time but considering the materials used to create a durable device, I would have expected that.  From its size, you might expect it to be lighter but its weight is comparable to other devices weighing in at 128 g.  The E72 measures 114 x 58.3 x 10.1 mm which is just slightly smaller and noticeably thinner than the Verizon Imagio (117 x 61 x 13 mm and 150 g).

Looking at the device for the first time, the front has the typical setup you would expect.  The top sports a TFT active matrix glass screen measuring 2.36" and it has a resolution of 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA) which provides up to 16.7 million colors.

Above the screen we have the earpiece, light sensor and a secondary camera.

Below the screen, in the center of the device, you have the two Selection keys on the left and right then below them (from left to right) you have Home key, Contacts key, Optical Navi key (scroll key), Calendar key and E-mail key.  Lastly, below this row, you have the Call key on the left and the Call End key on the right.

The bottom sports the key pad which is truly wonderful to work with.  I have been easily able to use it with not one error in finding a key.  It has been excellent for text entry on email as well as social media applications.  If you are familiar with using a QWERTY keypad, you will like a little “nub” located on the “G key” which easily allows you to find your location on the pad.

The top of the device has the power button as well as a 3.5 mm headset jack … nice!  You can see the protrusion of the camera looking from the top.

The right side has three buttons.  From L-R, Volume down, Voice key, Volume up.

The bottom of the device has the input for the AC charger and a place to have a lanyard.  Does anyone ever use a lanyard?

The left side has a covering over the Micro USB connector and the Memory card slot.  It should be noted that the device came with a 4 GB MicroSD memory card (with hot swap) and has support for up to 16 GB.

Lastly we see the back of the device.  Rather than a cheap plastic battery compartment cover, Nokia has added a metal cover that has a touch of class as well as durability.  Of course what is always impressive with a Nokia device is the camera they include and this device is no exception.  It sports a 5 megapixel camera (2592 x 1944 pixels) with autofocus and flash that takes some great shots!

For those that really get into the capabilities of the camera, this one uses JPEG and Exif formats, has a 5x digital zoom, a one-touch autofocus key as well as a LED flash.  The flash works well on close subjects and I have been impressed with quality of the focus range.

For my general usage I just take stills but when needed the video is nice to have and does a reasonably good job.  The capture modes that you have are: Still capture mode, video mode, panorama mode and sequence mode.

At night I always plug in my devices as a matter of course so my experience is always on a full day of usage.  I have had more than sufficient battery power for all day use.  The SIM holder is a sleeve that draws out and you place the SIM in the sleeve and slide it in.  It works well.

Device navigation, Programs and ease of use

Using the S60 interface is a piece of cake although when I first used it years ago I would never have said that.  I was so used to the Windows Mobile that I found it hard to follow initially but today I wonder why I ever felt that way.  It is simple, easy to use, easier to learn and provides a rich experience.  That said, the time has come for some changes to keep up with the trend we are seeing in the latest devices on the market.  I can only assume that Nokia has something in the works and that future devices will has some vast improvements in the user interface.

My intention is not to discuss each application on the device.  Suffice it to say that any user (new or old) will be able to have a very rich experience with what comes standard on the device.  There are a myriad of programs available for S60 devices that can enhance the experience for those that want just a little bit more as well as for the more sophisticated “power” users.

Clicking the Menu Selection Key gives you a screen from where you can navigate to perform any task.

Calendar, Contacts, (call) Log, Internet and Messaging are common features that everyone will use and will feel immediately comfortable using if it is your first time with a Nokia device.

The Media Icon will provide several apps for your pleasure.  The radio is a feature that I often use just to listen to tunes that I do not have as well as the news and weather. You must use a headset since it serves as the antenna however you can listen to your favorite stations via the device loudspeaker if you choose.  Another feature I like is the ability to save favorite stations (up to 50 favorites).

The Music Player does a decent job separating your tunes by Artist, Albums, Playlists, All Songs, Genre and Composers. The interface is very basic and needs an overhaul to give it a more modern look and feel.  The Music store did not give me a US option but I perused the UK site and was pleased with the selections available.  The Recorder did an excellent job in picking up voice and clearly separated sounds providing clarity for listening.

The Gallery gives you quick access to Images, Video Clips, Songs, Sound Clips, Streaming Links and presentations.  All your Media files in one place for quick easy access.  The Camera is excellent providing you with better than expected results.  Below is a picture of my lake taken from my deck.  There is a very cool feature for taking panoramic shots that blends a series of pictures together.  You do need a steady hand to align the shots but it works pretty well.  Video capabilities are also good (although that is a feature I rarely use).

Early Morning

Mid afternoon

Mid afternoon

2 Picture -panorama

4 Picture -panorama

Share Online is a program that allows you to share content to an online sharing service.  The included Real Player allows viewing of video clips and streaming media and the Video Center gives you quick access to your videos and any video feeds you have saved.  The only issue I experienced in the Media area was with the Music Search program.  It allows you to select a song by name, artist, album or playlist.  I’m guessing it was my “Boston accent” that caused my difficulties … lol.

Thirteen entries in the “Office” category provide a myriad of options for you to complete tasks while on the go.  I was able to create a document and edit it easily and although I did not create a Workbook or Presentation, it appears to be easily done with this device.  The Multiscanner option was a feature that I really liked and it worked amazingly well.  I was able to scan Business cards with remarkable accuracy.  The scan would separate what it read and would save name, number, email, address and other pertinent (and non-pertinent) information.  I could save (and edit) the information as a contact.  The scanner also has a text scanning ability that was also amazingly accurate.  I was able to scan portions of a document and get near perfect results every time.  Very impressive feature!

Three application included in the Office category that deserve mention are the dictionary, Calculator and Font Magnifier.  Not something you would use everyday but when needed, it is great to have them.

The Control Panel provides everything you need to setup, adjust and tweak your device to the way you want.

There were a few included applications to start the experience.  There were two included games that were OK.  Below is a screenshot of the included Solitaire game.

The GPS function was excellent providing fast and reliable location.  In addition there is a very cool Compass application built in that works superbly.

Although I did not use the GPS for navigation while driving ( The screen size is too small for safe driving and I have navigation in my automobile), I was impressed with the speed and accuracy of the GPS function and would expect that those that did choose to use it for navigation (as long as they were the passenger) would be very satisfied with the results.

The last application that deserves mention is the Chat feature. There were four services available: Talk, Messenger, OVI and Yahoo.  There was no Facebook or Twitter applications but 3rd party software can satisfy that need.

The E72 Experience

Overall I have to say my experience with the E72 has been quite enjoyable.  It is a well built device that is comfortable to hold, easy to use and provides virtually everything you would want.  Of course, if what you need for applications is not there, S60 devices have a slew of applications available to improve and enhance your user experience.

Call quality was superior (after all its first purpose is to make calls) coupled with outstanding email capabilities and excellent Internet connectivity either from a data plan or the included WiFi, this device is an absolute winner.  Throughout the experience, the battery was always impressive lasting me all day with plenty of power to spare.  Since I typically charge my devices every night when I return home, I decided as I was writing my thoughts to see if I could get away with a couple of days without charging … and I easily made that mark. 

There is no question in my mind that the Nokia E72 is a terrific business-oriented cell phone with one of the best full QWERTY keyboards I have ever used. I loved using the combination D-Pad optical trackpad and wish I had just a little more time to play with it.  Using both together made for a pretty good experience.

You can find out more about the E72 here and you can read the Full Specifications here.  The Nokia E72 is listed in the Nokia Store for $419.00