Welcome To The Family - Nokia E61i
I did it!
After holding out for almost a month, while reading all the positive comments on these post, I caved in and bought the Nokia E61i.
Am I ever glad I took the leap!
I've had the device for less than a day so while it's too early to post any first impressions, instead I will share a list of the first five applications I installed on my brand new device and why I choose to install them.
The first application I installed on my brand spankin' new Nokia E61i is the very same application I installed on my Nokia E61 when I bought it less than a year ago. At that time it was hard to find any applications available for S60 3rd edition so I was just delighted to find one application with support for S60 3rd. Luckily it became one of my favourite appliactions.
Symbian Guru Supreme, Antony Pranata's Screenshot. Screenshot has recently been upgraded to version 2.60 and is better than ever. If you are looking for a tool to take screenshots of your eseries device this is the application for you. I couldn't do without it.
Thank you Antony for maintaining the free application. (If you don't already read Antony's excellent blog S60 Tips I suggest you start).
The second application I installed was RoadSync. After all, email is a BIG part of the reason I use Eseries devices. I like to try out different email solutions and my current choice is RoadSync, which I recently wrote about.
Next up on the list of applications I choose to install is TomTom.
I'm pretty direction impaired when outside San Francisco and rely on TomTom and my Bluetooth GPS module to help me find the way. Without TomTom I'd be lost!
The boys at AllAboutSymbian have a good review of TomTom for Eseries.
I'm really looking forward to once again having a camera on my main device - which brings us to application number four:
ShoZu - It seems as many of the Nseries devices support uploading photos to Flickr. This feature is not included on the Eseries but easily accomplished with one of several third party solutions. My choice is ShoZu (strange name but a good product). ShoZu lets me upload my photos to various online photo services while also keeping an eye on my own photo stream with comments on Flickr.
Last on my initial batch of application I installed on my Nokia E61i is Salling Clicker.
I love music! I listen to music from the moment I get up in the morning until I fall asleep (I normally fall asleep with music playing in the background). Salling Clicker lets me control my music (and many other features and applications) on my computer from my Nokia E61i.
I am currently beta testing the next generation of Salling Clicker for Eseries - expect a more detailed review when the application is released.
That's it five application I can't live without. There are many more applications I will install but those are my top five.
Now I'm off to further tweak and try out my brand new Nokia E61i 
I'm so happy!
May 3rd, 2007 at 10:20 pm
COngrats Ed!
Hows the construction of the E61i? All metallic like the E61, or with some leathery, rubbery, matte-y type covering like the E65?
I bought an E61 in May 06 and had sold it off by October 06: never quite liked the slippery feeling, which wasnt helped by the width and thinness of its body.
I’m guessing the video and stills quality of the camera is exactly like the E65?
May 3rd, 2007 at 10:25 pm
Hey Congrats Ed!
Can’t wait to hear more positive things about the E61i as I am also an owner of the E61. I just need more justification for myself to make this switch as well as for the other half!
I’m also drooling over the E65 to add to the collection.
Damn Nokia, you make sweet devices!
May 3rd, 2007 at 10:43 pm
OOOoooH!
I’m also weighting the benefits of the E61i over my existing E61. Not sure whether I should make the jump. I’ll have to sell my existing phones to buy one of these beauties! Oh the decisions!!
Keep us posted Ed!
May 3rd, 2007 at 11:15 pm
Ed please please please let us know more! Im also interested to see how it works on Cingular’s network (more specifically its web browsing speeds…any better than E61/E62?)
May 4th, 2007 at 12:07 am
It took me a few days and a really good look in the sun to notice that the E61i is plum colored. I could have sworn it was black during the first few days.
ED: Is your E61i “Made By Nokia” instead of a “Made in Finland”. It seems like the initial batch of these phones does not have a country of origin.
May 4th, 2007 at 12:26 am
So till when do we have to wait for the next generation salling clicker application?? You had posted about it long time back and still no new version… I guess its going to be a massive update…right??
May 4th, 2007 at 12:42 am
What firmware do you have Ed?
May 4th, 2007 at 2:11 am
Congrats on your new purchase Ed. Looking out for your personal review soon. Whooo Hooo
May 4th, 2007 at 3:48 am
Mmmm…ed you beat me to it. Cannot wait to get my hands on it. How does it feel? Congrats!
May 4th, 2007 at 6:00 am
I think if Nokia would make touch-screen devices and better/more customised to each device apps then they would be completely untouchable.
May 4th, 2007 at 6:59 am
Hey, can u really edit Email Attachments?
May 4th, 2007 at 8:47 am
Congratulation Ed!!
Can’t wait to read your detailed comparison of the E61i to the E61.
May 4th, 2007 at 9:14 am
I’ve had my E61i for about 24 hrs now and finding it quite a learning curve coming from 3 years of Treo 600 followed by Treo 650. This is my first experience of Symbian and first time I haven’t had a touch screen for years.
It’s making me realise just how useable and powerful the Treo 650 was!
I’m sure I’ll learn to love the E61i eventually but in the mean time, does anyone have any “tips for dummies”?
May 4th, 2007 at 9:58 am
congrats ed! the e61i its the best smartphone ever! i cant wait to get my hands on one of those beauties. im already collecting all the software i will install on it!
regards.
Luis
May 4th, 2007 at 10:13 am
Whats about the live of battery?
I want to play videos… how long does the handy play?
May 4th, 2007 at 10:15 am
does the e61i sync categories? this is my big hang up on the otherwise awesome e-series
May 4th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Hello,
Congratulations Ed,
I have my E61i since more or less a week and a half and have to say that this phone in navigation web speed refered; it`s twice faster than the E61 (my personal experience with my network operator here in Venezuela), is fater than the E61 swichting between applications, also the camera application gives this phone all to be one of the best business smartphones till now.
Regards
May 4th, 2007 at 10:36 am
Ed,
Is There any firmware update for E61i by the way congrats
May 4th, 2007 at 11:21 am
I just bought mine, 3 days ago and i am extremely happy with the upgrade. Particulary, the way it feels in your hand. Much stronger, and the keyboard…wow…what a difference! Great image quality also. The button that replaces the joystick is superb. The extra buttons very very useful. Just go out and buy it!
Fantastic.
Vasco
May 4th, 2007 at 11:33 am
Ed,
Where did you get your phone and how much did you pay for it? Also is there the whole issue of the various keyboards like with the E61?
May 4th, 2007 at 11:37 am
I am very interested in this phone, but I’ve recently been “burned” by Nokia, when I bought an E70 last fall. The phone is nice, but has the battery life of sometimes less than a day–especially when I use the WiFi connection. The WiFi connection is difficult to turn on and off and sometimes the phone doesn’t conntect, when there is a WiFi.
Can you report your experience with the E61i in 1) battery life and 2) WiFi connectivity?
Thanks very much,
Michael in Maine
May 4th, 2007 at 12:06 pm
Congrats Ed!!!
Wow!!! Soon, it’ll be a matter of time before all your fans take that leap too!
I’m seriously considering purchasing the E61i.
Truly looking forward to your review of the E61i.
May 4th, 2007 at 12:39 pm
Congrats, Ed!
I’ll wait for your review before bye E61i.
I’m pretty happy with mine E61 but joystick seems nice on E61i, I don’t really need a camera.
I would like to see a major upgrade of E61 device, like A2DP support will be great to have, something like jog dial would be great on the side and I really would like a nornal mini USB port in the phone, cpu upgrade would be good as well.
May 4th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
Thank you so much everyone!!!
I will compile all your question and post a “review” based on your questions so please keep them coming.
Cheers!
May 4th, 2007 at 1:13 pm
Hi,
I have an E61i and love it but I cant find any good information on how to get the e-mail running on the T-Mobile USA network…..
I have T-Zones running but I cant get E-mail to pass through…
Thanks!!
May 4th, 2007 at 2:11 pm
Hi Ed,
Here come the questions:-
1) The E61’s built-in e-mail client seems to crawl for me. I have 3 mailboxes. One of the mailboxes can be storing about 500 emails or so and I have set for e-mails to be stored on my 2GB miniSD card. Also, I have about 500++ SMSes in my Inbox (not sure if that’s a factor). What I’d like to know is how much faster the E61i’s e-mail client is compared to its predecessor.
2) Do “numeric shortcuts” work? i.e. “Menu button” –> “the no. 6 button” would bring up the Calendar (for e.g.). I remember that such an operation was no longer possible after the first firmware upgrade for the E61 where you needed to press the blue key each time.
3) Is surfing the web faster?
4) How do you like the slimmer E61i? Any difference in its handling? Is it easier or tougher to hold & use?
Will post more when I have them…
Cheers!
May 4th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Andrew,
1) I had the E61 and now the E61i and I can tell you that the speed is not any faster. Having said that, I never really view the speed on the E61 as an issue for me. Your described usage is about what I have except for the txt msgs as I don’t really do that much texting. BTW, I use BB connect so I’m not sure if it makes any difference.
2) Blue key is needed for shortcuts.
3) I didn’t notice the E61i had any advantage with web surfing.
4) The new packaging, the slimmer form factor and the directional pad is what drove me to upgrade from the E61.
May 4th, 2007 at 5:52 pm
ROADSINK? WTF? You mean ROADSTINK. god this is one application that I would not generally recommend unless its your last choice. Roadstink works but its a resource hog, slows down your E-series mobile, drains the battery much faster, and generally does not impress me. Also the email interface is clunky and really crap to work with. If its your last chance ok use it.
I cant understand why U dont use MailforExchange 1.5 from nokia, its free, integrates better, and generally has the same features. I also did a power suck test, nokia mail for exchange 1.5 sucks less
ok rant off. I used to love dataviz products but recently their support, and generally program stack sucks. (ok if you have the N series mobile either install M4E 1.4 or roadSTINK)
a.
May 4th, 2007 at 7:09 pm
i have bought mine…n it was awesome…i bought e61 last year and gave it away to my bf ( actually i sold it to him..heheheheh)….this e61i is amazingly fast compared to the previous one…i notice one thing…to sms faster = set all messages stored in the phone memory….if u set them to the memory card, it will lag u a bit.
May 4th, 2007 at 8:28 pm
As Andrew pointed out, Nokia’s own Mail for Exchange integrates better than Roadsync and is FREE! You should give it a try.
May 4th, 2007 at 9:22 pm
Carl,
Thanks for answering my questions.
I’m a huge fan of the E61 & now the E61i. Also a BIG fan of e-series.org. Am trying to find reasons to justify my upgrade :)…
Cheers!
May 4th, 2007 at 10:09 pm
Hi E61i owners,
One more question, the MP3 volume on my e61 is too low for my tastes. Is the volume on the e61i any better?
thanks,
-Jeff
May 5th, 2007 at 12:01 am
I have just purchased an E61i and I am having problems finding BB Connect software for my phone. Please help!
May 5th, 2007 at 1:29 am
Hi,
I found out that the BB client is installed once you insert the microSD card that comes with phone, inserted my 2Gb card to quickly.
Thanks!
May 5th, 2007 at 1:30 am
Ed, what region does your phone come from? so many different regions…so complicated.
where do you guys get the E61i, there are so many e-tailers, which one can be trusted?
May 5th, 2007 at 6:17 am
Hi Ed! I’m also thinging about upgrading my E61, so I have one question about E61i. Will I still be able to you my HS-23 Nokia Stereo headset on E61i ? TIA
ps. I’m following your blog almost from the beginning and I’m loving it
May 5th, 2007 at 7:31 am
Well as always I seem to upgrade at the same time as you Ed
My E61i is on its way from nokia direct in the UK for £299 which I think is a bargain compared to the very pricey N95. Looking forward to testing my 3uk X-Series goodies on the e61i …….
Slingbox ready, Skype ready…. GO !!!!
May 5th, 2007 at 8:04 am
One question: is your E61i Made in Finland or Made by Nokia ???
May 5th, 2007 at 10:34 am
Got it man it’s awesome don’t even think just buy it. Will be posting a review soon. Meanwhile have added a brief at http://e61i.blogspot.com
May 5th, 2007 at 2:03 pm
So when you buy TomTom does the license let you use it on any phone or did you buy a new TomTom license for your E61i?
Thinking about getting TomTom, but am wary of paying so much if I upgrade my E61 in the next few years if I can’t take the license with me.
May 5th, 2007 at 2:41 pm
Andrew here are a few reasons
d pad is really good
color scheme is awesome
camera for pictures and video clips
faster os and browser
Key pad is much softer and spaced out
lots of new goodies
so what do you think?
May 5th, 2007 at 6:52 pm
How did u get shozu to install on the e61i. I can’t seem to do it.can send me a download link?
thanx
May 5th, 2007 at 7:28 pm
Hey guys, there’s a full review of the E61i (including some comparison with the E61) on http://www.gsmarena.com Go there and see for yourself
May 6th, 2007 at 12:43 am
man this is ridiculous. now i want one :p
May 6th, 2007 at 3:54 am
Congrates Ed… Looking forward for your review.
May 6th, 2007 at 5:25 am
@Benny
I have the same problem as you! I wish he would have made a mention of that in his post. Oh well. shall see if someone picks up on it and comments some help
May 6th, 2007 at 6:12 am
@all e61(i) users:
When I’m playing movies, how long do the battery face?
May 6th, 2007 at 6:26 am
Hi Ed!
I am a proud owner of a E61 myself and am eagerly anticipating the E61i. My question is about RF performance. Although I love my E61, i think the reception is sub-par for a Nokia phone. My ugly (but very functional) 3595 had better reception. I have had my E61 about a year and i feel that my RF really sucks compare to other people on same network but different phone. Also i want to wait for Nokia to release the E61i in US because of their Control Freak policy of only being able to get your phone serviced where you bought is shameful. So please let us know how the reception hold in low strength areas compare to E61.
Thanks.
May 6th, 2007 at 7:56 am
Does E61i support 3G/HSPDA on Cingular network?
May 6th, 2007 at 4:33 pm
Sad to say some bugs reported see details at http://e61i.blogspot.com ed did you encounter the same problems.
May 6th, 2007 at 7:54 pm
Nice one Ed! Keep up the good work.
Greetings from Singapore
May 6th, 2007 at 8:07 pm
@Roger Kondrat
Hey Roger, the shozu on my e61i is unstable as I downloaded the n73 and e65 version to try. keeps hanging. I will be waiting for an update from Shozu
May 6th, 2007 at 8:08 pm
Posted some thoughts on why I may not purchase the E61i and just stick to my E61. Practical reasons really but it’s my two cents worth. Overall, the E61i is a great addition to the Nokia family.
May 6th, 2007 at 8:12 pm
Sorry Ed, forgot to include in my previous post. My website it http://themalaysianbillboard.com
May 6th, 2007 at 11:20 pm
i have and will upload all pics taken with the e61i and n95….they are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/shamsul…feel free to comment
May 7th, 2007 at 12:55 am
sorry guys…
the pics taken are at http://www.flickr.com/photos/hakeem
sorry for the mistake….
May 7th, 2007 at 3:03 am
Nice review Ed, I’m waiting for the coffee shot. I need to see how cool it looks in a cafe.
May 9th, 2007 at 10:14 am
ok so… I got an E61i.
All I can say is WOW. My P990 has officially become my backup phone now.
May 9th, 2007 at 10:15 am
Richard, I’ll get you your coffee shots. And some with high class chocolates too. How’s that sound?
May 9th, 2007 at 1:45 pm
Hey! back off there, I’ll get you the obligatory coffee shots
I’m swamped with work but the review and the coffee shot is coming
Cheers
May 11th, 2007 at 10:32 am
My New Pocket Buddy - Nokia E61i…
Couldn’t stand the K750i any more, after replacing the screen once, it’s starting to fail again.
Plus the inconsistent USB connection to the PC for syncing, plus the fact it just resets sometimes, sometimes turns itself off, sometimes doesn’t ring…
May 11th, 2007 at 10:33 am
I’ve just got mine, crossed over from the dark-side (SE K750i) loving it so far, really.
Some shots of mine here:
My New Pocket Buddy - Nokia E61i
May 12th, 2007 at 7:53 am
is it worth to swap my n93 with E61i? i’ve been thinkin awhile to swap my N93.. but i’m not sure to do that..
hehe thx
May 12th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
Well, here I sit contemplating adding the E61i to the family. The E61 I have now is locked to my operator (and their roaming rates to the US are rediculous) so I’ve been on the market for an unlocked phone, but got to thinking I might want to try something different. Gone through comparisons with the HTC TyTN, Samsung i600, Nokia N95 and the SonyEricsson P1, but keep coming back to the E61i.
I’ve been thinking I wanted a camera on my phone again since the birth of my daughter, and then started thinking, with a potential job change, I may be more interested in the likes of the N95 as I doubt I’ll be in as much need of MfE as I am now. But when it comes down to it, I’ve fallen in love with the QWERTY keyboard.
I would love to keep the apps I’ve come to know with the E61, still want to have a QWERTY keyboard, but now also want to be able to take quick snaps of my daughter (can’t ever find the camera when I need it, but always have the phone in my pocket).
Two questions:
(1) How good is the camera on the E61i?
(2) Once I’ve paid off my E61 with the operator in 8 month’s time and had it unlocked, how much could I get for it on the resale market?
May 13th, 2007 at 7:13 am
Hi Ed, I have two questions. I just got the E61i.
How come when I receive text messages unto my phone, the number doesnt show up as the sender’s name. It shows up as just the number. Its plum annoying. How can I fix this!
May 13th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Hi Ed,
Congrats with the purchase !
I have the E61 and it seems that the bluetooth connection with everything (Nokia GPS mouse, PC, Laptop etc) is fullproof. However, my Jabra JX10 only connects when it’s recently charged, and I mean recently!
Do you have any experience with this type of trouble (headset connectivity) with your E61 and if so, how is the E61i holding up?
May 13th, 2007 at 2:01 pm
Hi Ed, and everyone else,
I’m now on the verge of buying an HTC TyTN instead of the E61i, but want to hear if anyone thinks that would be a stupid move.
The TyTN costs about 60% more, from reviews has a sensitive touch screen no larger than the E61/E61i and some complain about the slider feeling loose (QWERTY slide-out keyboard), plus a weaker battery, BUT it has triband HSDPA so the 3G will work both in the US and Europe, a 400 MHz processor and 128 MB internal memory. Of course there’s the Windows Mobile vs Symbian S60 3rd edition argument, but I’ve never had a Windows Mobile and am very curious (and yes, I’m technically adept so advanced config issues shouldn’t be a prob).
I love my E61, mainly for the overall look&feel, but also am addicted to ActiveSync, fring (Skype and SIP), GPS navigation, OfficeSuite, PDF+ and Ultimate Voice Recorder. With the TyTN I could get all of the same functionality, plus hopefully avoid the web browser, fring and a few other memory hungry apps constantly shutting down (the E61i still doesn’t have FP1 and the free memory is apparently the same). Both the TyTN and the E61i have a 2.0 Mp camera, while the E61i’s screen offers more colors and is generally sharper from what I’ve read.
Anyone out there seriously disappointed with their TyTN and love their E61 or E61i???
May 13th, 2007 at 3:20 pm
I owned a tytn. I had it running windows mobile 6 and the works. All tricked out with photo contacts pro and stuff. Felt like it was a dream. But that’s all it was. It was always so slow that it became unusable. This is coming a person that buys TONS of phones and uses them to their full potential with testing different apps, firmware, ROMS, etc. My case in point was where I first got the e61i..then stupidly got rid of it and got a TyTN. Then traded the tyTN for the Blackberry 8800.. Then eventually just ended up buying an e61i AGAIN. I’m happy for now..probably at least until the e90 comes along or another version of the e61i.
I see your point about the memory deal. Phone memory is small and program memory is small. Still don’t know how nokia didnt get it right this time. Windows Mobile can be a beast. And a b— sometimes. I just have sided with symbian because i feel that there’s so much potential because it does things gracefully without an over abundance of registry tweaking or any of that. I also get the favored one handed-ness with my e61i. Yes the screen is MILES better. Colors are rich and not overly bright. Web browser still can’t be beat. Even if it does close occasionally from time to time on big pages. Stick with symbian. Not in a fanboyism type of way, but I just think it’s on its way up right now.
May 13th, 2007 at 3:25 pm
Oh and if you absolutely MUST stay on windows ..then I’d DEFINITELY consider the Ubiquio 503. http://www.ubiquio.com/product_503g.html - GAME OVER
hehe
May 13th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
have you purchased any casing for the E61i? is there anything better out there than an aluminum or leather case?
May 14th, 2007 at 1:03 am
Is it possible to use the backup from my E61 to transfer everythying onto a new E61i using Nokia Content Copier?
May 14th, 2007 at 1:52 am
I’m going to look carefully at this phone. Thanks for the help, Dialekt!
May 14th, 2007 at 6:33 pm
Thanks for your response Dialekt.
I actually read your discussion of the E61i, TyTN and BB8800 on another forum before making my decision.
When it came down to it I’m at an odd crossroads where I have to spend some money on my business to cut my taxes (me or the tax man as it would have it), and I’ve been missing a camera on my phone and also kind of needed an unlocked phone - hence my being in the market at all. I’m actually extremely pleased with the E61 and don’t have any plans of getting rid of it, but my decision was up to spending the money on the minor tweaks that the E61i is over the E61 and staying in my comfort zone while risking getting bored, or going exploring.
Well, my extreme curiosity of the Pocket PC scene got the better of me and I ordered the TyTN. Given the form factor, I’m almost expecting to be using the E61 as my “small phone” when only the pocket will do, but otherwise I’ll be giving the TyTN a go for a few months at least.
Barring that I’m really curious as to what Nokia has in the pipe and how their Symbian OS will evolve.
May 14th, 2007 at 6:46 pm
Dialekt,
Just checked out the UBiQUiO. That is SWEET! Of course the retailer in my region is out of the loop, but there’s one in the UK expecting them in in June. I have a 14 day return policy on the TyTN that I may be using. We’ll see.
Thanks again for the tip!
May 15th, 2007 at 9:39 am
More incentive to buy an e61i:
I made these clips from my E61i 15 minutes ago:
http://www.sendspace.com/file/7cbel4
http://www.sendspace.com/file/48auwr
and now I also created a nice detailed “Why I Love My E61″ Discussion/Breakdown:
http://www.howardforums.com/showthread.php?p=9209177#post9209177
As far as cases I have yet to discover that myself. I love having this thing nekkid ..but I do need a case regardless rather than just throwing in my pocket.
May 16th, 2007 at 7:39 am
Guys hope you can help. I replaced my Treo 650 with an E61i. I love the Nokia BUT how do I get it to sync my Office Documents. Outlook is fine, no problem. But I do not find a way to sync my Spreadsheets, Word and even e-mails like I could on the Treo.
May 16th, 2007 at 10:19 am
Your killing me Dialekt! Nice video blog btw. My freaking pockets are burning looking to buy a new phone and the E61i is making it real tough for me not to drop 450 on this phone. I’ve always liked Nokias and I’ve been looking to get a smartphone with a qwerty keyboard to replace my T-Mobile MDA. If only t-mobile could pick this up so I can get some type of discount. If not, I might just break down and get it anyway.
Holla
B
May 21st, 2007 at 12:58 am
I just bought a Nokia E61i too, and while I have yet to explore all of its features, I am very happy, deliriously happy. Between tinkering around the unit and surfing the web looking for cool ways to use it, I have come up with several new ways to unclutter my uber-complicated life, all of them involving the E61i. I especially like the voice communications, and the multiple choices for web connectivity, and the focused and sharp video and still images, and the fact that I can send messages to multiple contacts as in CC (my previous Nokia didn’t have this feature, so you can understand why I would be excited about that!), the GPS, and practically everything about it. Not to mention that it really looks good. It’s not as cumbersome as slugging around a laptop. And it looks like it could conquer the world. For someone like me who can’t help but be OC about carrying a lot of notebooks and ballpens just so I can write down every real or conceived injustice thrust upon me and the world at large, this is a handy tool. Research on the go, freewrite while waiting for your order, and compare retail prices in the mall to those online, not to mention having a ready camera for those Burke-White moments (if ever they arise). Best purchase [somebody else] made for me yet! Thanks, Dad!
May 21st, 2007 at 11:09 am
Has anyone installed Avatgo onto their E61i?
I am currently using a Windows mobile phone and thinking of getting the E61i. However I do find the Avantgo on my Windows Mobile pretty useful. I wonder if I can install Avantgo into the E61i. Can anyone advise? Thanks
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:08 am
Hi everybody
I have the Nokia E61i
Does anybody know what the default pascode is for the Bluetooth?
How can I reset it, set up a new passcode?
May 23rd, 2007 at 8:29 am
ok I got it
…you create a passcode on a fly
June 2nd, 2007 at 5:26 pm
Ok, just to update anyone interested in my E61i vs TyTN qualms here goes.
Having an operator-locked E61 and being satisfied, but wanting an unlocked camera smartphone I was about to buy an E61i, but thought I might be getting bored with it. Started looking around and ended up getting a TyTN against advice otherwise.
Got the phone about 1 week ago and in that time:
* Had no problem getting push email to work - like 2 minutes
* Very pleased with the Office software package
* Less pleased with HTC’s choice of pdf-viewer so have gone through several other packages, but had a problem getting the non-preloaded viewer to launch from email
* Started tweaking the registry to get that to work on day 2
* By day 3 was encountering major problems - freeze ups, slow downs, needs to reboot regularly etc etc etc (and no, it wasn’t due to my registry tweaks, the software was just buggy)
* Became adept at registry tweaks (read below for an explanation of what this means)
* Was missing loads of calls for unknown reasons
* Tried to return the phone, but my supplier was a joke of a company and wouldn’t accept anything where the box had been opened (douh!)
* At this point, decided to throw caution to the wind and upgrade the OS and radio handling software (ROM) on my own
* Fixed the connection problems and “pimped my ride”
Now after more than a week with the TyTN, I’m finally where I was at with the E61 at about day 2. I have a relatively stable system, push email, no missed calls, reliable incoming/outgoing SIP calls (over 3G), etc etc etc.
Do I regret my choice: Yes and no. I was getting tired of the Nokia Symbian OS and feeling a little bored with the phone and did want a camera. The TyTN has given me more “excitement” (it’s been an education, but now I’m personally able to do more things with the unit than I could ever have done with the E61i). I’m very pleased with the camera and despite what I’ve heard, I actually like the TyTN’s screen and layout more although it’s not nearly as good in bright sunlight (it just feels “bigger” although it’s not).
For those unfamiliar with Windows Mobile, first off it’s a product of Microsoft with all the troubles that that entails. Secondly, most of the phone’s functions and performance can be adjusted by a layman with moderate technical skills by making registry edits (just like the registry in the Windows OS on your regular computer). Thirdly, there’s a huge community of folks that have taken bits and pieces of all the OS packages (ROM’s) released (and there are loads) to put together their own versions. You can easily install these new OS’s (albeit not without risk) and can thereby make major changes to the phone compared to what it was out-of-the-box.
All of this means that most of the issues you’ve ever heard about WM phones can be taken care of if your somewhat good technically, although WM is a bear and requires loads more of your time. At the end of the day, if you’re willing to put in the time and you do have some technical skill, you can shop for phones on the basis of HW and rely on being able to adjust the SW separately.
At this point, I’m happy I got a good hardware platform and am now satisfied with my software tweaking. That said, I think I’m more satisfied right now with “My” TyTN than I would’ve been with an E61i. But that’s me. Then again, I was so dissatisfied with the TyTN I got out of the box that I tried to return it.
In conclusion, if you want a good, solid phone that just works, out-of-the-box and rain or shine, get an E61i. If you got some time to spare and really, really want a certain Windows mobile, think twice about it and make sure you’re up to the challenge. Otherwise, stick with Symbian.
June 11th, 2007 at 11:56 am
Oui, oui, oui! Just picked up my brand new nokia E61i, weeeeeeee! The E61i is slim, light, shiny, not that wide! Im charging the battery as i speak and didnt turn ON the phone so i cant comment about the S60 and can only post this photo of my “welcome ritual” after unboxing the Nokia:
http://img501.imageshack.us/img501/1015/dsc01744pb2.jpg
Ohh, joy to the world… and the net - thats where i will be most of my mobile time been the reason why i bought this Nokia - ” Dear nokians, i salute you! ” *drooling smile on my face*
June 11th, 2007 at 3:03 pm
I recently upgraded to the E61i from the E70. Key driver for the decision was Blackberry Connect 4.0. Also looked at the BB 8800 and the 8100.
Technically, the best phone is the E70 due to the high-resolution display (crisp, paper-like fonts) and full-size keyboard (widely spaced keys, numbers on top, separate comma, period). However, it does not look that good and it is quite thick in the mid-2007.
The E61i has all the features of the E70 is probably the best looking corporate phone now with a distinct, classy look. Wifi is amazing! As someone mentioned you get a desktop browsing experience on the big display. It would have been better if it had the greater 416×352 resolution or ClearType but most people are not that picky about the fonts. Internet calling is a clear differentiating factor that saves roaming rates. The keyboard I find better than the blackberry (silent) but it takes some getting used to.
The 8100 is not comparable (no useable keyboard) while I did not find the 8800 keyboard that convenient. It must be noted, though, that the Blackberry interface is very fast (opening, closing, scrolling). However, the time to open a message is negligible to the time required to write a meaningful message so this is more a perceived as opposed to a real difference.
Last, the thin flat shape is very convenient in business and casual pockets. The E70 form factor while more convenient in the hand was awkward to carry in the pockets.
My recommendations is to go for the E61i or the E70 if you like that shape. The BB Curve is also looking at but the other BB are not as good. Further, I think it is a complete joke to consider phones such as the P990i or the P1i in the same class (their keyboard is not useable for business email, period.) or the Windows Mobile devices (also terrible flat keyboard).
Regards,
G.
June 16th, 2007 at 5:29 am
Hi there,
Just got my Nokia E61i, checking the Nokia specs on http://www.forum.nokia.com/devices/E61i it mentions that the HSP Bluetooth profile is not supported… Is this true? The E61 does support it according to its spec.
I have been having trouble getting my old Bluetooth headsets to work properly with E61i, which may be because of this issue?
Regards,
Bren
June 24th, 2007 at 10:37 am
I’d be really grateful for someone’s help. I’ve just got my E61i but I can’t send text! Comes back with message ‘Unable to send text to (number/name)…’. What am I doing wrong?
July 3rd, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Hi everyone,
Just bought a new E61i from tottenham court road, London today to upgrade my worn out E61. Everything works wonderfully, however I am having trouble with one tiny problem with my E61i… So please if anyone can help me with this I would very much appreciate it!!!
Right, here is my problem… Every time I press the email key, the damn web browser starts up and takes me to the default nokia software download website! I’ve tried to configure it to open my blackberry account when pressed but still it goes to the web browser! When I double check Tools>E-mail key my blackberry account is selected but it still goes to web browser… When I press and hold the email key, a compose new email window shows up which is what I would expect. So what could be going on that is making the email key misbehave???
Any thoughts into my little problem would be very much appreciated!!!
Jia
July 5th, 2007 at 12:10 am
When you sync with Outlook, does it also sync the “Notes” field that is attached to each appointment, contact and task? This is important as I often have meeting info in the “notes” section of my Outlook appointments, I often put driving directions in my contacts and extra info in my Tasks…i don’t mean the separate “Notes” item in Outlook, byt ehw ay - just the field in the aforementioned Tasks, Appointments and Contacts.
July 18th, 2007 at 10:07 am
Hey fellas
I didn’t know where to post this, but I am having problems with bluetooth on my e61i. My PC won’t detect it. I have searched several times to no avail. It has paired with my plantronics headset and my other phone and the e61i actually detects the PC but won’t connect. My PC has no problems connecting to other bluetooth devices.
thanks for your help
July 21st, 2007 at 12:34 am
I cannot send text messages on my e61i but can receive them. i can also send/receive mms. can anyone please help me with this? It is a brand new phone, i’ve only played with it for 4 hours and it already has a problem!
September 2nd, 2007 at 7:55 am
Hi,
I’ve had my E61i for about 3 months. Are there short-cuts to making and sending calls. I’m tired of having to make 2 strokes to get a call and three to make one.
Just moved to Thailand. Anybody else using this phone here?
September 19th, 2007 at 10:52 pm
Hello!
Weere there any problems to install TomTom? I have heard som guys that had that.
Markus
September 21st, 2007 at 2:37 am
No predictive text nor auto correct nor spell check. I’ve searched around and these features are not available nor are there apps out there I can find. This is crazy! I love my E61i, but I use it for email primarily. Does anyone know of any apps or an upcoming Nokia firmware update which will correct this?
September 21st, 2007 at 11:45 pm
Is anyone know how to change E61i display orientation from 320×240 (landscape mode) to 240×320 (portrait)? Because most games are made in portrait mode. Thanks for any help.
October 8th, 2007 at 9:55 pm
I’m with Dave — the lack of auto-correct is driving me nuts, especially considering how whacked the position of the apostrophe is. I shouldn’t have to avoid contractions and possessives because of the phone, grr…
The Teashark web browser can rotate the screen, but only in that app.
-j
October 9th, 2007 at 7:23 am
I cannot send text messages on my e61i but can receive them. Can anyone please help me with this? It is a brand new phone.
Thank you.
October 10th, 2007 at 1:56 pm
Hi,
I like the new E61i, but how to connect it to the Volvo S80 bluetooth ???
October 12th, 2007 at 3:11 am
I have the same problem as Jia - when I hit the email button it initiates the web browser. I have the latest software and have reinstalled it, but the problem persists. Any ideas?
October 20th, 2007 at 11:41 am
Hello all wondering if you can help me. I purchased my e61i in Germany and was sad to find out that there is NO technical support for my phone in the US. Here is my dilema. The charging prong has snapped off my charger and is firmly lodged in the charging port of the device. I’ve been to a few generic service shops in the DC area and no one seems to be able to help. Does anyone out out there have any ideas on how to remove it ? Tweezers don’t work. If not does anyone know of a technician in the Washington DC area ? Alternatively does anyone know of an alternative way to charge the devide without using the AC adapter port. I’ve heard that there are cables I can buy to charge the phone via laptop / PC or a an e61i “cradle”. Please advise and feel free to post your comments or contact me directly at 89edmundian@gmail.com. Thanks everyone.
November 14th, 2007 at 2:50 pm
I too recently upgraded from an E61 to an E61i and, even though I love the E61i, there’s a couple of things I miss about my E61.
One of them is the joystick-type selector. The D-Pad looks 100% better, but it’s not nearly as functional, because when you’re moving in all directions quickly (think games), nothing beats a joysctick. With the D-Pad, you need to let go of one key, your finger needs to travel across the pad to the other key and then press. With the joystick, you simply change the direction in which you’re pushing.
Now, this doesn’t bother me as much as the fact that multiple word/page selection was available on the E61 and gone on the E61i. Let me explain. Say you’re replying to an e-mail and want to highlight part of the sender’s text. If you press Shift and the arrows, the text will be highlighted letter by letter (when scrolling left and right) or line by line (when scrolling up or down). Now, on the E61, you could actually hold both Shift and Ctrl and then scroll. That’s how you could highlight whole words (left, right) or whole pages (up,down) very quickly. On the E61i, the second you press both Shift and Ctrl together, the D-Pad looses all functionality, i.e. the cursor doesn’t move. Why?
March 20th, 2008 at 11:54 pm
When i go to yahoo i get a msg that says ’st download’…save now or later.i always erase it.does n e 1 know what it is??? also many times i cant log on to yahoo for days coz i get a connection timed out msg.what is that about???
April 12th, 2008 at 6:54 pm
Hi, I just move from Nokia 9300 to E61i, and I used PC Suite to backup all my files (especially the Text Messages) and then restored them to my E61i.
The problem is I have lots of sms and now it is clogging up my phone memory.
So I want to switch my text message storage to memory card and move those SMS from phone memory to memory card.
But I can not seem to do so.
Here is what I did:
1. Set the text message storage from Phone memory to Memory Card
2. I restored my old backup of text message from 9300 to E61i using PC Suite
3. But when I open up my Message screen it says” Can not access Memory card……” and then the message storage return to Phone memory.
I am sure someone has the same needs like I do, so if you can help me solve this problem would be really appreciated.
thx
Alex
June 16th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
Hi my dear.
I got my Nokia E61i a week ago and i m preety love it when i am trying to connect GPS its needs bluetooth i don,t know what kind of Bluetooth? Is it the Nokia Bluetooth GPS or another one Please let me know.! How did you install the Tom Tom would you like to let me know dear pleaseeeeeeeeeeee>