After the release of N-Gage in 2003, Nokia decided to create a remake of such an interesting device. The model turned out to be much cheaper due to the use of cheap materials and the rejection of some functions. However, despite the changes, the device has not lost its appeal to fans of the company.
Design
The appearance remains the same, but there are many small and important changes. Nokia N-Gage QD has become a little smaller in size, which made it easier to work with the device. The use of cheaper materials also played a positive role. The device is made of plastic with a rough surface and rubber inserts that do not allow the device to slip out of the hands. Compared to its predecessor, the QD version has become much easier to work with.
Despite the fact that the Nokia N-Gage case looks less flashy due to cheap plastic, the quality remains excellent. Small scratches and prints are practically not terrible for the device. The device is quite durable and withstands shock andfall.
Changes have also occurred in the arrangement of external elements. The speaker has moved to the front of the device, which greatly simplifies calls. Now the user does not need to apply the device to the ear with an edge. The microphone has also been adapted for a comfortable conversation.
On the front of the device, the manufacturer placed a joystick, controls, speaker, logo and display. Although making calls is much more convenient, the layout of the keys creates problems in typing messages. The buttons are comfortable because they are made of plastic with a glossy finish and have a smooth stroke. Behind the device is the main speaker.
The right end of the device is reserved for the power button and menu call. At the bottom of the device is a flash drive slot. The manufacturer equipped the N-Gage with a quick card replacement function, which is convenient for the user. At the top of the device there is a 2.5mm jack for a headset and a charging jack.
The appearance of the device is interesting, although much simpler than its predecessor. The changes only had a positive impact on the use of the updated version of the device.
Display
Equipped with Nokia N-Gage small screen, only 2.2 inches, with a resolution of only 176 by 208 pixels. The user will encounter cubes, which are especially noticeable in small icons and images. From the device of 2004, one should not expect incredible quality. For games, the size and resolution of the display is enough, and more is not needed.
The Nokia N-Gage uses a TFT matrix. The technology is outdated, but for 2004it is quite relevant and looks decent. The screen is quite bright, but with some drawbacks. Viewing angles are low, with a significant inclination of the device, it is problematic to see what is happening on the display. Working in the sun is also a weak side of the model. Even at maximum brightness, the screen fades.
Autonomy
The duration of the Nokia N-Gage, like all other devices of the company, is high. The device has a 1070 maH battery, which is slightly larger than its predecessor. The manufacturer stated that the model will work for about 11 days. In reality, the figures are much lower. In standby mode, the device will last about five days. Minimal use will drain the battery in two days, while heavy use will drain the battery in 10-12 hours.
Although the actual performance is much lower than stated, the user will have enough battery capacity. The battery even with active use of Bluetooth, maximum brightness and high load ensures decent operation of the device.
Memory
Despite the fact that the main purpose of the Nokia N-Gage is games, the device has a big drawback. We are talking about a small amount of memory. Only 3.4 MB is available to the user. Such a small amount of memory is puzzling, especially in a gaming device. The possibility of expanding with a flash drive slightly improves the situation.
Supports up to 1GB MMC card device. You can replace the flash drive without turning off the device. The card slot is located at the bottom of the device.
Functionality
Since the main feature of the Nokia N-Gage QD is games, the manufacturer has abandoned many unnecessary features. The strangest thing is the lack of an IN-port and a USB socket in the device. To write information to the device, only Bluetooth is available to the user. The manufacturer also refused other functions.
N-Gage lacks a player and even an FM receiver. Most likely, it was this decision that significantly reduced the cost of the device. Although it is strange to assume that gamers will do without such useful features. The model browser has also been cut. The device is unable to display HTML pages, and the user will have to be content with plain WML as well as XHTML.
Game features have not changed much. The phone has an application Arena Launcher, with the help of which, by connecting to the server via GPRS, you can communicate and carry out updates. Games for the device are supplied on a special MMC card.
Reviews
Users in the gaming device are attracted by unusual appearance. The company has always been distinguished by an extraordinary approach to design, but even surpassed itself in N-Gage. The device looks more like a gamepad than a phone.
Players liked the changes in the device. Rubberized sides and rough plastic do not allow the device to slip out even after prolonged use. Users also liked the decision to move the speaker and microphone. Now conversations do not cause discomfort associated with the inconvenient arrangement of elements.
Not withoutshortcomings. The main disadvantage of Nokia N-Gage is the view of the screen and its brightness. The display fades in the sun and even with a slight tilt distorts the picture. This is forgivable for a regular phone, but causes a lot of problems in a gaming model.
Rejection of useful features also affected the opinion of users. If the absence of a USB and an infrared port is compensated by the presence of Bluetooth, then there is nothing to replace other possibilities. The manufacturer's decision to remove the FM receiver and even the player justifies only one thing - the low cost of the device.
Result
The company "Nokia" has repeatedly surprised fans with unusual devices. Even redesigned and simplified devices are of genuine interest. Although the QD version is less functional and not as futuristic, it has many advantages. Undoubtedly, the N-Gage phone-game console will appeal not only to game lovers, but also to fans of everything unusual.
