One of the best communicators of 2006, which combined excellent technical specifications and allowed to solve an impressive list of various tasks, is Nokia N73. This device continues to be used by many subscribers of mobile operators today. It will be discussed further.
Who was targeted by this smartphone
At the time of its release, the H73 communicator was the best device on the Symbian software platform. He had the most productive semiconductor chip and excellent technical specifications. All this made it possible to run on this gadget any existing software that was compiled specifically for such devices. Also, support for 3rd generation mobile networks made it possible to download large file sizes at that time to this smartphone very quickly. All of the above made it possible to refer this device to the premium segment of communicators in 2006. That is, this "smart" phone was intended for the most demanding users. Now this software platform is outdated. As a result, there are no software updates, and the phone has turned into a regular “dialer” with support fordata transmission and installed two cameras.
Package
"Nokia N73" could boast of such accessories and components:
- Removable battery model BP-6M with a nominal capacity of 1100 mAh.
- AC-4 charging adapter from Nokia.
- Branded external speaker system HS-23.
- CD with the installation version of specialized software for PC PC Suite from the Nokia developer company.
- User manual.
- Booklet on the software of this platform.
- Branded warranty card.
- Instructions for getting started with quick operation of the communicator.
This listing is missing an external drive and case. These two accessories needed to be bought right away in order to get the most out of this "smart" phone. The first of them allowed to increase the amount of built-in memory several times, and the second one kept the original state of the device.
Design, usability and ergonomics
The Nokia N73 case was mostly made of plastic. The upper part of the case was occupied by a regular display (unlike most of today's mobile devices, it was not touch-sensitive!). Below it were the control buttons on the Nokia N73. The top row was occupied by two function buttons, the purpose of which changed depending on which application was opened ondisplay, and joystick. The latter performed navigational functions and allowed to confirm the actions performed. The second row consisted of start and end call buttons. Below were the number keys, which around the perimeter were surrounded by additional function keys (for example, quick launch of the browser). Above the screen, in addition to the name of the cell phone model and the manufacturer's logo, there was a speaker. The front camera is also located here. On the top edge of the gadget was a loud speaker. On the opposite side of the device, all the wired interfaces of the device were displayed. There was a POP-PORT port for connecting an external speaker system and a familiar round jack for connecting a charging adapter to a smartphone. All control buttons are grouped on the right side of the communicator. This is the regulation of the sound level, this is the control of the camera, this is the blocking of the device. On the back of the communicator, there was an unusual “slider” that protected the main camera from possible damage. It was behind this non-standard component that the peephole of the main camera was located. A single LED was immediately displayed, which made it possible to get quite good photos even in poor lighting conditions.
Processor
Only one computing module was implemented in the central processing unit "Nokia N73". The characteristics of its technical specifications indicated that this single core was based on the now obsolete "ARM9" architecture. Its clock frequencywas equal to 220 MHz. For current high-performance devices, these values look really modest. But in 2006, such hardware specifications were quite enough for the normal functioning of the Symbian software platform. Any application software on such a "stuffing" was launched without problems at all. Now this operating system is not supported by the manufacturer and is not being developed. It is impossible to install any other system software on this communicator. Therefore, the owners of the H73 will have to be content with what is already on the gadget.
Communicator memory subsystem
The amount of RAM in this communicator model was 64 MB. And the capacity of the integrated data storage was 42 MB. As you can easily guess from the indicated values, this was clearly not enough for comfortable work on this device. Therefore, it was mandatory to install an additional external drive in this smartphone. A slot for installing mini-SD cards was present in the Nokia N73. The characteristic of this group of drives indicated a maximum capacity of 2 GB. This is the largest amount of memory that could be inserted into the corresponding expansion slot of this mobile communicator.
Display
The diagonal of the non-touch display in this mobile gadget was 2.36 inches. Its resolution was 320 pixels in height and 240 pixels in width. The pixel density on its surface was 325 ppi. Even now you can find smartphonesentry-level, which has fewer dots per inch. So from this position, this display still continues to be relevant. The number of displayed color shades was 262 thousand. The screen matrix was made using the TFT technology. Its main disadvantage is the distortion of colors when deviating from the right viewing angle. But in 2006, there were no worthy alternatives to this matrix. In any case, the Nokia N73 screen, both from the standpoint of parameters and from the standpoint of quality, did not cause any complaints. And some of its parameters, as noted earlier in the text, even now are better than some entry-level budget devices.
Cameras
A 3.2 megapixel sensor was in the main camera in the Nokia N73. The photos obtained with its use at that time had the best quality among similar devices. Also in the list of functions of this camera, one can single out autofocus technology (in 2006 it was a rarity), digital 4x zoom and LED backlight (even now it can not be found in every device). All this in total even now allows you to get very good pictures on such a communicator. This camera allowed to record video in 352x288 format. By today's standards, this is a disgusting quality, but in 2006 something better could not be found. There was also a front camera in the Nokia N73. The photos obtained already with its use were of significantly worse quality. This is not surprising and her sensitive element was only 0.3 megapixels. Its capabilities were only enough for video calls. Andthe video quality in this case was far from ideal.
Battery and autonomy of the device
The battery on the "Nokia N73" with a nominal capacity of 1100 mAh allowed to work in standby mode for 14 days on one charge. In fact, with an average load, one could count on 3-5 days. With a greater load, the time was already reduced to 2 days. Well, with maximum savings on a single charge, it was possible to stretch even 7 days. Therefore, from the standpoint of autonomy, the H73 is out of competition against the backgrounds of current gadgets. Several factors played a key role in this at once, among which we can distinguish an energy-efficient processor, a small display and a high degree of optimization of the software component of the communicator. The only remark that can be noted on this occasion is the absence of such an accessory as an external battery for Nokia N73. It would be useful during a long trip and would significantly increase the already considerable battery life of a mobile device.
Communicator operating system
The most recent Nokia N73 firmware was based on the Symbian operating system with serial number 9.1. There were no further updates to the system software. There is a simple explanation for this: newer models of communicators with updated software appeared on the market. It was on them that the emphasis of the manufacturer was made. But even this, albeit an outdated version of the system software, is enough to runvirtually any application software on this communicator. It is impossible to change the operating system and thereby improve the functionality of the device. Therefore, the owners of this smartphone model will have to be content with what is already available. Separately, it should be noted that this operating system is no longer supported and is not updated by the manufacturer. Unfortunately, this software platform has no future. Although at one time (precisely in 2006) the Finnish company and its operating system were trendsetters in the market of system software for mobile gadgets.
Applied software
Initially, an impressive set of application software was installed on the Nokia N73. There is a built-in browser that allows you to view most of the web portals even now. If necessary, you can install the Opera Mini viewer. Its main advantage is data compression when receiving and sending. As a result, you can get significant traffic savings. An e-mail client is also integrated into the smartphone. You can connect any e-mail box to it and receive incoming correspondence from it. Also, this software tool allows, if necessary and with an established connection to the Global Web, to send an email at any time. To carry out simple calculations on this communicator, there is a calculator built into the OS with a basic set of functions. If necessary, you can expand the functionality of the device by installing an additional product of the same kind, but based on Java software. Basically, anysoftware based on this software platform can theoretically function on this communicator model. The limitation in this case may be the size of the executable file, which may exceed the capacity of the integrated data and information storage, that is, its maximum size should not exceed 42 MB. In reality, this value is even smaller: part of the memory is used by system processes. But, as practice shows, for the application software of the Symbian platform, this size of 42 MB is enough.
Restoring he alth
In case of certain failures in the software system of this communicator, you can restore its performance. To do this, you will have to flash the Nokia N73 again. In this case, you need to follow these steps:
- On a computer connected to the Internet, download the latest firmware for this communicator. It should be noted right away that this device is not supported on the official website of the Finnish manufacturer. Therefore, you will have to use any other available information resource with this information.
- Install PC Suite package from the bundled CD.
- We connect the smartphone to the computer using a specialized interface cord.
- Launch the specialized software package PC Suite, and use it to install the firmware on the mobile device.
Methods of exchanging data with the outside world and receiving databack
Smartphone "Nokia N73" even by today's standards boasts an impressive list of ways to transfer information. This list includes:
- Infrared port - this method of transmitting and receiving information was originally intended to exchange data with similar mobile devices. In essence, this is an earlier, now very, very common "Bluetooth". Current gadgets using this port can also control various household devices (for example, TVs or satellite receivers). But at that time, no one thought about such a possibility and, accordingly, did not develop such a program. As a result, any communicator on the Symbian platform is deprived of the ability to control household devices using an infrared port.
- The device had only one slot for installing SIM cards. The device itself is equipped with transmitters that allow it to work only in GSM (second name - 2G) and UMTS (or 3G) cellular networks. In the latter case, the maximum allowed speed is 384 Kbps.
- There is also Bluetooth in this "smart" phone. Its version is 2.0. This is a great way to send and receive small files (such as photos).
- To connect to various electronic computers, the USB port was implemented in this device.
- POP-PORT port is provided to output audio signal to a wired headset. Alas, the usual headphones or a speaker system with a 3.5 mm audio jack toyou can’t connect to such a gadget.
Price of the communicator
Phone "Nokia N73" in a new condition, as you might guess, 10 years after the start of sales, it is impossible to purchase. You can buy a supported version of this gadget on various trading floors on the Global Web. For example, on ebay.com, you can become the owner of such a device in relatively good condition for $40. But still, in this case, it is recommended to pay attention to offers from $60 and above. In this case, the condition of the device will be much better. The second option for buying such a device is Chinese online shopping portals. For example, on Aliexpress, such a mobile device can be purchased for 3,500 rubles. But in this case, you get a refurbished device in which the case has been replaced and the memory has been cleaned and optimized. The last listed price puts this 10-year-old flagship on a par with today's entry-level smartphones. On the one hand, this price is too high. But the legendary Finnish quality in this case makes itself felt.
Owner reviews of the "smart" phone
The owners of Nokia N73 have certain complaints. Reviews highlight these of them:
- Relatively overpriced device compared to competitors. On the other hand, all the quality solutions of this world famous Finnish manufacturer have never been available. This is the case when you have to pay extra for a quality item from a famous manufacturer. Well, the factthat most of the smartphones of this model are still actively used by subscribers, this is another confirmation of this.
- High screen grain. This remark is true against the background of current devices. But in 2006, the H73's display was one of the best in terms of resolution. The same can be said about the matrix underlying the screen. At that time, TFT technology was advanced and made it possible to obtain the best quality displays for mobile devices.
- The joystick causes some criticism. After 2-3 years of active operation (according to the owners), you have to change it to a new one, since the old one stops working. On the other hand, there is nothing wrong with this - it is not so difficult to make such repairs in any workshop. The cost of such an accessory is very modest. Therefore, there is nothing terrible in this.
But this model has much more advantages. Phone "Nokia N73" even now in terms of functionality is not inferior to most modern entry-level mobile devices. Yes, and the hardware stuffing at the time of its release was advanced and outstripped most of its competitors by an order of magnitude. Another plus is a high degree of autonomy. Even now, on a regular battery, such "smart" phones manage to last 12 hours on one charge - and that's all after 10 years of use! Most modern gadgets certainly cannot boast of this.
Results
All the best developments of the legendary Finnish company in 2006 wereharmoniously united in "Nokia N73". The result was a smartphone that was unrivaled and provided the highest level of functionality. And the cost of 3,500 rubles today is an extra confirmation of everything previously listed.
