Nokia 6230 Cellular Phone (Unlocked) 

Rating:
Summary: Great phone!!
Review: I just got this phone a week ago, and found that it is -- in true Nokia fashion -- easy to use, customizable and thoughtfully designed. It's an amazing amount of features in a tiny package. I was able to find my way around and change settings very easily.

It's configurable: The left button will bring up a user-modifiable list (like a Start menu), while the right button can be set to a single frequently-used feature.

Additional features that were not mentioned:
- Java capable; can download other applications
- GPRS & Internet capable (web browser software built-in)
- Email capable (POP3 and IMAP)
- Built-in speaker can be used for playing music or speakerphone function
- IM (Instant Messaging)
- Voice recorder, Alarm clock, Graphic Equalizer
- Standard PIM functions (Calendar, To Do, Notes)
- The camera has nighttime and video clip modes
- Accepts MMC cards of up to 256MB (under the battery)
- Voice tagging (voice recognition shortcuts for dialing contacts)


A few minor things prevented this from getting a full 5 stars:
- The 5-way thumbpad controller is a bit difficult to master; I found myself inadvertently scrolling up or down when I was trying to push straight down to "select" something.
- FM Radio function is disabled unless you have a headphone/earphone attached, even if you just want to play it via the internal speaker. (Rationale: the FM Radio uses the attachment as the antenna.)
- Contrary to the Amazon.com description, there is no USB port; you must buy an adaptor or a PC connector stand.
- The screen is very dark and a bit hard to see when the backlight turns off.

Lastly, the other reviewer must be misinformed about the cellular carriers that are compatible with this phone; I bought mine through Cingular.


Rating:
Summary: Best for T-Mobile if using in the US.
Review: This handset does not have GSM 850 which is used for Cingular, AT&T, and a few other GSM carriers. Only buy this 6230(a) if you to use this phone when traveling or use it only with T-Mobile.