Operating system: Symbian Anna
iOS and Android users will possibly indicate Symbian was "dead". Whether that's true or not, is at the discretion of Nokia and Microsoft, Nokia officially announced to date still the Symbian support until 2016. The Nokia 500 should be able to upgrade to the new version of Symbian Belle later. Two other updates to Belle has until 2016 been announced Nokia. But who knows whether Nokia long as there exists ... or the device works as long :-) ...
If you drag Symbian into consideration, note the following:
- Possibly you have to make do with the pre-installed Symbian Anna. Official announcements are one thing, the reality is often different. Now works Symbian Anna principle, you can make do with it? Yes, you can.
You buy the device online but not in vain. Test to see if you feel comfortable with the device and are satisfied, and if not, use your right of return. A more detailed guidance than the one supplied is available online at Nokia.
- The other devices on the market will not last forever supplied with the respective latest operating system versions.
- Symbian is considered relatively tricky when it comes to settings. That may be true, there are many places where you can rotate at very many buttons. When you buy your first smartphone, or for the first time Symbian, you will need to obtain some answers on the Web or with a knowledgeable friend. But have no illusions: The will not go anywhere else in other systems ;-).
Apps:
iOS and Android users you may be to point out, for there was hardly Symbian Apps, at least not the latest / hippest / coolest. Notes:
- Familiarize yourself before you buy thinking about what you want to do with your smartphone. You can browse the Web, use social networks, take pictures and record videos possibly useful also with Symbian (but not with the Nokia 500, see below), play, watch YouTube videos ... and even calls :-) ,
- What comes to meaningful applications else one? Find out in advance whether there are corresponding Symbian apps ... especially if you want to use any specific apps.
- You are not limited to Nokia's Ovi Store. Many free Symbian apps Alternatively, you can just download and install the web.
- Do you need the latest / hippest / coolest elaborately rendered Games? The hardware of the Nokia 500 also does not fit does not do so, and Symbian in doubt, the choice is limited here. For unostentatious Daddeleien meantime however, there is enough choice.
Touchscreen:
It is in the nature of things that in a display of this size in portrait mode, the touch screen keyboard pretty displays narrow keys.
With a little practice you hit the keys but ... and you, the device can also still turn in the width, then the keys are large enough.
Otherwise, the operation without abnormalities works.
Camera:
When Nokia 500 had to be logically saved for the most competitive price anywhere. When installed, the camera is most evident. And the like, a front camera for video calling is not it in advance.
Important: The camera has no autofocus!
If you only plan to scan QR codes (those square structure specifically for mobile phones): No problem, the camera is enough perfectly.
If you plan to scan product barcodes (these vary narrow bars) to enter eg the barcoo app additional information about the products, you do not buy the Nokia 500, barcode scanner apps like barcoo recognize these barcodes without autofocus not ! Of course, these barcodes are just the numbers from which are directly under the bars, and these numbers can be entered in the Apps by hand, but ... you do not want, I think ;-). Apart from the producers of barcoo has discontinued support Symbian anyway, there is on the Web, only the last functioning beta version. Because of unsuitable camera I have not looked for alternatives.
GPS / Navigation:
Big plus for Nokia.
You get here with Ovi Maps, a good map and navigation software (for pedestrians) free and pre-installed (Germany, Austria, Switzerland). If required, you can map the whole of Europe and many other countries worldwide, especially tourist destinations to invite you for free.
(Buy a microSD card with eg 8GB for a couple of EUR, the internal memory of the Nokia 500 is sufficient neither for much more than the pre-loaded maps for more updates!)
The location and navigation calculation is performed offline on your phone (if you wish, in addition, with current online information), so you do not need a data connection such as for navigation with Google Maps (especially abroad not quite uninteresting)! If you want to have a mobile phone without the Ovi Maps, you expect to compare a number of EUR for software and maps to its price added, or you must use Google Maps online with the corresponding data volume.
Synchronization with the PC:
Not tried, my needs adheres because within narrow limits. Positive noticed is my support for Mozilla Thunderbird as an Outlook alternative, but I have doubts about the synchronization with the optional Thunderbird Lightning calendar ... which is probably only work with pull-ups, if any.
Price ... very reasonable, what do you get for what you need yet?
- Neat cabinetry ... buy quietly still screen protector for a few EUR and a protective covering depending on your taste and budget!
- 2 different colored backs to change including ... who needs it.
- 1GHz processor ... appropriate.
- Memory: 2GB divided into a little "phone memory" and the rest at leisure ... buy quietly yet a microSD memory card will cost only a few EUR for example, 8GB, 16GB and 32GB are also supported.
- No extra graphics chip ... good for the battery, not good for consuming rendered games, but the selection at Symbian's there anyway limited.
- Cheap camera ... if you do there and here want more than a snapshot and / or quality need (especially video), do not buy the Nokia 500!
- Wi-Fi ... For those interested: The device's MAC address is on the label under the battery, so write down any when necessary, before using the battery ;-).
- Battery ... can be changed, life is normal, I have no problems with the battery.
Pre-installed GPS / navigation ... Software free D / A / CH, additional cards free -. Does not require data connection!
- FM radio ... nice. Who listens more willingly Internet radio, it is also a pre-installed app.
- Normal micro USB socket ... for data transmission and for charging. The supplied cable is very short ... but it takes so very little space, if you want to have it always with you.
- Normal 3.5 mm jack headphones ... is included, but you can also use any other any headphones with 3.5 mm jack. The FM radio requires a connected headset as an antenna.
- Power supply ... is probably load faster than the USB cable.
Whatever you buy now: Have fun with it!
