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DominikHoffmann · Dec 17, 2004, 12:08 AM

Because my Siemens S56 has a disappointing user interface, I am looking for a different one.

Asking avid Mac users, such as can be found in these forums, who have high standards for visual appearance and ease-of-use of a user interface seemed like a good idea. By user interface I mean both screen and keyboard (the keys on my cell phone are arranged in a way better than on many, but far from what I would like to see).

Thus, which phone or which cell phone operating system, in your opinion, using those criteria, comes closest? Does the phone you want to suggest have Bluetooth? Is it compatible with iSync?

Dominik Hoffmann

spiky_dog · Dec 17, 2004, 12:36 AM

read my extended thoughts on the SE T637 and Nokia 3650 here. my synopsis is that symbian series 60 phones rock if you can find one with a reasonable form factor.

Randman · Dec 17, 2004, 12:40 AM

The 6600 and later versions (flip-phone 6620 upcoming 6630) do rock, but they do have plenty of features that not everyone uses. My g/f has a 6600 and only uses it for calls and messaging, basically.

The first poster is too vague on needs, wants.

spiky_dog · Dec 17, 2004, 12:45 AM

Originally posted by Randman:
The first poster is too vague on needs, wants.

i agree, but i still think that series 60 is generally easier to use than Sony-Ericsson's OS.

case in point: from any application on a series 60 phone pressing the red "hang up" button (it has an icon) gets you to the telephone interface. on the SE phones if you're in an application you have to navigate through its menus to find the Exit or Quit option.

Randman · Dec 17, 2004, 01:33 AM

I agree. I had the T39 and T68 and find the Nokia interface easier to use, especially on the 6600. I have to say that Motorola's Razor looks sexy as hell but the memory sucks.

new newton · Dec 17, 2004, 02:06 AM

Basic phones will be easier to use than more complex phones, if your problem is getting lost in an interface. With my 6600 I have to use trial and error to find several features, as I don't use them often and their placement isn't where I'd put them.

Goldfinger · Dec 17, 2004, 02:43 AM

Nokia has the best OS, but they do suck a lot. They are extremely ugly and bulky and cost a lot compared to others and have mostly less features.
Motorola's OS as always sucked IMO, don't really know about their newer phones.
Ericsson is the best bet if you ask me, they offer the best price/features and the OS is fairly easy to use. They also offer good iSync compatibility if you have one with Bluetooth (Bluetooth is a function you will only find on the ridicilously expensive Nokias).

Randman · Dec 17, 2004, 02:49 AM

The 6600 is not bulky. SE phones have improved a little, but I had too many problems to consider them again. Besides, their phones are far bulkier than Nokias.

Naplander · Dec 17, 2004, 05:33 AM

Nokia have the best OS and are by far (IMO) the easiest phones to use. I have the 6230 and love it

mbryda · Dec 17, 2004, 06:18 AM

Originally posted by Randman:
The 6600 is not bulky. SE phones have improved a little, but I had too many problems to consider them again. Besides, their phones are far bulkier than Nokias.

The T637, T616, and even the T2xx series is smaller and more lightweight than anything Nokia has to offer outside of the 8xxx series. The Z500a is a little wide, but lightweight for a flip, which Nokia has none. Tht 6600/6620 Nokias are downright porkers - they're HUGE - yes, I've seen them in person...

Lancer409 · Dec 17, 2004, 06:18 AM

easiest to use cell phone. by far.

to dial out, press the big green button followed by the number.
hang up with the red one.

the manual is only a few pages thick. battery on stand by lasts over a month!
linky
http://wireless.3yen.com/2004-11-25/...r-the-elderly/

no screen, no blutooth, no frills. i think it's kinda cool though .. my parents would love it.. haha

Randman · Dec 17, 2004, 06:56 AM

Hmm, not much for SMS, is it?

You could always look at the new Nokia coming out. The one with a jog dial instead of keys. Basically works on voice commands (which are quite handy on the 6600 and other Series 60 phones). Nice to push a button and say "bluetooth" to activate bt, etc.

new newton · Dec 17, 2004, 03:20 PM

Originally posted by mbryda:
The T637, T616, and even the T2xx series is smaller and more lightweight than anything Nokia has to offer outside of the 8xxx series. The Z500a is a little wide, but lightweight for a flip, which Nokia has none. Tht 6600/6620 Nokias are downright porkers - they're HUGE - yes, I've seen them in person...

They aren't huge. Huge is my old Kyocera 6035. Not being a kid, phone size isn't a big deal to me--actually, it is. My priority isn't what most easily fits into my jeans. I don't wear jeans. My priority is a phone that's sized right for long-term use. If it's too tiny, it doesn't fit my hand well. I can't hold it against my shoulder if I need both hands. I can't punch in a number easily on the tiny buttons. Large and small are relative. If you're a small man, small is probably ok. I'm much more interested in the right size for me.

Hyperbole, like HUGE, doesn't help you make your point--it just weakens your opinion.

new newton · Dec 17, 2004, 03:22 PM

Originally posted by Randman:
Basically works on voice commands (which are quite handy on the 6600 and other Series 60 phones). Nice to push a button and say "bluetooth" to activate bt, etc.

Voice commands aren't all they're cracked up to be. It sucks to have to say something over and over and wait to see if it's recognized. Gimme a friggin' button for features I access regularly!