Nokia E-71 Review Part 2 (Software)!

When I first received the E71 to trial I expected it to be much like my previous reviews.  As I delved deeper into the E71 however I realized that this phone had a lot to offer.  The software pack had features that have not been present on a N-series device.  The options were immense and I simply could not  be cover what needed to be covered in one review.  So in order for quality to not suffer I broke up the review into two parts.  This part will be mostly about the great software thats included with the E71.  I will be using the E71-2 as my review unit.  Enjoy!

The E71 does not run a new OS and uses the standard S60 platform, the software that is included is what makes owning the E71 a unique experience that is not offered on any other Nokia handset (Only the E-series devices)  . The software included mainly is contained within the Office and Application folder (the E71-1 has all applications pre-installed, while the E71-2 requires that some programs be downloaded manually, this is due to the E71-2 not having a 2GB memory card included in the package).  The Office folder contains:

• Calendar
• Search
• Calculator
• QuickOffice
• File Manager
• Clock
• Converter
• Active Notes
• Notes
• Wlss Keyboard (wireless keyboard)
• Dictionary
• Intranet
• Zip
• Printers
• Adobe PDF

Many of these applications can be commonly found on other Nokia’s.  The one highlighted in BOLD i will examine further for they are E-series exclusives or E-series variations that make them unique.

Calendar is a staple program that many using a Nokia will be familiar with, but the E71 offers a customized interface for the application that makes it a joy to use.  First thing that many will notice is that the screen perfectly accommodates the calendar application.  This isn’t because of the size of the screen , but because of its native landscape orientation.  The screen can be split into two halves that show the calendar on one side and the events scheduled on the other. Not only is this easier on the eyes and requires less effort to see whats occurring on the screen, but also saves time.  The green arrow on the left side allows for quicker navigation.  Once the arrow is highlighted the user has the option to scroll by week.

Nokia Search and Calculator Application (virtually identical to other S60 handsets by Nokia):

QuickOffice is an application that in previous iterations only allowed to open and edit (if an upgrade was purchased) pre-authored Word / Office documents, spreadsheets, etc.  With the introduction of the E-series Nokia has included QuickOffice version 4.1.35.0 which allows for original authoring and editing of Word / Office documents directly on the device.  Although I have rarely authored anything in QuickOffice, I’m sure to some, the expanded capability will be a welcome change.  The one thing that version 4.1.35.0 does not offer is support for Office 2007 compatibility.  This can be obtained by purchasing the upgrade to version 5.

Nokia Clock featuring Time, Alarm, and World Time:

Converter Software that converts units:

Active Notes is a new addition to the S60 platform that allows notes to be jotted down but with some extra flair.  Active Notes allows for more media oriented items to be included in the notes such as pictures, music, and video.  A good application for those needing a little more then a just text in their notes.

The Dictionary is handy application that I have found extremely useful over the past few weeks.  The dictionary has not let me down once when I needed to find a definition and is much quicker than trying to find a definition online.  The dictionary also supports a wide variety of languages.  I tried installing a couple but I believe the phone must have input support for that language in order for the dictionary to become functional.

The E71 also comes built in with printer support.  The device has built in drivers for select printers and is able to install these printers on the phone and print wirelessly (BlueTooth, IR, etc).  Although the application seems interesting the limited support leaves more to be desired.  Although there is a general tab for printer driver, I could not figure out how to install a non HP printer on the unit, luckily I did possess one of the supported HP printers.  I hope that Nokia will release a expanded assortment of drivers for non HP models.

Advanced Call Manager:
This application is by far one of the most useful applications I have ever used.  It is a software based call management system that can take calls and redirect them to an action of your choice.  The actions all take place on your phone and nothing is stored on the network.  Once activated the phone begins to screen all calls that are incoming and based on the actions sets (lists can be activated to block certain numbers).

You can set how the phone will screen calls based on a list that you create.  Within this list are various parameters and the phone will follow these and execute precise redirection to the place of choice.

This feature does not need to be active constantly and can be scheduled to turn on and off based on time restrictions.  This feature alone makes me love the E71 and it makes a huge difference on my day.  I don’t have to deal with 1800’s calling in and harassing me with promotional deals and on days that I don’t want to take calls I can set it to send the caller to a busy signal, custom voice mail, or SMS auto reply.

GPS, Nokia Maps 2.0, Camera Features:

Nokia E71 Video Options:

Hope you enjoyed the quick run through of the software that makes this phone great.  Leave comments if you have any questions.