The craze in the cellphone market today is the colored screen, video and Multi-Media Messaging Service (MMS)-capable phones. However, we will not discuss them here just yet. I will reserve them for my upcoming reviews. So for now, we will look into one cellphone model which is still relatively new in the market, the Nokia 6510.

Before the arrival of MMS-capable phones, the most popular phone in its category was the Nokia 6510. Although slightly thicker in girth compared to 8250 and 8210, it is smaller in height (43 mm x 20 mm X 97 mm). It is compact and has more features. Aside from being lightweight (only 84 g), it has an FM radio with 20 presets so you can tune in to your favorite FM radio station anywhere you want. It is high-density with 96x65 pixel display and a distinctive light blue backlight. For more fashion conscious, Nokia 6510 comes with interchangeable covers.

It is Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)-enabled, which means you are able to browse the Internet from the comfort of your mobile phone. The applications for WAP services are endless and already financial institutions are offering WAP facilities for their clients. The phone becomes more than a simple talking device but a serious business tool.

I am talking about the Nokia's successful PC Suite 5.0, bundled with the 6510, which is useful for business people on the go. Those looking for fast data connectivity will be happy to know of its features such as the infrared port for link to your personal computer and other Nokia phones, always-on Internal General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), High Speed Circuit Switched Data (HSCSD) for a higher connection speed of up to 43.2 kbps, and WAP browser version 1.2.1. The latter offers more security by implementing the wireless transport layer security and electronic wallet. This new mobile wallet application facilitates mobile commerce over compatible WAP sites.

It boasts of a dynamic memory. The phone memory of Nokia 6510 can store up to 500 names with multiple numbers and text fields, 150 text messages or 50 picture messages as well as 150 calendar notes. For easier Short Message Service (SMS), its predictive text input makes the generation of message quick and simple.

The phone comes with a range of games ideal to pass the time with like waiting in your dentist's lounge room or heaven forbid, stuck in a boring date (ho-hum? ;-p). It has four games like Snake 2, Space Impact, Bumper and Pairs 2. The phone is also capable of game pack downloading for first three games. It has added features like voice-activated dialing and voice recording. It includes to-do-list and week view calendar. Talk time is two hours and 15 minutes to a maximum of three hours and 30 minutes. If fully charged, the standby time is up to 12 days and 10 hours if the radio is on.

But it has limitations, too. Its voice-activated dialing feature is dependent on voice quality. It means you must say the name (voice tag) in the exact way you recorded it to be able to voice-dial. You cannot use voice dialing in a noisy environment. Meanwhile, the voice-recording feature is quite inadequate. It can only record voice up to 2.2 minutes. I recorded excerpts of songs from a concert I saw but the sound was distorted with all the noise in the background.

Unlike the latest MMS-capable Nokia 6610 and 6100 cellphones that have colored screens, Nokia 6510 is monochromatic or one-color screen. Also, the built-in radio in 6510 is only mono. It produces less crisp sound compared to the stereo sound radio in the latest 6610.

Yet, for the more "techies" out there who want to experiment on Nokia 6510 cellphone, the CD-ROM that comes with the manual has useful applications such as synchronize with MS Outlook and Lotus Notes, Back-up phone data to your personal computer, WAP manager, Content copier, Write/Send/Store Text from PC, PC composer to write and send your ringing tones, PC graphics to draw/send your logos or picture messages and Modem Drivers for GPRS and HSCSD.

If you are a little bit short of money but needs a cellphone that can be a valuable business tool, the Nokia 6510 is for you. Except for its few limitations, the 6510 more than warrant its cost. It is relatively cheaper now compared to the other latest models that have slightly upgraded features. It is slim, sleek, trendy and aesthetically appealing, too. For more practical reasons, its loaded features can be at par with the other more expensive handsets around.

About the Author

Marilou Dominguiano works as Information Officer in a government office and is currently taking her master's in communication at the University of the Philippines. She loves books, r'n'b music, lip balm and cardigan sweaters. She is sexy, sweet, smart, pretty and witty. She loves to have a good laugh, though.