New face, same ring to it

Got myself a 'smart phone' without realising it. My contract had come to the point where I could get an upgrade, so I thought, why not? Actually all I was looking for was a Nokia I could use in the US (going for a conference there in Jan). Found two models at the Handphone Shop that looked nice: the 6300 and 6120 Classic. What's the difference between the two, I asked.

"Oh, the 6120 is quadband, while the 6300 is triband," answered the salesman.

"And triband doesn't cover which areas?"

"Japan, Korea and Mexico." Right, so no practical difference for me so far.

"And what else?"

"The 6120 is a smartphone. Which means better web browsing, advanced sms and customizable interface. Oh, and it comes with a free 256MB micro SDcard vs 128MB for the 6300."

"Um, so you're telling me the 6120 is more advanced all-round, AND I don't pay a cent for it, while the 6300 costs $48?"

"Yes, but the 6300 is slimmer."

"Okaaayyy... I'll take the 6120."

I later found out that the 6120 - the 'Classic' designation differentiates itself from an older model of the same name - has an excellent 2MP camera, plus a secondary one for self portraits and video calls. I can also upload my songs onto the memory card for use when I don't have my iPod around. It even displays MS Office and Acrobat documents.

But it's also quite complicated. Smses now look like emails, and you choose your recipient before drafting the message. Even checking for the time of a received sms requires more steps than previously. Oh, and those buttons sure are small!

All in all though, I can't complain. This thing does all that I need it to (and lots more that I don't), while interfaces can always be relearnt., Plus hey, it's free!

Now my mum's up for an upgrade and is thinking of getting the 6120 as well. Why? So she can come to me when it has a problem, of course...