Nokia 7380 (Unlocked)

Most reviews I've read about the 7380 rate the phone pretty poorly for a variety of reasons, and as such it's not a highly desirable "primary" phone (see CNet, infosync, mobique, etc reviews).

Well, I beg to differ. This is a fantastic phone that gives the candybar form factor a unique twist, and I highly recommend it.

In all unabashed honesty, there is absolutely NO reason for people to complain that the learning curve for using the 7380 is so steep. If you can operate the iPod's click-wheel, you're competent enough to handle the 7380's wheel/button interface with dexterity. Because Nokias have always had a reputation for user-friendly menus, be glad that the 7380's is very intuitive, thus making it significantly easier to familiarize yourself with the wheel/button interface. Shortcut assignments for the buttons can be customized, lending to further ease of this phone's daily useability.

If people still disagree with me, then I seriously question how different is it from operating an iPod.

I'm personally very fon of this phone because of its resemblance to Minox's 15mm cameras. Hats off to Nokia for paying respect to Walter Zapp and his wonderful Minox cameras! IMO, the 7380 is the digital descendant of the Minox. Not perfect, but definitely homage to a legendary spy camera. Would love it if the two got together for the next generation of this phone.

I've been using this phone with Cingular, and so far it's been treating me very well despite using only the 1900 frequency. Clear reception in my predominantly concrete office, good audio. Pretty loud speakerphone to boot.

To be fair, I'm not going to turn a blind eye to its limitations: lack of 850 frequency, lack of expandable memory, lack of IR, a pretty tiny screen and the mirror surface which picks up all kinds of smudges. If Nokia corrected the first 4 limitations and changed up the mirrored surface, This would definitely be a hit for anyone.

Kudos to Nokia for being innovative!