Overview of the game console Nokia N-Gage: description, features and reviews

After the release of N-Gage in 2003, Nokia decided to create a remake of such an interesting device. The model turned out to be much cheaper due to the use of cheap materials and the rejection of some functions. However, despite the changes, the device has not lost its appeal to the company's fans.

Design

Appearance remained the same, but many minor and important changes appeared. Nokia N-Gage QD was slightly smaller in size, which simplified the work with the device. The use of cheaper materials also played a positive role. The apparatus is made of plastic with a rough surface and rubber inserts, which do not allow the device to slip out of the hands. Compared with the predecessor, working with the QD version has become much easier.

Despite the fact that the Nokia N-Gage case looks less flashy because of the cheap plastic, the quality has remained excellent. Minor scratches and prints are practically not terrible to the device. The device is strong enough and can withstand the impacts and falls without problems.

Changes have occurred in the arrangement of external elements. The speaker was moved to the front of the device, which greatly simplified the calls. Now, the user does not need to apply the device to his ear by the edge. The microphone was also adapted for a comfortable conversation.

On the front of the device, the manufacturer has posted a joystick, controls, speaker, logo and display. Although it became much more convenient to call, the location of the keys creates problems in the set of messages. Buttons are convenient, because they are made of plastic with a glossy finish and have a smooth stroke. Behind the device is the main speaker.

The right end of the device is assigned to the power button and the menu call. At the bottom of the device is a flash drive slot. The manufacturer equipped the N-Gage with a quick card replacement function, which is convenient for the user. At the top of the device there is a 2.5 slot for the headset and a charging slot.

The exterior of the device is interesting, although much simpler than its predecessor. Changes only positively affected the use of the updated version of the device.

Display

Equipped with Nokia N-Gage small screen, only 2.2 inches, with a resolution of only 176 by 208 pixels. The user will encounter cubes, which are especially noticeable in small icons and images. From the device in 2004, one should not expect incredible quality. For games, the size and resolution of the display is quite enough, but more is not needed.

The Nokia N-Gage uses a TFT matrix. The technology is obsolete, but for 2004 it is quite relevant and looks worthy. The screen is bright enough, but with some drawbacks. The viewing angles are low, with a significant tilt of the device to see what is happening on the display is problematic. Work in the sun is also the weak side of the model. Even at maximum brightness, the screen becomes blind.

Autonomy

The duration of the Nokia N-Gage, like all other devices of the company, is high. The device has a battery for 1070 maH, which is slightly larger than the predecessor. The manufacturer said that the model will work for about 11 days. In reality, the figures are much lower. In the standby mode, the device will last about five days. Minimal use will discharge the battery in two days, and active work will put the battery in 10-12 hours.

Although the actual figures are much lower than the ones declared, the user will have enough battery capacity. The battery even with the active use of Bluetooth, maximum brightness and high load ensures decent operation of the device.

Memory

Despite the fact that the main purpose of Nokia N-Gage is games, the device has a big drawback. This is a small amount of memory. The user is only available 3.4 MB. Such a small amount of memory causes confusion, especially in the gaming device. The possibility of expansion due to a flash drive improves the situation a little.

Supports a MMC card with a capacity of up to 1 GB. You can replace the flash drive without turning off the device. The card slot is at the bottom of the device.

Functionality

Since the main feature of Nokia N-Gage QD - the game, the manufacturer refused many unnecessary features. The strangest thing is the lack of an IN-port and USB-jack in the device. To record information on the device, only Bluetooth is available to the user. Refused the manufacturer and other functions.

In N-Gage there is no player and even an FM receiver. Most likely, it was this solution that significantly reduced the cost of the device. Although it is strange to assume that gamers will not do so useful. The browser of the model was also cut. The device is unable to display HTML-pages, and the user will have to be content with the usual WML, as well as XHTML.

Gaming capabilities have not changed much. The phone has an application Arena Launcher, through which, connecting through GPRS to the server, you can communicate and conduct updates. Games for the device are delivered on a special MMC card.

Reviews

Users in the gaming device attracts an unusual appearance. The company has always had an unusual approach to design, but in N-Gage even surpassed itself. The device is more like a gamepad than a phone.

Players have to taste the changes in the device. Rubberized sidewalls and rough plastic do not allow the device to slip out even with prolonged use. Liked the users and the decision to move the speaker and microphone. Now conversations do not cause discomfort associated with the awkward arrangement of the elements.

There were also drawbacks. The main disadvantage of the Nokia N-Gage is the review of the screen and its brightness. The display blinks in the sun and even with a slight tilt distorts the picture. This is forgivable for a regular phone, but in the game model causes a lot of problems.

The rejection of useful functions also affected the opinions of users. If the absence of USB and IR ports is compensated by the presence of Bluetooth, then there is nothing else to replace. The decision of the manufacturer to remove the FM-receiver and even the player justifies only one thing - the low cost of the device.

The result

Firm "Nokia" more than once surprised admirers with unusual devices. Even recycled and simplified devices are of genuine interest. Despite the fact that the QD version is less functional and not so futuristic, it has many advantages. Undoubtedly, the phone-game console N-Gage will appeal not only to fans of games, but also to fans of everything unusual.