E71 Part IV: Der Profi

It Works for You

My first impression, after I sync'd my contacts with Ovi, is that this is a phone for professionals. The steel casing, leather case, and thin nature of the phone adds to the business-oriented S60 configuration. Some would describe the device as sexy, but really it is a stylish and classy device and says that the person using it is both elegant and sophisticated.


The Nokia E71 is a phone for professionals. It takes no shortcuts in terms of either styling or performance to impress both its owner and those who look on with a lustful eye. Last time I talked about Email. This time, I am going to discuss the other reasons why this is a device for the professionally-minded.


Speed
The E71 is fast, and it's not just me that thinks so. Switching between applications, opening up the camera, starting a new text message, or making a call, the E71 knows that it is your job to be cool, and something that forces you to wait around for it to launch an app is not stylish at all. The E71 can handle anything you throw at it.

Battery
I commented when I first opened the phone, that the battery was big. Not only is it big, but this device goes a long time without needing a charge. My N82 needs at least one charge every day, but this E71 has gone over two days without needing a charge. Although comparing them is a bit apples and oranges, they are both Edge-only where I am. I use the E71 for the same tasks as my N82 for, including SportsTracker, and now the Mobile Web Server. The E71 should get through the day for all but the most intense of power users.


Encryption
Although you never want to think about this, let us be honest; a device so small and stylish is just asking to either be lost or get stolen. Your old phone may have just had a few numbers for the office and grandma, but you are going to be using this for everything, and that means important secret, private, and potentially embarrassing information may be on there. Setting a lock code for when the phone is powered on is not going to do it, there are so many ways to get at the secret information and liability-inducing photographs that is is not even funny. By encrypting the data, and setting a lock code, you can be sure that your information is safe from thieves and guerrilla YouTube posters.


Encryption will save you from the information on a stolen device being leaked. Unfortunately, if someone else takes pictures of you pole dancing with the bachelor party stripper, the E71 cannot do anything about that. I have never seen such an easy-to-use encryption application. The two screenshots you see here are literally all there is to it, other than giving it your passcode.

These options turn the E71 from a feature phone to a device truly worthy of the professional on the go.
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