Top reasons to get the Nokia C3
Nokia have been the world's favourite mobile manufacturer for years and with good reason, too. The build quality of their phones is the stuff of folk-lore (we've all heard the one about the Nokia being dropped in a pint and working fine the next day, after a brief rest in the airing-cupboard, haven't we?) and people have long since appreciated the long battery life and easy-to-use attributes associated with Espoo's finest.
If you're one of the millions of people who wants the trappings of a messenger device without wanting to pay for subscription services or fork out for expensive hardware you might want to check out the company's latest entry level device, the Nokia C3, which has the consumer in mind, rather than the man in the chalk-stripe suit.
Connectivity
The C3 offers all the features that you would associate with much costlier hardware such as Wi-Fi support, push e-mail, GPS, instant messaging, web-browsing and audio/ video playback but at a fraction of the cost.
Build Quality
The device itself is constructed with Nokia's usual fortitude and there are no concerning creaks or squeaks when you give it a squeeze. The phone feels balanced and comfortable in the hand and the keyboard is well-spaced and comfortable to use.
E-Mail
Setting up your e-mail account is an easy task, thanks to the straightforward menu system and in no time at all you'll find yourself punching out long e-mails and text messages without a second thought.
Social Networking
The C3 also includes support for all your favourite social networks, meaning you can update your status, stay in touch with friends and share pictures and video on the move. You'll also be able to stay up to date with your favourite blogs and websites using the phone's HTML browser.
Imaging & Media
Photographs come courtesy of the device's 2-megapixel sensor which produces sharp, vibrant images in well lit conditions and video capture is also offered, albeit in QCIF format at 15fps. Media playback on the device is good, too, and with support for microSD cards you'll be able to load up on mp3s to help while away the hours if you're commuting, or keeping busy outdoors.
A 3.5mm headphone jack is included as well, so you can use your own headphones to make the most of the sound quality!
Operating System
Nokia have opted to stick with the tried and tested Symbian operating system for the C3, which means that, unless you've been hiding for the last 10 years, you'll be able to whizz through the menus to find exactly what you're looking for. All the usual stuff is included, such as calculator, organiser and some games to help pass the time.
Final Thoughts
One notable omission from the C3 is 3G, which means your mobile browsing or mapping experience may not be as brisk as you'd like. We found this to be a minor inconvenience and one that can be offset to some extent by using Wi-Fi to download mapping data in advance of your journey.
So If you're in the market for a QWERTY messenger but you don't want to spend the earth, the Nokia C3 could be just what you're looking for. The device has all the angles covered, you can purchase it in a selection of colours but more importantly it won't set you back all your hard earned savings!