The Nokia 6301 is a version of the hugely popular Nokia 6300, but now with added WiFi which allows the 6301 to access VOIP calls over a UMA gateway.. or to put it in more simple terms, the Nokia 6301 can make cheap voice calls over the internet.
Most readers will be familiar with the 6300 so we won't dwell for too long on the 6301's technical details other than to briefly say that it has a 240x320 pixel display, 2 megapixel camera, microSD expandable memory (128MB in the box), an FM radio and Bluetooth. The WiFi circuitry in the Nokia 6301 adds just 2 grams to the handset's weight, coming in at 93 grams.
Cosmetically, the Nokia 6301 comes in a colour scheme called "Cocoa" which is subtly different from the 6300's silver/black colour combination. Both the 6300 and 6301 are quite elegant and understated phones.
Setting up a UMA gateway is probably not the sort of thing that most people would want to do at home, but fear not - the Nokia 6301 will first be offered by Orange in their Unik / Unique range of "convergence devices". Since Orange also offers broadband services, it is in an ideal position to offer this sort of technology. Of course you can also use UMA at certain WiFi hotspots and if you're a business user than this type of VOIP solution might be something worth considering.
WiFi does tend to drain the battery somewhat - standby time is just 100 hours (4 days on UMA) with 3 hours talktime. Nokia provide a handy desk stand in the box so that the 6301 can be charged more easily. On GSM, the 6301's standby time is 14 days with up to 3 hours talktime.
Nokia say that the 6301 will cost around €230 (around £150) before tax and subsidy, although most customers are likely to get this in some sort of package deal. The phone should be available during Q4 2007, initially on Orange and possibly other networks later.
Nokia 6301 at a glance
Available: Q1 2007
Network:GSM 900/1800/1900
Data:GPRS + EDGE + WiFi
Screen:240x320 pixels, 16m colours
Camera:2 megapixels
Size:Slim candy bar
106x44x12mm / 93 grams
Bluetooth:Yes
Memory card:microSD
Infra-red:No
Polyphonic:Yes
Java:Yes
Battery life:3.5 hours talk / 14 days standby (GSM)
3 hours talk / 4 days standby (UMA)
source: mobilegazette.com
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