Nokia E5 - opinions please

[Rik]

It's phone upgrade time for me, and I'm looking at moving away from my traditional 'small' Nokia, eg 6301 or 6330, to something a bit more substantial. For those that don't know, I suffer from a condition called benign essential tremors, the symptoms are a bit like Parkinson's, but it's not fatal.

For me, the primary symptoms are shaky hands and 'stuttery' fingers, so texting on a standard multipress keypad is hell - lots of double-hits etc.

I don't particularly want a full smartphone, I just can't see me using it, so my wish list is tactile QWERTY keyboard (I can't use touch screens, too much stutter), good network 'grip' and good call quality.

Would the E5 do it, or should I be looking at something else?

Thanks.

[Glenn]

I haven't seen or used one, another option maybe a Blackberry Curve or Bold?

[Steve]

Or perhaps a basic Blackberry 8520??

[pctech]

Looks quite a sturdy phone but as Glenn said

[Rik]

Would you guys rate the Blackberry above a Nokia?

[pctech]

Never used one so can't comment but as they are popular with those who cant be parted from all forms of electronic communication they must be ok.

[Glenn]

Simon may be the best person to offer advice, he has used a lot of phones.

[Rik]

Never used one so can't comment but as they are popular with those who cant be parted from all forms of electronic communication they must be ok.

I can be parted - surgically.

[Rik]

Simon may be the best person to offer advice, he has used a lot of phones.

As many as I've had DR orders.

[Ray]

 

[Simon]

The BlackBerry Bold would certainly tick the boxes re the keyboard requirements, Rik, and, of course, you would be getting the best email and messaging services available on any phone, as well as a great organiser (calendar / tasks), with Outlook sync, and easy upgrading / backing up, via BlackBerry Desktop Manager.   I never had a problem with call quality on mine, but I am in a good coverage area for O2.

You might, however, also consider the HTC Desire Z, as you would have the benefit of the slide out keyboard. 

[Gary]

Justina loves her Blackberry, the Nokias are good phones but I would go for a blackberry, the E5 has been said to have a poor screen in reviews.

[Rik]

Thanks, guys. 

[Steve]

But what do you call a Blackberry on Orange?

[Glenn]

A smoothie

[Rik]

[Glenn]

 

[Steve]

 

[Lance]

I would look for a phone with slide out keyboard - the keys are bigger with more spacing inbetween.

[Rik]

Thanks, Lance. I've ruled both the E5 and Blackberries out as the key size to wobbly thumb ratio was completely wrong. Touch screens are also out, so I think a slide out is the only way left to go. Any particular suggestions?

[Glenn]

Desire Z, maybe? http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/15/htc-desire-z-is-the-qwerty-slider-your-androids-been-waiting-fo/

[Rik]

Looks good. Unfortunately, not available from Orange. I'll have to go hunting.

[Gary]

Or http://maemo.nokia.com/n900/ does not do picture messaging as its email based rather than phone based, but is a very good handset. You could pick up a sim free handset cheaply second hand maybe

[Rik]

I wouldn't miss picture messaging Gary.

Dumb question. Orange, afaik, have always customised their phones' software. Does using a 'bog standard' phone cause any issues in that situation?

[Gary]

I wouldn't miss picture messaging Gary.

Dumb question. Orange, afaik, have always customised their phones' software. Does using a 'bog standard' phone cause any issues in that situation?

No you just put your sim card in and use as is Rik, in many ways you end up with a cleaner handset. I used sim free handsets when on Orange and O2 quite happily. Its like having windows installed without the rubbish from Acer, best analogy.