NEC e808

Nice hardware

There are two movie cameras - one pointing forwards, and the other used to view your face. I doubt I'll be making much use of these.

Email, SMS, and voice all work OK - and there's a range of PDA-style applications built in.

The phone is larger and heaver than perhaps is strictly necessary - given the screen and keyboard - but this isn't critical for everyone.

No internet access

Java crippled

According to NEC, it implements version 2.0 of the MIDP specification [source].

Unfortunately, it appears that the device is practically useless for running Java midlets on. The problem is that sidlets can only be downloaded from the a "walled garden" on the supplier's site. The supplier gets to choose what midlets are available - and worse, they get to charge you on a pay-per-use basis.

It has been speculated that 3 will open up their "walled garden" in order to stay competitive with other suppliers who offer unrestricted access to Java midlets.

However it has also been suggested that this may take some time - since the other suppliers do not have much of a 3G presence yet - and they can get away with milking their existing customers in the interim.

The projected time for 3 allowing internet access from their phones is sometime between October 2003 and January 2004.

30K jar file size limit

Audio

One problem in this area is that closing the phone shuts off the sound - if you are listening on the speaker.

Answering service

Closed

Closed

Maybe 3 will open up their "walled garden" one day. I'm not holding my breath waiting for this to happen, though.

An alternative might be switching to another "Host APN" (Access Point Number). In theory it seems that this would allow free access to the internet. However it is not clear whether such access points will be made available - since there won't be any way of getting a revenue stream.

It has been reported that 3 offers this as a chargable service in Australia.

My main hope for this phone in the interim rests in the hands of hackers. The theory goes that if the file-transfer software can be hacked so that it stores jad and jar files in the "Applications" directory, then the phone will be able to run Java midlets properly.

Work is reported to be in progress on this front.

However it has been reported that the firmware on the phone is proving to be an obstacle to the successful execution of this plan - and that it may not be possible.

Case

Case from below

There are at least three sorts of case for the e808. So far, only the KRussel case leaves the keyboard (largely) open to the elements. That seemed to be a desirable feature to me.

Unfortunately, the case leaves the back of the machine exposed to environmental damage - not a desirable feature.

Access to the machine's two connectors seems hindered somewhat.

Also - while KRussel have carefully cut and stiched a hole so the "3" logo shines through - they have failed to make a similar hole for the speaker. The result is that high frequencies in the audio output are muffled - and the overall volume is reduced - especially the ringer when the case is closed.

I have rectified this situation on my own case with a sharp knife and scissors. The resulting rectangular hole is not terribly neat - but has proved effective at restoring normal functionality.

Supine

This phone is "screen heavy" and - irritatingly - it won't lie on the ground with its keyboard flat - so typing with it on a surface is painful.

The case could have helped rectify this issue. Instead it makes it worse.

Cheap

However it does seem to handle voice, SMS, and email acceptably. If you don't care about Java support - and don't have any terribly pressing need to access resources on the internet using your phone - maybe this phone would suitable for you.

Links

NEC e808

NEC e808 accessories

Groups

3G sites

Network

Suppliers

Midlets

Wallpaper

Unlocking