| Review of the Nokia 1100 |
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The Nokia 1100 is a small low-end phone presently offered in Canada on 7-11 mobile (a virtual network that uses Rogers). While it isn't perfect, it's a great little phone for the occasional user. Last Updated: 18-Jan-2006 |
Before reading this review, please read Some Thoughts on Phone Reviewing.
RF Performance
RF Sensitivity: Like many Nokia models, the 1100
has excellent RF sensitivity. Throughout all of the tests I performed on the
phone I was never disappointed by its ability to pull in a solid signal. This
seemed to apply in areas that were 1900 MHz only, and in those areas with 850
MHz. While the phone was not markedly better than anything else I had ever
tested, it was certainly among the best.
Over-the-road Performance: Unlike the above
however, this particular aspect of the phone was a little disappointing. The
1100 had only average-to-below-average ability to cope with handoffs, which
always sounded a little bit belabored. I've often said this of Nokia phones, but
some (such as the 6310i) seemed to do better
than many of the others. The 1100 is a bit of a disappointment in this regard,
but certainly not the worst I’ve ever heard.
Click on this link for a full description of
RF Performance, and how to interpret it.
Audio Performance
Tonal Balance: I wasn't too pleased with the
overall tonal balance of this phone. While many of the better Nokia models have
excellent tonal balance, the 1100 sounded markedly tinny. However, it wasn't
really that bad and I would have no problem recommending the phone those who
are not as picky as I am. I've listened to many phones that sounded much worse,
including an iDEN model I was testing at the same time.
Sound Reproduction: This aspect of the phone was
actually not too bad. Unlike some of the Nokia phones that I have complained
about, such as the 7210, the reproduction of the
nuances of speech was very good. There seemed to be very little distortion and
except for the tinny nature of the sound (as noted above) there was no trouble
whatsoever understanding every word spoken.
The same could be said of outgoing audio as well. The sound quality of the
outgoing sound was at least as good as any other Nokia phone that I have ever
tested, though like those phones it had a tendency to pick up much more
background noise than is the average for candy-bar style GSM phones.
Click on this link for a full description of
Audio Performance, and how to interpret it.
Support Features
Ringer Volume: Because the 1100 is a low-end model,
Nokia did not bother putting in a polyphonic ringer. Instead, it used the
standard ringer found on many of the older Nokia models, which translates to
exceptionally clear and loud rings. However, this is not a phone for anyone who
likes customized ringtones.
Keypad Design: At first glance I was not so sure I
would end up liking the keypad. The keys were simply bubbles in an amorphous
background. However, after using the keys for a while I discovered that they had
a nice feel and I rarely made any mistakes with them. The bubbles were distinct
enough to be felt as separate keys, and so the phone can be used without looking
at it. I would have preferred individual keys, but I'm guessing that the design
lends itself to less careful users who might allow their phones to get wet.
Display: The display is practically unique by
today's standards, in that it is not color. Instead it is identical to the
smaller monochrome displays that appeared on many Nokia phones prior to a couple
of years ago. For the low-end user I truly believe that it is a much better type
of display. It’s easy to see in bright sunlight and it’s much easier to focus on
for those with less-than-perfect eyesight. If a phone is just a phone to the
low-end user, it doesn’t make sense to have a battery-sucking color display.
Conclusions
The Nokia 1100 is a basic model intended for low-end users. It doesn't do very
many fancy things, it does not have a color display, nor does it have polyphonic
ringtones. The phone is presently for sale by 7-11, who have decided to get into
the virtual network provider game and offer service through Rogers. They offer
prepaid cards that are valid for 365 days, which is perfect for the ultra
low-end user.
While I would personally have trouble using a phone such as the 1100, due to its
slightly tinny sound and less than stellar handoff performance, I would have
absolutely no problem recommending this phone to low-end users such as my own
parents. People who use phones only rarely do not require absolute perfection,
but rather something that is solid, has terrific battery life, and is small and
light. In that regard the 1100 fits the bill perfectly. If you know someone who
is in the market for phone to use only occasionally, they can hardly go wrong
with this model.
