Idea: Nokia should make the E61i with VGA screen!

After using the Nokia E71 for two weeks, I figured what is missing – a bigger, hi-res screen. Now, I know that would make the device larger and thus uglier, but I really need more space on the screen, so I could do some serious writing with a mobile phone and connected Bluetooth keyboard. And I’m ready to bear the consequences of having an uglier device.

That being said, I argue that the perfect Nokia smartphone would be the E61i with a VGA screen (640×480 pixels). If the rest of the specs are unchanged (when compared to the E71), that would be just fine. Can you imagine such a device? Sure, design of the E61i doesn’t come close to E71′s fine lines, but it has a 2.8-inch screen which can perfectly accommodate VGA resolution. We’ve seen HTC doing so (using 2.8-inch VGA screens) with their Touch Diamond and Touch Pro models. Nokia could also include a touchscreen in the mix, but that really is not that important — or at least that’s my take.

The way I see it, the end result would create the ultimate business handset. The technology is already there — S60 can perfectly work on different screen sizes — so why wait?

Do you like the idea? Would you be interested in such a device? Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts…

About The Author

Dusan Belic

Dusan has been using smartphones since their introduction and is now following the latest trends in the industry. The "convergence" is what he's most excited about, and writing about it is the next logical thing to do. He thinks that using a smartphone is what everyone who cares about their time should do. In addition to his interests in mobile phones, Dusan also loves to experiment with the latest web and mobile 2.0 services. The idea of accessing and managing your information from any device no matter where you are simply amazes him. Whether it's an online to-do list, note taking service or a video sharing social network, he's there to try it out. He admits though, he's still searching for the ultimate web-based organizational tool, which "sings" perfectly with the mobile PIM application. Dusan used to run SymbianWatch.com which later became part of IntoMobile. He lives in Serbia, South-East Europe, from where he edits the site on a daily basis.

Mostafa

You're true, E61i has one of the best displays in Nokia business smartphones. But for me, VGA is not required for a non-touch device. S60 lacks some power that Windows Mobile has. That is reason why I'm planning to move from E61i to a powerful Windows Mobile device.
Vena

I am user of E61, because i enjoy big screen and full keyboard. Your idea is very pretty. Now i am finding my next future second brain and same form with VGA (and OS 9.5 touch or touchless) is good evolution step. Next nice idea (not my, just read anywhere) is to create new model row U (Ultimate) joining E and N. So add insisde this thinked device functions like TVout (VGA and PAL resolution is similar) and accelerometer.
edmnod

Same !

I am sure you will not believe.

I am running these dats at Nokia shop and they told me "SOLD OUT" the e61i

Downside:

No front camera for 3G

No FM Radio

Slower OS operation of symbian

But I am like you, I just need such screen. (replying boss email and customers) Doing web surfuing on google reader killing articles.

Infact, I still own E61 but the middle 5 ways killing my fingers.

edmond
swisslogo

get a e90 dumbo!
Derrick

The current E61/E62/E61i series is wrist-tiringly heavy, but if you use it in combo with a BT keyboard, I could see how a VGA screen would be an enormous boon in terms of mobile browsing and mobile word processing. It would be edging a bit into the UMPC realm, which IMO is the direction all smartphone type devices should be headed anyway.

What I really want is _ANY_ VGA (or better) screened S60 device from Nokia. They seem to be stuck in QVGA screen production even at their top end, which I suppose is good for competing devices like the HTC Touch HD and the Sony Xperia X1. Still, I'd love to see and S60 or perhaps even touch S60 device from Nokia.
Mike

This is exactly what I would be looking for in a Symbian device. I recently bought a Touch Pro to replace my Nokia N95 8GB. I still prefer symbian over windows mobile; I feel it is a powerful os, but I couldn't stand the qvga resolution. To the person recommending the E90 I couldn't agree more. I owned the E90 and it was my favorite device I have ever owned but sold it due to lack of 3g. If Nokia came out with a version with US 3g I would be the first in line to rebuy it. I really like the looks of the E71, but I personally will not be buying any devices from now on that don't have close to a vga display. (Keeping my eye on Tube) I really am looking forward to see what Nokia has up there sleaves for the next Communicator, but due to the long gaps between communicators, I don't expect a new one until Feb. of 2010.
Aron

An E70 with its 416×352 resolution is almost double of the pixel count of 320×240. With the stability of the E61i it would be … amazing…

Regarding the E61i with VGA screen idea… with FP1, SDHC, 128MB opearting memory… and a promise that it wont be left out in the cold regarding software upgrades…

I would probably be buying…
Alexus

Agree!!! E61i is the best Nokia device that must be improved. BUT!… Keep 2,8 display and QWERTY! Or even 3" display would be more preferable. With QWERTY. E71 is less atractive exactly due to smaller screen.