Introduction

The Nokia N75's matte graphite exterior, a departure from the flashy metallic finishes that are currently common, suggests that the phone holds new and unique features inside as well.

But that proves to be only partly true, although it is quite solid in design, connectivity, and multimedia features such as an integrated 2.0-megapixel camera and 3D speakers.

The N75 is also very solid in the hand, weighing in at 4.23 ounces and sized at a somewhat clunky at 2.05 inches wide, 3.74 inches long and 0.80 inches thick. Sharp photos and elegant exterior design are strong points of the phone, on which the lens and shutter button are placed to resemble a traditional camera. Three simple music player and multi-function buttons on the front of the phone enhance its multimedia uses.

The Nokia N75 also has the potential to be a world traveler. As a quad-band world phone, it can be used on all four frequencies of GSM commonly used internationally.

Design

The distinctive exterior of the N75 deserves the most points for design, with a keypad layout that is also intuitive and useful. The weight is not much more than some clamshells currently on the market but going against the trend of ultra-thin phones, its size is not as easy to slip into a pocket as many others. It is also quite long when opened, with a considerable distance between the earpiece and the bottom of the phone.

There are benefits to having large size however, and one is the beautiful, expansive 2.4-inch QVGA internal display. The 240 x 320 px display offers 16.7 million colors including an ambient light detector, which optimizes the brightness of the display and controls power consumption. Meanwhile the external screen provides convenient access to functions without having to open the phone at a crisp 128 x 160 px.

Optimizing for design, the N75 sports an internal antenna. A small, black Power Key is positioned at the top of the phone, while the top left hand side has a large tab that covers the USB Port. The USB Port provides connectivity with a PC or a compatible media player. Nokia PC Suite software can be used to print images or transfer data. The Charger plugs into a port below the USB Port.

Below on the left side is a smaller tab that covers the microSD card slot, allowing users to expand storage space with extra memory cards. This cover is less flimsy than some, but it still seems delicate enough to break at some point.

A bi-directional Volume Key on the upper right side also doubles as the Zoom Key during Camera Mode. Directly below, an Infrared Port lets consumers transfer data wirelessly to other devices. Above the multi-function Mode Key gives users added convenience by switching between different applications. The bottom right is the Camera Key, which activates the camera and camcorder and snaps photos with the phone open or closed.

While the keypad is overall very simple and well designed, some users might have difficulty with the Menu key and Music Key. These two buttons are positioned between the Call, End and Right and Left Selection Keys. One misplaced touch to the Menu or Music Key brings up those applications, and can interrupt texting or dialing.

Key multimedia features on the N75's exterior are the two 3D speakers located discretely at the top corners, and the three simple Music Player buttons on the face, below the display.

Back and Forward arrows straddle a Play / Pause Key, and all three Multi-Function Keys control other applications in addition to music. A blue light pops up behind the keys with the touch of a finger, an attractive color that ties in well with the black exterior.

Out of the box, the Nokia N75 comes with an 800 mAh Li-Ion Battery, Charger, Data Cable, Quick Start Guide, and User Manual.

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