The new N-Gage...

[Mario Maniac]

I just went to www.n-gage.com and found some info on the new, redesigned "N-Gage QD."

SYSTEM INFORMATION (taken from www.n-gage.com):

DESIGN

Size

Metric:
* Weight: 143 g (with standard battery)
* Dimensions: 118 x 68 x 22 mm, 123cc

US:
* Weight: 5.05 ounces
* Dimensions: 4.65 x 2.68 x .87 inches

Improved Games-Oriented Design
* Hot swap MMC-card slot for quicker game insertion and switching
* Game key for quick launch
* Game auto-start when game card is inserted
* Select function removed from rocker key for better gaming
* Game manager application for memory management
* IHF speaker for game sounds plus vibrating game effects

Display and User Interface
* Illuminated high-contrast, full-graphics 4096-color display (size 176 x 208 pixels)
* Series 60 graphical user interface enabling application multitasking with five-way navigation
* Separate OK key for selecting in menus
* Separate application key, gaming shortcut key, highlighted game keys

GAMES

Interactive Games
* Ever-growing catalog of branded AAA-quality games available on game cards (MMC)
* All games fully compatible with both N-Gage and N-Gage QD game decks
* Single-player and local multiplayer games using Bluetooth wireless technology
* N-Gage Arena game services include cheats, additional levels, and community features (chat)
* N-Gage Arena launcher software pre-installed to access N-Gage Arena
* Download Javaâ„¢-based games and N-Gage Arena features over the air

MESSAGING AND CONNECTIVITY

Enhanced Messaging
* Full email support (IMAP4, POP3, SMTP, MIME2)
* Multimedia messaging (send, reply, forward, play audio, stop audio, insert multimedia content) enables easy and more colorful messaging with compatible devices
* Enhanced SMS support including: multiple SMS sending, SMS concatenation, templates, smileys, and picture messages
* Instant Messaging with Chat application

Note: Messaging features are dependent on the network as well as on the compatibility of devices used and content formats supported.

Wireless Connectivity
* Data support HSCSD, GPRS Multislot Class 6 (2+2, 3+1, class B)
* Bluetooth wireless technology supports real-time multiplayer gaming and data sharing
* Wireless phone-to-phone or phone-to-PC connectivity
* Send/receive pictures, graphics, and business cards
* Play games
* SyncML

High-Speed Data
* HSCSD up to 43.2 kilobits
* GPRS up to 40.2 kilobits (Class B, 3+1, 2+2)

Java Technology
* Supports the standard Java 2 Micro Edition (J2MEâ„¢)

Content with XHTML Browser
* XHTML browser
* Over-the-air download of new Java-based games/game levels

WAP
* XHTML over GSM data, HSCSD, and GPRS
* Access current WAP services with the XHTML browser

Some features are network dependent. Please check the availability of WAP services with your network operator and/or WAP service provider.

PHONE

Memory
* 3.4 MB internal + external memory cards (32, 64, 128 and 256 MB available separately)
* Shared memory for images, contact data, calendar, messages, and add-on applications

Operating System
* Symbian OS with Java 2 Micro Edition (J2MEâ„¢) support

Personal Information Management
* Calendar
* To-Do list
* Contacts/Address book
* Pinboard

Polyphonic Ringing Tones
* Mono ringing tone composer
* MIDI and WAV ringing tones

Dual-Band Operation
* EGSM 900/GSM 1800; automatic switching between bands
* GSM 850/1900 MHz

Voice Features
* Voice dialing; memory for 20 names and numbers
* Voice recorder
* Integrated handsfree speaker

Standard Sales Package
Transceiver
ACP-12 charger
HS7-N dual mono headset
BL-6C Li-Ion Battery
Booklet (including User's Guide and Warranty card)
CD-ROM
Games brochure

Power Management

  Capacity (mAh) Talk time Standby Games
BL-6C Li-Ion 1070 Up to 3.5 h Up to 240 h 5-10 h


Note: Variation in operation times will occur depending on SIM card, network settings and usage. Talk time is increased by up to 30% if half rate is active and reduced by 5% if enhanced full rate is active.

Certification Information (SAR) (PDF file, 49 KB)

============================================
Well, I'm impressed that Nokia FINALLY listened to our complaints and redesigned the N-Gage. The new design of the N-Gage QD is more ergonomic, and is less cluttered than the original version. The battery life has been enhanced (which is very good), and the new design makes it easier to swap games.

Also, the price of the N-Gage QD has been REDUCED to only $99! This is the same price as the GBA-SP, which is a VERY good thing! Now Nokia hopes to really compete with Nintendo's GBA...

With these improvements over the original N-Gage, including the reduced price, I might get an N-Gage after all! I'm glad Nokia listened to our complaints and redesigned the N-Gage...

============================================

Edited by - Mario Maniac on 4/15/2004 6:12:28 PM

[Forest Guy]

Sounds expensive still.

______________________________
"Legolas is a guy?!" -My Sister

[Mario Maniac]

$99 is expensive? That's the same price as the GBA-SP... The N-Gage obviously has more features than the GBA-SP, but it is now more affordable!

Here is some more info on the N-Gage QD (taken from N-Gage.com):

Helsinki, Finland – Nokia today announced the N-Gage QD mobile game deck, the latest addition to the N-Gage platform. The N-Gage QD is a compact device with a hot-swappable multimedia (MMC) slot for instant gaming, longer battery life, improved gaming controls, brighter screen, powerful smartphone features and the new N-Gage Arena launcher application. Gamers will be able to play all of their favorite N-Gage titles, connect to the worldwide mobile gaming community over mobile networks via the N-Gage Arena as well as take part in close-range mobile multiplayer gaming via Bluetooth wireless technology.

The planned range of prices is expected to be from €99/$99 with a contract to €199/$199 as an unsubsidized, untaxed retail price. The N-Gage QD game deck is expected to be available in May 2004 for Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific and in June 2004 for the Americas. The N-Gage QD will be available in two versions: a GSM 900/1800 variant (Europe, Africa and Asia Pacific) and a GSM 850/1900 variant (Americas).

“After six months on the market with the N-Gage platform, we wanted to expand our device portfolio based on the feedback we've received,” said Nokia's Senior Vice President of Games, Ilkka Raiskinen. “With improved gaming ergonomics, gamers can now start to play games at the push of a button and enjoy the increased responsiveness of the game keys. We also added support for hot-swap MMC and extended the battery life. For phone calls, we reoriented the speaker and microphone to support ‘classic talking'.”

The N-Gage QD game deck supports existing N-Gage game titles as well forthcoming N-Gage exclusive titles like Ashen, Pathway to Glory and Pocket Kingdom: Own The World, and blockbuster hits like The Sims: Bustin' Out, Crash Nitro Kart and Tiger Woods PGA TOUR 2004.

The new N-Gage Arena launcher makes accessing the N-Gage Arena even easier than before. The launcher is a software application preinstalled on the N-Gage QD device that allows gamers full access to the N-Gage Arena community directly from their game deck.

Once installed, the launcher is accessed from an icon in the game deck's main applications menu, similar to other N-Gage software.

Using the launcher via a GPRS connection, N-Gage Arena members can communicate with one another, download exclusive content, access rankings statistics, participate in events and activities, and more. Existing N-Gage users will be able download the N-Gage Arena launcher from www.n-gage.com in May 2004.

The N-Gage QD game deck also supports advanced smartphone features such as personal information management, XHTML browser, email and the possibility to download and install additional Series 60 applications.

The N-Gage QD game deck will be showcased at this year's Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) in Los Angeles, California from May 12 to 14, 2004. The N-Gage booth (South Hall, 1524) will also have the latest in high-profile exclusive N-Gage titles and blockbuster hits. For more information on the N-Gage QD game deck, log on to www.n-gage.com/qd.


About N-Gage
The N-Gage game deck is an innovative mobile device that is creating an entirely new market for the games industry. Built for active gamers, the N-Gage platform is the first mobile and connected game deck to feature online high-quality 3D multiplayer gameplay over Bluetooth wireless technology and GPRS. The N-Gage device also offers unique online games services as well as a comprehensive and growing games catalogue from the leading game publishers. Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications. Nokia and N-Gage are trademarks or registered trademarks of Nokia Corporation.



Edited by - Mario Maniac on 4/15/2004 6:40:12 PM

[Popple]

Anything over $50 is far too expensive.l

Let me away from this boulder!

[Chupperson Weird]

Mario Maniac: Do you honestly believe anyone here would care?

My brain does stupid things when I‘m not looking.