Nokia 3360

Nokia 3360 is a mobile phone released by Nokia in 2000. The Nokia 3360 is a related model to the Nokia 3310 designed for the U.S. markets. It is externally similar to the 3310 and 3390, but it uses Digital AMPS ("TDMA")/AMPS technology rather than GSM. Like the Asian 3350, they include two dedicated call and hang buttons and two soft keys. They also feature an infrared port. Unlike the 3390, the 3360 does not support voice dialing. At 136 grams, it is also slightly heavier than the 3390, which weighs 119 grams. The 3360 isn't one of Nokia's sexiest phones to date. In fact, it's a likely candidate to replace the company's popular 5100-series mobiles. But if you're looking for a phone that's relatively compact, delivers good call quality, and has both fun and useful features, you'll be hard-pressed to find a better value than this model. With its roomy, backlit keypad and five-line display, the 3360 looks similar to Nokia's 3390 and 3395 phones. But this model is slightly bigger (4.5x2.0x1.0 inches) and heavier (4.8 ounces). That said, the 3360 is still fairly compact and fits comfortably in a purse or a pants pocket. And like the 3395, it has a line of Xpress-on front and back color covers. While the 3360 may resemble the 3390, it includes many of the features of the company's step-up model, the 8290. Like the 8290, the 3360 has four keys that control the phone's menu, and it sports dedicated Talk and End Call buttons. The phone also includes most of the basic features you'd expect, including a 200-name phone book, three games (Pairs 2, Snake 2, and Space Impact), an alarm clock, a calculator, a currency converter, text and e-mail messaging, 20 notes, downloadable ring tones, and the ability to sync with your PIM contacts using Nokia's PC suite (a free download from Nokia's Web site). Also like the 8290, the 3360 has an infrared (IR) port that is more useful than you might imagine. First, you can wirelessly receive business cards from Palms and Pocket PCs via IR beaming. You'll get only the sender's name and phone numbers, but as soon as you select Accept on the menu, those details are stored in your phone book. Just as important, the 3360's IR port can serve as a wireless, 14.4Kbps modem for your laptop or handheld. Unfortunately, the phone's battery life is a tad disappointing. While the 3360 managed to meet the rated talk time of 210 minutes, it fell short of the standby time. Nokia rates standby time at up to 10.5 days. In our tests, we managed to get only 4 days, though that's decent. We did appreciate that Nokia includes a compact charger that won't take up a lot of room in your luggage or your briefcase. As for call quality, we're pleased to report this tri-mode (TDMA 800/1900, AMPS 800) model's sound quality was generally good. Callers said we sounded clear, and conversations were virtually static-free on our end. We tested Cingular's version of the phone in the San Francisco Bay Area and often got reception in places where other mobiles didn't. (Note: it roamed seamlessly onto a TDMA network.) We should note that this model is also available with AT&T Wireless service.