At COMDEX, Nokia is unveiling the world's first GSM/EDGE mobile phone in theory capable of data transfer speeds of up to 118 Kbps - operating in 850, 1800 and 1900 MHz bands.
Choosing a slightly unlikely scene for the unveiling of a new product that traditionally would relate the most to Europe and its ubiquitous use of GSM, Nokia is now showing off its new GSM/EDGE mobile phone at COMDEX in Las Vegas. Not only is it the world's first 3GPP-compliant EDGE handset, but it's also the first mobile phone to support the 850, 1800 and 1900 MHz GSM bands all in one device.
 | Nokia's new 6200 model is the world's first GSM/EDGE phone
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With deliveries for operator controlled live network tests slated for arrival in the fourth quarter of 2002, the GSM/EDGE handset - or the Nokia 6200, as it will be called - could be commercially available as soon as in the first quarter of 2003, according to Nokia. Whether the U.S. or Europe will get the 6200 first, noone knows - except for Nokia, but indications point to Europe since the Nokia 6200 has yet to be approved by U.S. regulatory organ FCC.
GSM evolution to EDGE is widely considered a much needed technology enhancement because it alleviates some voice traffic bandwidth and enables higher data throughput, and as a result maximizing overall efficiency and performance of the network and services. Building on existing packet-based data overlay technologies, EDGE networks should be capable of delivering data speeds initially more than double that of existing GSM/GPRS networks.
Whilst EDGE networks are theoretically capable of transferring data at speeds of up to 384 Kbps, the Nokia 6200 will support data transfer speeds of up to 118 Kbps although real life performance can as with GPRS expected to be somewhat lower.
In terms of more features, the Nokia 6200 comes with a color display optimized for image display and XHTML browsing, features predictive text input and a keypad with large buttons designed by Nokia to enable fast mobile messaging. In addition, the handset also supports MMS for sending and receiving messages containing text and pictures, and offers polyphonic MIDI ring tones, an integrated stereo FM radio and is capable of making voice recordings.
Personal data from the calendar, address book and to-do lists can also be remotely synchronized over the air with a network server or locally with a PC using IR (infrared) or an optional data cable to keep vital information up to date. The Nokia 6200 also supports J2ME, and sports Nokia's new Pop-Port connector as found in several recently announced Nokia models for connecting various kinds of accessories with uses spanning from digital accessory identification to stereo audio to image capturing.
The 6200 makes use of Nokia's Series 40 user interface which offers four-way scrolling for faster navigation, an address book that allows multiple numbers and addresses per name, and an integrated hands free speaker for game tones and phone calls.
According to Nokia, the 780 mAh Lithium ion battery of the phone is capable of providing up to 8 days of standby time, and up to 4 hours of talk time.
An additional hi-res picture of the Nokia 6200 is available on the following page.
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