MWC08: The Nokia 6210 Navigator with magnetic compass keeps you on the path

While the Nseries products are very impressive multi-media computers, the latest Nokia device that really caught my attention at the Mobile World Congress event was the Nokia 6210 Navigator. The saddest part of my various experiences with the device is that we may never see it available here in the U.S. and I am quite jealous of Europeans who will get it before the end of 2008.

There are a couple of features and services that make this such a compelling device for the regular business traveler. Nokia is including Nokia Maps 2.0 and all the subscription navigation services that would normally cost EUR69 per year for 3 years for free. The thought is that it will be rare for someone to have a device for longer than 3 years so it essentially a device "lifetime" subscription. The groundbreaking technology that is integreated is a full magnetic compass that even auto corrects for you location on the planet where magnetic swignals vary. You simply do a few figure eights with the device to calibrate the compass. Then when you are in pedestrian mode, which I am in on every business and personal trip, the compass works with the integrated accelerometer to have the maps orient to your true heading so you should never get lost coming out of the metro again!

I took the Nokia Hidden Gems tour and was able to see how the 6210 performed in the car for auto navigation and then in my hand with pedestrian navigation. IMHO, this compass and auto-map rotation is absolutely brilliant and something I could have used several times in the past. I may have to see if I can buy an unlocked model when they are released. In pedestrian mode the software also leaves virtual breadcrumbs when you start off so you can always retrace your path, which could be helpful for getting back to your hotel. The map interface and information does change between auto and pedestrian mode too so you have the most pertinent data depending on your means of travel.

The 6210 Navigator also has a 3.2 megapixel camera so you can capture pictures while you are strolling around the city. It is also a full S60 device with an HSDPA 3.5G radio so you get all the great functionality in this operating system. Other specs include a 2.4 inch QVGA (320x240) display, WiFi, Bluetooth 2.0, microSD card slot, and FM radio. The candy bar slider form factor feels very solid in your hand and it is compact enough to throw into your front shirt pocket.