WP7 #30tolaunch–Nokia Lumia 800

I found a brown package waiting at my door when I returned home yesterday and upon opening it I was surprised to find that Microsoft had sent me my Nokia Lumia 800 as part of the “30 to launch” program.

Here are some of my thoughts upon unboxing it:

1. It needs a micros-SIM card. I have a normal SIM card – so I am going to have to wait to try out all the phone features. (Note: My current contract is with AT&T and all I had to do was to go into the store and they swapped out my SIM card for free. If you are adventurous, you can cut your existing SIM card to the micro SIM card factor, see “How to convert a SIM to a micro SIM with a meat cleaver!”)
2. There was no getting started pamphlet in the box. So it took me a while to figure out where the USB cord and the SIM card go. Hint: they go in on the top side. (Press the button labeled (1) and the USB door will pop open. Slide the piece labeled (2) and the SIM card holder should pop out) (see: Nokia user guide)
    
3. The phone was heavier than I expected it to be. (this is subjective, as I havent checked out its actual weight, but compared to my Samsung Focus, it definitely feels heavier). But, I am still figuring out if the feeling of heft in my hand is a good or bad thing, as the heft definitely makes the phone feel substantial in my hand (and not like a plastic toy).
4. The screen is beautiful. Even compared to the Samsung’s AMOLED screen, this one is definitely more vibrant. The touch screen also feels a lot more responsive.
5. Oddly, I got a USB charger that had the round UK plug prongs instead of the flat prongs that are used in the US. I think that is because these are units made for sale in UK (or Europe) and were brought here especially for the #30ToLaunch program. Luckily it uses the MicroUSB cable, so I already have many chargers sitting around and didn’t need the packaged USB charger.
   

 

This is definitely a nice phone!