I recently purchased a Nokia 7610 and went through the process of moving all my most important mobile bits over from my old smartphone to it. Inspired by Russ’ “What’s on my Nokia 6600″ blog entry, I thought I’d compile and publish an entry on all the software I’m using on my 7610 in addition to other useful information such as user guides, development info, etc. So here goes…
During the “Should I buy a 7610?” investigation phase, you’re going to want to read up on the device and its capabilities. The best resources I’ve found for this are:
- A list of the 7610’s key features and consumer specifications from Nokia.com
- The Nokia 7610 EasyGuide, an English language online version of the user guide that comes in the box with the phone (the user guide is also available as a PDF in 30 different languages by clicking here)
- For the developers among us: Be sure you read through Forum Nokia’s 7610 device page for developer oriented specs, Nokia’s Series 60 Developer Platform pages for development tools and information for Series 60, and the Symbian OS 7.0s Functional Description for details on the 7610’s underlying OS features
Once you’ve decided to buy a 7610 and have it in hand, you’ll probably want to transfer your contacts, calendar appointments, notes, and other data from your previous handset. For me, this meant copying everything off of my Nokia 3650. Because both devices came from Nokia I could use Nokia’s PC connectivity software, PC Suite, to do most of the transferring. The other thing which made my life much easier was the support for Bluetooth file transfers in both phones. If you have devices from different manufacturers, check their documentation for methods of transfering data to/from the handsets.
The steps I went through to transfer my data from the 3650 to the 7610 and get the 7610 set up included:
- Synchronizing my 3650 with my PIM software on my laptop via PC Suite for 3650 (supported PIMs include Outlook, Schedule+, Notes, and Lotus Organizer, plus you can import Palm data into the 3650, then export via another PIM if needed)
- Copying all of the contact, calendar, and related information from my PIM to the 7610 by synching again, this time with the 7610 version of PC Suite
- Transfering images and videos from my 3650 to my laptop, then into the 7610 (again, using PC Suite)
- Copying notes from 3650 to 7610 via a Bluetooth connection between the two devices (there are other ways of doing this but I only had a few notes and so this was just easier)
- Using either the downloadable Settings Wizard (SIS file) or the online settings tool (click your region for settings: EMEA, the Americas, or Asia Pacific) to configure WAP/GPRS, MMS, and other settings (I used the online tool which sends selected settings via messages to your phone)
- Copying XHTML and WAP bookmarks from old phone to new
- Configuring other system settings on the new 7610 (use the EasyGuide if you have any questions)
- Backing up the 7610 using the Nokia Content Copier included as a part of PC Suite
Note that I had the use of two SIMs, one in each phone, simultaneously. This let me have both handsets running at the same time, enabling things like the Bluetooth connection to transfer my notes. It’s definitely a good idea to have at least two SIMs handy when you’re dealing with multiple GSM phones, especially if the phones don’t contain an “offline” (aka “flight” or “hospital”) mode.
After the above steps I had my 7610 up and running including all of my phone numbers and addresses, calendar items, etc. It was also configured to access the Net for Web and WAP browsing, download Java and Symbian native apps, etc. Time to check out the built-in apps, which for me boiled down to one main point of interest: The cellcam features.
The 7610 is Nokia’s first megapixel cellcam (photos are 1152 x 864 pixels). Though it doesn’t have a built-in flash, at least an add-on flash is available. Even without the flash module, though, the built-in night mode allows the 7610 to take fairly good low light photos. Example: Look at the quarter scale harbor image I took late at night near midsummer. The colors and quality of the full size image (click the quarter scale one to load full resolution) are good enough for a reasonably sized print (say, 4 x 6 inches). For more sample pictures, refer to my JavaOne 2004 photos.
Even better for us imaging nuts, the 7610 significantly ups the ante to allow you to take much longer 3GP format videos, up to 10 minutes per video at the maximum resolution (176 x 144). It’s H.263 encoded low bitrate video that’s not going to replace my dedicated camcorder just yet, but once you’ve used the recorder to capture impromptu video magic a few times you really begin to see how far mobile video can go. Vidcams instead of cellcams, anyone? BTW, RealPlayer is included as the default video and audio player (supports 3GP, MP3, AAC, and several other formats).
Once you’ve tried out the built-in capabilities and gotten comfortable with the cellcam features, the next natural thing to do with this emminently portable mobile computer is to load it up with software. Picking a list of favorite apps is always going to be a personal thing, so YMMV, but the software that I consider “must have” includes:
- Nokia One Exec Connect (available as part of the Nokia One Business Server package), a J2ME-based email client which allows me to access my corporate email anywhere I have a GPRS or GSM circuit switched data connection, plus even when I’m not connected, I can still compose messages to send the next time I’m online
- Nokia Wireless Presenter (available for 39 euros from the Nokia Software Market), a Series 60/Symbian app which allows me to control Powerpoint presentations on my laptop via Bluetooth (very handy for someone who speaks at conference as much as I do, in fact I used this at JavaOne in my “J2ME at Five” BOF)
- First Aid Guide (free from midlet.org), thankfully I haven’t had to use this yet but it’s nice to have a guide handy in case you get caught up in the moment and forget something (btw, if you’re not CPR and first aid certified, why not get prepared?)
Russ reviewed a number of other apps which I use, too. I’ve provided brief comments and a few screenshots on them below, but you can also access Russ’ more detailed reviews and screenshots for all of them from his post:
- Screentaker (free from SymbianWare) for screenshots (used it for the shots in this post; note that on the 7610, you need to press the “Pencil” key plus “*” or “Pencil”+”Menu” to take the screenshot)
- PuTTY for Symbian OS (free from SourceForge.net) comes in very handy when I need to make a quick fix to my site and don’t have my laptop with me
- FileExplorer (free from GoSymbian.com) contains a number of handy shortcuts (phone info, network info, etc.) in addition to allowing you to browse the entire file system on your Symbian/Series 60 phone
- SlovoEd multilingual dictionary (free demo version from epocware), for Russ it’s Spanish-English, for me French-English (and now that I’m at Nokia, I sure wish they had a Finnish-English dictionary!)
- For fun, both SkyForce (free demo from Infinite Dreams) and Frozen Bubble (free from SourceForge.net) are excellent choices
Other places you can search for applications:
- The various J2ME application respositories linked to from my J2ME Archive
- Latest edition of the Forum Nokia Catalog
- Handango’s Symbian OS software catalog including their best selling Symbian software
- Nokia 7610 support pages for free imaging and printing software, plus Nokia’s Lifeblog site for a free beta of Nokia’s multimedia diary software (watch Christian Lindholm’s blog for more as Lifeblog develops)
Got suggestions for software I should have listed? Please post via the Comments section of this entry. Questions about the 7610? Visit Nokia’s 7610 Phone Support page for consumer device questions and/or Forum Nokia for developer questions.
PS I bought the silver and white model, not the black and red one. 
41 Comments
unless you are left-handed, you won’t be able to play SkyForce on this phone…there’s no way to move and fire at the same time with this keypad!
I’m right handed and able to play SkyForce on my 7610 without any trouble: I move with the directional pad and fire with the 4, 5, or 6 key.
Dear Bill: I just got the Lifeblog beta. Not lucky enough to have a 7610 yet….is there any chance the sis file will work on my 3650? If not, guess I’ll just have to use the PC software and wait…
Thanks! Erik
The official take on compatibility as of now is “Nokia Lifeblog is currently compatible with Nokia 7610 phone”.
I haven’t tried Lifeblog with any other handsets so I cannot say if it would work on the 3650 or not. One thing I can say is that the 3650 uses an older version of Symbian OS than the 7610, so it is certainly possible that it might not work.
In any case, if you do give it a try on your 3650, please consider posting your results here.
Marvelous!!!!!Its a damn good set….Its far better than my 6600….M happy….
Hello, i’m really impressed by your comments on the changeover.. detail and precise. You mentioned Slovoed dictionary can be installed in 7610, I installed but when try to open, it kept on prompting me ” Please reinstall ”. I have even copied via Window explorer the whole database to my memory card but there is no link between the installed software and the database.
Can you please please assist as i have been searching in the net but to no avail..
Thanks again !
I installed SlovoEd including the Arsenal English-French dictionary via the link on the following page:
http://nokia-6600-software.epocware.com/SlovoEd/SlovoEd_French-English_Download_area_for_SlovoEd.html
Once you have downloaded the SlovoEd ZIP archive, extract the application SIS file, then use PC Suite’s Nokia Application Installer to select and install the SIS on your 7610. (Requires successful configuration of PC Suite so that it can communicate with your 7610 via the provided USB cable or Bluetooth.)
I currently have a Nokia 3650. I have been waiting for the 7610 for months. When will it be released to in the United States.
The Nokia USA site currently lists the Nokia 7610 as
expected soon.
To be notified as soon as it becomes available, please consider signing
up for email updates by clicking here to provide your email
address.
I got my Nokia 7610 imported from Hong Kong by a local store in L.A. but it work perfectly with T-Mobile service. I want to use it to allow my laptop to access the internet when I’m far from a hotspot. It seems I will have to use the N7610 as modem and “dial-in” to an ISP. Anyone know if there’s an easier way? Like connecting directly to Internet via GPRS Access Point?
Actually I figured it out, thanks to people on Google Groups. In XP, make sure PCSuite is fully installed. Make sure Device Manger shows “Nokia Modem”. Create a dial-up setting and use *99# as the phone number. Enter some bogus username and password. Attach the N7610 to the Laptop using DKU-2 cable. Dial-up to the internet!
Hi. I have owned a TMobile Sidekick ever since December 03, and have been pretty much ploeased with it. But this phone really made me want to get out there and get it. Do you know of a place where it is available? A net site? And will it work in Ohio? Because T-mobile here has almost nothing to say about this phone.
Im looking into the Nokia One Business Server you mentioned. From what I gather there is no client software required at the device end, it all runs through your WAP or xHTML browser. However, there must be some kind of configuration involved on the device. Any info would be useful as Nokia appear useless, you think they’d be pushing it given how well Blackberry are doing!!!
Concerning Nokia One Business Server clients:
Yes, you can use a browser based interface to access email, calendar, and related information. Plus, there is a J2ME based client (the Nokia One Exec Connect application which I mentioned in my blog posting above) which you can download from the browser. The advantage I like best about Exec Connect is that I can compose new messages while offline, whereas WAP/XHTML browsing obviously requires GPRS or some other data connection be available to do anything.
Q: Do you know of any way to suppress the “Welcome” tone that you get when you switch the 7610 on? A friend of mine has one and has asked me and I’m stumped! Great site BTW.
RE welcome tone suppression, sorry, I’m still looking for that, too. At least it’s a snappy tune…
Where is the best place to purchase a 7610 for use in the USA under T-Mobile?
Thanks!
Hey, you work for Nokia. Why not ask them why they left out LIFEBLOG from the 7610s sold in India? What makes them think I don’t need it?
Concerning Lifeblog availability:
Operators in different markets have leeway to select software that will be preinstalled on handsets they sell. I’m not sure if that’s the case with your operator in India, but whatever the situation is, you can download and install Lifeblog yourself to your phone from the link in my blog post (http://nokia.com/lifeblog).
what are SMS programs that work on PC Windows XP compatible with 7610, because I sit in front of my notebook all day. Thanks
FYI, Amazon now sells the 7610 for Cingular service in the US. Click here for more info or to order.
can anyone tell me any site where i can get FREE softwares for my nokia 7610 ? it`ll be great if neone can help ….thx
I have purchased a Nokia 7610 and installed PC suite on my PC running on XP. Whenever I tried to install softwares using installer it shows that the installer is alreading running on the mobile . Please help. Nokia support doesnt reply.
Hi,
Wondering about point 6 “Copying XHTML and WAP bookmarks from old phone to new”. Have just bought a 6630 and wants to copy them from my old 3650, but can’t find out how..!
Dear Bill…I tried to connect the USB cable with my Nokia 7610 and the computer. My comp was able to detect the hardware, but not the driver. The package did not include any disc for driver installation. So, what can I do?
Ditto karan. I’m looking for free apps 4 my 7610 preferably some kind of image editing app i.e studio? Is there one 4 this phone? Thanx
Hi,
Nice write up…I got this phone b4 christmas & had some great fun over new years taking many drunken photos …
I have just connected it up & synced with outlook etc…cleaned all my images off & have been very impressed..
But…how to I pull my messages off so I can browse & read them (have managed to back up) ??
Cheers
Glendon
hi, i have a nokia 7610,i need an english into english dictionary for my mobile how can i get this please tell me,thanking you dr.wakeel
I really love what you write. One of the main reasons I was so sure about getting my 7610! Still got it and very happy with it to this very day!
I have attached my N7610 to my XP computer using a DKU-2 cable, dialled *99# and tried with no password and with a bogus user/password. Both times I get ‘Registering your copmuter on the network’ then error ‘734: PPP link control protocol was terminated.’
Jan, I’m sure there’s a way to copy the WAP bookmarks over automagically…unfortunately, however, I didn’t know how to automate that and had to move them quickly, so I did it by hand.
Anyone else know how to automate this?
Jace, you should have had a Nokia CD in your 7610 box when you purchased your phone. Please use that CD to install the software you need for your USB sync connection.
RE free software for 7610, I’ve linked to several apps I use and recommend. For other things, I would recommend a trusty old Google search.
I came to your site on googling the 7610 (and pencil key)
Recently purchased the 7610 and it is an embarassment from a company
that was once “(a) ikon” in the industry
Jorma should be ashamed that he has allowed such complexity to take
root in the consumer division and it is clear that engineering is driving
product development
While the 7610 has a provocative form real design comes from the inside
> out
Sadly this is not an isolated incident
I have been with nokia since the 2110 and having worked with a carrier
for 10 years have had nearly every phone since
Mail is a plod
(Nokia: pickup a blackberry)
There is absolutely no sense to the inbox no date order to the list and
acccess takes forever
Nokia once produced elegance
That was when the UI was “b&w and text” and everything was just
“2clicks”
Now we have Symbian 65,000 colors the kitchen sink no clarity and even
less vision
Google guys play on the 21″ diagonal and show more restraint than Nokia
on the 1″
The 8910 was the best phone ever in striking perfect balance between
form and function
This btw has nothing 2do with the “evolution of data” and cellular
Its more about the focus on technology rather than the user experience
Everything on the 7610 is just too complex to configure and/ too much
sweat to use
No surprizes that cellular is still just about “talking and texting”
Nokia was about “connecting people” > now seems all about “connecting
computers”
Simplicity is key 2mass adoption
And yes seamless data is possible
@bout 2switch
Ari
hi can annyone tell me where i can get a free games and softwares for
nokia 7610 or if anyone have some pls send me on my e-mail:
sumerian_@hotmail.com, thanks in advance
Hello, 7610 is best product in nokia. but it dosnt work stero hands free set.
I have a nokia 7610. i connect to nokia pc suite through bluetooth. what i would like to do is synchronise my phone without having to do it from my computer. so i can do it remotely. do u have the settings for the remote synchronisation through bluetooth?
Hi, I take it you’re the expert on 7610’s around here. So, I’m hoping you can help me out. I keep getting a NCNLIST APP CLOSED, and MAIN APP CLOSED message. And the phone fails to ring when ever I recieve a text message. The phone rings fine on phone calls, and videos play with Sound. Please help me if you can, I would appreciate your help.
Mustanir et al,
I no longer work for Nokia. Please contact your carrier and/or Nokia customer service for 7610 support issues.
bill,
the write up was awesome. just checked it out and i am quite tempted to go in for the phone, though i know that its been quite a long time since the phone was released..
thanks for the heads up and the links mate..
cheers
D
Recently bought 7610,this phone has dissapointed me on many things,like its not user friendly at all…folder heirarchy
is complex..phone numbers in sim and phone memory dont appear together(how silly)..it doesnt look like u can use GPRS to connect to internet and use it on your PC,internet connection has turned out to be the biggest dissappointment,signal reception is worse than 2600…not sure whether it supports timed profiles…i cant find how to set the auto lock without using lock code..overall as nokia advertises it 7610 is an “Imaging phone” good for taking photos and videos.
4 Trackbacks/Pingbacks
[...] mobile devices After quite a few people asked me about my new handset, I put together an “Everything about my Nokia 7610″ post detailing how to migrate data fro [...]
[...] e Pack 1, in other words the latest release of Series 60 available in phones today such as my Nokia 7610 3GNewsroom.com published some interesting worldwide CDMA adoption st [...]
[...] cal for your application development, look at the 9500 or other Nokia cellcams such as the 7610 instead Developer details: The 9300 is the second Series 80 Developer Platfo [...]
[...] Bill Day’s “Everything about my 7610″ Blog Written in a similar style to Russel Beattie’s blog, this is a great guide to Nokia 7610. His sample photo really shows off the abilities of the 7610’s camera. http://billday.com/2004/07/11 [...]