1. what is the quality of the pics, can you post some shots, please.
2. How far is the keyboard different from its predecessor? Can you type faster?

Seriously - Actually how ugly is that new silver/black case in real life?

I guess there's no chance they're pop off covers? (Hey what ever happened to this rumour on Darla's site that there'd be official blue & pink E6* versions coming out?)

What are the main software differences between old and new?

What exactly are the four additional keys around the D-Pad?

What's the D-Pad like, ok it's got to be better than the E61's stick, but what phone does it compare to? N70?

Did they fix the numbers or do you have to still push the blue key all the time?

PLEASE remember this is pre-release hardware, it's not the final unit, or build, or firmware...

** Picture Quality
I'll upload a few pics in the preview article - be warned (as Steve and Rafe have found out) I'm not the greatest picture taker.

** Keyboard Differences
It's slightly faster due to having more space between the keys (the keys are all slightly smaller), but those keys are more domed, so it's easier to hit individual keys. IN practice I don;t think there's any makred difference in typing speeds.

** Black Trim
I like it better - more aggressive looking. That's a no on pop cover style support.


** The Extra Keys
From left to right "Contacts" "Apps" "Email" and "Programmable/Your Key"

** D-Pad Feel
The D-Pad is a lot more comfortable than the joystick - reminds me a lot of the Sendo X in it's operation, but because of the large internet button and small (very) raised cursor ring I've not mis-keyed a dpad direction or press yet.

Thanks Ewan,

By making it look more aggressive/manly, haven't they potentially alienated half their market. My wife's been waiting for an E61 with a camera but I'm pretty sure she wouldnt touch this one because of it's styling.

Just to chime in with a different opinion...

I think the keyboard will be faster to use. Maybe 10% or so?

I would say the styling is not so much aggressive as more metallic. I think it will appeal more to everyone. The E61 was a bit boxey, where as the E61i has more of a smooth feel. It also feels a lot better.

There aren't any major software differences. Depending on when you bought the E61 you will find some extra apps. These include the Teams application, the Search application and the WiFi Wiazrd / finder.

Do you think the E61i is a good upgrade for E61 users?
How much do you notice the extra thinness?
How do the number keys operate in Idle mode? What about letter keys?
Other hardware changes?

the e90 has a2dp, any of that love for the e61i?

Any music player's sound improvements ?

Does AvantGo work on the E61i?

Skype?

What is the battery life like compared to the E61?

More answers, and again to stres this isn;t a final unit on hardware or software.

** Did they fix the numbers?
Fix in what way, yes in text mode you need to press the blue shift key to get a numbers, same as the E61, and you can double tap to lock the numebr shift in place. Idle mode usage is as before.

** Styling
Rafe's answered that one, maybe agressive was too aggressive. The phone isn't a Doris Day simpering beuaty, you know it means business. Think Salam Hayak. Great for a ballroom dance, great going to a football match too.

THe thinness is noticable at some times, but at other points (such as in the dark this morning) it's really noticable. It's not thin in a fragile way though (and for that I think the metal case helps).

** Upgrade for an E61
It's going to be a close call - lets wait till the final builds (espec. in firmware) before I make that call.

** A3DP Profile
Pre- release firmware, it appears to be there but thats no guarantee. RAFE EDIT - no it does not support A2DP

** Software Support and Battery.
As with Steve on the E90 we're not going to install everyones favoruite app on a pre-release for a few days. ;-) Ditto on battery usage, it's probably not optimised. Physically though it's a BP4L and the E61 original used the BP5L.

What business applications are (intended to be) pre-loaded on the device? If QuickOffice is included, how does it perform?

Does the camera have a macro mode?
Witch how resolution does the E61i record video, 352 x 288?
What about sound quality on headphones? Any changes?
Message key is still dedicated only to emails or can it be configured to open sms?
The led still notify only about new emails or can it be used to notify other events?

I quite like the idea of having Salma Hayek in my pocket......

I Like to Know what's the E61i CPU?
thanks

I am wery interested to know your test about writing speed...in particular agaist Treo 680, Nokia 9300i.
Do you think that the new navigator can improve writing speed ?
Thanks in advance

Are there any portable keyboards (such as the foldable ones which work for the Treos) which work for the E61i? Also, I have heard there are issues with playing music on the E61s with loud popping noises occurring between songs. Has this been resolved on the E61i? Thanks.