Nokia 6682 packs keypad is equipped with the standard array of keys and then some. Dedicated menu, edit, and clear buttons straddle the somewhat cramped, but still usable, numeric keypad and softkey buttons. The 5-way directional controller that sits directly below the display is comfortable to use as well as accurate. On its side you’ll find a small chromed door that conceals the hot-swappable memory card slot. The back cover of the phone conceals the battery compartment and has a protective slide that is linked to the camera. Sliding the cover open reveals the camera and starts the camera–even when the keypad has been locked.
As a Nokia Series 60 smartphone, the 6682 has a vast array of both commercial and freeware/shareware software that can be installed. These applications range from games to e-mail applications to VPN support. This latest version of the Series 60 user interface adds what Nokia calls the Active Standby display. The Active Standby display is something akin to the Today screen on a PocketPC device, showing current tasks and calendar appointments, as well as a user-configurable set of icons that act as shortcuts to commonly used applications. You still have the option of using the old standby screen, though, in which case the four directions on the d-pad controller can be used as shortcuts in lieu of the icons.
In terms of data support, the 6682 supports both GPRS and the newer and faster EDGE standard. USB connectivity is also possible with a Nokia Pop-Port compatible USB cable. Bluetooth wireless support offers yet another means for connecting to a desktop or laptop PC. It also means that you can use the 6682 with Bluetooth headsets as well as with other devices, such as GPS units like Nokia’s own LD-1W.
If you are into messaging, the 6682 will let you hook up with both IMAP- and POP-based e-mail accounts right out of the box. SMS and MMS picture messaging is also available, and all of the message types are wrapped in one of the best all-around messaging apps available on a mobile phone today.
While the messaging app is good, the contacts manager in the 6682 is even better. Plus, you can use the freely available Nokia PC Suite software to sync up your 6682 with your desktop computer so that your contacts, calendar appointments, task list, and notes are available when you are away from your computer.
Nokia claims that the 6682 lasts for up to 11 days of standby time, but that claim is very optimistic. With any kind of usage at all, you should expect no more than 3 or 4 days of standby time. However, we did manage to get 6.5 hours of talk time out of the 6682, more than 50% better than what Nokia claims it is capable of.
Overall, the Nokia 6682 is great phone. There is a lot of software available for the Series 60 platform, and combined with all of the goodness that is baked into the 6682, you end up with what is simply one of the best smartphones available anywhere today.
