UrbanWire

There's probably a very good reason why Singapore is one of the largest secondhand handphone markets in the world, but on second thought, maybe there isn't. It's just that you can't help but marvel at the way Singaporeans keep lapping up every new handphone model like drug addicts, then discarding or trading away their old ones. A little tweak in the design, a splash of new colour, and the right marketing strategy almost always ensures a healthy profit margin for the handphone manufacturers here.

To a certain extent, the latest Nokia Ngage QD, released last month, seems like just another cheap thrill out to contribute yet more secondhand handphone sets to the local market. However, on closer inspection, the new gadget is really a well-crafted device that meets its objectives.

The first thing you'll notice about the Ngage QD is its compact design, a radical departure from its predecessor the Ngage. You'll also realise that Nokia's done away with the FM receiver and MP3 player, making it a purely gaming deck. However, it isn't the major aesthetic changes that make the Ngage QD a competent device; rather, it's the smaller detailed changes based on consumer feedback.

For the new Ngage QD, gaming comfort takes precedence over aesthetics. The gaming keys and 4/8 way joystick are now easier to press, and the device is much more comfortable to hold. Also, you won't have to strain your eyes anymore when playing games on the deck. The QD has been refitted with a backlit display, which ensures good viewing even in low light conditions. No excuses for getting "killed" this time.

Almost everything about the Ngage QD has been scrutinised to optimise consumers' overall gaming experience. There are some neat touches, like a swappable media card slot, which allows you to change games cartridges without switching off your phone, as you would have needed to with the previous Ngage. The quick start game key also solves the problem of having to sift through the phone menu to find the game upon inserting the cartridge. There is even a function to turn off all phone signals that interfere with air traffic. Now you don't have to worry about bringing down any real aircraft while trying to complete your mission in Operation Shadow.

However, not all changes were made for gaming purposes though. Thankfully, Nokia also had the common sense to abolish the side talk feature, which looked very awkward in the previous Ngage. If not looking stupid when answering phone calls on your mobile phone is your main concern, you'll be glad to know that the Ngage QD will spare you from being the butt of jokes.