Imagine this: your keitai (mobile phone) rings and your computer magically pauses iTunes or the DVD until the call is over. Or this: playing your own mp3's and ogg files, or even home brewed videos sent to the phone straight from iMovie. Or this: having a dictaphone (a Mac can play the files...) at the touch of a button. Of being able to choose from amongst thousands of English language applications... And of course being able to use your phone abroad.

That's the promise of the 702NK smartphone from Vodafone. (It's been out a while but only recently hit the magic "1 yen for new subscribers.") At this point I should say clearly IT CAN'T DO MOST OF THE ABOVE OUT OF THE BOX - third party software and hardware is required, both free and pay.

The 702NK is actually a small computer running the Symbian OS 60 operating system - ultra popular worldwide - that just happens also to be a phone. (It's a rebadged Nokia 6630). Due to some overly cautious decisions by Vodafone, you have to install most 3rd party software manually - you can't just click-install. It has built in bluetooth, so you can use a wireless headphone in your car, with a bluetooth adaptor, (get the D-Link DBT-120 - 5100yen or so) you can use it to quickly exchange files with and even remote control applications on your Windows or Mac computer. (Additional software required.)

The 1.3megapixel camera is so so and it can store up to an hour of video on a 32meg memory-card that plays in quicktime when you upload it to your Mac. The screen is bright and the interface clean. It works as advertised and in English. There's an English instruction manual. 3G phones generally have worse coverage than 2G's - and Voda 3G is said to be inferior to AU and Docomo. I haven't tested it outside the city, but within the city that hasn't been a problem so far - but check first if you live in the countryside.

What I don't like: it doesn't come with a cradle, you have to plug it in to recharge it. The memory card it comes with is just 32meg (expect to pay 7000yen or so for a 256meg card online). The screen has no protector and looks scratchable and the memory card protector door doesn't look strong. It is also a little chunky and slightly less "natural" to use as a phone than my 2G P504i. It is at greater risk from viruses than an ordinary phone. But overall, I am happy with it because of all the apps I can add.

At some point soon iSync will get the ability to sync iCal and the Mac Address book over bluetooth with the 702NK - then it really will be a "must have". Windows users can sync out of the box.

We paid: 3000yen, 1 year contract.
Available for: 1yen with 2 year contract.

Interface: Eng or Jp. Maker: Nokia. Carrier: Vodafone.®