Nokia 9000 security disappoints

Last month I reported briefly on the Nokia 9000; in short, it is a well integrated phone and PDA, but slightly disappointing in the ease of use of the PDA side, and weak on integration with a desktop system. It isn't possible to synchronise the address book, for example. Instead you have to replace the Nokia 9000 address book with one downloaded through a couple of steps from your desktop software, and thus lose any updates made locally.

In order to do this, you have to go to the system screen and enter a six digit lock code supplied with the Nokia, in order to delete the address book. It works, but is annoying to use. There is also an option to delete all data; just the thing, you might think, to use when passing on the communicator to another person. Which is exactly what I found myself doing a few days ago. I found that the new user of the Nokia was receiving all my emails by mistake. It turns out that the 'delete all data' option, even though it deletes the phones owner information, doesn't delete your Internet settings, including the POP mailbox name and password. Be warned!

Words and design by:
Paul Lynch
Last updated: September 12, 1997