Writing Chinese on an EU-bought Nokia 6233

[Don_Horhe]

I have the following issue:

My mobile is a 6233 Nokia, bought it here in Bulgaria, says it was made in Germany. Up to a few days ago it only had European languages on it, so I gave it to this shop where they changed the software and it now has English, Chinese (both trad. and simp.), Vietnamese and 1 or 2 other East Asian languages. My hopes were that, it now being capable of displaying characters, I'd be able to actually write them (for sending SMS, etc.), but no. I can switch the menu to Chinese, but can't get it to write Chinese. Any ideas?

[self-taught-mba]

You now need a handwriting recognition program. Search for Penpower.

[Don_Horhe]

It doesn't support handwriting. I was thinking that there would be some sort of language pack, with which you could write, not just read Chinese, using a Pinyin input system, similar to the one Windows has.

[imron]

Not sure about this particular model of phone, but at least with my old Nokia, you had to switch the menu language to Chinese before you were able to select Chinese as an input option.

[ipsi()]

I had the same thing with an old Nokia of mine (which *did* support handwriting, via a special pad behind the keypad - if the menus were in English, you got T9, if they were in Chinese, you got Pinyin input.

[cdn_in_bj]

Many newer Nokia models let you set the writing language independently of the phone language. I'm not sure if this applies to your phone, but it could be that you've got the writing language set to "English". You should consult the manual:

http://nds1.nokia.com/phones/files/guides/Nokia_6233_UG_en.pdf

[Don_Horhe]

Chinese doesn't figure at all in the Writing Language menu, that's the first thing I tried when I got it back. All I have is English, Vietnamese and Filipino, regardless of what language the menus are in. Seems that I can't get away with being a cheap bastard and I'll have to buy a second phone from China. Anyway, thanks for your help.

[cdn_in_bj]

All hope is not lost - you probably just need to change to a different product code using a free hacking tool called Nemesis Service Suite, and then use Nokia Software Updater to reload the firmware.

The hardest part is finding the right product code for Chinese support.

[imron]

Where are you at the moment? Did you get the software changed in China? If not, then when you get to China, you can just take it to a shop here to do it. If you did get it done here, perhaps try taking it to a different shop and trying again, making sure to explain you want to be able to type in Chinese.

[Don_Horhe]

No, unfortunately I'm not in China yet, I'm still in Sofia, Bulgaria. The shop I went to is supposedly the only one which provides this service, and it was shown to me by a Chinese friend. Probably the best thing to do is wait till I get to China and get it done there.

[CapnKernel]

Did you have any joy with your 6233? I have a 6233 and had it reflashed with the firmware for the Chinese market. It lets me view and enter Chinese no problems. Input is via pinyin, similar to on a PC.

Let me know if you'd like help.

Mitch.

[chilli-hot]

Do yourself a favour and get to China first. Then buy a N95 (not 8GM - multiple cards much better!) and you will have all the Chinese/English input you want along with FULL CHINA navigation using pinyin addresses.

Previously you had to goto Nokia China to get Chinese map installed from a USB (300RMB) all in Chinese (navigation etc) but this would then incapacitate all your world maps with a different look feel. But now (prior to EU trip in Jul) Nokia EU 100% supports China with full Satellite, map and English/PinYin names.

GPRS is cheap here and also cheap when you roam int'l. I always carry 3 batteries (also cheap here), a solar recharger (in case I forget to recharge 1 of the batteries) and run 12v dvc when in the car. Our new Honda Odyssey has a great GPS but the NOKIA kicks arse with its constant live update and a far better GPS. ~4400RMB

My N95 now uploads my location to my server every 10 sec plotting my whereabouts anywhere in China and the rest of the world. Live with 10 sec delay.

Go wild like I have done.