cellphone headset connector: unwieldy

No, they don't, but the USB cables and full-install car kits available for the phone probably do require that many contacts. I imagine that they're trying to lessen the number of connections required on the phone for cost reasons.

What you are refering to is a Pop Port. It is used for many purposes besides a headset. It can be used with in car kits that also power the phone and the phone will also switch to the profile set for in car.

It is also used for connecting your phone to your computer with a cable to use the Nokia PC Suite or other third party software. You are then able to manage your contact details, ring tones, wallpapers, calendar etc. You can even type up an SMS on the computer and then send it via the phone! It is also possible to use your phone as a modem to connect your computer to the Internet via your phone company, but this could be very expensive.

The older Nokia phones you previously owned could not do any of this, but Nokia phones with a Pop Port can do so much more than just using a headset.

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Obviously they have run out of mutually incompatible connector possibilities of relatively small size. In ten years, I predict, the connectors on cell phones will be bigger than the cell phones. In a hundred years, they will be bigger than you.

Xah Lee wrote: =C2=ABi just got a Nokia 3220 cellphone.

The connector for the headset is exceedingly ugly and unwieldy. It has some a dozen electric contact in a wide array.... My question is, why is it that way? A speaker & microphone certainly don't need a dozen electrical contacts. =C2=BB

Simon Templar wrote: =C2=ABWhat you are refering to is a Pop Port. It is used for many purposes

besides a headset...=C2=BB

Thanks! Great answer.

Xah snipped-for-privacy@xahlee.org =E2=88=91

To make it incompatible with anything else!

Yup, that monstrosity (and no longer being able to buy a new headset on the street in manhattan for $5) is what keeps me from 'upgrading'.

I can see some use for the extra pins of course - but the headset connection should be simple as that really should be the default way of using the phone.