Nokia N97 Review

So we've finally received our Nokia N97 and have had a chance to put it to the test for about a week, and we even recently updated the firmware to version 1.1 (which, by the way is a definite improvement in the UI transitions of the device). Like others that have had time with the N97, we have found things we love and hate about the hardware and software. But hey, everything under the sun casts a glimmer and shadow. Anyways, on to the review...

Hardware

Much like the first time using the Nokia N810 Internet Tablet, the keyboard and navigation pad arrangement on the N97 took some getting used to. There is quite a bit of a learning curve for those that have not had experience with a QWERTY thumb-pad before, but luckily the inclusion of a touchscreen makes the transition more bearable to new users. The slider mechanism is definitely solid. Strangely, it reminds me of watching Karate moves performed when opening and closing. I don't know how else to explain it. I just snaps in and out of place with great precision. I like the fact that there are so few hardware buttons on the device, aside form the keyboard, and unlike some have noted, the single menu button on the face of the N97 is perfect. USB charging is a welcome transition from the micro power adapter of my previous Nseries devices like the N95. The screen lock slider is a bit "outdated" though. Nokia should have put some effort into developing a touch gesture method for locking and unlocking the phone. Speakers are nice and loud, about the same as my N95. The camera door is nice, but a bit cumbersome to open as it has a very smooth surface. And of course two LEDs are better than one on any device with a 5MP+ camera. The styling and accents of the device overall are very sleek and futuristic. Nokia has done a marvelous job at putting so much functionality into a device that looks and feels so natural. Speaking of functionality, the battery life and 32GB of storage is enough to make netbook users super green with envy. The large screen is set nicely in the middle of the device, making it symmetrical in portrait and landscape modes. The touchscreen works as well as expected, and the device provides nice vibratory feedback when tapping menu items. The sensors give the device a sort of "intelligence" that is quite remarkable. I especially like the built in compass sensor (magnetometer). I believe it will be greatly used in future location-based and directional-based applications like Google Maps and will provide the necessary information for augmented reality to be built upon. Well that about covers the hardware of the N97 in this initial review. On to the software...

Software

Like any other computational device in the world, software is key to making it worth having. It is the heart and soul of any computer, and it gives each device a purpose. The N97 is no different, and S60 5th edition makes it all happen. The Symbian OS provides a very complete computing environment on many Nokia phones, but S60 5th edition brings an easy to learn, easy to use touch user interface that is both familiar and fresh to the seasoned Nokia device user and novice alike. However, the N97 has a far more reaching computing potential than the OS, UI, and familiar device applications. This is a truly connected device, and its the integration with the web is where it will need to shine most to seriously compete with the likes of Android devices, Apple's iPhones, Palm's devices, the plethora of Windows Mobile devices, and etc. The home screen widgets are an obvious good idea, but even this is limited in some way or another. Why not allow for multiple home screens, and why only two shortcut panels and contacts panels? It's a move in the right direction, but Nokia needs to move faster in that direction. The few widgets I've used so far have been very good, and I'm sure can get even better with more development time. The Facebook, AP News, AccuWeather, and Slideshow apps are great examples of how future applications should work. There's just so much potential for software growth and evolution on a device like the N97. The touchscreen, accelerometer, magnetometer, primary and secondary camera, microphone, speakers, vibratory feedback, light sensor, GPS, wifi, bluetooth, HSDPA, and more provide more than enough of a hardware foundation for developers to make some amazing things happen. It will be the software that pushes the limitations of the device in order to show its full potential.

Needless to say, the N97 is one heck of a device, and we are very excited at the prospects of its future. Expect to see a lot of great new things from NET9 and our new Nokia N97 soon.

All Moved In...

So we're finally unpacked and pretty much settled in our new place, and although there's still a couple boxes left to finish unpacking, we're ready to get back to work here at NET9. Moving is a painful process, but it's very much worth it if you're moving from a small area to a much more spacious accommodation. A lot has developed since we moved in too...

We've added another computer to the NET9 headquarters, we have a Nokia 5800 XpressMusic in the lab, we'll have a Nokia N97 soon as well, and of course we have many more great ideas for the mobile future in development here in our new lab. I'm particularly excited about our upcoming N97 review and we'll hopefully be experimenting with more video content as well.

Anyways, we're back and ready to bring you more exciting mobile coverage and developments. Stay tuned.

Moving...

That's right, the NET9 lab is expanding and needed a larger area to grow in. Over the next week or so, we'll be getting settled in to the new place. Afterwards, we'll be back on track and ready to work. Onwards to the future...

Ovi Store And New Nokia Tablet Coming

Nokia's Ovi Store has begun to make it's way around the globe and has launched in Australia, Ireland, and Singapore. I've been excited about Ovi Store since it was announced earlier this year. Nokia's Ovi Store will offer content ranging from applications to games to video clips and more. It will finally bring content discovery for Nokia devices in a more organized and dynamic way. Ovi Store is expected to launch in other countries over the next few days, and you can bet we'll be checking it out as soon as it hits the states.

There's tons of news about the latest Nokia Internet Tablet, and it's enough to make anyone planing to purchase the upcoming N97 take a second look. The biggest problem with the new tablet is that it hasn't even been officially announced and will likely be quite some time after the announcement before it comes to market. The advantages of a device like this is that it will be the first Nokia tablet to incorporate HSPA. Sure, the N900 or "Rover" or whatever the official name of the device will have some features that will make future N97 owners envious, such as the 800x480 resolution screen and a more powerful processor, but the similarities between these two devices are so overlapping the it will be a wonder why anyone would want to wait for the new tablet.

Past Meets Future

Yesterday I bought a 1972 Ford F100 for $300. I think I got a really good deal. It starts and runs like a champ, has a bit of an oil leak, and some rust spots and a few small dents. It's my new project, and will require a good amount of my time, energy, and money. It won't take me everywhere, but it will get me around town with no problems. This is the latest NET9mobile and I'll try to post updates to it's restoration progress here on the site.

It's great to have a fresh new project to work on again, and this is a big one. We welcome the challenge and we're excited about the old champ. It's always great to see old tech and new tech come together, and I think each and every one of us should reach into the past and bring a piece of it back to meet the future every once in awhile.

Chaos Reigns Supreme...

I'm sure just about everyone has heard about the latest Oprah giveaway of coupons for a free KFC meal. Well, we went to our nearest KFC today and was about to use our coupon until we observed the madness that ensued. Race, age, and gender are blurred when it comes to getting free food during a recession, especially when that food is fried chicken. Had I thought about it, I would have recorded the event with my phone, but I was in shock and ashamed at the same time.

How could something like this happen in 2009? KFC doesn't exactly have the healthiest food anyway, and I don't understand what is so free about the deal...

You first need a computer (many have this already), electricity (most have access to this, I hope), Internet access (here's where it gets interesting...), a printer (wait, what!?...), ink and paper (that's not free by any means!), a mode of transportation (last I heard, you'll pay for that big time), and time (ah, the most precious thing of all). Sure, these things are had by most of us or we know someone that can get some of it for us to complete our free chicken expedition, but is it really worth the wait? Oh, and if you don't think it's a big deal, you haven't seen the lines. You'll wait, and you still may not get anything due to the barbaric way this event was handled.

There were people being turned down for everything from having printed the coupon from the wrong site to the restaurant not having enough chicken. It's certainly a bad day for chickens all over, but it's humanity that has lost it's mind today. Colonel Sanders would be rolling in his grave to see such things.

5th Day In May

It's Cinco de Mayo (for a little longer anyway), the Nokia N97 is available for preorder at a cool $699, and tomorrow is my birthday (I turn 28). Of course the most exciting bit of news is the N97 and it's lower than expected price. Sure, there have been doubts about the final performance of the N97 considering it's lackluster processor specs, but it's still a marvel of mobile design and still capable of more than most of the desktop computers of yesterday. I see the N97 not as an end all solution that will never be beat. It is merely a progression of where mobile technology is headed, and a good start to a new way of computing.

We've seen a lot of improvements of the software and some interesting tricks with various combinations of the hardware features in previous Nokia handsets, and I have no doubt we'll see even more with the N97 and future Nseries devices. Mobile technology is growing and developing at a break-neck pace, and it is an exciting time to be a part of it all. It was a mere two years ago when the N95-3 entered the NET9 lab. The N97 will be the next NET9 device of choice come June. Two or three years from now, who knows what cool new device will join the collection of awesome mobile tech here at NET9. One thing's for sure, we can't wait to see what's next from Nokia.

New Shoes

I successfully bought shoes online via my phone last week and was even able to track my shipment too. Finding good quality clothing that I actually like the look of is hard for me to do. Clothing, especially shoes, are the scariest things I can think of buying online due to the worries of "will it look the same as in the images?" or "it's my size, but will it really fit?" This was my first attempt at purchasing an article of clothing from my phone, and today my shoes arrived.

They are the AND1 Courtyard Slip On Low ordered from Zappos.com and they were apparently limited in the number of pair in my size. I love shoes that don't need strings, and I still miss my previous pair of AND1 slip-on shoes, but these will do just fine for the summer. They're a perfect fit, the price wasn't too bad, and they look good to me. I always liked the AND1 brand and the various styles of off-court shoe selection. It's just a shame they don't make the older styles anymore. Even today, some of them would look quite futuristic.

Sure this is all a bit off topic, but to be truly serious about being a mobile warrior, it all starts with the foundations. One has to be comfortable while on the move, and a good pair of shoes is just as important as a good mobile device. The AND1 Courtyard Slip On Low is now the official shoe of NET9. So, what's your footwear of choice?

500

We made it! This is our 500th NET9 post. Nothing too significant, just the end of the beginning of what NET9 is becoming. It's been a very interesting journey over these few years, and the best part is that it's just getting started. We have seen so much happen over time in the world of mobile technology. I have a feeling there are even more great new things to come. There's no doubt that we'll be here to share our thoughts, ideas, and opinions on the latest developments about mobile devices, the web, and so much more. Thanks to everyone who's checked us out and especially to those that have given us support over the years. Stay with us as we continue to grow and learn in this great technological time.

"Ah, 500 posts. That makes us too old to turn back, and too young to stop moving forward."