I’m two minded about the Nokia N9. While a lot of effort went into its design, Nokia itself have given up on the MeeGo operating system in favour of open source Tizen (not forgetting that Symbian is being replaced by Windows Phone). 

So if you’re seriously considering getting the Nokia N9, don’t expect a lot of new apps, or updates/support for current apps.

The Nokia N9 has 3 home screens: a feed which pulls information from social networks or RSS; the regular menu screen with apps; and a screen that shows your current activities (you can also terminate whatever is running in the background by holding the app down hard and killing it).

The phone has 3.9″ AMOLED screen, an 8-megapixel camera, records in high definition, displays video in a 16:9 ratio (widescreen), fitted with NFC technology, voice guidance in Maps and turn-by-turn drive and walk navigation. 

This is what you get in the box: 

A very minimal design box (looks familiar), a user guide, a USB charger, a plug point (with USB input), earphones and a silicon cover.

I got play around with the N9 for a bit and these are my thoughts so far:

LIKES

1. Design. A lot of effort went into the design of the N9 and it shows. It’s sleek, smooth, has rounded edges and there’s no traditional home button you’d find on a Nokia handset. It sits very comfortably in your hand and doesn’t slip.
2. Swipe gesture. To come out of an open app, you swipe from the bottom up. To close an app, you swipe from the top down (you can create this shortcut under settings). It’s a smooth process.
3. Comes preloaded with apps straight out the box. This is sort of becoming standard on tablets/smarthphones now. It really does make a difference; you can start playing around immediately and handy if you’re on prepaid / don’t have data bundles.

DISLIKES

1. The qwerty keyboard. The keys were too narrow and it took quite a while typing tweets. Auto-rotate works when typing SMSes but not in apps like Facebook and Twitter. Thus, typing a status update took longer than necessary. Also, going back to add a word to a sentence was a nightmare. It took quite a while for the phone to register this function.
2. Screen one pulls all your feeds. If you decide to turn this off (to save data), there is no way of clearing the screen. Old feeds from the day this feature was deactivated still displays on the screen. I went into every logical setting to clear old feeds, and have yet to find it.
3. The input to charge the phone is covered, so every time you want to charge the device, you have to open and close it. I found this impractical. It’s only a matter of time before it weakens/breaks.

I was invited earlier today to get a sneak peek of the Nokia N8. The handsets are prototypes and from the demonstration I was given, I was very impressed.

If you’re a Nokia fan, and have been waiting very patiently for a revamped operating system, then you won’t be disappointed with Symbian^3. Most noticeable was the fast and responsive user interface, when browsing through the 4GB music library, with cover flow.

The wow-factors about this phone is: 12MP camera, HD recording and playback (720p), the fresh Symbian^3 OS.

What really sets this device apart is the built-in HDMI connection and USB-on-the-go. Two very handy features that any smartphone could do with. Additionally, the HDMI and USB cables are included in the box.

The N8 has 3.5″ capacitive touchscreen with a 640×360 resolution, comes with 16GB built-in memory (expandable via micro SD up to 32GB), FM transmitter, FM radio, mp3 player, free walk & drive navigation with Ovi Maps and 3 customisable homescreens.

According to Nokia, the handset will retail for under R6,000 on prepaid, and will be available on contract, by October 2010.

More information on the Nokia N8 here.

I received the Nokia 5330 mobile TV edition phone last week and did not have high expectations for it; who would? To add to that, the instructions attached clearly stated that it is part of a pilot program with DStv and is currently not available in South Africa. Hence, pricing has not yet been determined. It also said to expect glitches.

For the testing phase, (I’m not sure if this is applicable after it launches), a Vodacom SIM gives you 6 channels and an MTN SIM gives you 8 channels. I ended up buying an MTN SIM for the extra channels. After the initial hiccup (the phone was not fully set-up on DStv’s side), which Nokia assisted with, I finally got to test it. And by that I mean, I actually got to WATCH TV on a cellphone! And I was impressed!

I did not expect it to be as clear as it was, probably because this was new to me. I don’t know what the standard is. The earphones have a built-in receiver that is based on DVB-H (digital video broadcasting-handheld) technology. You do not use any data while watching TV. In order to watch a channel, you have to “purchase” content, which lasts for a month, so you don’t have to “purchase” every time. I did not pay for this, which I suspect is where a cost will come in, once launched.

Excuse the pic taken with a camera, there was no app available to take a screenshot.

The screen is 2.4″ with a 240×320 resolution. Most people to whom I’ve showed it, responded with “such a small screen”. Uh, you weren’t expecting a 40″, where you? Given that you’re going to be watching from a close distance, you don’t need a large screen; although the screen could be slightly bigger, but I’d say it’s pretty decent.

If the price is right, I think Nokia might have a winner here.

*EDIT* – I incorrectly stated that the Nokia 5330 does not have 3G, but it in fact does. Thanks to the anonymous person who brought it to my attention.

Yesterday was one of the best days of my working career (it was also the first time I found myself on the highway at 06h20)!

All thanks to Nokia, who flew ten Johannesburg-based journos down to their Cape Town event to meet the “masterminds” behind Ovi Maps (NAVTEQ), show us the behind-the-scenes of building the mapping database, let us see the N97 mini in the flesh and the highlight – letting us participate in a mini Amazing Race.

We were put into teams of four and sent off in BMW’s and Audi’s, using the Nokia N97 mini as a GPS. I was lucky enough to be in a team of 3 locals, who knew what the clues meant.

It was not a race to see who came first, though; points were given based on activities completed (bookmarking locations, MMSing pics and solving riddles etc). At each point, we had to find someone dressed in black who handed us our next clue. Team awesome (as I dubbed us) didn’t to too badly – we scooped 3rd place (there were 8 teams).

We were based at the 5 star 15 on Orange hotel. What a stunning hotel! I loved the modern interiors and especially liked the extra thought that went into the finishing touches. This is what the lifts look like:

There was a blend of media, bloggers and “industry experts”. The one thing most (if not all) of us had in common: Twitter. And tweet we did, during presentations. It’s amazing how it isn’t considered rude (anymore) to sit on your phone or laptop while being addressed.

But this is where Nokia comes in on top. They are using social media properly. It all comes down to them doing it in a way that isn’t ‘spammy’. Something a lot of companies have yet to learn.

Last night Nokia launched Comes With Music in South Africa. Comes With Music gives you access to the Nokia Music Store for 12 months of unlimited track downloads (you only have a choice of 5 million tracks!). It will be bundled with the following 3 handsets: 5130, 5530 and 5630*.

So if you take any of these phones on a Top Up package, you’re getting the airtime and the phone free, along with a unique code to download any track in the Nokia Music Store for a year. After the 1 year is up, you will own every single track you downloaded for free, for life. If you upgrade to another Nokia Comes With Music compatible device, you will be able to carry over all your music. I’m no analyst but I’m pretty sure these phones are going to fly between the 16-24 demograph.

The formalities of the launch took place at the Holiday Inn Sandton. From the moment you stepped out of the lifts, each corner was ‘propped’ with a Nokia girl, talking on her phone or listening to music – to tie in with the theme.

Nokia’s country manager, Mathia Nalappan, spoke about what Nokia will be focussing on: messaging, music, maps, media and games. Head of music (Middle East & Africa) Jake Larsen officially announced Comes With Music is now available in South Africa.

Thereafter we were ‘bussed’ away to Mythos in Fourways for dinner. A pink pashmina style scarf waited for the ladies when they got to their seats while green beanies were left for male partners, who were also invited. We later returned to the Holiday Inn for coffee and dessert where Zebra & Giraffe provided entertainment for the evening.

The media were given a choice of 1 of the 3 handsets to take home and play with for a year. Unlimited track downloads included! I didn’t go for the touch phone (5530) because it didn’t support 3G and that would just annoy me. I chose the 5630. Thank you Nokia for a lovely evening.

* The 5130 will be available exclusively from MTN and the 5530 & 5630 will be available at Nashua Mobile, Autopage, Cell C & MTN. The handsets will be available mid-September.

Nokia South Africa have very kindly given me an N97 as a thank you for hosting their global ‘Search for N’ competition. I know some of you must have been sick of seeing consecutive Nokia posts so thanks for bearing with me during that time.

I received my N97 on Monday evening and the first thing I did once I hopped onto my wireless network was:

That was me testing the Facebook widget that came pre-installed. I have to admit I don’t like it, I prefer logging onto Facebook via Opera Mini. Btw, the Nokia default browser reminds me of Internet Explorer It definitely needs working on.

I’m still playing around and learning new stuff as I explore.. like finding out that I can use a widget slot for additional shortcuts:

As you can see in the image above, I have two rows of shortcut bars. Most of the widgets have real time updates and quite simply, I can’t afford to have it updating and eating away at a price of R2/MB. I’m looking into getting a data bundle soon. Just a small one though, for when I’m away from a PC. I still don’t use my full 10GB every month (Neotel).

I downloaded the native S60 Twitter client, Gravity and it’s a fantastic mobile application. It allows you to reply to tweets, RT, DM, favourite, unfollow etc and manage multiple accounts. It doesn’t come anywhere close to Twitter mobile. I’m currently making use of the trial period – it costs €10 at the Ovi store. I’ve also started downloading and installing random applications like a level, a handwritten recognition calculator, a bubble game etc. The novelty will wear off soon

Okay, I hate long drawn blog posts, so I’m going to stop here. If I find the time, will post a review.

Without further ado, here is your second clue:

Not a window or a gadget, but a bit of both for your N97.

Good luck!

If you’ve missed the first clue, along with the what when why how, check my previous post. Remember that all answers should be emailed once the fifth clue is published, to this address. First three correct entries, along with a scanned copy of a valid South African ID will win. South African passports will be accepted with proof of residency. If you want to fax your ID instead, please drop me a mail and I will provide you with a number.

All clues have been / will be published at 13h00 SA time on the following dates:
Clue 1 – published on 26 May
Clue 2 – published on 28 May
Clue 3 – to be published on 30 May
Clue 4 – to be published on 31 May
Clue 5 – to be published on 2 June

Thank you all who retweeted and linked me on your blogs, the response has been fantastic.

Okay folks, it’s here… this is your chance to be one of the first 97 people worldwide to own a Nokia N97! That’s right, before it officially launches.

What is it and how does it work?

Search for N is a global competition that is running concurrently in China, UAE (Dubai), Russia, France, Benelux, UK, Singapore, Malaysia, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and South Africa. Over a period of seven days (26 May – 2 Jun), 5 cryptic clues will be published on this blog (as well as other websites / blogs that have partnered with Nokia globally), on selected days at 1pm SA time. Once you solve all 5 riddles, email your answers to me immediately, as the first three correct entries received will each win a Nokia N97 handset.  The local version of this competition is being run on four blogs, www.nafisa.co.za being one of them.

It starts right now, so here’s your first clue:

Haptic and tactile are types of these

Remember to keep your answers and send them all together (along with a scanned copy of your ID) via email to me on this address as soon as you solve the last riddle. Do not answer via comments.

Basic rules

1. This competition is open to all South African citizens with a valid ID
2. Participants have to be 18 years or older
3. Winners will be announced once their identities has been verified (include a scanned copy of your ID with your answers). If you want to fax them through, email me and I will provide you with a number.
4. If winners do not respond to formal notification within 1 week, Nokia will select a random replacement winner
5. Prizes are neither transferable nor exchangeable for cash
6. Winner agrees to allow their photograph to be taken and published in print media or to appear on radio, the internet & television when accepting his/her prize

Full T&C’s available here.

So, why am I running this competition?
Quite simply because I rock and Nokia agrees

Subscribe to this blog so you don’t miss any updates.

Earlier today I attended the Nokia E75 launch, held at the Skin Sense Day Spa in Rivonia. As you might know I’m no corporate so phones in that range don’t interest me.

I got to play with the phone for a short while and if first impressions are anything to go by, I wouldn’t mind owning this handset. What I like about is that it’s light (much lighter than my N85) even though it has a slide out keyboard. It’s slim, sleek and well, stylish, especially in the deep red colour that it’s also available in. So it gets full marks in the ‘looks’ category but I can’t vouch for battery life etc.

Some plus points:

• supports mobile VPN
• Nokia Messaging – you only need your username & password (supports Gmail, Windows Live, Yahoo! [remind me again who uses Yahoo!], AOL).
• customizeable home screen views for business and personal. So when you get home, flip screens and no work mail coming in.
• data encryption for phone memory and microSD card

View full technical specs here.

Even though I don’t mind owning this device, I’d still pick the N97 over this

You might wonder why the comparison. These two products are hardly in the same category. But I think one might just put the other out of business. Given the state of the current economy, I don’t see consumers rushing out to buy laptops or notebooks. There have been reports that the netbook market is soaring and sales will grow by 65% this year. At the same time Nokia’s earnings have dropped in the first quarter of this year to €122 million, compared to last years €1.2 billion, during the same period.

Statistics aside, smart phones are now being created to give you the ultimate browsing experience. That’s what the touch-screen Nokia N97 promises. You can customize the phone’s home screen with widgets, watch high-quality movies, browse ‘real’ web pages etc. But what about the price tag that comes with a high-end phone like this? I’m not talking about business men and women who need these devices or the super rich. I’m talking about middle class working citizens who save up, look what the market has to offer, make comparisons and then decide what to go with.

Put yourself in this scenario – would you spend ± 6k on a cellphone and browse the web on a 3.5″ screen or spend about ± 4k and browse the internet on a 9″ screen, with full qwerty keyboard (98%)? It’s not a difficult decision.

The current mobile market is very competitive. It’s not like a few years ago where you knew exactly what phone you were getting. Now all phones offer the same features – so what do you go for?

I’ve reached a point where I don’t go for the phone that has all the coolest features. I’m not big on a GPS merged into a phone. (I think the two devices should remain separate). You can’t put everything onto a cell/smart phone. What happens if you get a call while your phone is taking you to your next destination of if you are recording an interview and your phone starts ringing? What about battery life?

I think if the average consumer is opting for a netbook, chances are he won’t be spending ± 6k on a smartphone.

Oh, I’d be lying if I said I don’t want to get my hands on the Nokia N97. Perhaps Nokia will let me play with one