Incoming – the Nokia N97

Posted: 18 June 2009

With the launch of the eagerly-anticipated Nokia N97 now imminent, the Finnish manufacturer adds a new handset to its range that it will no doubt hope challenges other flagship devices like the Apple iPhone 3G and the HTC Magic. But what can consumers expect from the model when it hits stores in June?

Unveiled in December at an industry event in Barcelona, Nokia was quick to point out that the N97 would be much more than a regular phone. Billed as "the world's most advanced mobile computer", it was announced as a gadget that would bring together some of the latest technologies in a single unit.

The touchscreen display, which measures 3.5 inches, is where users will be able to take advantage of the many services the handset provides and Nokia has also fitted it with a full qwerty keyboard for those who like a more traditional approach to messaging, email and web surfing.

One of the inclusions specifically highlighted in the press release that accompanied the announcement was the many ways in which the new device could employ sensors and A-GPS technology to allow consumers the ability to keep on top of their social networking accounts in a more geographically accurate fashion. It was explained that the integrated systems of the N97 meant the phone "intuitively understands where it is" and as such was a great way to let friends and family know what you are up to and where you are in real time – with the facility to add pictures and videos.

Jonas Geust, vice-president of Nokia's Nseries line – to which the N97 belongs – said the phone was the very next step in personalised web services through a portable gadget with a host of services. He also reiterated the model's position as having more in common with modern computers.

"From the desktop to the laptop and now to your pocket, the Nokia N97 is the most powerful, multi-sensory mobile computer in existence," he explained.

"The Nokia N97 mobile computer adjusts to the world around us, helping stay connected to the people and things that matter most. With the Nokia N97, Nseries leads the charge in helping to transform the internet into your internet".

As a multimedia unit, the N97 also offers a selection of options which could tempt buyers. In addition to its web-based features, the Finnish firm has equipped the phone with streaming Flash video and gaming support, 32 GB of on-board memory which can be expanded to 48 GB using a micro SD card and has boosted its photographic options with a five-megapixel snapper that features Carl Zeiss optics and can record at DVD standard in terms of quality.

In terms of taking on Apple, it is also important to include music facilities and as such Nokia explained full access to its Music Store would be available and the integrated media player would offer continuous playback of up to 1.5 days on a full charge.

The Carphonewarehouse is currently listing the launch date for the N97 as June 23rd and although there will no doubt be some looking to purchase the handset only it is largely expected that the device will be widely available on a number of UK networks on a range of contracts.

Having recently announced the abolishment of Europe-wide roaming charges this summer, Vodafone is one option some shoppers may be considering. The carrier has already confirmed that it will be supplying the N97, but may not be the first to have it available – as its website is currently showing a release date of July.

At the moment, O2, 3, T Mobile, Virgin and Orange are not listing the model online and as such tariff details have yet to emerge. However, it is widely expected it will come with full support for Skype – a move which could be scaring the big operators away, but could also make it popular with those looking to take advantage of the service's free Skype to Skype voice calling.

Yet, Stuff.tv said last month that the N97 would be launched on O2 via the Carphone Warehouse and not in its dedicated stores. June was the date given by the source who spoke to the gadget news publication, but it was noted that apart from this the network were being "pretty tight lipped".

"Carphonewarehouse will be able to start pushing the phone out its doors from June 23rd, offering it for free on £45 contracts with O2 or Orange," the article explained. "If you were hoping of bagging the handset SIM-free and sans contract, you'll need to cough up a massive £690, so get saving now."

This just leaves one question to ask for the buying public – will the Nokia N97 be worth all of the fanfare on its release and most importantly should you consider buying it? Well, some pre-release reviews have suggested the company may be on to a winner – with Gareth Beavis of techradar.com recently being given the opportunity to offer his own opinion after being given a sneak peek.

The phone's internet browser zipped along nicely under the Wi-Fi we were connected to, although we didn't have the chance to find out how it worked under 3G conditions... if the Wi-Fi effort was any kind of indicator, web pages should load fairly nicely, and the wide screen, once it had sorted out the page formatting, looked nice and easy to read.

He praised the customisable homescreen, suggested the addition of a keyboard was "frankly excellent" and reserved special consideration for improvements that have been made to its speed and functionality since it was originally previewed earlier this year.

"The phone's internet browser zipped along nicely under the Wi-Fi we were connected to, although we didn't have the chance to find out how it worked under 3G conditions. [However,] if the Wi-Fi effort was any kind of indicator, web pages should load fairly nicely and the wide screen, once it had sorted out the page formatting, looked nice and easy to read," Mr Beavis concluded.




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