14 DAY TRIAL // The new Nokia devices announced in late August at the Nokia Go Play in London, stirred all Nokia mobiles fans' interest, but also that of the rest of the community. There is an improved version of the N95, called N95 8GB, 2 handsets that belong to the XpressMusic series (Nokia 5310 and Nokia 5610) and another N series device that comes in two versions, N81 (standard) and N81 8GB. Later on, following the huge market success of the E50 business handset, Nokia decided to throw in another - hopefully - market success: Nokia E51.
All devices are meant to be available on the market at the same time with the launch of the new Internet services announced by Nokia, called Ovi. These devices were especially developed to include a new interface that embeds the new features and options provided by Ovi, such as: Nokia Maps, Nokia Music Store and Nokia N-Gage. I had the opportunity to work with all these new handhelds and I'll be sharing all the info I've got with you. This is just a preview, the final product may or may not contain some of the features that are mentioned here.
Nokia N95 8GB is really an improved version of the successful N95, not only on paper, as you can very well see from the pictures. The display of the 8GB version has been enlarged to 2.8'' from the previous 2.6'', thus offering a more entrancing experience and a whole lot of space for GPS Maps. The name of the terminal obviously suggests that it features no less than 8GB of internal memory, which is more than enough to keep around 6000 songs or several movie clips.
Nokia kept the same camera module, only this time it lacks the lock/unlock mechanism as you can see in the pictures. The latter has been decided because of the bad feedback provided by the users and regarding the life energy of the battery, which was more than unsatisfactory. As a consequence, Nokia improved with almost 30% the real life expectancy of the battery by embedding a more powerful 1200 mAh Li-Ion cell.
Last but not least, Nokia N95 8GB includes A-GPS technology which provides faster localization and synchronization with the satellite (from 20 minutes to almost 2-3 minutes). Other than that, it's almost the same device, only that this time it's all in black, which looks more stylish than the standard model. The N95 8GB multimedia computer is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2007 with an estimated retail price of EUR 560 before subsidies or taxes.
Nokia N81 and N81 8GB sliders look very much the same in terms of size and design, so I'll be referring to both. Even if rather bulky, N81 has been the point of attraction for those that were present at the Nokia conference today. Still, let's not forget that 140 grams (battery included) means something and if you're not used to heavy, bulky handsets, there are little chances for you might like this one. The compound used for its manufacturing - while it makes the device look stylish - it gets soiled and catches fingerprints very easily.
Overall, it has the same look as a usual Nokia slider, only that it does much more. The 16 million colors screen is one of the key points of the device and in case of the standard model, it is meant to immerse the user in a complete gaming experience. You can use the device in landscape mode when you are playing games, especially because the device features 2 other keys right near the in-call speaker, which can be used for playing.
There are also 2 dual stereo speakers on both sides of the phone, just like Nokia N95. Both devices are strongly backing the Ovi services, because you can store, play, share pictures and games within seconds. With access to so many features, those 8GB will probably fill up very fast. The 2 Megapixel camera features flash and can take snapshots at a maximum resolution of 1600x1200 pixels. The Nokia N81 8GB is expected to retail for 430 EUR before subsidies or taxes. Both versions are expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2007.
Nokia 5310 XpressMusic applies for the title of the slimmest mobile phone on the market with only 9.9 mm thickness. The mono-block handset is available in red or blue colors and includes only the latest features in multimedia technology. Surprisingly small, Nokia 5310 XpressMusic will be a serious rival for Sony Ericsson's Walkman series. Because of its sizes (103.8 x 44.7 x 9.9 mm), the phone can easily fit in any pocket, and with its weight (71 grams including battery) will surely pass unnoticed. The device features external music controls on the left side and 2.5mm port jack. Moreover, to widen the range of headphones that can be used with the phone, Nokia 5310 comes with an adapter that will give you the possibility of attaching 3.5mm headphones.
The most important thing included is the separate audio chip that was embedded, which gives an accurate external sound, as well as internal. Even without using the equalizer, the headphones' sound is extremely good and nears the quality of a Sony Ericsson Walkman series phone. The 30 MB internal memory can be expanded up to 4 GB thorough the microSD slot card. The device also features a 2 Megapixel camera that lacks flash, but can still take pictures at a max resolution of 1600 x 1200 pixels. The 860 mAh Li-Ion battery can provide you with up to 18 hours of music playback. Nokia 5310 XpressMusic is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2007 with an estimated retail price of 225 EUR before taxes and subsidies.
Nokia 5610 XpressMusic is a more advanced version of the 5310 and features a slider design. The device is UMTS compatible, having also EDGE, HSCDS and Bluetooth with A2DP. It also has a better camera - 3.2 Megapixels with auto-focus and flash, as well as a secondary video camera that can be used for videocalls. Nokia 5610 also embeds an audio chip for a better multimedia performance and you can curiously slide the navigational key just under the TFT, 16M colors display. The navigational key functions as an application switcher and can take you from one application to another with just a push of a button.
While it includes only 20 MB of internal memory, Nokia 5610 XpressMusic offers you the possibility to expand the storage through the microSD slot, up to 4GB. The 900 mAh Li-Ion battery can provide you with more than 15 hours of music playback. The Nokia 5610 XpressMusic is expected to begin shipping in the fourth quarter of 2007 with an estimated retail price of EUR 300 before taxes and subsidies.
Nokia E51 business phone continues its predecessor's huge market success, and hopefully will take it to the next level. At only 114 x 46 x 12 mm and 100 grams (including battery) weight, Nokia E51 combines the latest innovations in business mobility with a classic, stainless steel design. Slimmer than the old E50, the new E51 features dedicated key for accessing the most important functions and applications for a businessman - Email and Contacts.
The slim and elegant Nokia E51 adds greater simplicity, faster access and tighter integration to key applications, while maintaining the smartphone capabilities and stylish design that customers have come to expect in a Nokia Eseries device. Nokia E51 is the ultimate communication tool featuring HSDPA (3.6 MB), Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR and GPRS/EGPRS Class 32. The 130 MB internal memory can be expanded to 4GB through the microSD card.
Furthermore, the device is compatible with Voice over IP (VoIP) technology using WLAN. For example, Gizmo, a Voice over IP (VoIP) application, is available for Nokia Eseries customers free of charge, enabling users to make and receive inexpensive calls from their mobile phones and chat or talk with friends who are online. In addition to increased features and functionality for business use, Nokia E51 is equipped with personal applications, including FM radio, music and multimedia players. The 2 megapixel camera with 4x digital zoom lacks flash, but who needs that in a business phone. Nokia E51 will be globally available during the fourth quarter of 2007 for an unsubsidized retail price of approximately 350 EUR.