14 DAY TRIAL // The sequel to the old 9500 Communicator, Nokia E90 Communicator was launched on the market only last year in June. Everyone had been patiently waiting for the latest Communicator series device; alas, it was a total disappointment. After a 3-year break, Nokia 'managed' to offer us a defective device and doesn't seem to have the decency to withdraw the incriminated handset.
Moreover, Nokia confirmed one month later that the microphone incorporated within its business oriented phone E90 Communicator was faulty. Early users of the device complained about various hissings and static disturbances in the background of a conversation, which made the call quality terrible. After the first day the hissing appeared, it became persistent and present in almost every call.
In addition to the bad microphone, users also reported scratches on the main internal display (800x320 pixels) due to the keyboard touching the screen when folded. This was also confirmed by the Finnish manufacturer, but it still wouldn't withdraw the device. Furthermore, the back cover creaks and makes you feel that it is not tight. I believe this is due to the battery being too loose underneath the back cover.
The camera phone dedicated button is another big issue of the E90 Communicator. In most cases, the button would simply not start the camera even when hard pressed. Even after finally starting the camera, you have to press the button several times to be sure of capturing an image. I would be tempted to say that it doesn't function properly to prevent accidentally triggering a shot, but that's not an excuse. Unfortunately, these problems haven't been solved based on the latest firmware, which makes me think that these are hardware issues and not software bugs.
I can accept the fact that the phone costs more than USD 1000$ and that the losses would probably be devastating. I can also accept the fact that Nokia E90 Communicator has more positive features than hardware issues and bugs. Still, I cannot accept the fact that Nokia didn't officially announce that it had released a 2nd version (v2) of the E90 business phone that is meant to replace the faulty E90-v1. Besides manufacturing a whole new version of the phone, Nokia decided to mass produce a new keyboard that should replace the faulty one, on which the keys are a little bit lower.
What does it mean? You have a problem with the display touching the keyboard, you go to the nearest Nokia Centre and get it replaced. You have problems with the microphone, you go to the Nokia Centre and maybe get the new v2 version. It is impossible for me to confirm the latter, as in my country (Romania), the v2 version cannot be found or it's extremely hard to find. At least, official Nokia distributors don't have it yet. This is extremely annoying and I don't understand how these distributors still sell the faulty version of the phone, even after one year of its release and knowing too well that it has big hardware issues.
Anyway, I congratulate Nokia for putting deliveries on hold and taking so much care of its customers with replacing the device when necessary, but it is definitely taking too long GLOBALLY.
In the end, I suggest those that intend to buy the E90 Communicator, which is a very good phone, except for its hardware issues, to get the v2 version. I tried to find some characteristics that would confirm the phone you get is v2 and not v1, but I only found a few. First, there's a black version which seems to be the v2, while mocha and red are mostly (but not entirely) v1. Also, the newer model has been inscribed with 'v4.2' on the battery cover (the old one has v3.0 on the battery cover), while the date on the battery is more recent (e.g. February 2008).
There have been rumors that v2 has 'NR-14' printed on the pcb (printed circuit board) underneath the battery bottom right, but this is not true. NR-14 doesn't designate the rumored new E90s with the lowered keyboard. It's simply a slightly revised E90 with firmware version 7.40.1.2 preinstalled, along with the A-GPS enabled version of Nokia Maps, and a speaker that doesn't make odd noises the way earlier models did. It only comes in mocha and red. Other than that, the NR-14 version is identical to the original release. Basically, until the black E90 Communicator is officially out, you cannot be too sure of what you get. Don't worry though, because if do not live in Romania, you will definitely have your faulty phone replaced or repaired fast. Good luck shopping for the Nokia E90 Communicator!
