Nokia N900 review

[Simon]

The N900 drops the moniker of "internet tablet", choosing to push forward with "mobile computer" as this model comes in to supplant the N810, released back in 2007. Two-years along and the landscape of internet-savvy mobile devices has changed greatly. Can this Nokia pocket computer trade blows with the best of them?

http://www.pocket-lint.com/review/4476/nokia-n900-mobile-phone-review

[Gary]

Nokia seem to have a habit of almost but not quiet when it comes to smartphones, they just about deliver something good but its always got a "but" in the review, I can see why they have lost so many sales this years, the N97 was awful then the N97 mini came out a smaller brother to the original, I think Noia should polish the handests they release, rather than releasing so many variants on a theme, I used to be a die hard Nokia fan, but times have changed, I like my iPhone, but HTC produce some great handsets with Android on them now, Nokia need to catch up in a market where they are slipping behind. Th N900 a feew years ago I would have bought, nut now there are just better handsets available.

[talos]

Don't any of these "innovations" depend on good reception ?,  as someone living in a rural area none of these super phones mean anything to me, would they not be better employed improving the infrastructure first?

[Rik]

Nokia don't control the infrastructure though, Bob. Personally, I don't have a need for this kind of phone, so like to keep things small & simple.

[Glenn]

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2009/11/23/t_orange_spectrum_again/ give an insight as to why the mobile companies use different frequency bands, a lot of it is not through choice.

[Rik]

Horse-trading springs to mind...

[Glenn]

Time to go to work, I'm sure there are a few people waiting for me with 

[Rik]

Have fun.

[talos]

Nokia don't control the infrastructure though, Bob. Personally, I don't have a need for this kind of phone, so like to keep things small & simple.

Same here Rik, but it would be nice to have the option.  Nokia and other phone makers may not have direct control, but the two sides of the communication world are mutually dependant, and I do feel a little more cooperation might yield a better system for all of us.

[Rik]

I can't argue with that, but there seems to be a war going on out there - way too many handsets from way too many manufacturers. I can't believe it's sustainable...

[talos]

Dont say we're in for another format war Rik,  the last one with video cost me a fortune

[Rik]

No, the format is already established, ie the mobile phone signal. What I think we face is a market share war, with some of the smaller players dropping out.

[talos]

Could be to our benefit then

[Rik]

It may allow handset prices to rise as the competition falls away.

[talos]

I never change my phone till it breaks anyway

[Rik]

I must admit I no longer rush to the latest and greatest, Bob. I have upgraded, because it was part of a deal I made with Orange, but the new handsets are sitting in a cupboard.

[Simon]

I still think the last truly great Nokia was the 6310i.

[Rik]

Agreed. If you wanted a straight phone which clung to the line, you couldn't beat it.

[Simon]

And you can still get brand new ones for under £50 on eBay.

[Rik]

I wonder if the batteries are still available?

[Simon]

Good point, but I would have thought so.

[Rik]

Anyone know the battery number?

[Glenn]

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nokia-BPS-2-Battery/dp/B000179CPG

[Simon]

I think the battery is unique to that phone, as it clips on the back, and forms part of the body.

[Rik]

Thanks, Glenn. This particular piece of old technology is strangely attractive.