Nokia N900
(Review)
 

Taking mobile computing to a whole new level is this sleek and compact addition to the Nokia N series. Nokia N900 is the first phone from Nokia that comes with Linux based Maemo software, which makes for great web browsing being accompanied by Mozilla browsing, 800×480 pixels touch screen display and a slide out QWERTY keypad. Equipped with features like 3G/GPRS and wi fi for great connectivity, 32 GB internal mass memory for all that you can store and GPS with A GPS which gets a fix pretty soon; it seems to have all the features of Nokia N 97, only it gets better. The built in 5 mega pixel camera with Carl Zeiss enables easy capture and viewing of photos. Pictures can be instantly shared via Ovi share, facebook twitter etc. and geo tagged to specific locations helping you stay connected with friends. When it comes to access to phone application, a twist of your wrist is all it takes to make a call or send messages. Maemo on your device also enables you to start multiple chats through your Gtalk, Skype and other IM contacts, thus making Nokia N900 an internet tablet with phone capabilities giving us the best of both.

Processor and memory

The Nokia N900 is powered by high end OMAP 3430 ARM cortex. The system has a whopping 256 MB of dedicated high performance RAM accompanied by 32GB internal mass storage which gives the user ample space to store data. The micro SD card slot which supports up to 16 GB is placed beneath the rear panel which contains the battery and the SIM card.

Maemo 5 OS which is used by this phone helps you multi task conveniently between watching a movie, making a call or surfing the net. Multi tasking seamlessly is the biggest strength of this phone.


Messaging
As the phone is Maemo powered, all the SMS and IM such as Gtalk and Skype are grouped together which saves the users from the unnecessary juggling between the two. The phone provides support for all major email providers and multiple accounts and attachments. Hence, has all the virtues of a good business phone too.

Internet

The phone is basically an internet tablet, backed by the Mozilla browser; internet is its biggest strength. The flash 9.4 support enables you to view full flash content within a webpage. Circular motion or tapping achieves zoom in and out. The phone supports all email providers such as Gmail, Yahoo etc.

Camera

The camera is a very powerful one and the picture clarity is comparable to a mid range digital camera. The fixed focus video helps macro video recording and has the ability to provide DVD quality videos. However, the camera application is slow when it comes to capturing pictures.

Display

Nokia N 900 has a 3.5 inch touch screen with 800×480 pixels resolution. The impressive display provides great image quality and the resistive touch screen sensitivity is pretty good .The ambient light sensor takes care of the screen brightness in the sunlight.

Maemo 5

Maemo 5 has given the phone some pretty unique features such as the notification system which is pretty smooth. Multitasking ability is spectacularly convenient and multiple widgets, although only basic, are available.

Media Centre

MP3 player has all the basic required features including play lists, album art, customized play lists, shuffle and repeat. However, more features could have been added, the speakers and the stock earphones ensure great sound quality.
Video playback is very impressive on the widescreen and is complimented by the phone’s unique DivX support unlike N97. TV out can drive a 50 inch TV and DVD quality movie can be enjoyed.


File manager

The users can enjoy fantastic file managers which not only have decent graphics, but also provide all the functions one can ask for such as moving, copying, renaming or sorting. However, the search functionality requires the full file name to initiate.

Connectivity

Connectivity is more or less flawless on this device. It has USB 2.0 support and Bluetooth 2.1. Wi-fi connectivity is pretty handy and manageable through a shortcut on the homepage. The GSM/GPRS/EDGE support makes Nokia N 90 capable of worldwide roaming and quick web browsing would leave all the users content.

GPS

A sensitive built in GPS receiver can find your position in the densest of urban locations and even indoors. The large high resolution screen promises to be useful in serious navigation needs.

Applications

The applications to watch out for are Qik(video broadcasting), Pixel Pipe which makes photo sharing very convenient, Sketch which lets you draw on a canvas, Documents –to –go viewer edition gives you access to your office documents and Maemo also gives you a new application called K Office. A few interesting games like Angry Birds add to the entertainment.


Features at a glance 

Disadvantages

• Heavy in weight
• More applications could have been added
• MP3 player outdated
• Slow camera capture speed
• FM transmitter is there, but the application itself is not there

Advantages

• Maemo 5 software

• Internet surfing comparable to desktops

• Flawless connectivity through wi-Fi and GPRS

• Impressive display screen

• Video playback supported by DivX

• Highly sensitive in built GPS receiver with A- GPS

• Convenient photo sharing

• Browser supported by flash 9.4

• Massive internal mass storage of 32 Gb and 256 Mb RAM

• 5 built in games

• TV out with digital quality experience

• Slide out QWERTY keypad

• 3G compatibility

• Impressive file manager

It can be safely concluded that Nokia N900 is very well suited for frequent internet users as it brings a new revolution to the tablet generation with the Maemo experience
along with mostly all multi media applications that one could ask for.