Posts Tagged N97

It is no secret that the N97 has undergone many issues and embarrassments since its release. The N97 has many many flaws but I still think it is one of the best phones you can get right now. The N97 can handle anything you throw at it. This makes the phone the ultimate Jack of All trades phone.

Here is a list of some of the flaws of the phone:

• Made completely out of plastic. A metal phone always feels like it has more quality and sturdiness.
• Some of the design features actually damage the phone. Such as the camera glass protector. This is the ultimate definition of irony. The phone has a lens protector to protect the camera lens from getting scratched. Ironically by using the lens protector you would be actually damaging the lens. Nokia released a fix for this last year but I am still not able to get this fixed because I live in Malta so I would have to pay for the repairs.
• The phone needs a beefier CPU and more RAM and internal (C:) memory. Symbian is very memory efficient though it still needs RAM. The lack of internal C: memory is very annoying. It because a juggling act installing some applications which install on to C: without any option. This leaves the users often backing up, formatting and restoring to try free up some C: memory.
• The keyboard layout could be better. I have gotten use to typing using the keyboard but I still find it awkward inserting phone numbers and pressing spacebar.

There are other issues with the phone but right now that’s all I have come up with. The phone has a lot going for it.

• The LCD screen is transflective. This means that you can see the screen in direct sun light. The N97 is one of the few phones out in the market that support this. The screen will never be as clear as a iPhone and other devices but it’s a phone and you have to be able to see the screen during the day.
• The battery life is utterly epic in this device. Without advancements such as OLED screens and other details the phone is able to function for an irrational amount of time. Under very light usage I can get away with charging my phone every 6 days. The phone can easily cope with heavy usage and will last a day under conditions of checking twitter, facebook, uploading photos, phone calls, checking emails etc. There is also an option to replace the 1500mAh Nokia battery with the 3600mAh Mugen battery which will double the battery life.
• The device has an FM transmitter built in. This allows you to hear songs while you are driving without the use of wires or cradles. Some people also buy FM transmitters to connect to their device.
• Camera protective glass lens. Yes on the original phone it actually damages it. But most people can have this fixed at no added cost. This repair also improves GPS reception. Ohhh Malta Nokia representatives should really stop being so difficult on getting these things fixed.
• 32GB of mass memory on board the device. You know how much data that is. I can carry all my mp3 collection on my phone and still have plenty of space for documents, videos, photos, etc. You even have the option of installing a microSD card to add another 32GB ?!?!?!
• The QWERTY keyboard layout isn’t the best but it is still a good keyboard to use. Allowing you to type very fast. Allowing using to type messages faster than anyone can on touch screen devices.
• When you open the keyboard the screen is angled is allows for easier viewing. It doesn’t always the better text input scenario but when using on a desk this tilted display is a God send. You often see people propping up their devices with books, toast, cats, stones, etc. The most classic I have ever seen was a guy using his iMac Book to prop up his iPad while on the phone using his iPhone.
• The phone has a very capable camera. It would have been better if the phone had Xenon flash. The phone is capable of producing very stunning photos under most circumstances.
• It’s a Nokia device. This means that you will be getting many more services even after you bought the phone. From updates to the OS and applications to services such as free world wide GPS offline navigation.

Not sure how many benefits I have written down but the positives really outweigh the disadvantages.

I have owned the N97 for almost a year as of writing this. Right now I am not thinking of upgrading to another device but when the time comes I will happily consider getting another Nokia phone even though this phone had so many flaws.

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