Manage updates with the Download AppNokia N900 (unlocked)
Manufacturer: Nokia Part number: N900
- More product information:
- Editors' review
- User reviews
- Specifications
- Manufacturer info
- Bottom Line:
- While it has yet to reach its full potential, the Nokia N900 is a powerful mobile device with excellent browsing capabilities and vast customization options. However, its unintuitive interface and other limitations make this a smartphone for tech enthusiasts and early adopters only.
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Where to buy
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CNET editors' review
Nokia N900 (unlocked) price range: $199.98
- Reviewed by: Bonnie Cha
- Reviewed on: 12/12/2009
The good: The Nokia N900 offers a powerful mobile Web browser, plenty of storage, a 5-megapixel camera, and an ultrasharp display. It's also fast, multitasks well, and has excellent call quality. Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth, and GPS are all onboard.
The bad: The user interface isn't very intuitive. Ovi Store for the N900 isn't live yet, limiting the number of available apps, and it doesn't sync with Exchanger Server 2003. The phone is a bit bulky and not all apps work in portrait mode.
The bottom line: While it has yet to reach its full potential, the Nokia N900 is a powerful mobile device with excellent browsing capabilities and vast customization options. However, its unintuitive interface and other limitations make this a smartphone for tech enthusiasts and early adopters only.
User reviews
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spectacular super smartphone
by wintercold74 on December 11, 2009
Pros: amazing web browser comes with adobe 9.4 support,can play most videos even youtube hd videos with not much lag,excellent tmobile 3g connections,well built,excellent camera,amazing playback videos,linux platform,very responsive touchscreen,multitaskin
Cons: needs a better battery
Summary: amazing internet tablet with samrtphone features is a hackers dream device,excellent multitasking,the best web browser experience just amazing,no lags,lots of memory,well built,video qualities is ...
Summary: amazing internet tablet with samrtphone features is a hackers dream device,excellent multitasking,the best web browser experience just amazing,no lags,lots of memory,well built,video qualities is amazing,excellent camera dual lens and flash,tons of features,powerful little gadget
7 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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What in the ----?!
by jouten907 on September 25, 2009
Pros: Too many to list
Cons: Not enough to list
Summary: Why do they allow people to write reviews of the device when people either don't own one or the phone has not even been released yet? Come on!
I ...Summary: Why do they allow people to write reviews of the device when people either don't own one or the phone has not even been released yet? Come on!
I have this phone on pre-order and this is going to be pretty much my be-all, end-all, mother-of-all-cell phones for at least a couple years.
This will be a phone worth getting just for historical purposes alone. 1st Linux phone.
I will add/edit more once I ACTUALLY get my hands on this phone and have used it enough to give a PROPER review.
I wouldn't even mind if they deleted THIS review as long as they delete other reviews from other people who don't own or have this phone too.11 out of 17 users found this user opinion helpful.
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The EVERYTHING device
by Jayveebee on December 2, 2009
Pros: Wicked web browser, deep HD screen, zooming w/ finger twirl or volume control, responsive screen for non capacitive, buttery smooth scrolling, charge through USB or charger, perfect slide-out keyboard, best contacts handler on any device ever.
Cons: A little brickish, battery drains fast, sometimes you have to plug in charger or USB a 2nd time for it to recognize - weird, Carl Zeiss optics & 5MP not quite as focused as on other Nseries, non-responsive to headset volume control
Summary: With 32 gigs of space, a supercharged CPU and such a fine screen, the N900 is as potent as it feels. At first, for anyone used to the Symbian UI ...
Summary: With 32 gigs of space, a supercharged CPU and such a fine screen, the N900 is as potent as it feels. At first, for anyone used to the Symbian UI of other Nokes, you feel wonderfully lost figuring out the Maemo UI - then you realize this is as easy as it gets to add, subtract and other wise customize the screen. There are 4 desktops you can slide through, so you can cluster social thins, work things, etc., however you like. No fight for tight space.
The power options help you make the little battery (same size as for the 5800 music express) go the distance, but if you are going distances and want to use real GPS, get yourself an extra battery. Fortunately, unlike other Nokias, this N900 does let you get a charge through USB, meaning car trips, desktop computer time, etc., can easily be used to keep the power level up.
It's tempting to compare with Moto's Droid due to the form factor, but it's just not fair. Droid is priced down and featured down for mass audience. It's android on a big wide screen, and that's about it. Doesn't have the horsepower, the connectivity, the multimedia, the storage to compare.
The one problem I had was trying to get the camera logic down. It didn't want to stay focused where I put it, and the delay seemed a little longer and disjointed from other Nseries devices with the exact same optical and resolution specs. Could be that it was early. The Ovi Maps on it is cool, but limited in some features from the Ovi Maps on N97.
Apps play very well, and run in widget-view or full screen. The catalog needs expansion - these are linux-based .deb files. Nokia is pushing that along with a new development environment, QT, to replace the old GTK language. If that does allow developers to convert even some of the cool apps already on Symbian or Java, the N900 will be ruler of mobiledom. And if they get it to plug into Ovi and all the mapping, sharing and syncing/messaging features in it, people will understand what a really connected mobile services network can really do.
Oh, and in case you were looking for "just a smart phone", the 900 is the Harley, not the Vespa.7 out of 8 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Wonderful device with great potential
by amar_raavi on January 12, 2010
Pros: + Maemo OS
+ Screen resolution
+ Browsing experience
+ Multiple Video & Audio format support
+ Graphics and Performance
+ Multi-Tasking
+ Physical Keyboard (Personal choice)
+ TV Out (being included in the package)
+ Overall Build QualityCons: - Bulky
- Volume button behavior (Not really a big deal)Summary: Nokia N900 is one mysterious looking device with loads of potential. Even though it is my first cell phone/internet tablet from Nokia, i am quite impressed with what Nokia ...
Summary: Nokia N900 is one mysterious looking device with loads of potential. Even though it is my first cell phone/internet tablet from Nokia, i am quite impressed with what Nokia did with Maemo OS.
I have always followed the news about Nokia devices, but none of the devices impressed me as much as Nokia N900. Even though i am new to Nokia world, this devices caught my attention amid apple fanfare and android glory sweeping the market.
Physical Aspects:
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Nokia N900 is a bulky device compared to other phones/internet tablets in it's category and that is the only thing i can really complain about this device. But don't get scared, it is not awfully obese.
It feels much nicer in hands with it's compact form factor and the button layout looks logical. My only complaint is about volume up/down button. Not sure whether you know or not, Nokia N900 is mostly "landscape mode only" device. Even though Nokia promised that they are going to support portrait mode, currently only phone dialer works in portrait mode. Let me come back to my complaint. When the device is used in landscape mode the left end of volume button acts as "volume down" and right end acts as "volume up". But in phone mode (portrait) it's the opposite. Even though it's a minor issue, i got confused few times.
It is having all standard components like 3.5 mm audio out, microUSB and i feel it's a nice move by nokia to standardize these things. Apart from that the device is having a 5 Mega Pixel camera with flash and a stylus (yes, it is having a resistive touch screen).
Coming to the screen, Nokia N900 has a resistive touch screen and you don't have to poke with a knife on the screen to make it work. It is a sensitive screen and i haven't faced any problem even after using capacitive touch screens from past 2 years. Most important aspect of the screen is it's resolution - 800 x 480. The fonts look crisp and you don't have scroll the web pages horizontally much.
Nokia also provided a TV-Out cable along with device and it works great to see all your content on a TV. I am definitely impressed with the quality.
Software:
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The Maemo OS used in Nokia N900 is based on Linux and it will impress you at the first glance. Nokia implemented multi-talking action pretty nicely and graphics are wonderful. I have used both iPhone and Android devices in the past but i have to rate the N900 version of desktop experience a bit higher.
Leaving the OS, the most impressive application in the device is the Browser. It is having native support for flash and worked pretty well on almost all the sites i have tested. No hopes for hulu yet, but i think it will change once flash 10.x for mobile is in the market. Sites render perfectly and i have faced zero issues with rendering. Here is the best part, you can just open regular gmail (desktop version) and upload a document/image stored in the device. How many devices in the current market can do that. At least i don't know any. Nokia can sue Apple one more time to take the "Waterdown version of Internet" Ad :)). The in-built browser is based on Mozilla and Mozilla itself is working on firefox mobile and it may come out anytime soon (stable version i mean).
There are few apps already available through various repositories and through ovi store and i think those numbers will increase over a period of time. All Nokia has to do now is continuously support the OS and grow the sales figures to attract more developers.
BTW, i forgot to mention about the Remote Desktop app available in one of the repositories. I have never imagined how easily i can transfer files between my N900 and desktop seamlessly with N900 automatically mapped in my PC. How cool is that. So, now you know there are some wonderful developers working on developing and porting applications to N900.
Conclusion:
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Even though N900 is not a perfect device it is definitely an device with good hardware specs combined with it's promising OS. Do i recommend Nokia N900 ? Yes, but only for people with patience. If you are a geek or somebody who wants to explore things and learn, then you are 100% match. If you just want a phone pretty touch screen with gazillions of apps then look elsewhere.6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Unmatched in web browsing and multitasking...
by writteininwaters on December 14, 2009
Pros: Full web browsing experience, currently the only flash compatible smartphone, multitasks with ease, beautiful 3.5
" 800x480 screenCons: Ovi store for Maemo 5 not online, everything thing except for the phone is limited to landscape mode, no MMS, a little on the thick side
Summary: It took months of research and a great deal through Dell on this phone for me to ultimately go with the N900. This is my first foray into the smartphone ...
Summary: It took months of research and a great deal through Dell on this phone for me to ultimately go with the N900. This is my first foray into the smartphone world and I couldn't be happier with the decision.
I've had the phone for a couple of weeks now and have gone through just about every function at this point. The web experience is the same as any of my computers at home or work. In fact, the phone has saved me from booting up my home computer when wanting to look something up or just vege out online.
The call quality is good and the speaker phone works great. My last phone was a 4-5 year old Nokia clamshell. Being a fan of Nokia and their user interface was another deciding factor for me. Obviously the n900 UI is completely different than their cell phones, but I have to disagree with CNET on this point. I found the UI very intuitive and easily customizable. There wasn't a moment of confusion or frustration in it for me. And again, this is my first smartphone--though I have played around a lot with the mytouch3g and iphone. I am also a bit computer/tech savvy, so it might be more difficult for the tech novice than an iphone or android device. Another piece of anecdotal information, I let my friend (an iphone enthusiast) play around with my phone for a bit last week and after 30 seconds he was sold on it.
As for the negatives, almost all of them will not exist within a month or two. The ovi store is coming soon, and while I doubt it'll ever match the marketplace offered by android and apple, this phone is powerful enough to not require most apps--at least the ones meant to streamline the web experience for the mobile user, since this phone doesn't need it. I don't plan on playing many games, using my phone as a light saber, or using as an odorless fart factory. A fart without an odor is like a featherless chicken without a beak. MMS will supposedly come in an update soon, but since I've probably sent and received 4 or 5 MMS messages in the past 5 years, it's not a big deal for me... especially since I've synched the phone with my gmail and can send all of my pictures, etc with ease through that. The phone is thick and that's not going to change, but it's a good trade off for a solidly constructed phone with removeable battery, storage, and full qwerty.
I guess this phone should be looked at as a mobile computer with phone capabilities, than just your average smartphone. I'll agree with Nokia's marketing on that point, and additionally point out that there's nothing in either equation except for the minor things mentioned above.6 out of 6 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Great phone, great review, bad rating
by ElGuero79 on December 14, 2009
Pros: 32gb,
super fast processor,
beautiful responsive screen,
great camera,
world roaming abilities,
good keyboard
syncs contacts and calendar perfectly with Outlook (2007)Cons: A little biggish (but how can you avoid that with so many features?).
The interface takes a few hours to really get down, but after the learning period this becomes a non issue.Summary: This phone deserves Droid's advertising slogan of "does". This phone's potential is limitless as it isn't constrained by bad hardware like the Droid (bad camera, no quad ...
Summary: This phone deserves Droid's advertising slogan of "does". This phone's potential is limitless as it isn't constrained by bad hardware like the Droid (bad camera, no quad band, crappy keyboard etc)
I just wanted to add that it tethers beautifully to provide internet to a device from the phone.
First thing I'd like to say is *** with the 3.5 star rating? The official review outlined a few small flaws but nonetheless, this phone is more capable than anything else on the market.
To address the issues, yes it's biggish, but doesn't feel as huge as my Touch Pro 2 felt. And it feels much more solid than the TP2. True, there isn't a lot of portrait mode, the app store isn't currently open, doesn't currently sync with Outlook 2003, but those are pure software things that Nokia knows and should be resolved very soon.
The user interface I wouldn't say is unintuitive by any means, but just like any new phone there is a learning curve and once you've played with it for a few hours you should have no complaints and even love it.
Also, apps are fun, apps are sweet, there WILL be apps, but when you have a browser that's no different from your computer in capabilities, do you need, say, the facebook app when you have the actual entire facebook on a webpage? But yes there are Facebook widgets, I especially love the one that accesses Facebook and takes all of your phone contacts profile pictures and birthdates and adds them to their contact card (no going around collecting pictures for caller ID).
I did need to call Tmo tier 3 support to get my phone's 3G straightened out, but they were as helpful as can be. Many people with this phone didn't need to call, but it may just be due to my particular package.
And big kudos to Tmo for offering the non contracted prices. 1000 minutes with unlimited internet and text is 69.99 whereas the contracted price is 84.99 if you're getting a 2 year contract subsidized phone. So essentially, you are subsidizing your own phone and over two years with $15 a month savings this phone (if bought at $500) will end up costing you $140. Not bad.
Updated on Dec 14, 2009
And valid point, the space bar could be more centered, I do have a habit of hitting "m" instead of "space", but I still think the reviewer was far off base giving this device/mobile computer/phone a 3.5.3 out of 4 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Loved the multi-application and the clarity overall
by Mendivilo1 on December 10, 2009
Pros: Speed, capability and the easy way to navigate. much faster than the iphone
Cons: might just be my provider, cant websurf and talk on the phone
Summary: Amazing... Buy This!!
Summary: Amazing... Buy This!!
2 out of 2 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Nokia's breakhrough phone-netbook combo.
by mjxpressmusic on September 19, 2009
Pros: - practical user interface
- stereo speakers
- acceptable camera
- complete connectivity
- high-performance processor and plenty of RAM
- QWERTY keyboard
- high-resolution touchscreenCons: - landscape mode only
- no capacitive touchscreen
- no xenon flash
- poor choice of apps
- boring look of home screen (only wallpaper, tiny status bar and some widgets)
- considerably thickSummary: A fine replacement for those disappointed in Nokia N97, especially its user interface.
N900 is a multimedia Linux computer with phone capabilities.
Interesting for tech enthusiasts, but too bulky for ...Summary: A fine replacement for those disappointed in Nokia N97, especially its user interface.
N900 is a multimedia Linux computer with phone capabilities.
Interesting for tech enthusiasts, but too bulky for style-seekers, though.
Premium price tag? Hopefully it pays off with the performance.4 out of 7 users found this user opinion helpful.
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Pocketable netbook with everything included
by rndn on January 28, 2010
Pros: Best mobile browser, hires display, full multitasking, msn, google talk messages and voice, skype messages and voice, jabber, many easy-to-configure email accounts, camera, X-server, ssh with X-forward, ssh server, qwerty, etc etc. Everything!
Cons: battery could last longer. the same story with all highend mobile devices.
Summary: Before N900 I used a desktop PC, a laptop, N810, navigator and a mobile phone. Now it is the desktop and N900 anymore. This is the best mobile device I ...
Summary: Before N900 I used a desktop PC, a laptop, N810, navigator and a mobile phone. Now it is the desktop and N900 anymore. This is the best mobile device I have ever seen or heard about. I liked it so much I ordered one for my wife, too. After a couple of days she could not put it down anymore. :D
btw, the browser and the keyboard of N900 were good enough to write this review, create a cnet account and check the confirmation from the mail.com webmail.2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
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AMAZING And Useful!
by ucancallmenickk on January 23, 2010
Pros: Media Player, Keyboard, OVI, Qik Video Streaming, CAMERA, Headphones, Speaker, User Interface, stylus, sexy design, Nokia Call Quality, multitasking, Maps is precise, 32GB, works easily on Macs. Better than my old iPhone.
Cons: autofocus is touchy, needs more apps, a tad fat.
Summary: Beautiful phone worth $500.
Summary: Beautiful phone worth $500.
2 out of 3 users found this user opinion helpful.
Specifications
- Manufacturer: Nokia
- Part number: N900
- Description: Experience the speed and raw power of the high-performance Nokia N900 mobile computer.
General
- Packaged Quantity 1
- Product Type Smartphone
- Form Factor Slider - Full keyboard,
Touch screen - Integrated Components GPS receiver,
2nd camera,
Digital camera,
Digital player,
Voice recorder - Antenna Internal
- Width 2.4 in
- Depth 0.7 in
- Height 4.4 in
- Weight 6.4 oz
- Body Color Black
Cellular
- Technology WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM
- Band WCDMA (UMTS) / GSM 850/900/1800/1900
- Mobile Broadband Generation 3G
- Service Provider Unlocked
- Operating System Maemo 5
- Software Platforms Supported Java
- Input Device(s) QWERTY keyboard,
Touch sensitive screen Messaging & Internet
- Cellular Messaging Services Nokia Smart Messaging,
MMS,
SMS - Supported Email Protocols SMTP,
POP3,
IMAP4 - Messaging & Data Features RSS feeds,
PDF support,
Macromedia Flash support,
XHTML Browser - Downloadable Content Screensavers,
Audio files,
Themes,
Video files,
Wallpapers,
Ring tones,
Games - Mobile Services Video Call
Communications
- Data Transmission GPRS,
EDGE,
HSUPA,
HSDPA - Wireless Interface IEEE 802.11b/g,
Bluetooth 2.1 EDR - Bluetooth Profiles Object Push Profile (OPP),
Hands Free Profile (HFP),
Headset Profile (HSP),
File Transfer Profile (FTP),
Advanced Audio Distribution Profile (A2DP),
Audio/Video Remote Control Profile (AVRCP) - Communication Features Internet browser,
Mobile Email client Phone Features
- Phone Functions Call timer,
Conference call,
Speakerphone,
Vibrating alert - Speech Codec AMR,
EFR,
FR - Polyphonic Ringer Yes
- Sensors Ambient light sensor
- Additional Features Built-in FM transmitter,
Built-in stereo speakers Organizer
- Personal Information Management Synchronization with PC,
Calendar,
Calculator,
Reminder,
Alarm clock Media Player
- Supported Digital Audio Standards eAAC+,
WAV,
MP3,
WMA,
AAC - Supported Digital Video Standards MPEG-4,
XviD,
H.263,
WMV,
3GP,
H.264 Processor
- Type ARM Cortex-A8,
OMAP3430 - Clock Speed 600 MHz
Graphics System
- Graphics Accelerator PowerVR SGX
Memory
- RAM 256 MB
- ROM 768 MB
- Bult-in Memory 32 GB
- User Memory 32 GB
- Supported Flash Memory Cards Micro SDHC
Digital Camera
- Sensor Resolution 5 megapixels
- Optical Sensor Type CMOS
- Still Image Resolutions 2584 x 1938
- Still Image Formats JPEG,
EXIF - Lens Aperture F/2.8
- Focus Adjustment Automatic
- Camera Light Source LED light
- Video Recorder Resolutions 800 x 480
- Digital Video Formats MPEG-4
- Features Geo-tagging
Navigation System
- GPS Navigation A-GPS receiver
- Navigation Software & Services Nokia Maps
Display
- Type LCD display - Color
- Diagonal Size 3.5 in
- Display Resolution 800 x 480 pixels
- Display Illumination Color White
- Multi-language Menu Yes
- Display Languages German,
English,
Czech,
Swedish,
Finnish,
Polish,
Portuguese,
Norwegian,
Italian,
French,
Dutch,
Spanish,
Russian,
Danish Connections
- Connector Type Headset jack - Mini-phone 3.5 mm,
Micro-USB,
Audio / video out Battery
- Technology Lithium ion
Miscellaneous
- Included Accessories Power adapter , Video cable,
Stereo headset,
Power adapter,
Cleaning cloth - Also Included 32 GB
Manufacturer info
- Manufacturer profile
- Browse Nokia products on Shopper.com
-
- Manufacturer:Nokia
- Address:
102 Corporate Park Drive, White Plains, NY 10604 - Phone: 1-888-848-4792
- Fax: 972-894-5050
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