The latest addition to the Nokia family is the first device running Maemo 5, a new OS that takes the best of Nokia's internet tablet range and stuffs it into a phone-sized chassis.
Featuring a huge 3.5-inch screen and full slide-out QWERTY keyboard, it's also packing a seriously strong engine under the hood to power things along. Will the N900 shed the ageing image of Symbian and bring Nokia to the next level to match the likes of the iPhone?
The first thing you notice about the N900 is its size. It's certainly hefty at 110.9 x 59.8 x 18mm, and the weight of 181g means it's not going to win any slimming contests either.
But it's worth pointing out that Nokia hasn't once said that the N900 is a phone, a successor to the N97 or anything along those lines - it sees it as super-charged internet tablet with phone capabilities, rather than the other way around.
That's not to say it doesn't have its phone-related charms, but you need to know what you're getting into with the N900 - it's a hackers delight and it's got a huge screen for the internet, but compared to the likes of the HTC Hero it's a lot, lot bigger.
- Also read: 15 best mobile phones in the world today
But with great size comes great stability, and the N900 feels nice in the hand. Slide open the QWERTY keyboard and while it does feel like the key area should be larger, it's a pleasing motion with a very sturdy feel to it. The large screen dominates the device, and for good reason - the keyboard is an ancillary addition, rather than key to the whole experience.
The outside of the phone feels very stark - as mentioned, the domination of the screen is such that it doesn't leave any space for physical buttons - we're not used to a Nokia phone that doesn't have a call, terminate and menu button to keep us happy.
The outside of the phone houses the buttons (and we feel that a few of these may be in the wrong place). The top of the phone (when held in the landscape format, which you'll be doing 99 per cent of the time) has, from left to right, the up/down volume key, the centrally placed square power button and the camera shutter too.
And - we know you're going to love this - there's an infrared port on the N900 as well. Infrared! We haven't seen that in years, and we're not even sure if it was ever really needed on any phone, but couple that with the old charger adaptor in the box and the N900 has a very old-school feel to it.
But dig a little deeper and you'll see why. We've pointed out before how this is an 'enthusiasts' device, according to Nokia, and while the manual says that this port doesn't control any pre-installed applications, it can be used by third-party developers. This means the N900 has the capability to do things like become a universal remote, which is pretty cool indeed.
Scoot round to the right-hand side and you'll find the lock key, which is a little square slider button. This is where we have the biggest issue - finding this button with your finger requires you to shuffle the phone in the hand a little bit.
Below that there's the headphone socket, which is raised slightly to allow flush connections with the jack. Given the amount of phones these days that have a curved socket, leaving the headphone connection exposed, this is a welcome change.
However this did bring up one problem in that when holding the phone with the headphones plugged in, it was very uncomfortable, with the plug right in the way of where you would naturally want to hold it.
On both the right- and left-hand side sit the stereo speakers, which offer some pretty decent sound for such a device. Also on the left-hand side is the microUSB slot, which has no cover and will likely get easily filled with bits (we have no idea what bits are, but we know they live in your pocket).
Below the headphone jack is where the stylus sits, easily pulled out using a fingernail. We don't like its presence on the N900, and don't really see a need for it, but if you've got a resistive screen you might as well use it on the odd occasion you can't hit some icon or other.
On the back of the phone is the camera and stand. We'd prefer to see said stand (like that seen on the N86 and N96) more central, as the weight of the N900 always makes the phone seem unstable. However, the sliding lens cover for the camera is sturdy enough, and the camera itself well packaged and nicely flush to the chassis.
But in the hand, it somehow feels right. If you're a smartphone connoisseur (and we assume you probably are given that you're looking at the chunky-yet-powerful N900) then you're probably adept at using a touchscreen - and we're so used to such as well that we often forgot to slide open the keyboard.
But when you do it simply feels right in the hand, both in one- and two-handed operation, although the pressure to use it in landscape mode for nearly everything is annoying as there are times when you want to scroll through a list or something with just a single digit, and it's not easy to do so.
While the depth might not be best suited to iPhone- or Hero-like singl- hand operation, it's no problem to use the phone in day-to-day life, even if it leaves a more than unsightly bulge in the trousers. But if you want to put a positive spin on things, think of it as safety - at least you'll know you haven't lost the phone.
In the box
The Nokia boxes are fast becoming fun-filled arenas of gadget extras, and the N900 is no exception. There's the now rudimentary microUSB connection lead, a similar charger (no environmental saving here for Nokia) and the so-so bundled in-ear headphones.
We say so-so as they don't match up to 'proper' in-ear buds, but compared to most others available in the box with a phone they're much, much better, with a range of tips for different ear shapes as well.
In keeping with the new Nokia high-end phone tradition, there's also a TV-out cable, allowing you to pump whatever you've got on the phone onto a bigger screen to share with your friends. And last but not least, a convertor for not only the newer single-pin Nokia charger, but also the older one from donkey's years ago. Whoever would have a Nokia from five years ago and then decide to move to an N900 is beyond us, but it's always useful to cover your bases.
Your comments (19) Click to add a new comment
comradespear
October 30th 2010
19. After 3 months of using this phone I seriously tried to love this phone and I really wanted to maintain my faith in Nokia but can't help but conclude that this phone was a half baked attempt to keep up with the smartphones race. Nokia introduced marketing spin to define the N900 as a tablet... there's an app to make this phone a pure tablet and that's what I'll be using it for. My full review can be read here:
http://ontargetreviews.blogspot.com/2010/10/nokia-n900-review-after-3-months-of.html
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ritikaa
September 22nd 2010
18. i got the Sony Ericsson Experia x10, but it is not a patch on the phone i'm use to, you think the battery life is bad lasting a day, the Sony only lasts a few hours! I have to charge it a couple of times a day, my Nokia would charge within an hour too, this takes hours to charge! The only good thing is it has a 8.1 mp camera, but my Nokia's 5mp was always excellent, so i definately will have to buy the N900..i also prefer to feel my keypad to write, my fingers are always pressing the wrong ones on the flat screen :( so this is another reason i will love the N900
Read more: http://mobileinindia.in
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lotec
September 4th 2010
17. I've had the N900 for about 6 month now.
I just love it more and more.
I use it A LOT.
1. In the morning i use it as an alarm clock.
2. Then I hook it up to the Bose house audio system, so I can listen to radio in the shower, and when I eat breakfast.
3. Then I hook it up to my 42" TV, and surf the web to check the news.
4. When I take the train to work I surf the web to get more updated. I check my mail. I chat with a few friends.
5. I hook it up to one of my work PCs to sync with our network to get new PDF files, calendar info and mail. At the same time it charges of course.
6. After using the laptop for about 30 minutes, while it has been downloading new music and movies I take it to my company car.
7. Where I listen to music and not to forget a LOT of audio books. I use a cable to connect it to the car - but could have used the FM transmitter too. In the car, it is charged all the time.
8. I use it as a GPS in the car. With the new software update it works good enough for me - with the use I have. But it could be better. 9. I have hooked it up to an external screen to in the car too, so I get a big GPS picture - AND I can watch educational videos from The Teaching Channel or similar stuff.
10. When I am at at customer and need more documentation I can watch the PDF dokuments to be able to solve the problems. I can also connect it to their projector or large flatsceen TVs etc.
11. When I'm at hotels I hook it up to the TV at night to see a few movies or TV series or just play a few games. I love the Amiga and C64 emulators. Cool to play Agony, Swiw, Giana sisters and so on :-)
12. It was hard to use a wireless mouse and keyboard with the N900, but I finally found a solution to my problems on a web page. I connect to our server at work and can do a lot of work without using the laptop.
13. I love the way it sniffs wireless networks. And the Linux software that can be downloaded opens many of the closed networks.
14. When I travel I planned to use the Skype function a lot - but so far I have not tested it a lot. Calls a free since it's a work phone as well :-)
This is a phone that just grows on me. The more I use it, the more functions I find. And the more I like it. I have started to write some software myself. I love how it is open. Access to everything.
The software says it will work on MeeGo too when that is available. But that will take a couple of years until I will replace the N900. I use the phone many hours a day. It is almost all I need. I hardly ever use my laptop anymore. Just when I edit pictures and video, or using Solid Works and mathematica.
If there are a few things I would like to improve it have to be the keyboard. A 4 line qwerty would be better. Better support for wireless keyboard and mouse would be cool to. If they had fitted it with a standard USB port, so I could use a regular wireless keyboard/mouse dongle it would be perfect.
I would have liked if it was 10-20% bigger too. The 5Mpixel camera could have been 7-8 maybe. And I would have replaced the flash with a strobe and not a double LED (which it OK but..). A better/easier flashlight function would be cool to. Maybe even a separate button would be best.
In some cases I would have liked to have a screen protection like the larger Casio calculators. With heavy use it may get a few scratches. A regular SD card would be cool too.
The PPD printer stuff works good too with the Ricoh MPC2800 and the Kyocera TaskAlfa 250ci we have at the office. And the smaller Gelsprinters and the SPC232SF models.
I just love how much the phones can do now. I understand that some people will just have an easy phone from Apple, and will sacrifice quite a few technical options. But it you are fairly technical and want to use as many functions as possible, and make your own software, and be able to use ALL the open functions buy it. If you just want a phone with a very good web browser.. buy it. Or you want a phone you can connect to a TV.. buy it.. or a phone that can play all the regular movie formats...buy it.
I find it strange that Nokia doesn't market this phone on computer magazines or to university students too. As a business phone it works good too.
I wonder what Nokia can come up with in 2012 when I will buy a new phone..
Oh yeah.. I have had two software hangs on the phone (the software was not updated) over a 6 month period. It lasted for almost 25 seconds the first time. The second time I just took the phone off, and then on again.
I've not had any hangs after I updated the phones software. But with the ability to run a lot of unchecked software I expect that this can happen again. But I don't care. It is worth it.
I don't care about battery capability since I have access to a USB charger in my car, in the hotel and at home. It I have to use it for a few days with no charging options.. I turn off most of the functions. Then I can use it for a few days before it's flat.
I see there are dynamo charges for mini USB now, so one can be in the bush and use the phone there as well.
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jehnavi
August 26th 2010
16. The average user is much more interesting and useful properties. And the only smartphone mobile version of Mozilla browser which is a joy to use and also supports Flash. Its a good combination of the social functions like the opportunity to combine a series of contact information services such as Google Talk, Skype and port as well as any SIP or Jabber service, one of the book.
http://www.gsmcellulars.com/
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avasthy
July 7th 2010
15. A small typo in my comment: Read it as "A cute body WITHOUT a soul".....
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avasthy
July 7th 2010
14. Despite some exceptional reviews written across domains, n900 is a pathetic machine from an overall perspective. Technically, it's very good in terms of a fast processor, 32GB RAM etc, but realistically, because it uses MAEMO Operating System (All other Nokia phones are on Nokia owned Symbian Operating System), and due to the fact that everything on this device is run by software, issue is that for most things software are NOT available from a trusted resource!
Consider this:
1. You CANNOT use "Push eMail" service on n900 (can use it for any other Nokia device and configure up to 10 accounts for free);
2. You CANNOT use Voice navigation system (voice guidance for turn-by-turn navigation across the globe) - though a limited version of OVI maps can be used;
3. Though FM radio is a built in feature, you will have to struggle to download a software from an untrustworthy source - then you realise that the radi "hangs" every 10-15 minutes requiring you to reboot the device;
4. Theoretically there are many applications (over 300) available at Maemo.org and maemo.Nokia.com but nearly all are not tested ones, so you are prone to hacking etc of your device;
5. Skype plug-in is available for most Nokia devices (meaning that you can make Internet calls using WiFi or 3g), but though Skype's website claims that n900 has Skype integrated in it, you will find that firmware version 10.2010.19-1.004 with which this devise sells in India does NOT have it - call Nokia Customer care at 30303838 in your city and you will find that they will confirm that there is a "SMALL' bug so you will have to wait till next update;
6. Finally (not the least of course), here is an extract from nokia-asia . com (http://www.nokia-asia.com/support/product-support/nokia-n900/faq#08) reproduced as such:
"Why does the N900 not offer Navigation?
Unfortunately, the current version of Maemo, the software that powers the N900, does not support navigation. With Maemo 5 we prioritized development of those areas that we felt would be the most important for the target audience of this device. This means that Maemo does not yet feature support for the full range of services that our other Symbian-powered Nseries devices might have. However, naturally, we’ll be working to increase support for all Nokia services, including navigation, as we go forward with Maemo."
Straight from Horse's mouth, it clearly means that there is a long road ahead for users of this device and till then, they will be treated as step children!
To sum up, this device is like Linux Operating System (incidentally this is supported by Linux based Maemo OS) - while all of us know that other dominant Operating System is pathetic to use and Linux is great, still we continue to use the other one simply because there is no support for Linux! Simply because this device is almost completely software governed and Nokia does NOT appear serious about developing stuff for this, the potential of this device is just NOT realised and it's nothing but a piece of junk - it's like a cute body with a soul!
I have decided to discard this device and I seriously repent going for this....
This is so complex to use that Nokia India is organising calls to customers (I got one within 12 hours of buying the device from a Noida number 0120-4667100) to organise a doorstep demo. However, no one ever turned up for that ever!
Also, Nokia Care centres are completely ill-trained to handle this device and so are the Nokia Customer Care professionals available on email or call at 30303838.
GUYS: spend money on anything else but NOT on this piece of junk....this is Nokia's step-child and they are really mistreating this otherwise high-potential device...
Shekhar
+919810228402
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xxshaz77xx
July 5th 2010
13. I loved my Nokia's & really really want this phone, i got the Sony Ericsson Experia x10, but it is not a patch on the phone i'm use to, you think the battery life is bad lasting a day, the Sony only lasts a few hours! I have to charge it a couple of times a day, my Nokia would charge within an hour too, this takes hours to charge! The only good thing is it has a 8.1 mp camera, but my Nokia's 5mp was always excellent, so i definately will have to buy the N900..i also prefer to feel my keypad to write, my fingers are always pressing the wrong ones on the flat screen :( so this is another reason i will love the N900 :) xxx
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coolfx35
March 10th 2010
12. I have been the proud owner of the N900 for nearly a month now. I also own an HTC Magic and think the N900 is a far superior phone. I am a Linux user (Linux Mint and Sabayon) on my computers and love how open this phone is.
I am still playing with the phone and learning but am getting to grips with it. I have added the testing repo which has opened up a lot more to play with.
Look forward to chatting to all the other N900 users at http://www.NokiaN900Forum.net this really does feel like an enthusiasts phone, not just another run of the mill handset.
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bucket
March 5th 2010
11. "the office software being only offered on trial (you have to PAY for the full version, what an outrage)"
Well, yes, except that since it's linux machine you can simply install OpenOffice and have all the officey goodness you want for free.
Also worth noting that you can install map data on the phone in advance, so you get navigation abroad without getting stung for data charges.
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jmuf
January 27th 2010
10. I have owned the phone couple of days now and I must say that it is very easy and intuitive to use. It is much much better than symbian devices. Also it is dam fast and responsive, really joy to use after the E90. Hope it becomes nokia's main focus on smart phones. It has lot of geek stuff but those are hidden under the hood. As a linux user I love to know that I can easily open the hood and look possible problems etc from standard system logs and interfaces and then of course install linux apps...
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yawbremang
December 30th 2009
9. Got my Nokia N900 on 27/11/09. Found out the baterry life is very poor. Nokia Care Centre has decieded to replace in, but reading the review it seems that the N900 is not efficient on baterry.
My nokia N900 when fully charged say 09:00 by the following day morning the baterry is gone flat (no power.
SYB
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guillem
December 24th 2009
8. I am very fed up with Nokia n900. I payed more than 500 euros for this device and It sucks. It can´t connect correctly with google mail, google calendar and google contacts at all. I´ve tried almost everything without success.
In addition, the device rebooted randomly and finally crashed! On the other hand, my girlfriend bought an Htc tatoo and has been working smoothly and perfect since the very first day. She is delighted with her new device and it costed less than half the money than mine.
Last but not least, I tried to contact nokia customer service in Spain but they claimed that If I had bought my phone in USA (via Amazon) I couldn´t use the guarantee here in Europe. That´s a shame, because if you are trying to sell around the world you have to provide a worldwide guarantee.
In conclusion, if you are thinking about buying Nokia n900, DO NOT DO IT.
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mhfbishop
December 19th 2009
7. I have to disagree, the Nokia N900 will surpass the iPhone when properly advertised. It beats the iPhone at so many levels, it will be only the stubborn users (stuck with iPhone contracts) that keep spouting "the iPhone is better". My usage of smart phones comes from right back to the earliest days of the 1st "Brick" communicator, working through the models (and a few others brands on the way). My old E90 has now lost to the new N900. Symbian was OK but Maemo5 is so swift, little dwells, no egg timers" on screen, it just goes and does what you instruct it to do, with multiple apps running...unlike the iPhone. There's a great youtube video called "iDont" which really emphasises what a hyped load of rubbish the iPhone is. If you like designer brands & toy gadgets, you'll like the iPhone, if you use you're smart phone for business & critical, money earning stuff, go for the E90 or better still the N900.
The touch screen is fine, really! if you want to command a mass of info at your fingertips, then use the stylus, it's no problem. If you only want to use your plump finger to control a variety of things, get a 17" touch screen laptop.
Battery life on the N900 is shortish...why? because you can (& do) so much with it! same for the E90 battery life if you did the same amount of things. So get a spare battery like I have a swap over after a day if you can't get to a charging point whilst on a long haul trip. Note the iPhone users would be stuck at this point as you can't swap out the dead battery!
My only mild grip so far with the N900 is the lack of the compass app (for building orientations) which the iPhone does have, although this app may be written by someone one day for Maemo5. There is a workaround by using "maps" & the small north point but will have to see how I get on with that.
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bigalbie
December 12th 2009
6. Yes, it will charge by a PC's USB but it is very slow. In fact it's slow even with the mains adapter. When you plug the device into a computer (works well enough with my MacBook running Snow Leopard) the phone asks whether you want to synch data or mount as USB device. If you only want to caherge it just leave the N900 as is so you don't need to eject when you finish charging.
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bali
December 10th 2009
5. Can N900 be charged with USB (while connected to laptop)?
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mattbrawn
December 8th 2009
4. The N900 is an amazing phone that's got so much potential. Nokia ran a competition for hackers/modders/developers where they were asked to use the power of the N900 and attach it to something cool, and that 'they love' - whether it be a skateboard, a geo-location belt or an etch-a-sketch.
The submission date for entries has passed so now the five winning teams are just starting to bring their creations to life.
They've been regularly updating the PUSH blog with progress reports and some of it looks like it could be pretty epic.
http://blogs.nokia.com/pushn900/
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weejohn
December 8th 2009
3. "Whoever would have a Nokia from five years ago and then decide to move to an N900 is beyond us" - I've still got my 6 year old 6310i and it is a fab phone. Tough, totally reliable and long battery life - inevitably I will upgrade but I really don't look forward to learning a new phone!
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i4u
December 4th 2009
2. Good job with this in depth review. It seems Nokia won't release other device with Maemo until Maemo6 will be released. W'll never insist enough on the fact it's a transitional device. Until the QT port and multitouch integration is done, Meamo is in mutation and won't be a mass product.
I would have appreciate some more detailed informations about Ovi Maps and turn to turn function (which seems to be offered for free: a consequence of the coming Google Navigator?).
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bigalbie
December 4th 2009
1. I've had one of these on test since Monday and agree with the review. I think Maemo 5 will kill Symbian in Smart Phones as will Android. Battery life poor, touch screen awful to use especially when scrolling. A lot of what's on it I'd never use but choice is no bad thing. Much better than the N97 for media compatibility too. A good effort, best so far but it's no iPhone killer and I won't be rushing to replace my E90 Communicator with an n900 any time soon.
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