Nokia and its N900

 Nokia N900, powered by Linux-based Maemo, is now available in the UAE for AED 3,000

The Nokia N900 is here and I've been touching it in all the right places...

My first thoughts on the model was that the form factor is a little chunky and a bit on the heavy side. In my opinion its built to be more practical than aesthetically pleasing. The 5MP with dual-LED flash is impressive, taking all the right shots both day and night, but its the 800 x 480 touchscreen display that helps make them look fantastic! I don't think I've ever seen images, videos and sites look this sharp on a handset before. The resistive screen is quite responsive but I'd recommend calibrating the sensitivity to get the pokes just right (there's a stylus too if you don't like using your fingers).

Four desktop panels are available on the device, which can be customised with separate backgrounds and preferred widgets and applications. It's reasonably easy to find your way around, especially when you add in all the bits you need (and want).

One standout feature on the device for me is the Conversations tab, which neatly organises IMs and text messages under individual contacts so you won't need to scroll endlessly to find that ONE message your friend sent you months ago.

And FINALLY i get my hands on a touchscreen with a QWERTY keyboard. Messaging on this is a breeze with the device cradled between both palms. Not that you can do it with one hand (unless tilting your head to the side to get the job done is what you prefer).

Other hiccups include the device seemingly ignoring my SIM card locked in, stating that it failed to register (wha?!). It did magically fix the problem a few seconds later but it's not what you want to hear after paying AED 3,000. The system has hung on me a couple of times over the last four days of me reviewing the phone (mainly when trying to move between menus and getting into different applications) but still does well in terms of speed and performance as advertised.

Most touchscreen phones inevitably get compared to the iPhone, which is fine, but take away Apple's apps and there really isn't anything that makes me go wow. Nokia, RIM and the rest need to catch up to the same level of engagement with its developers and customers. It'll be that community that helps build the next iPhone - not the manufacturers themselves in my opinion. That's why Nokia's move to finally embrace open source with Maemo 5 is a step in the right direction.

Granted, the N900 apps are limited at present but that's where people like you and me come in. If you have the skills, go online and build it. If you're not that technically savvy, suggest it to the Maemo community. Either way, get involved.