Now that’s a fair amount of linkbait right there, but before I reveal which handset I’m going to bestow such a high prize upon (chortle), let’s first cover off those who definitely haven’t won my phone of the year.
The first phone it’s definitely not, is the iPhone.
Before you all launch into the whole ‘iPhone is the best thing in the world’ spiel and flame me from here well into 2012, just stop and think. The iPhone was – and arguably still very much is in its 3GS form – a luxury device.
Costing at the absolute minimum £300 – £400 either on PAYG or on contract, the iPhone has priced itself out of the competition by attempting to manufacture an allure of exclusivity. Yes, the iPhone is a great handset, but phone of the year it is not.
Nor for that matter, is the HTC Hero.
An Android device heralded by some as the best yet, after having a hands-on, I must say that I still prefer the HTC Magic. Either way, the still ‘in beta’ Android OS is yet to break into the hearts and minds of the mass-market. Though I have a very strong suspicion that – what with the upcoming Nexus launch next month and the apparently awesome work that the Motorola Droid is doing stateside – Android will truly arrive in 2010.
What about the Palm Pre? Er…Not a chance.
Which of course, leaves us with Nokia.
Is it the N97?
No. The early firmware troubles playing a key factor here, leaving the mobile users of the world divided. The mini may yet turn things around, but has arrived too late for this party.
Could it be the N86 8MP?
Close, very close in fact. For me, the N86 would have snagged it, but you simply don’t see it anywhere. I know that I personally have been responsible for at least ten sales of the N86 from an extended network of friends reading the N86 review I wrote earlier this year. However, the networks didn’t buy into it and – as we all know – without operator backing, nothing sells.
So what does that leave us with?
Of course, the N900 – right? Wrong. The N900 has only just been released! So how on earth could it even be a contender? Even though Dan loves his and I love mine, here – the N900 does not win. Not this year anyway.
No, the handset that I’ve chosen as my phone of the year is…
This phone, launched in January 2009, brought touchscreen smartphones to the masses in a way that no other handset has yet to reproduce. Two years ago, such an accolade would have gone to the Nokia N95; ubiquitous, funtional and a big step towards change in the mobile computing world. You couldn’t move for N95s when you asked anyone what phone they had.
For me, this year (and based on entirely the same science), the 5800 snags it.
I’ve had one in my possession since around March or April, and I am STILL using it. Be it as a secondary device or as an email device, this small yet functional phone is the 2009 equivalent of the N95, no scratch that – the N73. Not the best in class by any stretch, but pitched at exactly the right price, at exactly the right market, this handset has sold by the bucket load. The 5800 has repeated that success. On the tube, on the bus, in the pub and on the street, I see the 5800 everywhere.
Available for less than £200 SIM free, the 5800 is a fantastic entry level device for all ages. Featuring a surprisingly capable 3.2mp camera, Nokia’s first touch screen (and forerunner to the Xseries range), is still to this day a regular in my pocket. Its design is simple yet durable and is perfect for the days when you just need something to last all day, without fear of crashing halfway through an important call/email.
It’s light, cheap and it just works.
For me, the 5800 is my 2009 Phone of the Year.
What’s yours?
Exactly. À chacun son gout, as they say in Wapping.
Exactly. À chacun son gout, as they say in Wapping.
James, I was expecting you to pick the N86 8MP because I know you love that phone, but understand the availability killed it from being your pick.
I have to say I think your pick is a solid choice and I too was impressed by the 5800 and would still be using it if I wasn’t such a hardcore geek that needed the N900. I liked that the 5800 included everything, but the kitchen sink in the box too. I had a slick foldable stand, nice slip case, cables, free Amazon movie coupon, extra stylus, etc. and the packaging fully equipped me. I LOVED that I could watch Amazon Video on Demand movies on the 5800. The dang thing was durable, inexpensive, and gave me my first glimpse of a touchscreen experience on a Nokia device. I have argued that T-Mobile USA should have jumped on this handset and it could have been a killer seller for them before they started off on their Android kick.
Yeah, the damn thing just works and it's reliable and capable of doing everything you want and more. I even use mine as a torch. For what I paid for my 5800, (239 USD, unlocked) it's one of the best investments I've made. GPS, decent cam, sports tracker, music player, portable cinema.. durable, scratch resistant, can use the screen with gloves, the stylus is fantastic. A great touchscreen phone for the masses, the Windows XP of smartphones! Completely agree with you, Mr. Whatley.
Yeah, the damn thing just works and it's reliable and capable of doing everything you want and more. I even use mine as a torch. For what I paid for my 5800, (239 USD, unlocked) it's one of the best investments I've made. GPS, decent cam, sports tracker, music player, portable cinema.. durable, scratch resistant, can use the screen with gloves, the stylus is fantastic. A great touchscreen phone for the masses, the Windows XP of smartphones! Completely agree with you, Mr. Whatley.
Thats an incredibly well reasoned set of arguments, and I can't argue with your conclusion. Maybe the 5530 or 5230, purely on pricing? They bring touchscreen smartphones to the masses in a way that nothing else can.Have to laugh at the comments on the N95 though. I've got an N95-1. Since I got it, I've had a 5800 and N85, and in each case I've always gone back to the N95. It definitely justifies the tag of smartphone of the decade.
Thats an incredibly well reasoned set of arguments, and I can't argue with your conclusion. Maybe the 5530 or 5230, purely on pricing? They bring touchscreen smartphones to the masses in a way that nothing else can.
Have to laugh at the comments on the N95 though. I've got an N95-1. Since I got it, I've had a 5800 and N85, and in each case I've always gone back to the N95. It definitely justifies the tag of smartphone of the decade.
Well said. Truly NOKIA 5800 is the best phone out in the market for the money.
hé hé, been through Nokia N95, Nokia N958Gb, Nokia E90, Nokia 5800, Samsung i8910 HD, HTC Hero, and latest Acer liquid and for me, the Acer Liquid offers the Best Value For Money, It’s MY phone of the year !
😉
The 5800? Phone of the year?
My god man… have you bumped your head? …did you have one too-many mulled wines? …was the sherry trifle a bit strong for you? …did Santa bring you a bag of ‘wrong’ for Christmas? … is there too much ‘nog’ in your ‘egg’?
The 5800 *has* sold plenty of units… but that’s a triumph of ignorance over innovation. Most of those units will have been bought on the basis of a dummy phone stuck on the wall of a high-street store… tick-box shopping. You like touch-screen? You remember Nokia sounds like a good name? It’s a poster-child for all that’s wrong with mobile handsets right now… The big-name manufacturers trading on their past glory mimicking the attractive features of better handsets, but failing (massively) in the execution… another Nokia that needs a couple of software updates to make it half-way usable. I wonder what it’s done to consumer opinion of Nokia’s brand?
Yes it’s robust, yes it’s cheap, but that’s hardly handset of the year material in my book.
*My* handset of the year is the iPhone (again – same as last year). It’s expensive, closed, fragile and generally a niche device, but none of those factors feature in my consideration… It’s the impact the device has had that matters. The iPhone has grabbed attention and mind-share. Apple have put a rocket up the established manufacturers and the influence extends far beyond their own products or directly competitive products. The iPhone is responsible for:
* the explosion of app stores, the ‘app economy’ and the single-handed education of consumers over what apps are and what they can do. Listen to the teenagers in our recent interview… they didn’t know you could get apps on any other platform even though they *used* Blackberry.
* the popularity of touch-screens. Apple didn’t settle for the lack-lustre performance of earlier touch-screen units which had limited mass popularity. They got finger-touch working and even those still using resistive screens are copying the interface and interaction…. take a look at LG’s recent units. They owe a lot to what Apple did in the iPhone interface.
* challenging the dominance of the mobile network operators. Google and Palm have both now created platforms that they control and promote… lacking the bastardisation from the outset that had been increasingly popular by network operators previously. However, it was Apple that blazed this trail on the back of consumer anticipation for the iPhone.
* exposing the ‘good enough’ culture of the big handset manufacturers… the iPhone might be a limited platform, but it does what it promises and it executes it well. I don’t mean it has the best battery or calling performance, but it far more stable, consistent in what it does do. What’s more unsatisfactory for a consumer – buying a handset they know won’t multi-task or having one that does but crashes unpredictably?
Of course the big problem here is that little of this argument is new for 2009… a few of the names and nuances are different, but little has improved from 2008. The iPhone retains its title in my book due to the under-performance of others rather than a significant improvement in what it does.
Next year Android and Maemo look promising and I look forward to the final demise of Palm (may it come soon), but they’ve some way to go before they re-shape consumers’ ideas of what a mobile device can be like the iPhone did. To be honest though I’m already thinking that the handset of 2010 will be determined by Indian and Chinese consumers… Europe and North America can’t promised the growth for manufacturers that these markets can.
Here’s hoping you’re feeling better in 2010 and see sense 😉
Anonymous Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 00:54
Well it’s disappointing to see someone coming up with the same old cliches again.
Did it ever to occur to you that the reason the 5800 was a success – and why Nokia smartphones are increasing sales volumes again – is precisely because they are so familiar?
Just a thought.
LP Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 03:30
I don’t see these views as disappointing, just ignorant and elitist. What quite a few people can’t seem to grasp is that most people don’t need to make a fashion and status statement with their phone.
Most just need a phone to work and to keep working through the rigors of their hectic lives. Also if they are buying a smartphone they need useful functionality, not useless fluff apps. That is what Nokia seems to do best, not perfectly, but best.
Ben Smith Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 21:49
I didn’t make any reference to the iPhone being a fashion statement. I said its influence extended to many other handset segments and manufacturers.
Ben Smith Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 21:45
Yeah it occurred to me, but it’s completely irrelevant to my argument so I didn’t mention it. My point is that the phone of the year for me is one that has influenced many others, including the 5800.
didnt expect that
didn't expect that
didnt expect that
didn't expect that
James, I was expecting you to pick the N86 8MP because I know you love that phone, but understand the availability killed it from being your pick.I have to say I think your pick is a solid choice and I too was impressed by the 5800 and would still be using it if I wasn't such a hardcore geek that needed the N900. I liked that the 5800 included everything, but the kitchen sink in the box too. I had a slick foldable stand, nice slip case, cables, free Amazon movie coupon, extra stylus, etc. and the packaging fully equipped me. I LOVED that I could watch Amazon Video on Demand movies on the 5800. The dang thing was durable, inexpensive, and gave me my first glimpse of a touchscreen experience on a Nokia device. I have argued that T-Mobile USA should have jumped on this handset and it could have been a killer seller for them before they started off on their Android kick.
James, I was expecting you to pick the N86 8MP because I know you love that phone, but understand the availability killed it from being your pick.
I have to say I think your pick is a solid choice and I too was impressed by the 5800 and would still be using it if I wasn't such a hardcore geek that needed the N900. I liked that the 5800 included everything, but the kitchen sink in the box too. I had a slick foldable stand, nice slip case, cables, free Amazon movie coupon, extra stylus, etc. and the packaging fully equipped me. I LOVED that I could watch Amazon Video on Demand movies on the 5800. The dang thing was durable, inexpensive, and gave me my first glimpse of a touchscreen experience on a Nokia device. I have argued that T-Mobile USA should have jumped on this handset and it could have been a killer seller for them before they started off on their Android kick.
Well said. Truly NOKIA 5800 is the best phone out in the market for the money.
Well said. Truly NOKIA 5800 is the best phone out in the market for the money.
hé hé, been through Nokia N95, Nokia N958Gb, Nokia E90, Nokia 5800, Samsung i8910 HD, HTC Hero, and latest Acer liquid and for me, the Acer Liquid offers the Best Value For Money, It's MY phone of the year !;)
hé hé, been through Nokia N95, Nokia N958Gb, Nokia E90, Nokia 5800, Samsung i8910 HD, HTC Hero, and latest Acer liquid and for me, the Acer Liquid offers the Best Value For Money, It's MY phone of the year !
😉
The best phone I had so far was the Blackberry “Bold2” 9700. Very good looking, fast, battery lasts a couple of days with moderate usage, push email, and most importantly RELIABLE, something that Nokia phones seem to lack.
It is a shame, I LOVE Nokia and it is my number one brand but unfortunately nothing works the way it is supposed to.
LP Reply:
January 1st, 2010 at 00:08
BB’s are in theory great devices for the market they are trying to reach. They are not good for a large portion of the populace, at all. I think the Storm is a exemplary case in point.
BB’s also suffer from many of the same issues as iPhones do. They are terribly fragile and the real killer that I cannot understand how people can get past is the auto resets that the phones love to do. On top of that I had reception issues with every one of them I owned. Only the iPhone makes BB reception look ok. A final nail in the coffin as I see it is the limited app storage memory. What is RIM thinking?
I agree that the e-mail on BB’s is by far and away the best I have ever used. Other companies should just license the software/system from them. Then everybody could concentrate on something they are good at…
This being said I truly did want to love my many BlackBerrys, but after the fifth one and the constant issue of resetting and of course the memory deal I could not.
The 5800? Phone of the year?My god man… have you bumped your head? …did you have one too-many mulled wines? …was the sherry trifle a bit strong for you? …did Santa bring you a bag of 'wrong' for Christmas?The 5800 *has* sold plenty of units… but that's a triumph of ignorance over innovation. Most of those units will have been bought on the basis of a dummy phone stuck on the wall of a high-street store… tick-box shopping. You like touch-screen? You remember Nokia sounds like a good name? It's a poster-child for all that's wrong with mobile handsets right now… The big-name manufacturers trading on their past glory mimicking the attractive features of better handsets, but failing (massively) in the execution… another Nokia that needs a couple of software updates to make it half-way usable. I wonder what it's done to consumer opinion of Nokia's brand?Yes it's robust, yes it's cheap, but that's hardly handset of the year material in my book.*My* handset of the year is the iPhone (again – same as last year). It's expensive, closed, fragile and generally a niche device, but none of those factors feature in my consideration… It's the impact the device has had that matters. The iPhone has grabbed attention and mind-share. Apple have put a rocket up the established manufacturers and the influence extends far beyond their own products or directly competitive products. The iPhone is responsible for:* the explosion of app stores, the 'app economy' and the single-handed education of consumers over what apps are and what they can do. Listen to the teenagers in our recent interview… they didn't know you could get apps on any other platform even though they *used* Blackberry.* the popularity of touch-screens. Apple didn't settle for the lack-lustre performance of earlier touch-screen units which had limited mass popularity. They got finger-touch working and even those still using resistive screens are copying the interface and interaction…. take a look at LG's recent units. They owe a lot to what Apple did in the iPhone interface.* challenging the dominance of the mobile network operators. Google and Palm have both now created platforms that they control and promote… lacking the bastardisation from the outset that had been increasingly popular by network operators previously. However, it was Apple that blazed this trail on the back of consumer anticipation for the iPhone.* exposing the 'good enough' culture of the big handset manufacturers… the iPhone might be a limited platform, but it does what it promises and it executes it well. I don't mean it has the best battery or calling performance, but it far more stable, consistent in what it does do. What's more unsatisfactory for a consumer – buying a handset they know won't multi-task or having one that does but crashes unpredictably?Of course the big problem here is that little of this argument is new for 2009… a few of the names and nuances are different, but little has improved from 2008. The iPhone retains its title in my book due to the under-performance of others rather than a significant improvement in others.Next year Android and Maemo look promising and I look forward to the final demise of Palm (may it come soon), but they've some way to go before they re-shape consumers' ideas of what a mobile device can be like the iPhone did. To be honest though I'm already thinking that the handset of 2010 will be determined by Indian and Chinese consumers… Europe and North America can't promised the growth for manufacturers that these markets can.Here's hoping you're feeling better in 2010 and see sense ;-)The 5800? Phone of the year?My god man… have you bumped your head? …did you have one too-many mulled wines? …was the sherry trifle a bit strong for you? …did Santa bring you a bag of 'wrong' for Christmas?The 5800 *has* sold plenty of units… but that's a triumph of ignorance over innovation. Most of those units will have been bought on the basis of a dummy phone stuck on the wall of a high-street store… tick-box shopping. You like touch-screen? You remember Nokia sounds like a good name? It's a poster-child for all that's wrong with mobile handsets right now… The big-name manufacturers trading on their past glory mimicking the attractive features of better handsets, but failing (massively) in the execution… another Nokia that needs a couple of software updates to make it half-way usable. I wonder what it's done to consumer opinion of Nokia's brand?Yes it's robust, yes it's cheap, but that's hardly handset of the year material in my book.*My* handset of the year is the iPhone (again – same as last year). It's expensive, closed, fragile and generally a niche device, but none of those factors feature in my consideration… It's the impact the device has had that matters. The iPhone has grabbed attention and mind-share. Apple have put a rocket up the established manufacturers and the influence extends far beyond their own products or directly competitive products. The iPhone is responsible for:* the explosion of app stores, the 'app economy' and the single-handed education of consumers over what apps are and what they can do. Listen to the teenagers in our recent interview… they didn't know you could get apps on any other platform even though they *used* Blackberry.* the popularity of touch-screens. Apple didn't settle for the lack-lustre performance of earlier touch-screen units which had limited mass popularity. They got finger-touch working and even those still using resistive screens are copying the interface and interaction…. take a look at LG's recent units. They owe a lot to what Apple did in the iPhone interface.* challenging the dominance of the mobile network operators. Google and Palm have both now created platforms that they control and promote… lacking the bastardisation from the outset that had been increasingly popular by network operators previously. However, it was Apple that blazed this trail on the back of consumer anticipation for the iPhone.* exposing the 'good enough' culture of the big handset manufacturers… the iPhone might be a limited platform, but it does what it promises and it executes it well. I don't mean it has the best battery or calling performance, but it far more stable, consistent in what it does do. What's more unsatisfactory for a consumer – buying a handset they know won't multi-task or having one that does but crashes unpredictably?Of course the big problem here is that little of this argument is new for 2009… a few of the names and nuances are different, but little has improved from 2008. The iPhone retains its title in my book due to the under-performance of others rather than a significant improvement in others.Next year Android and Maemo look promising and I look forward to the final demise of Palm (may it come soon), but they've some way to go before they re-shape consumers' ideas of what a mobile device can be like the iPhone did. To be honest though I'm already thinking that the handset of 2010 will be determined by Indian and Chinese consumers… Europe and North America can't promised the growth for manufacturers that these markets can.Here's hoping you're feeling better in 2010 and see sense 😉
The 5800? Phone of the year?
My god man… have you bumped your head? …did you have one too-many mulled wines? …was the sherry trifle a bit strong for you? …did Santa bring you a bag of 'wrong' for Christmas?
The 5800 *has* sold plenty of units… but that's a triumph of ignorance over innovation. Most of those units will have been bought on the basis of a dummy phone stuck on the wall of a high-street store… tick-box shopping. You like touch-screen? You remember Nokia sounds like a good name? It's a poster-child for all that's wrong with mobile handsets right now… The big-name manufacturers trading on their past glory mimicking the attractive features of better handsets, but failing (massively) in the execution… another Nokia that needs a couple of software updates to make it half-way usable. I wonder what it's done to consumer opinion of Nokia's brand?
Yes it's robust, yes it's cheap, but that's hardly handset of the year material in my book.
*My* handset of the year is the iPhone (again – same as last year). It's expensive, closed, fragile and generally a niche device, but none of those factors feature in my consideration… It's the impact the device has had that matters. The iPhone has grabbed attention and mind-share. Apple have put a rocket up the established manufacturers and the influence extends far beyond their own products or directly competitive products. The iPhone is responsible for:
* the explosion of app stores, the 'app economy' and the single-handed education of consumers over what apps are and what they can do. Listen to the teenagers in our recent interview… they didn't know you could get apps on any other platform even though they *used* Blackberry.
* the popularity of touch-screens. Apple didn't settle for the lack-lustre performance of earlier touch-screen units which had limited mass popularity. They got finger-touch working and even those still using resistive screens are copying the interface and interaction…. take a look at LG's recent units. They owe a lot to what Apple did in the iPhone interface.
* challenging the dominance of the mobile network operators. Google and Palm have both now created platforms that they control and promote… lacking the bastardisation from the outset that had been increasingly popular by network operators previously. However, it was Apple that blazed this trail on the back of consumer anticipation for the iPhone.
* exposing the 'good enough' culture of the big handset manufacturers… the iPhone might be a limited platform, but it does what it promises and it executes it well. I don't mean it has the best battery or calling performance, but it far more stable, consistent in what it does do. What's more unsatisfactory for a consumer – buying a handset they know won't multi-task or having one that does but crashes unpredictably?
Of course the big problem here is that little of this argument is new for 2009… a few of the names and nuances are different, but little has improved from 2008. The iPhone retains its title in my book due to the under-performance of others rather than a significant improvement in others.
Next year Android and Maemo look promising and I look forward to the final demise of Palm (may it come soon), but they've some way to go before they re-shape consumers' ideas of what a mobile device can be like the iPhone did. To be honest though I'm already thinking that the handset of 2010 will be determined by Indian and Chinese consumers… Europe and North America can't promised the growth for manufacturers that these markets can.
Here's hoping you're feeling better in 2010 and see sense 😉
The 5800? Phone of the year?
My god man… have you bumped your head? …did you have one too-many mulled wines? …was the sherry trifle a bit strong for you? …did Santa bring you a bag of 'wrong' for Christmas?
The 5800 *has* sold plenty of units… but that's a triumph of ignorance over innovation. Most of those units will have been bought on the basis of a dummy phone stuck on the wall of a high-street store… tick-box shopping. You like touch-screen? You remember Nokia sounds like a good name? It's a poster-child for all that's wrong with mobile handsets right now… The big-name manufacturers trading on their past glory mimicking the attractive features of better handsets, but failing (massively) in the execution… another Nokia that needs a couple of software updates to make it half-way usable. I wonder what it's done to consumer opinion of Nokia's brand?
Yes it's robust, yes it's cheap, but that's hardly handset of the year material in my book.
*My* handset of the year is the iPhone (again – same as last year). It's expensive, closed, fragile and generally a niche device, but none of those factors feature in my consideration… It's the impact the device has had that matters. The iPhone has grabbed attention and mind-share. Apple have put a rocket up the established manufacturers and the influence extends far beyond their own products or directly competitive products. The iPhone is responsible for:
* the explosion of app stores, the 'app economy' and the single-handed education of consumers over what apps are and what they can do. Listen to the teenagers in our recent interview… they didn't know you could get apps on any other platform even though they *used* Blackberry.
* the popularity of touch-screens. Apple didn't settle for the lack-lustre performance of earlier touch-screen units which had limited mass popularity. They got finger-touch working and even those still using resistive screens are copying the interface and interaction…. take a look at LG's recent units. They owe a lot to what Apple did in the iPhone interface.
* challenging the dominance of the mobile network operators. Google and Palm have both now created platforms that they control and promote… lacking the bastardisation from the outset that had been increasingly popular by network operators previously. However, it was Apple that blazed this trail on the back of consumer anticipation for the iPhone.
* exposing the 'good enough' culture of the big handset manufacturers… the iPhone might be a limited platform, but it does what it promises and it executes it well. I don't mean it has the best battery or calling performance, but it far more stable, consistent in what it does do. What's more unsatisfactory for a consumer – buying a handset they know won't multi-task or having one that does but crashes unpredictably?
Of course the big problem here is that little of this argument is new for 2009… a few of the names and nuances are different, but little has improved from 2008. The iPhone retains its title in my book due to the under-performance of others rather than a significant improvement in others.
Next year Android and Maemo look promising and I look forward to the final demise of Palm (may it come soon), but they've some way to go before they re-shape consumers' ideas of what a mobile device can be like the iPhone did. To be honest though I'm already thinking that the handset of 2010 will be determined by Indian and Chinese consumers… Europe and North America can't promised the growth for manufacturers that these markets can.
Here's hoping you're feeling better in 2010 and see sense 😉
The best phone I had so far was the Blackberry “Bold2” 9700. Very good looking, fast, battery lasts a couple of days with moderate usage, push email, and most importantly RELIABLE, something that Nokia phones seem to lack.It is a shame, I LOVE Nokia and it is my number one brand but unfortunately nothing works the way it is supposed to.
The best phone I had so far was the Blackberry “Bold2” 9700. Very good looking, fast, battery lasts a couple of days with moderate usage, push email, and most importantly RELIABLE, something that Nokia phones seem to lack.
It is a shame, I LOVE Nokia and it is my number one brand but unfortunately nothing works the way it is supposed to.
BB's are in theory great devices for the market they are trying to reach. They are not good for a large portion of the populace, at all. I think the Storm is a exemplary case in point.BB's also suffer from many of the same issues as iPhones do. They are terribly fragile and the real killer that I cannot understand how people can get past is the auto resets that the phones love to do. On top of that I had reception issues with every one of them I owned. Only the iPhone makes BB reception look ok. A final nail in the coffin as I see it is the limited app storage memory. What is RIM thinking?I agree that the e-mail on BB's is by far and away the best I have ever used. Other companies should just license the software/system from them. Then everybody could concentrate on something they are good at…This being said I truly did want to love my many BlackBerrys, but after the fifth one and the constant issue of resetting and of course the memory deal I could not.
BB's are in theory great devices for the market they are trying to reach. They are not good for a large portion of the populace, at all. I think the Storm is a exemplary case in point.
BB's also suffer from many of the same issues as iPhones do. They are terribly fragile and the real killer that I cannot understand how people can get past is the auto resets that the phones love to do. On top of that I had reception issues with every one of them I owned. Only the iPhone makes BB reception look ok. A final nail in the coffin as I see it is the limited app storage memory. What is RIM thinking?
I agree that the e-mail on BB's is by far and away the best I have ever used. Other companies should just license the software/system from them. Then everybody could concentrate on something they are good at…
This being said I truly did want to love my many BlackBerrys, but after the fifth one and the constant issue of resetting and of course the memory deal I could not.
Any new nokia-lover would instantly name the N900 as the top phone, but since it’s still effectively “beta,” of course, the next best thing would be the 5800.
Nice Call. 🙂
(that’s not pov btw… i have a n900 and love it, but it’s still early. maybe next year (maybe next device for that matter…)
Well it's disappointing to see someone coming up with the same old cliches again.Did it ever to occur to you that the reason the 5800 was a success – and why Nokia smartphones are increasing sales volumes again – is precisely because they are so familiar?Just a thought.
Well it's disappointing to see someone coming up with the same old cliches again.
Did it ever to occur to you that the reason the 5800 was a success – and why Nokia smartphones are increasing sales volumes again – is precisely because they are so familiar?
Just a thought.
I don't see these views as disappointing, just ignorant and elitist. What quite a few people can't seem to grasp is that most people don't need to make a fashion and status statement with their phone. Most just need a phone to work and to keep working through the rigors of their hectic lives. Also if they are buying a smartphone they need useful functionality, not useless fluff apps. That is what Nokia seems to do best, not perfectly, but best.
I don't see these views as disappointing, just ignorant and elitist. What quite a few people can't seem to grasp is that most people don't need to make a fashion and status statement with their phone.
Most just need a phone to work and to keep working through the rigors of their hectic lives. Also if they are buying a smartphone they need useful functionality, not useless fluff apps. That is what Nokia seems to do best, not perfectly, but best.
Any new nokia-lover would instantly name the N900 as the top phone, but since it's still effectively “beta,” of course, the next best thing would be the 5800.Nice Call. :)(that's not pov btw… i have a n900 and love it, but it's still early. maybe next year (maybe next device for that matter…)
Any new nokia-lover would instantly name the N900 as the top phone, but since it's still effectively “beta,” of course, the next best thing would be the 5800.
Nice Call. 🙂
(that's not pov btw… i have a n900 and love it, but it's still early. maybe next year (maybe next device for that matter…)
I have been recommending the 5800 for skint college students because (1) it works well and (2) it should survive a few drops onto pub floors.
Hi James…Happy New Year to you first off all the best to you and yours!!!
5800 as the phone of the year. I tend to agree with you.
1. Popularity – i remember when it was released. Nokia fans were excited to have nokia’s “1st touchscreen” but what was amazing was that not only nokia fans caught on…lots of other non nokia fans caught on..from networks to man in the street.
2. Specs – 3.2mp wifi touch video recording accelerometer 8gb card included hellava sales package with goodies loud/quality speakers…and the list can go on…plus as a symbian user i didnt have to go looking for 5th edition apps per se, as s60v3 apps easily installed with no fuss…lastly i got mine sim free…not a feature but my next point will show the relation.
3. Cost – i dont know about others but 2009 was a bit hard economically for alot of people…so to find a SIM free touch screen device packing a majority of features sub £300…was a bargain. lets compare spec for spec, price for price (iphone +£450 sim free 5800 sub £300 with the same spec sheet)
4. Value for Money – which ties in with cost….but to further state they are not alot of phones in the price range that comes with such specs etc. at this price.
5. its a good device – well self explanatory
6. device support – nokia have kept up firmware updates etc for this device. also it may not be general knowledge but the 5800 has a 434mhz processor rather than the 369mhz processor it was intially specified at!(it was overclocked) pleasant surprize!
so yes james i agree with you on your choice!
(the n900 was a close 2nd but i believe that should a fw update have come in 2009 to fix
certain niggles it would have been my choice of device of the year)
I wouldn’t be so fast to dismiss the SE Satio. I really like that phone. My wife won’t let go of it.
The criteria being used – throughout both article and comments – are so diverse that this one could run and run indefinitely.
Clearly mobile phones elicit a fervour never seen for things like DVD players, washing machines or WiFi access points. This speaks strongly to the relationship that humans have with them – and how carefully and cleverly they are marketed and segmented to different social groups.
(I think most commentators are surprised simply because they hadn’t put James down to being in the classic 5800 demographic, not because it’s a particularly bad device)
This is all good of course. But in your zeal, please spare a thought for the poor app and mobile web developers who have to continue to provide services for all of you and your diverse pocket-shaped passions 😉
I have been recommending the 5800 for skint college students because (1) it works well and (2) it should survive a few drops onto pub floors.
I have been recommending the 5800 for skint college students because (1) it works well and (2) it should survive a few drops onto pub floors.
Hi James…Happy New Year to you first off all the best to you and yours!!!5800 as the phone of the year. I tend to agree with you.1. Popularity – i remember when it was released. Nokia fans were excited to have nokia's “1st touchscreen” but what was amazing was that not only nokia fans caught on…lots of other non nokia fans caught on..from networks to man in the street.2. Specs – 3.2mp wifi touch video recording accelerometer 8gb card included hellava sales package with goodies loud/quality speakers…and the list can go on…plus as a symbian user i didnt have to go looking for 5th edition apps per se, as s60v3 apps easily installed with no fuss…lastly i got mine sim free…not a feature but my next point will show the relation.3. Cost – i dont know about others but 2009 was a bit hard economically for alot of people…so to find a SIM free touch screen device packing a majority of features sub £300…was a bargain. lets compare spec for spec, price for price (iphone +£450 sim free 5800 sub £300 with the same spec sheet)4. Value for Money – which ties in with cost….but to further state they are not alot of phones in the price range that comes with such specs etc. at this price.5. its a good device – well self explanatory6. device support – nokia have kept up firmware updates etc for this device. also it may not be general knowledge but the 5800 has a 434mhz processor rather than the 369mhz processor it was intially specified at!(it was overclocked) pleasant surprize!so yes james i agree with you on your choice!(the n900 was a close 2nd but i believe that should a fw update have come in 2009 to fixcertain niggles it would have been my choice of device of the year)
Hi James…Happy New Year to you first off all the best to you and yours!!!
5800 as the phone of the year. I tend to agree with you.
1. Popularity – i remember when it was released. Nokia fans were excited to have nokia's “1st touchscreen” but what was amazing was that not only nokia fans caught on…lots of other non nokia fans caught on..from networks to man in the street.
2. Specs – 3.2mp wifi touch video recording accelerometer 8gb card included hellava sales package with goodies loud/quality speakers…and the list can go on…plus as a symbian user i didnt have to go looking for 5th edition apps per se, as s60v3 apps easily installed with no fuss…lastly i got mine sim free…not a feature but my next point will show the relation.
3. Cost – i dont know about others but 2009 was a bit hard economically for alot of people…so to find a SIM free touch screen device packing a majority of features sub £300…was a bargain. lets compare spec for spec, price for price (iphone +£450 sim free 5800 sub £300 with the same spec sheet)
4. Value for Money – which ties in with cost….but to further state they are not alot of phones in the price range that comes with such specs etc. at this price.
5. its a good device – well self explanatory
6. device support – nokia have kept up firmware updates etc for this device. also it may not be general knowledge but the 5800 has a 434mhz processor rather than the 369mhz processor it was intially specified at!(it was overclocked) pleasant surprize!
so yes james i agree with you on your choice!
(the n900 was a close 2nd but i believe that should a fw update have come in 2009 to fix
certain niggles it would have been my choice of device of the year)
I wouldn't be so fast to dismiss the SE Satio. I really like that phone. My wife won't let go of it.
I wouldn't be so fast to dismiss the SE Satio. I really like that phone. My wife won't let go of it.
The criteria being used – throughout both article and comments – are so diverse that this one could run and run indefinitely.Clearly mobile phones elicit a fervour never seen for things like DVD players, washing machines or WiFi access points. This speaks strongly to the relationship that humans have with them – and how carefully and cleverly they are marketed and segmented to different social groups.(I think most commentators are surprised simply because they hadn't put James down to being in the classic 5800 demographic, not because it's a particularly bad device)This is all good of course. But in your zeal, please spare a thought for the poor app and mobile web developers who have to continue to provide services for all of you and your diverse pocket-shaped passions 😉