[apolloa]

Originally Posted by John Martin

OK. Iphone 3gs probably still best fits my desires.

I'm not going to argue, seeing as I will be getting one, once I can find one LOL.

[John Martin]

Originally Posted by apolloa

I'm not going to argue, seeing as I will be getting one, once I can find one LOL.

Thinking back, I may have been muddling the N97 with 5800 Music Express, which was another option I've looked at (and rejected).

Now ... I think I'll go and find a ebook reader for the iPhone ... trying to find one that will work with the downloads from Waterstones et al, who seem to assume that their customers will all be using a Sony ebook reader ...

Why do I want an ebook reader? Because I get through a novel every 2 days on holiday (sometimes even quicker), and SWMBO is always complaining about the weight vs the baggage allowance (and she's the one who always wants to pack about 6 pairs of shoes etc etc)

[dkainer]

Originally Posted by Kazman

Uhm, have we all forgotten about the Samsung i8910 HD?

In my humble opinion, I think it is a much better option than either the N97 or iPhone 3GS.

As long as people can accept Samsung as a credible alternative and get around "it has to be a nokia or an iphone" mentality, then the Samsung i8910 HD could well be the perfect device.

I did, and bought one as a result! I have used a very large number of phones in the past, and the i8910 HD is probably the closest to phone perfection I have come across.

Yes, I too have been looking at this phone with some fascination. I posted the following about the Samsung Omnia HD in another forum:

"I think the Samsung Omnia HD i8910 is definitely worth a look.
Check out a good in depth review with comparisons - http://my-symbian.com/s60v3/review_omnia_hd.php

Advantages:

- The most powerful CPU of all Symbian OS phones up to date: OMAP3430 with ARM Cortex A8 core running at 600 MHz.

- PowerVR SGX530 GPU (hardware graphics accceleration) delivering OpenGL ES 2.0 support and performance.

- 3x performance boost (and 4x in multimedia applications) compared to other Symbian OS phones based on older processors.

- 256 MB of operating memory (RAM) and almost 140 MB free, compared to 128 MB (and 40-50 MB free) on other S60 5th Edition phones.

- Built-in 8 or 16 GB of storage memory + microSD slot for cards up to 32 GB.

- 8 Megapixel camera: fast operation, high sensitivity up to ISO 1600 with low noise up to ISO 800.

- HD 720p (1280x720 pixel) high quality (with virtually no compression artefacts) video recording.

- Marvellous AMOLED capacitive display.

- With its 3.7" physical size, the screen is perfect for multimedia playback and navigation, and makes using the device easier as all UI elements (buttons, keys of the virtual keyboard, sliders, etc.) are bigger, i.e. easier to hit
build quality is very decent, at least there's nothing to complain about after few weeks of use.

- All connectivity options are included, and some of them exceed current "standards", like e.g. HSDPA 7.2 Mbps / HSUPA 5.7 Mbps

- GPS receiver seems to be considerably faster and more sensitive than on other S60 5th Edition phones; no problems with obtaining the fix almost instantly even indoors. The GPS+ application can provide AGPS data for the entire week.

- Battery life, despite the powerful processor and large screen, does not seem to be any worse than on other high-end S60 devices.

Disadvantages:

- HD video recording slightly below actual "HD ready specification" due to frame rate within 20-21 fps range, which in some circumstances results in blurred/unsmooth motion.

- No HDMI (or any other) connector to output HD video via cable to a HD TV.

- Low quality of audio (AMR 8-bit) and some issues with it in video recordings.

- The touch screen is "too sensitive" on its edges which often results in accidental touches (e.g. when you grab the phone) being recognized as taps."

[Embarker]

my mind is awash with this now.......

Is the N97 "future proof" enough to consider a 18 month contract? - I'm not so sure. Is it just a n95 with a touch screen and newer software?

As for Apple they are seem to change models every 6 months. Is the iphone mini a iphone 3gs but just smaller?

Off contract the Nokia is the cheapest, so that maybe the way for now and upgrade again in 6mths, maybe another new iphone is out and the N97 64g.

[John Martin]

Originally Posted by Embarker

my mind is awash with this now.......

Is the N97 "future proof" enough to consider a 18 month contract? - I'm not so sure. Is it just a n95 with a touch screen and newer software?

As for Apple they are seem to change models every 6 months. Is the iphone mini a iphone 3gs but just smaller?

Off contract the Nokia is the cheapest, so that maybe the way for now and upgrade again in 6mths, maybe another new iphone is out and the N97 64g.

What is it with this obsession to own "the latest thing". I'm applying the same logic to mobile phones as I do to computer purchase : keep the old one until it becomes incapable of doing something you really want it to do. Perhaps I'm just an old fart who couldn't care less about fashion or status

[Embarker]

cos it keeps me from "upgrading the misses"



status - says he with the "longest" signature i've seen in a while

[RobM]

Originally Posted by Embarker

Is the N97 "future proof" enough to consider a 18 month contract? - I'm not so sure. Is it just a n95 with a touch screen and newer software?

Personally, I don't believe so. You just have to look at the Nokia 5530 to see that Nokias Touch OS is improving with every release and is far from a finished product.

The N97 hardware is superb and perhaps future firmware updates will bring the OS into line with later models. But I think by the end of this year we will see some superior touch devices from Nokia, at which time you'll have a year left to run.

That said... and contradicting my own words somewhat... you can never have a contract and keep up with the latest mobile tech' unless you're happy to buy your mobiles SIM-Free. So it's a game you're not likely to win. And if you do wait for a replacement to the N97 and then sign up, there will of course be a replacement to that announced sometime in the future.

I guess the thing to do is think very, very carefully about what you want and need from your mobile. If the N97 does that then it doesn't matter if a replacement is announced

[bigtings]

Originally Posted by RobM83

Personally, I don't believe so. You just have to look at the Nokia 5530 to see that Nokias Touch OS is improving with every release and is far from a finished product.

The N97 hardware is superb and perhaps future firmware updates will bring the OS into line with later models. But I think by the end of this year we will see some superior touch devices from Nokia, at which time you'll have a year left to run.

That said... and contradicting my own words somewhat... you can never have a contract and keep up with the latest mobile tech' unless you're happy to buy your mobiles SIM-Free. So it's a game you're not likely to win. And if you do wait for a replacement to the N97 and then sign up, there will of course be a replacement to that announced sometime in the future.

I guess the thing to do is think very, very carefully about what you want and need from your mobile. If the N97 does that then it doesn't matter if a replacement is announced

well said rob...you can never keep up with technology!!

[John Martin]

Originally Posted by Embarker

cos it keeps me from "upgrading the misses"



status - says he with the "longest" signature i've seen in a while

That's because the forums I write to most often are AV and Hifi, and it saves explaining what my setups are - makes life a little easier for me! To be honest the equipment list is longer, but I ran out of characters. Also, my main hifi stays pretty static from year to year. I'm still a vinyl man at heart.

I've kept SWMBO for the best part of 40 years, now. I couldn't bear the thought of having to break in another one

[John Martin]

Originally Posted by bigtings

well said rob...you can never keep up with technology!!

Agreed.

Still deciding whether to go for the 16GB or 32GB 3GS. I get by on my Pocket PC with a 1GB SD card, my 4GB iPod Nano holds more than enough music/talking books for a holiday, and as regards camera usage, I'd sooner use an SLR or decent compact (SWMBO's Lumix with 28-200 equivalent zoom is very good, lacking only an optical viewfinder to make it perfect, IMO). So, I suspect that I'll probably finish up with the 16gb version.

My only reason for considering a mobile phone change is to reduce the "gadget count".

... now ... how do I stop iTunes starting up every time I insert an audio CD into my laptop? (usually a finalised CDRW when I'm transferring some vinyl to CD for in-car use - I use Audacity to break it up into tracks). I've tried the obvious things such as making sure it's not the default player.

[spinach_pie]

I am in a bit of a pickle...

My iPod has become corrupted, and now my contract for my current mobile has expired.

I want the iPhone, but to get the 32gb version on an 18 month contract would be £35pm and £275!

What I could do is get the N97 on 24 month for £40 per month (and the free phone). Then, in order to solve my corrupt iPod problem, I could buy an iPod touch for £285.

That seems to make the most sense, but what does everyone else think?

Bear in mind:

• I love using iPods for music
• I love the Genius functionality
• I NEED some kind of GPS function -Google Maps and compass on iPhone looks great
• Having a regular keypad for texting is better than touch-screen
• I like the iPhone's gimmicky extras (voice recognition etc)
• I want to use my phone as a camera to some degree
• Good video functionality is quite important to me
• Having an all-in-one mp3 player and phone is great because it takes up less space in pockets

There are other reasons too, but after considering these points, which option would you go with?

1/ Apple iPhone on it's own

• Quite expensive compared to second option -
• Camera is only 3MP -
• Only locked in to 18 month contract +
• All-in-one phone +
• No regular keypad -
• Great variety of apps and cool gimmicks (speaking to it to find an artist and play songs by said artist makes things much easier than searching too)

2/ Nokia N97 and iPod Touch

• Comes to similar price as above, but you get two products +
• Camera is 5MP +
• Locked in to 24 month contract -
• Not an all-in-one -
• Has regular keypad +

I am leaning towards option 2, but what do you guys think? Help is appreciated.


EDIT: A quick question. I know you can buy Mobile Broadband to use on your laptop/PC etc. But how exactly does it work with a mobile phone? Is it possible to somehow use mobile broadband on a monthly fee with an iPhone/N97? Because this would be an added advantage to the iPhone (if I could download songs on the fly without being limited to wi-fi hotspots - although I do live in London).

[RobM]

Quick question - You say video functionality is important, but do you mean recording or playback?

If the former, the iPhone is pretty average, no better than any other phone from the last couple of years. The 3GS is better, but still distinctly average.

If the latter and you mean playback, the iPhone is very, very good!

Given your requirements, Option 2 does sound the best bet.

But I'd actually suggest option 3....

Buy the N97 and live with it as your all-in-one device before buying another iPod. You may be pleasantly surprised at how the Nokia performs in this capacity.

Everything else, except the physical keyboard, they can both cater for with ease. Both have various Sat Nav solutions on offer and both have loads of gimmicky extra options either built in or via 3rd party software.

The iPhone will definitely be the better and more attractive media solution, but the N97 may do the job for you and save you a bundle in the process.

If it turns out this isn't the case.... buy the iPod Touch

If you then decide you don't like the solution you end up with, sell both and buy a second hand iPhone 3G/3GS

[John Martin]

Originally Posted by John Martin

Still deciding whether to go for the 16GB or 32GB 3GS. I get by on my Pocket PC with a 1GB SD card, my 4GB iPod Nano holds more than enough music/talking books for a holiday, and as regards camera usage, I'd sooner use an SLR or decent compact (SWMBO's Lumix with 28-200 equivalent zoom is very good, lacking only an optical viewfinder to make it perfect, IMO). So, I suspect that I'll probably finish up with the 16gb version.

Well, I've finally done it. Got the 32GB Pay&GO Black 3GS. I'd already decided on that one before logging in to the O2 site, which was lucky, because that was the only version they had left!

[Amal99]

The N97 is like an upgraded iPhone, everything about it is better, especially the QWERTY keyboard.

Only thing is that it probably has alot of bugs as most N series phones do when they are released. Give it a couple of months and Nokia will drop a new firmware which will sort the problems out.

[spinach_pie]

Originally Posted by RobM83

Quick question - You say video functionality is important, but do you mean recording or playback?

If the former, the iPhone is pretty average, no better than any other phone from the last couple of years. The 3GS is better, but still distinctly average.

If the latter and you mean playback, the iPhone is very, very good!

Given your requirements, Option 2 does sound the best bet.

But I'd actually suggest option 3....

Buy the N97 and live with it as your all-in-one device before buying another iPod. You may be pleasantly surprised at how the Nokia performs in this capacity.

Everything else, except the physical keyboard, they can both cater for with ease. Both have various Sat Nav solutions on offer and both have loads of gimmicky extra options either built in or via 3rd party software.

The iPhone will definitely be the better and more attractive media solution, but the N97 may do the job for you and save you a bundle in the process.

If it turns out this isn't the case.... buy the iPod Touch

If you then decide you don't like the solution you end up with, sell both and buy a second hand iPhone 3G/3GS

Well both to be honest, but moreso playback I guess. You've answered my question anyway, so thanks

I'll have to mull this over a bit more, but I am steering to the N97 and iPod touch. The iPhone is so cool though. Internet anytime to download songs, and voice recognition is almost too good to turn down though. Grrrrr...

[tugboatbill]

Can anybody please tell me if it is possible to run Brushes on anything other than an iPhone?

If not I am going to have to get the iPhone over the N97 or Samsung Omnia HD.

[spinach_pie]

I was going to go for the N97 and iPod touch, but then read about the Omnia HD - looks a great phone - and the touch screen looks great to use (and responsive).

I can get the Omnia for FREE on an 18 month orange contract at £35 per month (then reduce it to £30pm after 9 months [i think]). Either way, the Omnia looks a great phone, has a great camera, huge, vibrant screen, and leaves me enough to get the iPod 32gb touch too

[apolloa]

Originally Posted by tugboatbill

Can anybody please tell me if it is possible to run Brushes on anything other than an iPhone?

If not I am going to have to get the iPhone over the N97 or Samsung Omnia HD.

What the hell is brushes?

Originally Posted by jenHenry

Haha Im glad I found this thread, I just thinking about whether to get these phones. Still undecided though....

Is it only Phones4U that offer the N97 for preorder?

nokia n97 white - pre-order contract mobile phone from phones 4u

No:

Nokia N97 - Best deals - The Carphone Warehouse

Nokia N97 - Buy Nokia N97 Mobile Phones from Vodafone

[John Martin]

Originally Posted by apolloa

What the hell is brushes?

Think "Paint" on RISCOS (Acorn Computers). i.e. it's a simple painting program. There is a similar program in Windows, again called "Paint" (it's in Accessories)

[tugboatbill]

Hello apolloa, sorry, brushes is a painting application for the iPhone:

Mobile Apps' Brush with Greatness - BusinessWeek

[apolloa]

Thanks guy's. Looks cool. Can't wait to get my iPhone and install some apps. First one will be Real Racing.

god damn it. i was all set on the N97 and now i read this thread

so the interface is dog slow compared to the iphone and the internet in general is clunky

I have 3 real problems with the iphone:

1. No flash on the camera. disaster.
2. No physical keyboard
3. 18 month contract

Is the N97 that bad? it looks pretty slick on the youtube videos

[Embarker]

it's not that bad - the fm transmitter is great for "wireless" connection in the car, the RDS even shows Nokia

i got mine for free on an 18mth contract too, so it's cheaper and it charges on the usb too.

the guitar rock tour game isn't half bad.

i actually prefer the size of the nokia too.

[DarkEntity]

Originally Posted by okcomputer331

god damn it. i was all set on the N97 and now i read this thread

so the interface is dog slow compared to the iphone and the internet in general is clunky

I have 3 real problems with the iphone:

1. No flash on the camera. disaster.
2. No physical keyboard
3. 18 month contract

Is the N97 that bad? it looks pretty slick on the youtube videos

1) yep, there is no flash, but tbh its a phone so i didnt care too much.
2) I thought the same, but now ive used the virtual keyb its VERY intuative.
3) yer, but most phones are, you can get the IPhone on a 12month but itll cost you :/

[piers-uk]

Originally Posted by Embarker

i got mine for free on an 18mth contract too, so it's cheaper and it charges on the usb too.

i actually prefer the size of the nokia too.

Who did you get it free on an 18 month contract with?

Piers

[Embarker]

got my n97 free from 3.

[insomniak123]

Originally Posted by tugboatbill

Can anybody please tell me if it is possible to run Brushes on anything other than an iPhone?

If not I am going to have to get the iPhone over the N97 or Samsung Omnia HD.

there are a couple of similar paint apps for the N97

[Jonesy76]

I had my upgrade from Vodafone and was basically railroaded into the N97...........
It's a plastic brick! The hilarious thing was that the shop assistant dropped the demo model he had whilst the screen was out, and the drop from a short assistant onto a hard floor was enough to break one of the screen hinges!

And the touch screen is not well enough calibrated for finger use (especially if your fingers are large like mine)......you do feel that you would need that irritating little stylus that comes with it rather than struggle on with using your fingers.

Basically I told Vodafone to get stuffed and signed up for an iPhone 3GS.

Best decision I ever made, and the iPhone is a lot slimmer and a lot more intuitive to use (and funnilly enough O2 has better reception in my village than Vodafone).

App store is also awesome!
Just got the Secret Of Monkey Island on my iPhone and have regressed back to my childhood!

[nicsonian]

The iPhone is definitely the better looking of the two, but I rate the N97. Tough decision and the Nokia gets it for me!