Sunday, December 14, 2008

Review: Nokia N810 | Introduction

Mobile Internet is gradually becoming more important. The number of people using their mobile phone to find information about the weather/traffic, or to send and receive emails, is growing by the day. Nokia meet the demand for multimedia devices with their N-series. The handsets belonging to these series are perfectly suitable for Internet access, making video calls, navigation and many more functions. Generally, surfing the Internet on a small device such as a mobile phone works fairly well, however, if you frequently use the Internet, you do notice the lack of a full keyboard and touchscreen on the Nokia phones. Nokia aims at a different target group with the Internet Tablet. The device may be considered a small notebook that enables you to use the Internet and email functions. Making calls is possible only through Skype.

First impression with the Nokia N810 tablet
The Nokia N810 Internet Tablet comes in a simple package with a picture of the device displayed on it. Furthermore; the type name is clearly mentioned all around the package. Inside it, there are several layers; the top layer shows a picture with an opening in which the Nokia N810 is visible, presenting its full QWERTY keyboard. At the bottom you will find a box with more accessories. Nokia standard deliver a car holder, a pouch, a battery charger, a connectivity cable, a headset, two stylus pens and instruction manuals. You might say it's a fully delivered device.

Nokia N810 Internet tablet touchscreen
The Nokia N810 features a large 4.1 inch (480x800) wide touchscreen which can be operated with your finger as well as the included stylus pens. The stylus pen comes in handy when dealing with somewhat more precise operations, such as dragging a file or changing a file name. It's easier to work with more precisely, compared to working with your finger, in which case you might just miss the right spot. The touchscreen responses very fast which ensures a user-friendly operation of the Nokia N810. Additionally, a slide button is placed on the top side of the device to lock both the keys and the touchscreen. Very convenient, as it prevents unintentional changing or deleting of items.

Placing applets on your start screen
When the device is closed, it leaves only the monitor visible. Furthermore, the topside of the Nokia N810 carries a number of buttons; a button to lock the screen, a button to turn the device on and off, the volume buttons and a button to change to full screen. When the Nokia N810 is activated, a certain type of start screen becomes visible, which is comparable to the desktop on a regular pc. This start screen lets you place Applets at your own preference. These Applets are so called quick links that link, for example, directly to a Web page or a function in the menu. Some Applets are standard added to the start screen. There is one with information, whilst the 'get started' Applet and Google are also available and have their own spot on a 'search bar'.

Nokia N810 menu
Alongside the start screen three more buttons are positioned. Two quick buttons for the Internet and Communication, and the menu button. The menu is divided in six groups. In 'my selection' you will find a number of quick buttons, furthermore there is Internet, communication, help programs and extras. One click will suffice, but in order to open files you have to double click. At the bottom left, a status bar shows the programs that are open at that moment. The bar lets you easily switch between the open programs. The menu is clear and straightforward, which makes working with the Nokia N810 a piece of cake. The menu structure resembles that of a computer rather than that of a mobile phone.

Handwriting recognition with learning function
Besides the full QWERTY keyboard of the Nokia N810, you can also select a different method to insert text. There is a small keyboard on the touchscreen available that can be enlarged to your own preference for operation with your finger, or made smaller for operation with the stylus pen. The device also offers handwriting recognition. Handwriting recognition is standard installed and most characters are recognized immediately. If you happen to have your own way of writing certain characters, then that's not a problem, as the Nokia N810 offers a learning function that lets you insert your own entry per character. After adjusting all to your own preference, handwriting recognition is an extremely pleasant function. The various possibilities to insert text offer sufficient variety for every person.
Mozilla Internet browser
Mozilla Web browser is installed for convenient surfing of the Internet. Thanks to the large screen of the Nokia N810 it is easy to surf the Internet. At times it is more convenient to work with the stylus pen than your finger, for example when scrolling through a Web page or clicking a link or entry field. It is also possible to zoom in, but this does mean a considerably smaller part of the Web page will be visible, which makes you having to scroll considerably more. You need a Wi-Fi connection besides the Web browser to be able to have access to the Internet. If you have a wireless Internet connection at your disposal at home, it offers the solution. However, nowadays we find so-called hotspots that offer wireless Internet connections in hotels or restaurants, which is convenient when travelling. When you open the Web browser, a search for available Wi-Fi networks in the area will start. If a network key has been entered in an earlier stage or if a connection has been made with an unsecured network before, this fact will be recognized and connection will be established immediately.
Built-in media player
Music & Video
The Nokia N810 features a built-in media player for effortlessly playing music and video files. It's when watching video files that the large bright screen is used to its full advantage. It's possible to play videos on full screen. The only pity is that DivX-formats cannot be played. The built-in loud speaker delivers a good quality sound and is able to produce some loud music!

Built-in webcam
Skype & Gizmo
Since the Nokia N810 doesn't use a SIM card it's not possible to make regular phone calls. However, Voice over IP (VoIP) is enabled which means calling via the Internet. There are two programs available for making this type of calls: Gizmo and Skype. When you turn on the built-in VGA camera that serves as a webcam the person you're calling can not only hear you but also see you. The Nokia N810 is very much able to make calls through VoIP. It's easier to walk around with a device this size than your notebook.

Nokia navigation
GPS receiver
The Nokia N810 standard includes a form of Nokia Maps, comparable to a street-guide. If you actually want to use the Nokia N810 as a navigation system with the aid of these maps and the built-in GPS receiver, you have to purchase a licence for the Wayfinder application. This licence will also offer spoken navigation on the Nokia N810. There are various licences available, for example; the licence for the whole of Western Europe costs 90 Euros for one year. The screen and built-in loud speaker serve well for navigating.

Nokia N810 memory
The Nokia N810 offers 2GB of internal memory. About one third of the internal memory is reserved for navigation software, which leaves you sufficient memory to store your music, videos and pictures. If the internal memory does not suffice, you can enhance it with a miniSD memory card. The Nokia N810 supports memory cards up to 8GB and in the future higher storage capacities will be supported automatically or through an update.

Nokia N810 battery
Nokia include a 3.7 Volt 1500mAh battery type BP-4L with the N810 Internet Tablet. This battery offers an extensive standby time. Compared to a mobile phone, the Nokia N810 should have a longer standby time, since the battery is less burdened because of the lack of a call function. When you use the Nokia N810 every now and then to surf the Internet or to listen to music, the battery will last a couple of days. If you have to work intensively with the Nokia N810 or if you don't have the possibility to recharge the battery, you'd better purchase an extra one.

Nokia N810 data transfer
To transfer data to and from the Nokia N810, Bluetooth is available, as well as an included data cable. The data cable does not require installing software, which ensures a direct and fast data transfer. You can therefore also use the Nokia N810 to store files from the computer in order to take them with you.

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