iPhone!

This is the coolest thing since sliced bread!

Well, I'm back to uing my old Treo again...

Its still pretty flakey but the music at least plays reliably. The search continues. Ah well...

Well, so much for that...

The 5800 is on its way back to Nokia. The updated ROM apparently corrupted the music player software. While I'm still in the return period, I'm bailing out. Shame too. Nokia has some terrific designs but their quality control just isn't there in my opinion. Back to the old clunker for the time being.

Just updated the firmware on the 5800.

Very easy to do. Phone seems snappier with the new ROM. I have also discovered some of the themes that are available. It is possible to change the appearance of the interface quite dramatically.

Just tried the radio out on the 5800.

Nothing super fancy but it does work quite well. The digital station scan picked up the local FM stations quickly and the reception was good. Useful.

Another Nokia 5800 update

Youtube videos work really well over a wifi connection in the Nokia browser. I haven't figured out how to watch hulu on it yet though.

I also tried out the gps for the first time today. It took about 30 seconds to find the satellite but it did work. Pretty impressive for a phone at this price.

Some folks have speculated that the 5800 is an iphone killer/competitor. I wouldn't go that far but at half the iphone's price (unlocked with no contract) it is a very good deal.

I should also mention another thing I appreciate about the 5800. The call quality is excellent. It sounds much more clear than any of my Treos ever did.

More on the 5800-pictured in a Nokia 5800 case

I can play Doom on this phone. Good stuff.

With that thought in mind, there does seem to be a fair amount of third party software available for s60 ver. 5. I don't think I will miss Windows Mobile all that much.

Incidentally, the case seen above is a Nokia branded model for this phone. Oddly, the NYC Nokia store didn't have it but RCS on Madison did. The case generally fits well except that the flap does not lie flat when closed by the velcro. The leather is quite soft however and I expect that it will eventually flatten out.

This case has the advantage of protecting the 5800's touch screen, a concern of mine. When used, the flap can be folded over the back to get it out of the way. The one issue I have with this case is the lack of a belt clip. There is a cut-out to allow both the stock lanyard and a beefier model included with the case to be used though. That being said, the 5800 is so slim and light that, even in the case, it is still pocketable. I'm pretty happy with this combo overall.

The Nokia 5800

So far, I'm very impressed. The full size on screen keyboard is very Apple-like and the wifi is working beautifully. Additionally, it works with my T-Mobile pre-paid sim card giving me a terrific little smartphone for $100/yr (the 1000 minutes that T-Mobile gives you for that price don't expire for a year. That's actually enough for me).

The phone itself ran me $219 on Dell.com after a $50 rebate. That struck me as a good deal for a new, contract-free unlocked smartphone.

The screen on the 5800 deserves special praise. It is very bright and clear and it's resolution is excellent.