Good phone if its what you're lookig for (Nokia N95 8 GB)

Member Name: simpo

Product:	Nokia N95 8 GB
Date:	20/07/09 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good all-rounder, not great at many things but good at a lot of things

Disadvantages: No charge on USB, no iPlayer, few apps

This was my first 'Internet Phone' and I did a lot of research before buying it. It was difficult to weigh the various features of all the competing mobiles but in the end this came-out on-top.

My criteria was: Large-enough screen to make web-browsing usable, keypad (touch-screen is cool but a pain when texting), reasonable battery life, camera, good calendar/to-do, email, downloadable applications, and a reasonable price.

The screen is certainly large enough for most web browsing. It isn't as large as some models but it actually fits into you pocket without it being bulky.

The keypad is responsive and easy to use. I found my texting speed more than doubled after getting this phone. It also makes emailing just passable; although, it's no Blackberry. The Nokia predictive text seems to be quicker and more usable than competing varieties.

Most of the reviews I'd read prior to buying, lambasted the battery life. After a quizzing some friends who'd also bought the phone, I found that they had no problem. My experience has been that it normally lasts me around 48hours after a full charge. If you are intensive with Wifi and especially the GPS then it drains quickly. A car charger is definitely a good buy.

The calendar/todo are a good middle of the range option (again it isn't a blackberry). I've also, manged to get it syncing with my Google calendar (through another service).

The phone will not replace a good SatNav system as the screen is just too small for in-car use. I have found that Google Maps have got me out of trouble a few times though. Be warned Google Maps will require a GPS signal and 3G; no good in remote areas and a drain on battery life. Good for walking around unfamiliar town centres though.

The camera is 5M and takes good quick snaps. In my experience, it won't replace a good digital camera.

I already had an Ipod, so the MP3 was just a nice extra. Having said that, I have used it as my main player when I wanted to travel light. The quality of speakers were a big surprise. Although, you'd normally plug headphones in, I have used it without a few times and it is less tinny than one would expect.

Another surprise was the 3G modem that you can use via USB. Don't let the phone company sell you a plug in modem as this phone has one built-in. I've used it many times on various laptops.

The interface is easy to use and I've no had trouble guessing my way around menus. It just works, without having to carry the manual with you.

The phone downloads my emails every half-hour and gives me a little beep when I have new one. I spend far less time checking for new mail these days. The only issue is that email works for about 3 months then suddenly it'll stop. In order to fix this I have to delete the account (on the phone) and re-configure it. I'm not sure if this is an N95 issue or a GMail one. it isn't any of the obvious things, like running out of memory.

The most annoying omission hast be the lack of charge-on-usb. I just assumed, if it was plugged into the computer that it would charge; NO! You can buy a USB charger but that is an extra expense and it won't sync at the same time.

Another irritation, is the lack of BBC iPlayer for this model; still you can't blame Nokia for that.

Also, unless you use the default profile the date disappears of the homepage; most annoying.

My final criteria was downloadable Apps. Whatever Nokia try to tell us, it isn't the iPhone; for whatever reason the range of software for this phone is lacking compared to other phones. However, it dose have enough quality applications to make to a good buy.

In conclusion: The phone is a good all-rounder; An MP3 player that is probably good enough to replace your current one; a camera that is good but won't replace your digital; a GPS that is good enough to get you out of a fix but not to replace your SatNav; a radio that is okay; a mobile web browser that gets you the info you need when you need it; and lastly, you can make phone calls on it too!

Summary: Depending on your critera this a a good phone and it helps those who want to travel light

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