Nokia's N78 and N96 get handled ahead of release

One of the biggest concerns about the Nokia N78 as soon as folks laid eyes on the press shots was the funny looking numeric keypad -- a fair concern, considering that the keypad's probably the single most used item on the phone. We still haven't spent enough time with an N78 to put those concerns to rest ourselves, but PhoneReport seemingly has, and they offer this lukewarm reassurance: "it isn't as bad as it looks." We'll still reserve judgment until we've pounded out a few digits on our own time, but if nothing else, it looks like the hidden, illuminated button legends are every bit as cool as they should be. The site was also delighted with all the splendors that S60 3rd Edition FP2 has to offer, marveling at the visual transitions and improved messaging client. They managed to score an N96, too, but it seemed like the software build was a bit too buggy to draw any conclusions beyond what mobile-review already had; we wouldn't freak out there just yet, considering that the N78 is expected to launch well ahead of it.

[Via All About Symbian]

[(Unverified) Posted May 18th 2008 4:28PM]

We also had a N82 Black, but there wasn't really anything to examine besides the colour :)

[Robinator Posted May 18th 2008 11:03PM]

I think the new releases are a little disappointing from Nokia. The N96 isn't really a big jump over the N95 (similar form factor, features and fucntionality). This when compared to the competition - LG, Samsung, HTC and of course Apple (i.e. slim form factor, advanced GUI's, touch screen etc etc.).

Don't get me wrong, I like Nokia . . . but they just seem to be lagging a bit of late

[(Unverified) Posted May 19th 2008 4:10AM]

Man that is one cramped keypad. I think an asian midget would have a hard time texting on that thing. And what the hell is the point in putting the back and clear buttons on either side of the keypad, which lead to this cramped layout in the first place? You mean that's the best place they could find to place them? I think those Nokia engineers must be hitting the bottle pretty frequently these days.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 2nd 2008 5:43AM]

Hi! If anyone's interested in a fully detailed N78 review, then go check ou http://mobilearsenal.com/review/nokia_n78_for_a_suv/bevezeto.html