Nokia’s N97 Smartphone Enters the Mobile Phone Fray

Most of the mobile phone talk in 2009 has seemed to center around two gadgets:  Apple's new release, the iPhone 3GS, and Palm's impressive Pre.  But Nokia has decided that it's time to enter the fray, releasing the N97 Smartphone, billing it as "the world's most advanced mobile computer," which actually might serve as a better description than the lowly title of "mobile phone."  But how exactly does the Smartphone stack up against the competition?

New Features for Nokia

Nokia is looking to assert itself as a cutting-edge personal technology company with a myriad of new features that rival those on the Pre or the 3GS.  E-mail, a touchscreen, games, a video camera, long battery life (you can talk for some nine hours straight), a slide-out keyboard, maps, and integrated GPS all give you your fix of modern technology so that you don't feel you're missing anything from Palm or Apple.  Oh, and there's a phone somewhere in there, too.

Even equipped with a built-in FM radio, with a N97 Smartphone in hand you won't exactly feel like the kid with the PlayStation 2.  But what exactly separates the Smartphone from its competition, if anything?

A Western-Style Mobile Phone Standoff

As you peruse the new Nokia's features, you'll probably wonder what exactly is the reason you might want to buy one over a Pre or an iPhone 3GS.  There are a few standouts.  A large storage capacity (some 32G's) is great for storing photography if you're a frequent Facebook publisher and for downloading all the music you like.

The Nokia N97 is expensive at $699, but that's to be expected for what is essentially the first gadget in its own generation.  The added storage space is also useful to people who feel limited by their less-expensive iPhone counterparts.

Which one is right for you?  Only you, the consumer, can say, but the Nokia N97 smartphone is worth a look if you've been considering either a Palm Pre or an iPhone.  If you aren't quite ready to make the big purchase yet, you might consider holding off until the price comes down.