So clearly we can all tell by the name that the N97 mini is actually smaller than the original N97. But seriously, how small is it? If you can’t get your hands on a dummy device at a retail shop (assuming you’re too lazy to go there and check it out) I’ll help you out and try to show you the differences in the next few lines.
Stuttgart, September 2009, Nokia World announces the introduction of the N97’s “mini-me” – a shrunken replica of Nokia’s latest Symbian flagship. What we knew about it back then was that it had a weird color which would appeal to fashionistas, a smaller screen and memory, and a slightly tweaked keyboard. Holding it now in my hand and looking at it, those are still the first things that come to mind. But just because it’s a smaller version of the N97 doesn’t mean it shall be treated as a lesser handset. Never. The N97 mini will get its share of fame on this site as I open up the first part of my review with the usual “first impressions” piece.
Two new themes from the Master Themer Tehk 7 have surfaced this past week, both of which look amazing on the N97. The two themes are inspired from other devices, the first being the HTC Hero and the second none other than Nokia’s own upcoming N900.
Many have asked for this and here it is: the E72's Optical Navi Key in action, on video, showing some real smooth and fast scrolling.
Reminder: I'm still using the prototype which I've got over a month ago, so I'm not sure if the final version of the device will be similar. The Navi Key might become more/less sensitive and more accurate on the final version.
I've criticized it at times because I never found it to be useful (or accurate) within the main menu. However, within the browser, it can come in pretty handy. As you might notice in the video, you can scroll anywhere you want using it (up, down, diagonal...) or you can use the normal d-pad (using the 4-way arrows) but you end up touching it often when you do that. So I suppose it should either be turned on or off, depending on your usage. Let's hope Nokia adds a keyboard shortcut for it. If not, some 3rd party app will!
Remember when we used to call each other holding a mobile phone sideways? Remember when everyone used to laugh at us when we used that phone? Yes, those were the innovation and convergence days indeed. It was like talking through a Gameboy or a PSP. You're right, we're talking about the N-Gage and N-Gage QD devices that Nokia released between 2003 and 2004, before taking them down for good. Why? I'll leave that up to you to decide.
