WEBMASTER GROUP

Integrated GPS, Flash 9, and a built-in keyboard elevate Nokia’s Internet tablet beyond niche status.

Once considered attractive only to Linux geeks, Nokia’s latest Internet Tablet has the potential to be a formidable competitor to both the iPhone and Ultra-Mobile PCs. It’s more open to third-party apps than the former and much more affordable than the latter. The N810’s most notable improvements include integrated GPS functionality, a full Web-browsing experience (complete with Ajax and Adobe Flash 9 support) and a slimmed-down metal design with a slide-down keyboard. At $479, the price is still a bit steep for the masses, but based on our week with a preproduction device, we think many more consumers will be interested in this machine than in previous models.
The silvery N810 certainly feels more solid and looks more modern than the N800. At eight ounces, it’s actually heavier than its predecessor (7.2 ounces) but only a tad thicker (0.55 inches versus 0.51 inches). Our favorite hardware upgrade is the keyboard, which while flat offers decent tactile feedback for instant messaging, e-mail, and entering Web addresses. A D-pad to the right of the layout makes navigating menus pretty simple, and you can always use your finger or the included stylus on the touchscreen.

Feature-wise, the N810 is pretty jam-packed. You get an integrated VGA webcam and microphone for Internet calling, via the built-in Skype and Gizmo Project applications. According to Nokia, video calling will be available only through the Gizmo client. With its 4.1-inch widescreen display, the N810 aims to be your multimedia device. The 800 x 480-pixel screen has also been improved for outdoor viewing. Built-in stereo speakers are great for rocking out to Pandora or to your own audio tracks loaded on a memory card. (Nokia says you’ll be able to add up to 10GB.) Overall, the interface and controls could be more intuitive, but the learning curve is pretty short.

Web browsing was quick over the N810’s Wi-Fi connection using the Mozilla-based browser, and because this device is optimized for Web 2.0 sites, we had no problem checking out the latest YouTube videos and updating our Facebook page. Wi-Fi connectivity on the go is available from Boingo Wireless and EarthLink, but we also look forward to testing Bluetooth dialup networking with a cell phone once we get a final unit in to test.

Those looking for a co-pilot will appreciate the N810’s integrated GPS receiver. We didn’t have a chance to play with Wayfinder’s spoken turn-by-turn directions, which cost extra, but we like that maps are preloaded free and that you can look up nearby points of interest easily by circling your location with a D-pad. The optional voice-guided navigation is pretty affordable; the best package is $3.20 per month if you sign up for a 36-month subscription. Other plans for Wayfinder’s voice navigation range from a steep $10.60 per week to a one-year subscription at $8.30 per month.

Because the N810 runs on the maemo Linux-based platform, this device can be personalized easily. Plus, Nokia hopes to open up this Internet Tablet to commercial developers through Forum Nokia, just as the company has done with the Series 60 platform. So while hackers can have at it just like before, users should expect more polished commercial applications to be introduced as well.

Our biggest beef at this stage is the lack of stereo Bluetooth; however, the tablet supports Bluetooth 2.0 for synching with your mobile phone or headset. We’d also like to see an accessory or dock that allows users to output the N810’s display to a bigger monitor. Otherwise, this gadget should be a hit with early adopters who want Web 2.0 in their pocket–without a contract. The N810 will be begin shipping in the second week in November and will retail for $479. Stay tuned for a full review.

Price: $479
Info: www.nokia.com