Nokia N78 Hits U.S. Market

U.S. consumers can now get their hands on Nokia (NYSE: NOK)'s N78, a sleek smartphone that packs heavy multimedia functions.

The handset, which is the latest in the company's Nseries, also has features that make it attractive for the mobile professional. Users can browse the Internet and check e-mail with the integrated Wi-Fi, or use 3G networks. The N78 is HSDPA capable, so users can potentially get 3.6-Mbps downlink speed while using mobile Internet access.

The keypad may be an issue for some users, as the Nokia N78 lacks a QWERTY keyboard or a traditional dial pad. Instead, the N78 has four raised keys for input, and that may take some time to get used to.

The smartphone packs a 3.2-megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics and flash. The camera is capable of recording video at 15 frames per second, as well as doing video calls. Photos can be uploaded over the air, edited on the device, and the built-in assisted GPS allows users to geo-tag pictures.

The smartphone also has a plenty of options for music lovers. A microSD slot lets users hold up to 8 GB of music that can be played on the multimedia player. The device is capable of stereo Bluetooth, and it also has an FM transmitter that allows users to send music from the device to a car stereo.

The device runs on the Symbian operating system, using S60 3rd Edition, Feature Pack 2. It also features the company's Ovi service, an Internet service platform that lets customers access social networks, communities, and content from the mobile phone.

Nokia's handset has a 2.4-inch screen, capable of 16 million colors, and it measures 4.4 by 1.9 by 0.6 inches. The N78 is now available unlocked for about $560 at Nokia's flagship stores in Chicago and New York, as well as various online retailers.

source : http://www.informationweek.com/