GADGET WATCH: Nokia N9

Nokia has been in a lot of trouble lately, but the industry is largely waiting for the company to start pumping out the first Windows Phone devices it promised earlier in the year. Until then, however, we have the Nokia N9.

While nowhere near as popular as the iPhone or some Android models like the Nexus, the N9 may present itself as a viable alternative for users who don’t care as much about speed or power. But what do the reviewers say?

Hardware and features

The Nokia N9 features a 3.9 inch Gorilla Glass display, using multi-touch, while the device itself features proximity and accelerometer sensors.

The N9 uses the MeeGo operating system, powered by a 1Ghz processor. Models come in both 16GB and 64GB models, and 1GB of RAM. WiFi connectivity is included as well, along with AD2P Bluetooth and a Micro USB port.

The device also comes with an 8MB camera, a dual LED flash, and only weighs 135 grams. The N9 also features a MicroSIM slot, digital compass, TV-out, and comes with NFC capabilities as well.

What’s the consensus?

There’s plenty to like about the N9. PC World points out that with Nokia focusing on simplicity here, there isn’t much to learn about navigating around.

“Although it has a learning curve if you’re coming from an iPhone or Android smartphone, the user experience of the N9 feels natural. Swiping from edge-to-edge to unlock the screen, go back to the default home screen or see important notifications is effortless and easy.”

The publication writes that whenever you are using an app, you just swipe to get back to the home screen, a gesture that it says becomes second nature after awhile. It also praised the simplicity of just using three home views, but said it can bog the speed down a little.

Over at TechRadar, reviewers praised the responsiveness of the device, but also said the web browser wasn’t as fast as they hoped it might be. However, to make up for that failure it noted the text messaging app as “a sight for sore eyes”, and said the graphics chip is really working well.

“There’s no HDMI-out port on the N9 though, so we’re not expecting a strong push on HD video from Nokia with this model,” it says.

At Gizmodo, it writes that despite some good features, the phone is a little frustrating to use. While it praises the multitasking, and the speedy nature of the device along with the good quality camera, it says the prospective lifespan of the device is cut short.

“MeeGo runs like a greased weasel on the hardware, but the app offering is meagre, and with Nokia’s focus rather solidly being on Windows Phone 7, it’s a handset with a limited shelf life if you want a smartphone that’ll go beyond that core smartphone experience. “

“If your wants are limited and you’re after an excellent looking phone it’s a fair buy, although clearly Nokia’s going to have an uphill battle convincing the mass market to buy the N9 rather than the equally consumer-friendly iPhone 4S.”

Who’s it for?

There are plenty of things to like about the N9, but how much you like it depends on your expectations. If you want a fast, powerful phone that does everything for you and has access to all the latest apps, then you definitely want to stay away.

But if you don’t really care about downloading apps, only need your phone to do some basic tasks, but still want to make the most of media and web browsing, then the Nokia N9 is definitely worth a look.