Nokia Slider A Can-Do Phone

The Nokia N85 is a slider phone packed with features despite its small profile. It can play store the latest games from Nokia, play your music, display websites in seconds, and can be your personal navigator when you are lost.

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The N85 follows the same dual-slider concept as the N95 except it sports rounded edges and is made out of hard plastic. The shortcut keys, call and end call buttons, clear button, main menu button, five-way navigation keys, as well as a shortcut button are found right below the screen. The power button, micro-USB port, and 3.5mm audio jack are found on top of the unit, making it easy for users to listen to tunes using their favourite set of ‘phones.

A camera hotkey, keypad lock switch, and volume keys are found on the right, while the microSD memory card slot is found on the opposite side. Nokia has included an 8GB microSDHC card with the package, but users can increase the capacity if they want to. The camera sensor at the back of the phone is protected by a cover,

Sliding open the unit reveals a flat keypad that may be hard for ‘touch texters’ but is responsive nonetheless. The multimedia keys (play/pause, stop, previous, and next) can be accessed by sliding the phone downwards, which in effect, will change the unit’s orientation from portrait to landscape.

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Besides being HSDPA-enabled, the N85 also comes with Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. It also comes with a built-in GPS function, with Nokia providing three months free use of its Mapping software.

The 2.6-inch OLED screen is bright and will not suck as much juice compared to other handsets.

The main menu consists of nine icons: Contacts, Messaging, Maps, Music, Photos, Video Centre, Search, Web, Games, Tools, Applications, and Download. If you have been using a Nokia phone, browsing through the main and sub menus will be like a walk in the park. Non-Nokia users will find the phone easy to use as well, thanks to its easy interface. The main screen displays useful programs such as the Contacts, Text Message, Web Browser, Calendar, Bluetooth, and Maps, upcoming appointments, WLAN scanner, and content sharing function.

Audio quality during calls was clean and lag-free, with the loudspeaker being loud enough for hands-free usage. In addition, the Bluetooth did not have problems pairing with our headset.

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The camera function is automatically launched as soon as the cover is slid open. The interface is simple, with settings like scene modes, flash, timer, and sequence mode easily accessible. The picture quality of the 5-megapixel sensor is just as good as the N95. The LED flash is sufficient at taking night shots, although subjects can get really white at times.

Since the N85 comes with a built-in 3.5mm jack and a set of dedicated music buttons, users can instantly transform the handset into a portable music player. The 8GB microSDHC card can hold quite a number of audio (compatible with .mp3, .wma, .aac, eAAC, eAAC+) and video (.mp4, .3gp; codecs: H.263, H.264) files, which is good for users who want to have access to their favourite files anytime. In addition, Nokia has also included an FM transmitter, allowing you to play music wirelessly through a car radio.

The unit lasted for two days before going flat. Nokia claims that the N85 has a maximum talk time of 6.9 hours and a standby time of 363 hours.

Overall, the Nokia N85 is a good unit that comes jam-packed with features. It is an HSDPA and Wi-Fi-enabled device that provides fast broadband, a music player and gaming device for users on the go, and a great camera phone for taking impromptu shots. If you like the N95, then this phone is definitely for you. It is available now for $919.

See page over for specifications and pricing.

Nokia N85 Product Specifications

Size
-Form: Two-way slider

Display and 3D
– Size: 2.6″
– Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA)
– Up to 16.7 million colors
– Active Matrix OLED technology

Additonal display information
– Brightness control
– Orientation sensor
– Ambient light detector

Keys and input method
– Numeric keypad Cover keys (S60 keys, Multimedia key, Send/end keys) Short slide keys (media control/zoom/gaming) Navi wheel
– Dedicated media/zoom/game keys
– Dedicated camera and volume keysCover keys
– Multimedia key
– Navi Wheel
– Voice commands
– Intelligent key illumination

Connectors
– Micro-USB connector with mass storage class support, High-Speed USB 2.0
– 3.5 mm AV connector
Power
– BL-5K 1200 mAh Li-Ion battery
– Talk time (maximum): GSM 6.9 h, WCDMA 4.5 h, VoIP 6 h
– Standby time (maximum): GSM 363 h, WCDMA 363 h, WLAN 172 h

Memory
– microSD memory card slot, hot swappable, max. 8 GB
– 74 MB internal dynamic memory

Dimensions: 103x50x16.0mm
Weight: 128 g

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Nokia N85 | $919 |  | www.nokia.com.au

For: Wi-Fi, HSDPA, Bluetooth, and GPS included; Dual slide; Form Factor; Easy to use; 3.5mm jack; Dedicated audio function; FM Transmitter; Good camera sensor
Against: Flat keys are sometimes hard to press; Piano black finish prone to smudges.
Conclusion: A solid phone that comes with everything