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Nokia

Nokia N900

November 2009 7/10 Rating
In brief: The Nokia N900 was a groundbreaking smartphone released in November 2009, notable for running the Linux-based Maemo 5 operating system. It combined mobile internet device capabilities with telephony, featuring a resistive touchscreen and a slide-out QWERTY keyboard. Positioned as more of a mobile computer than a traditional phone, it offered advanced multitasking and a highly customizable environment.
Display3.5-inch WVGA resistive touchscreen
ChipsetTI OMAP 3430 with 600 MHz Cortex-A8 CPU
Main Camera5 MP with Carl Zeiss optics and Dual-LED flash
BatteryRemovable 1320 mAh Li-Ion
Starting from $83 in International

💰 Nokia N900 Price in United States

The international price (India, USA, UK & most other countries) is around $83, based on current retailer listings.

⚖ Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Linux-based Maemo OS with powerful features
  • Excellent web browser with Flash support
  • True multitasking capabilities
  • Physical slide-out QWERTY keyboard
  • Highly customizable and 'hackable' for developers
  • Good voice quality
  • Integrated GPS with Ovi Maps
  • Stereo speakers and FM transmitter

Cons

  • Resistive touchscreen, less responsive than capacitive
  • Bulky and heavy for a smartphone
  • Battery life was a weak point, especially with heavy use
  • Limited app ecosystem compared to iOS/Android at the time
  • Maemo interface could be confusing for new users
  • Camera performance could be inconsistent despite Carl Zeiss optics
  • Most applications ran only in landscape mode
★ Our Verdict

The Nokia N900 was a highly innovative device for its time, offering a powerful Linux-based OS and true multitasking, but its resistive screen, bulky design, and limited battery life held it back from broader appeal.

The Nokia N900 is a classic device, primarily appealing to collectors, Linux enthusiasts, or those nostalgic for Nokia's experimental era. As a daily driver in today's smartphone landscape, it is severely outdated due to its resistive touchscreen, limited app availability, and 3G-only connectivity. If you're considering purchasing one, understand that it's more of a historical curiosity or a project device for tinkering with Maemo or other Linux distributions. Expect to pay a premium for well-preserved or new-old-stock units, but be aware that battery degradation is common in older devices. Modern security and app compatibility will be non-existent, so it's not suitable for contemporary communication or internet use.

📦 In The Box & Warranty

  • Nokia N900 handset
  • Nokia BL-5J 1320 mAh Battery
  • Nokia High-Efficiency Charger (AC-10U)
  • Nokia Stereo Headset (WH-205)
  • Nokia Video-out Cable (CA-75U)
  • USB Data Cable

Warranty information was typically included in the product manual at the time of purchase.

❓ Questions & Answers

What operating system does the Nokia N900 use?

The Nokia N900 runs on Maemo 5, a Linux-based operating system developed by Nokia.

Does the Nokia N900 have a physical keyboard?

Yes, the Nokia N900 features a slide-out, three-row QWERTY physical keyboard.

When was the Nokia N900 released?

The Nokia N900 was officially released in November 2009.

Can the Nokia N900 run modern apps?

No, the Nokia N900's Maemo 5 operating system is outdated and cannot run modern smartphone applications from current app stores.

What kind of camera does the Nokia N900 have?

It features a 5-megapixel main camera with Carl Zeiss optics and a dual-LED flash, capable of recording video at 848x480 pixels.

Is the Nokia N900 still practical to use today?

While innovative for its time, the Nokia N900 is not practical for daily use today due to its outdated software, resistive touchscreen, limited app ecosystem, and 3G-only connectivity.