Samsung Omnia arriving in Oz

• For those who like touchscreen
• For those who like Windows Mobiles (&/or Samsung’s TouchWIZ)
• For those who like anything non-Apple

… the Samsung Omnia might be a strong contender for your next smartphone.

With it’s large touchscreen, on-screen QWERTY, full internet browser, 5Mp camera with LED flash, 24Gb with expandable memory - amongst loads of other features.

Samsung Omnia Review

Now, whilst we haven’t had the chance to play with this baby, it’s already creating a stir.  In June of this year, CNET dubbed it (perhaps pre-emptively) “the iPhone killer”, but of course, many make that statement - and all manufacturers are vying for that position.

If you want to see the menu’s and a litte about how it works, check out CNET’s video review:

Con’s?

• Bad battery life (just like the iPhone and many other smartphones)
• No 3.5mm jack input.  What the?

Reviews can be found online at the usual sites:

• CNET
• Good Gear Guide

Check out phone plans

Virgin Mobile haven’t got the Samsung Omnia in as yet (as at time of writing), but you can be sure their plans will be competitive once they do.

Check them out yourself!

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Check out the Nokia N96 review

Overview

The N96 has all the same features of the N95 and N95 8Gb like the outstanding camera, HSDPA, Wi-Fi, GPS (A-GPS).

The N96’s major technical advancement is mobile TV. Not able to be used in Australia is a bit of a sore point, considering the catchphrase is “designed for video and TV entertainment”.

However, Nokia Nseries fans, if it’s almost time for you to upgrade, you probably couldn’t go wrong with the N96.  But maybe wait a while for the price to come down - or it’s included in a good deal from your service provider.

Features:

• 16Gb internal, now MicroSD expanadable which many found lacking on the N95 8Gb
• 5Mp camera with dual LED flash and video light
• Accelerometer with dual slide for multi-media access
• MP3 player supports album art and playlist sharing
• DVB-H TV (mobile TV) [see pros and cons]
• Discreet rear kick stand for watching TV or videos

Pros:

• Bright, sharp display
• Still a kick @rse camera (arguably the best on a mobile phone?)
• The kick stand to benefit from mobile TV and the partnership Nokia struck with BBC*
• The expandable memory - for those who want to carry hours of videos and music and take many many photos

*Buy the Nokia N96 and you get to chose one of four full BBC television series to download; Little Britain,  Yes Minister, Walking with Dinosaurs or The Catherine Tate Show. 

When asked to comment, Catherine Tate said: “Am I bo’vered, does this face look bo’vered?”

Cons:

• Totally flat keyboard (I struggled already with the N95 for texting, this will be harder)
• Although a little slimmer, still quite a “chunky monkey”
• DVB-H TV compatibility - in Australia we can’t yet take advantage of “free to air”  mobile TV
• Accelerometer, menus and processing lags a little still
• Big $$$

Where to Buy

Check out Virgin Mobile’s great plans:

Check before buying

Full specs: Nokia N96

There’s reports the phone won’t operate on Telstra’s NextG 850MHz HSDPA band.  Not being a NextG customer, we’re unable to confirm.

Where to find other Nokia N96 reviews

• CNET mobile phone reviews
• Good Gear Guide

Video Review

NOW.  Read up, have a play in store - and get negotiating for the best deal!