Until recent years this was the most popular train of thought; Nokia lead the way in the development of smaller, smarter, better handsets – not to mention the advent of mobile games with the introduction of 'snake'. Say 'mobile phone' in 2010 however, and you're likely to hear 'iPhone'. You only have to take a fifteen minute train journey to become aware of the number of people who are touch screen texting, playing with their latest application download, surfing the web, or listening to their latest music download.
Perhaps not surprisingly, Nokia have developed a handset to contend with the Apple sensation; the N900 smartphone definitely rings of "anything you can do I can do better". The combination of a 3.5" high resolution touch screen, plus a backlit 3-row keyboard sliding out smoothly from the handsets slim line profile can't fail but to please any discerning user.
Usability isn't the only thing the N900 has going for it though, packed with features and user customisable settings, you can really make this phone your own. The 5 megapixel camera photographs with a 3x digital zoom and records video at up to 848x840 pixels, there is even talk of the software being developed for compatibility with video calling.
A micro USB port enables synchronisation with Microsoft Outlook and USB battery charging, whilst the Bluetooth capabilities not only allow device pairing but mean the handset can receive FM radio; it's not just the built in media player to benefit from the dual stereo speakers.
Taking smartphone in its most literal sense, the handset has a tri-axis accelerometer with proximity sensor: not only does the screen switch between portrait and landscape depending on its orientation, but the touch screen automatically disables as the handset is brought close to the ear when making/receiving a call.
Despite its host of applications, built in features, WIFI and 3G capabilities, the N900 still boasts around 9 hours of talk time and 5 hours with 3G. Nokia striving for "one full day of usage" is something every smartphone user is guaranteed to appreciate. For great mobile phone deals on the latest Nokia, visit your local retailer.