Nokia N81 8GB Revisited
I’ve already reviewed the Nokia N81 8GB a while back, answering questions and covering the camera, gaming, music, podcasting, build quality, and a wrapup. However, I received another one from Nokia Blogger Relations, and I wanted to post some updated thoughts on the device here. Originally, I knicked the device for piss-poor build quality, a sucky camera, and, well, I think that was about it.
First and foremost, the N81 8GB that I received from Nokia Blogger Relations is built just as good as the one I played with in London. That means it doesn’t creak - period. I’ve tried and tried, and I can’t get this one to make a peep! If you shake it violently, you’ll still hear something in there, but my personal theory is that’s the ball bearings used in the slide, and thus it doesn’t bother me in the slightest. Besides, how often do you really violently shake your handset to and fro? Exactly.
I don’t have the previous unit handy to compare things such as the thickness of the back cover and whatnot, so I honestly don’t know what’s different between the two. All I know is that this second one, obviously not from the first batch like I’m sure my first N81 was, is built rock-solid, like an E-series. Yes, I said E-series.
The rest of the phone is pretty much the same. If you’re looking for a music device, you really can’t get any better than the N81, though I’d still suggest the microSD version vs. the 8GB version, for transfer speed. I don’t think even a firmware update will make a USB transfer any quicker. Also, with prices dropping (currently ~$450 shipped on Fonegrabber), the N81 is really a hot option, specifically if the camera is an afterthought to you.
I’ve passed my N81 8GB along to Christina to use (replacing the N75 she was previously using) and have required that she do a writeup on it to be posted soon. I won’t spoil the conclusion, but I will say given the new build quality, cheaper price, and news that Ngage will first be available (with a free game, to boot!) on the N81, it’s certainly a very attractive model to look at.
Fingers crossed for some decent games on Tuesday then!!
Dec 18th, 2007 at 7:53 am
[...] This second look has allowed Ricky to confirm the build quality of the device, which he maintains is excellent, and also to reiterate that the N81 operates as an excellent music player. [...]