Question on Mobile Phones:

Which smartphone gives better value, the Nokia N97 mini or Nokia N900. The review I read recommends the N97 mini as it's an improved version of the N97. The N900's software is not mature but still I'm attracted to Maemo 5 based on Linux. I am aware that the two devices have similar prices and features. How should I decide?

Submitted by Henry, via email

Answer:

Between the Nokia N900 and the N97 mini, I'd think that the latter is a better choice for an everyday smartphone.

The N900 is a decent handset, but the software gives the impression that it's still a work-in-progress instead of a final build. You can't send MMS and it connects only to Microsoft Exchange 2007. There are not that many applications available for the platform and the N900 could be the only device that's running on Maemo 5 since an upgrade to the upcoming Maemo 6 platform is still unconfirmed. That said, the user interface is a breath of fresh air for those who are used to Symbian S60. The N900 is also excellent at multitasking and Web browsing.

Although we've said many times before that the S60 user interface is dated and needs to be refreshed (which will happen next year, according to Nokia), the Symbian platform is still a very solid and robust one. Better still, the N97 mini is available now. Availability for the N900 in Asia is still not confirmed, with Singapore expected to get its shipment units probably in Q1 2010.