Nokia 8800

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When it comes to the Nokia 8800, that premium dollar you're forking out translates into a guaranteed conversation opener. Comments usually go this way: "Wow, is that a Nokia 8800? How much? S$1,550 (US$1,115.99) without line? So is it 3G phone? No? Wah, no way!" Mixed responses are exactly what the Finnish company's latest 8000 series triband, the long-awaited successor to the premium 8850 slider and 8910 titanium models, evoke.

Design
Expensive is what it is, and expensive is what it looks. Whatever has been said about Nokia, when it comes to premium phone design, the Finnish company is king. That said, that position is rapidly being usurped by Motorola with its eye-popping Razr and SLVR handsets. Having learned from past 8000 series models, this one comes slim built with a brushed surface that is more resistant to fingerprints and possibly even scratches. However, the mirror polished edges are still prone to smudges.

The 8800 features two keys on the front which are more responsive than functional. Right between is the nudge piece perforated with tiny holes for slip resistance.

Next to the Motorola Razr V3, the Nokia 8800 is more compact though less slim built. Note their distinct metallic designs.

Nokia has opted for a seamless look which means--goody--no antenna. On the flip side, with the exception of the power switch at the top, you aren't going to find any other buttons. Their absence becomes obvious when you're trying to pump up the volume while talking, especially with the phone closed. You'll need to open the handset and utilize the Navi pad for volume control.

The two battery release catches on both sides sit flushed, and take some nail work to depress.

The two recessed slivers on the sides act as release catches for the battery compartment. Here again, Nokia has delivered a mixed bag. While users will be pleasantly surprised by two 600mAh batteries bundled inside the chic black packaging, it takes some unbelievable dexterity to remove the battery lid of the phone. For this, you'll need to turn off the mobile, keep the cover open for leverage, and apply some desperate pressing of the recessed catches while at the same time try to push the back plate off. It certainly puts you off replacing the battery with the spare given the amount of grunt work needed.

Where Nokia finally flexes its innovative design muscle is in the slider. Unlike the Samsung SGH-E800 and Siemens SL65 where the top and bottom halves slide over each other, the 8800's flat-screen display lifts up with a nudge. The spring-loaded slide mechanism ensures a smooth, if heavyduty, glide operation. When closing, be prepared for the metallic lid clacking back loudly on its steel base as it retracts.

The keys are oddly plastic, in contrast with the stainless steel shell, and certain buttons may be difficult to press.

What the slider action reveals is a white backlit keypad plus a 0.5-megapixel camera ingeniously hidden behind the display together with a mirror back. While some may gripe at Nokia's choice of an SVGA (800 x 600-pixel) camera in such a high-priced mobile, texters may find fault with the cramped keys on the last row. The flatish four-way Navi pad with its tiny center button will also be a handicap for big digits and long fingernails, and you'll find yourself having to use the tips of your thumbs.

Other premium enhancements include a special scratch-resistant crystal for the screen, rotatable clip for the headset, a loudspeaker design that blends into the top of the phone, and a pretty cool desktop cradle with blue light effects and an extra slot for a battery.

Overall, the 8800 sits beautifully in the palm and feels cool to the touch, not least because of its steel housing, with a solid weightiness (134g) that will initially surprise given its slim form factor.

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