Neonode N2 Official Discussion Thread

Neonode N2 Specification:


User List :


Here's the actual pic taken using my Touch Pro...

GOSH... it's size is smaller than a credit card !



others comparison pic



come and joins us for more exploration and experience sharing here !

This post has been edited by old newspaper: Jul 3 2009, 10:32 AM

Reviews :

by Tracy & Matt

INTRODUCTION

I'm sure that Neonode isn't a name that too many will recognise but the N2, as the name might suggest, is the second device to be released by the Swedish handset manufacturer, Neonode. The original N1 was released back in 2004 and was a interesting device, it was a radical design shift and looked very different to the other handsets available at the time, such as the HTC Canary and the HTC Magician.

The N2 is builds upon the original design and specification of the N1 and includes advances such as integrated Bluetooth and additional memory.

The Neonode N2 is not available on contract from any network here in the UK, Neonode have done deals with operators in other countries but if you want an N2 you'll have to purchase from Neonode direct from Sweden.



GENERAL

The Neonode N2 is a tiny phone with a black, hard-rubber case and very few exterior controls. The screen isn't a true touchscreen but instead uses a patented technology called zForce. zForce is a new breed within touch screens. It is an optical touch screen that doesn’t require hard pressure or a stylus.

So apart from the screen itself there is very little to see on the front of the device apart from a small joystick-style control at the bottom.



On the left side of the device you'll find an up/down volume control rocker and a tiny power button. The right side of the N2 is bare.



The top of the N2 is home to the connector that offers sync, charge and audio connectivity. It's a custom connector that allow you plug in a charger, USB Sync cable and a set of headphones. Next to the connector you'll find a switch that allows you to remove the back cover in order to install your SIM card and the supplied 1GB miniSD card.




HIGHLIGHTS
# Incredibly small and light
# Cool factor
# Battery life
# Excellent touchscreen navigation

LOWLIGHTS
# Has only GPRS, no EDGE or 3G
# No email client
# Lacks software
# OS on removable memory card

REVIEW

This time around, as a result of feedback from readers, I've recoded a brief review as part of our unboxing video which you can see below. I'm going to cover the main points here too.



Initially the Neonode N2 struck me as looking just like one of those cyberpets that were very popular a few years ago, it certainly doesn't look much like a typical mobile phone. The N2 is very small and light although I suspect that it might be too small for some peoples taste.

Having a 1GB memory card included in the package seems like a nice 'generous' thing for Neonode to have done until you realise this is actually a necessity. Perhaps one of the strangest things about the N2 is that the operating system - in this case Windows CE 6.0 embedded - is actually installed on the supplied miniSD card! This means that you cannot remove the memory card and put in another until you have copied or downloaded the OS from the Neonode site it also means you cannot borrow someone else's memory card to look at their photos etc. I cant really see any advantage for this arrangement.

I've been using the N2 for a couple of weeks and I amazed at the battery life. Granted, I'm not using it a great deal, mainly just sending a few texts and making a few calls but then I've only had to charge the battery twice. This is great for me as I can carry the N2 in my bag and keep it as a backup phone without having to worry about checking the charge level all the time. In comparison my TyTN II needs charging every day.

As I mentioned earlier in the review, the touchscreen isn't a true touch screen as the sensors are optical and use infrared light beams to work out where your finger is on the screen. The result is an extremely sensitive touchscreen that requires the lightest of touches to make it work. This means that the gesture based interface works really well.

Just a few words on the gesture based navigation then. There has been a lot of talk in the mainstream media about touschscreen phones as if they are a truly new and magical invention. As the rest of us know, touchscreens have been around quite a while. When the iPhone arrived on the scene last year much was made of the gesture based touchscreen navigation and once again there was a media frenzy. Let's just point out then that the original Neonode N1 has touchscreen gesture based navigation when it was launched back in 2004 - a little ahead of Apple then?!

The OS on the N2 is Windows CE 6.0 embedded but if you are thinking that this is a Smartphone then STOP. The N2 really isn't a smartphone or PDA device. You wont find activesync or an email client here and you wont even recognise the custom interface that Neonode have built in. As a result, many CE and Smartphone applications simply refuse to install and those that do will refuse to run. Having tried out numerous apps and games I struggled to find anything that would in fact work. The bottom line is that anything you might hope to use on the N2 needs to be developed specifically for it and as such there is very little out there. However this is a situation that should hopefully improve now that Neonode has some deals with operators in India and the USA.

I'm sure that N1 owners out there will love the N2. It's smaller than the N1 but seems to include much of what was missing from the N1 including bluetooth, vibrating call alert and perhaps quite importantly more RAM. Not much else has changed on the inside of the device, it has the same CPU and virtually the same custom OS.


N1 vs N2[SIZE=1]

Compared to other devices on the market at the moment the N2 might seem a little basic. 64MB of RAM isn't much and the 176 x 220 screen seems quite cramped but perhaps there are two more important things that are more likely to put a potential buyer off the N2. First of all there's no proper email on client. Despite running Windows CE you wont be able to sync your Exchange or even your Outlook email. The only option for reading email is to use the web browser and some kind of webmail. On top of that is the fact that the N2 only has GPRS so there's no high speed data in the form of 3G or HSDPA. Perhaps this wouldn’t seem so bad of the N2 had WiFi but sadly it's lacking in this department too. Mind you with no email feature GPRS may well be enough!

Reading the last few paragraphs you might think that I don't like the N2, however, that's not actually the case and there is plenty to like about the N2. The size is a big plus for this phone not only is it small overall but it's really quite thin and slips easily in the that little pocket in your jeans. The gesture based interface is easy to use and very responsive and there's a definite cool factor to it.

Sending a text or dialling a phone number is a breeze on the N2 as well. The on screen phone pad offers predictive text entry as well as regular multi-tap. It's here also that we see a small extra feature that makes a big difference; When you tap a key on the screen you get a tactile response thanks to the N2's built in vibrate function. It's a simple thing but makes all the difference.

As you can imagine, I get a lot of devices to try out here and I always show other people to see what they think. Never in all the time that I've been running the blog have I seen a device generate so much interest among my colleagues at work. Everyone wants to play with the N2 even to the point where they start to argue over who gets to have the next turn!



CONCLUSION

If you use your phone for business then the Neonode N2 certainly isn't going to replace your Windows Mobile or even your Blackberry. The lack of email and 3G really does render this phone useless for a business customer.

However, if you want a discreet mobile phone for making and receiving calls and for text messaging then the N2 is very capable and performs these functions in style.

I like the N2 but I wont be giving up my TyTN II, however I do carry the N2 in my pocket all the time and use it with may PAYG SIM. If I go out socially then I'll just take the N2 and leave the TyTN II at home. I just wish Neonode would include some kind of pocket outlook client!


This post has been edited by old newspaper: Apr 21 2009, 10:33 PM

This post has been edited by old newspaper: Apr 21 2009, 11:04 PM

reserved - List of working applications / games for N2

This post has been edited by old newspaper: Apr 21 2009, 10:34 PM

reserved - N2 tweaking, issue FAQ section

This post has been edited by old newspaper: Apr 21 2009, 10:36 PM

uh it looks cacat to me especially the direction keys

might considering it.. since i carry 2 bulky phone everyday now. really hope for light n small phone...

oh yeah. i forgot about this phone officially available here.. and damn cheap too.

it's the form factor [ small, light weight ] that i'm looking for.... and you'll hardly use the joystick as this phone is completely touch screen....

it's feather weight....65g only...LOL. i do have several other tiny phone with me but this is the best !

design by Sweden, made in Malaysia.....that's why it's cheap...LOL but don't be fool by it's price and country made...it's quite a solid build pda/phone !

This post has been edited by old newspaper: Apr 21 2009, 11:47 PM

how much is the price?

i heard its about RM500++

http://www.geekzone.co.nz/content.asp?contentid=8017

Is the company still alive??

it's RM668 to be exact...this is the rcp for local market...

i'm aware of this even before purchase it... , yes....the company if filling for bankruptcy. it's the design and form factor that amaze me....not so much of the support..lol

whenever i use this phone in the public, it tend to get attention around...most of them will like ...lol

by the way, you can still get local support from sun-weu [ distributor company in Malaysia ]

i'm very sure this gadget is not everyone's cup of coffee.....and might not be doing well in our local market too but, hey that's make this phone even more unique and stand out from others...

This post has been edited by old newspaper: Apr 23 2009, 12:26 AM

true true. this wont attract most of the gadget lovers. for normal use, i guess it does most of its job except few drawbacks. i would serious get that if it has wifi and support facebook. hahahahhahah

the company is bannkrupt?

so this company is based in what country?

this phone cannot sms?

this is similar like iphone strategy .. initially they launched iphone without 3G.. ppl bought it and enjoyed it.. after few years, they launched with 3G and the sales went up..

i believe the next version of N2 (which i assume will be called N3) will have 3G or wifi included.. i would wait for few months or a year for the next upgraded version ... anyway thanks to TS for introducing this pda.. or else i wouldn't even knew bout it..

yeah...wifi is must for every phone ! too bad and this is the only feature missing.....but come to think of it, the screen is also too small to be comfortably browsing net...

btw, i use this as a secondary phone.....i have touch pro as my main phone and functionality....LOL

not bankrupt yet...and it's sweden based company...

there is a difference between Neonode AB, which makes the phones, and got larded up with all the various accumulated debts and obligations for the last few [many] years of Neonode's existence, and the Neonode USA, the currently listed company which actually owns the patents and licensing rights to Neonode's touchscreen and [most important] its operating system. When Neonode took over SAB's stock listing, they turned Neonode AB, the phone making part, into a subsidiary, and dumped all their obligations into it. So Neonode AB can indeed declare bankruptcy [and screw all their creditors], and yet Neonode (USA) continues to exist, complete with its assets and stock listing. In the investment world, i think this is called "rat stuffing". Perfectly legally.

now, the real question here is, does Neonode have a future? no one knows....

sure can sms...which phone in this world that couldn't sms? LOL...it uses the softkey just like other pda e.g htc diamond etc etc

i seriously doubt Neonode will come out with a new version anytime soon but...who knows

btw, this Neonode is one of the pioneer introducing touch screen phone... [ and yet bad apple still want to claims the copyright/patent for touch screen technology ]

no la.. small screen but with facebook apps or youtube mobile to keep urself in company only mah.

but i do wanna ask, can u upgrade the memory card size?

you can use your j phone to entertain yourself ma....

yes you can upgrade your memory card [ supported up to 32GB miniSD ]...just in case if you're not aware that this phone depends on the memory card to use/run. the OS is installed in the memory card itself.....you need to 'install' the OS to the new memory card if upgrading...

it's quite a simple process for a seasoned pda user....ah nevermind, we will discuss this further if there's any other user join in....but i doubt so for time being...

hey..am an n2 user too...well..not long but juz 3 weeks old...but oldnewspaper..mine got probs wth calling certain numbers out..it juz shows initiating call then got hang,cut off and n2 restart itself.juz a few contact numbers not all,weirdest thing is u can sms them,but cant call them...is it becoz of the regional (+6017xxxxxxx) or (017xxxxxxx)?

fyi am using a maxis postpaid 3g simcard...please help...cant support 3g simcards?or simply mine's faulty?

checked the telephony menu...it shows...unregister,automatic,digi,celcom...

what about urs?got it from a seller here...warranty by sunweu...

This post has been edited by interpol: Apr 25 2009, 04:38 AM

welcome to the lonely planet here... , i only have it for about a week plus only...lol

i'm using maxis postpaid 3G sim card too....but no problem with call out / in issue for both with and without the prefix +60xxxxxxxx. all call were rock solid stable without hang / drop issue....

and by the way, i'm using sandisk mobie ultra 8gb microSD class 6 [ with miniSD adapter ]....i feel it does help to speed up the system a little bit here....

and FYI, if you need the car charger...it'll be out soon with the expected price of RM40 - 50...., extra battery will cost RM130 direct from sunweu.

This post has been edited by old newspaper: Apr 25 2009, 02:25 PM

wah so cute phone hehe..
but how to type sms? is dat hard to press the keypad?
cuz it seem so small screen..

err how the touch keypad looks like?hehe..

EDITED:
sorry asking for keypad..already see at first page hehe..

This post has been edited by refugeez86: Apr 27 2009, 08:01 PM

not hard to sms at all..can sms up to 10 concatenated msgs at once if my memory serves me right...i faced problems when upgrading to certain micro SD cards as the phone seems to 'pick and choose' the biggest problem is when u install the phone's O/S on it...and the card doesn't work..ur stuck with the ori one gig that comes with it...

battery life is not too shabby for a phone this size...but the speaker volume can be a tad too soft during incoming calls for ringtones..during the use of this phone previously, i didn't face major problems accept for the auto off problem that happens maybe once or twice in a week..it seems to be more of the SD card problem rather than the O/S

camera quality is on par with low end nokia's..its more like VGA quality...u will hardly need to use the joystick and most people would familiarize themselves with the O/S within 1-2 days..its not really that hard to use as everything is logically laid out...

i would say it serves it's purpose for a basic phone...

---

Added on April 28, 2009, 5:41 pmthe touch screen is i phone style although using a different technology...it responds to finger touches but not nails...it's considered pretty sensitive as it uses the infra red grid to assist in pin pointing where you are inputing commands exactly...another difference with the iphone's screen technology is that this is only a single point input rather than the iphone's multipoint input (stretching or pinching the screen to enlarge or minimize the window with 2 fingers simultaneously)

This post has been edited by keagan: Apr 28 2009, 05:41 PM

Gosh, so small? Hows the overall usability?

i am interested to get one. anoyone here wish to let go, please pm me.

thank you.

using it as a phone : great experience !

using it as a pda : so so only....remember this is not a pda replacement....

pro and cons :

software / games - it can run any .exe, .cab file just like others WM pda but there's isn't enough developer to write software / games for this small screen pda [ so basically there's almost none WM software out there which is working with this tiny pda ] but there's plenty of .jar, java games / application which can be run by using the specially tweaked java emulator software.... and oh yes, core player is embedded to the rom already and it can play .avi movie..

battery life is great : lasted for 4-5 days with average of 20-30 of call daily + smses

what else... ...make it short here, if you want to stand out from the crowd out there, use this ! it's a attention magnet phone/pda...LOL

....and it goes well matching with my watch too.....devices with holes ! LOL



This post has been edited by old newspaper: May 5 2009, 12:16 AM

where to get this cutie?

yeah um interested too...how much and where can i get it? subang parade got ah? pyramid got ah? j/k

wanna use it for my secondary phone...ngahahaha

should be available in most pda/handphone dealer in town.....

anyway you can give SUN-U [ main distributor ] a call at 03 - 7880 8870 for a dealer location near your place....

more info, here : http://www.sun-u.com.my/index.html

remember the RCP is RM668 only !- and don't pay anything more for this.... [ some shop in penang is selling for RM688-700 ]

Hey!
im selling this Cutie phone here. come and check!
http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/1026132
Thanks =)

y this phone got 2 'holes' at the bottom one??

no function, it's just the design itself .... LOL

its small, i wonder if can use as a car remote lock.

it's just slightly bigger than car remote...if you hang a bunch of car keys in the hole there, people might mistakenly think it's actually a car remote LOL

just got the phone. its a great small phone.
bought it at lowyat, u guys can find it at the kiosk/shop right at the top of the escalator on the 1st floor.

wanna ask...this phone's speaker is loud enough? i wan to use it for alarm clock...need very loud to wake up

How about typing sms?

---

Added on June 4, 2009, 1:32 pmMight consider getting it, but I sms a lot

This post has been edited by shaun3230: Jun 4 2009, 01:32 PM

i just brought this phone today..very cuteeeee ooooo!!!i going to buy 4gb or 8gb minisd..but how to install OS to new memory card?

This post has been edited by jameskiat: Jun 12 2009, 02:39 PM

how to make a full hard reset?

BUMP, but how is the sms/ typing experience? TQ

congrats and big welcome here !

alarm volume was just average [ you can always choose the most irritating alarm tone ], i suggest it's better to rely on the real alarm clock to do a wake up business LOL

congrats and welcome to the lonely planet here...LOL

you can use up to 16GB card if you want.... simply download the 'OS' from www.neonode.com and install it via usb sync...

no hard reset as there isn't any rom available [ everything is run via miniSD card ] , so to have a fresh OS...you just need to reinstall the 'OS' again ...

to be frank, i enjoy the sms typing using this compared to my physical TP keyboard....you can set the keyboard speed [ mind you, it can go real fast ], set the vibration level and changing keyboard layout [ phone pad, T9, smiley, symbolic etc etc ] just merely by 'sweeping' it

try it to believe !

and btw here's some update on neonode n2....

At present, only the black shell neonode N2 is available with the price tag of 668 ringgit, 1GB built-in memory card.

Soon will launch series of blue and red (8GB, 888 ringgit) and metal line (dark blue tri-color gold and silver, 16GB, 1088 ringgit).

but...i still think black color is the best bet [ and best deal too ] !

thx..when ll sell??

sorry, i didn't quite get your question here.....for more info, try to call up sun-u for more info....

Can post some pics with the on screen keyboard?

oic..i mean when ll will launch series of blue and red??

anyone selling???
im looking for a 2nd hand set..

take a look HERE !

not to sure bro.....you want to change to other color? here's the tips if you want o change the color the cheapest way [ without need to buying a new one ]

gold colour?? hehe.. nice..
hope to see it in garage sale soon..

Thanks old newspaper

Hi,

I just bought a new neonode phone, but once i try to make calls and receive calls...the phone will automatically restart by itself.

Anyone know what's the problem? and how to solve it?

bcause u just bought why not go back to the shop and claim warranty??

I'm trying to get advise and solve it by myself first. but anyhow, i have sent the phone for warranty claim.

Hi,

just want to share info.if u want to change the memory card or programming it back,i can help for those who dont know how to do it.just a little cost for the post to my house and service charge.no need to pay RM 60 or RM 30.just RM 20 for workmanship(service charge) including post to u back using pos laju.anyone interest?

This post has been edited by leongyanweng: Aug 20 2009, 02:31 AM

my neonode phone.green color..... just upgraded the memory card to 16GB and modified the startup screen.normal startup screen will show red icon color.mine just show the word like command promt in pc.very nice because it show what application and hardware that startup.

This post has been edited by leongyanweng: Aug 20 2009, 02:48 AM


Attached thumbnail(s)

does this phone support CHINESE handwriting sms ? can read and write chinese? thanks

wow, kind of cool..any suggestion where to buy?how much btw? i'm thinking to bought this for my second phone

wohooo.. i love this phone..

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Added on October 1, 2009, 9:25 pmu may go CGhere

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Added on October 20, 2009, 11:02 pmi want to sell my neonode n2 phone.. rm550.. i bought this phone last jun.. interested pls sms/call : 0135588544 or email : smf6680@gmail.com

thanks..

---

Added on October 20, 2009, 11:02 pmi want to sell my neonode n2 phone.. rm550.. i bought this phone last jun.. interested pls sms/call : 0135588544 or email : smf6680@gmail.com

thanks..

---

Added on October 20, 2009, 11:03 pmi want to sell my neonode n2 phone.. rm550.. i bought this phone last jun.. interested pls sms/call : 0135588544 or email : smf6680@gmail.com

thanks..

This post has been edited by MR.NUKE: Oct 20 2009, 11:03 PM

Any idea if there is any incoming call filtering function?

This post has been edited by mleong: Nov 3 2009, 04:11 PM

how do you navigate after *100# ???

i want to sell new neonode n2 phone.. rm350.. new from factory with 6 month waranty... interested pls sms : 019-4403062 or email : cooyard@yahoo.com
COD Penang, Ipoh, KL, Seremban, JB and KB.

This post has been edited by cooyard: Dec 3 2009, 10:22 AM

Where I can find games and applications to Neonode N2?

This post has been edited by qaz147: Dec 2 2009, 09:20 PM

want to sell new neonode N2 phone..

RM350 only..stock from factory and brand new...comes with 1GB memory card

memory card can upgrade up to 8 GB..

4GB = RM70
8GB = RM115

price included cost for programming the card.

interested pls call me 0125461411

COD at ipoh area only.for outstation buyer courrier service will be use.




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Where I can find games and applications to Neonode N2?

This post has been edited by qaz147: Dec 15 2009, 10:13 PM

anyone interested to buy can go here:
http://forum.lowyat.net/index.php?act=ST&f...0#entry30885190

RM330 only

who know whr can find e-book softwar to N2?

tis thread dead adi...

wan to ask..

how long d battery can last??

if keep listening to mp3,

how long??

still got ppl using this Phone?

i just bought this phone and i am proud to say i have a neonode. hope to meet more ppl using this phone so we can have more discussion about it.

-proud to be a neonodian-

me also just buy this phone...

people having problem with neonode.. wat color is your phone?

mine is black. i think black suits the phone just nice.

mine one is Lime colour...That seem like cool....hehe~

can use custom ringtone? vibrate ok? sms also ok?

i have no problem using custom ringtone. just save it in the ringtone folder. vibrate is magnificient. very strong indeed. sms have no problem.

But i have a problem. when i plug in the usb to phone, i cannot find any removable device thus cannot transfer file via usb. ANYONE CAN HELP ME?

-Proud to be a Neonodian-

any ppl know whr can find tat e-book softwar?

great phone. very unique. today's my 1st day using it. so far so good. =D

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Added on January 23, 2010, 1:46 pmi could send sms out using maxis 3G postpaid sim card, but everything else is fine.

also i noticed that when i use my maxis sim, the top left on the status screen shows operator as "maxis/binariang".


anyone facing this problem using neonode with maxis 3G postpaid sim card?

This post has been edited by moonballoon: Jan 23 2010, 01:46 PM

i heard some sell at rm330..

yaya...
tat is internet price~
i also buy at thr,and i buy only RM280~

you guys using what telco? because when i use my maxis postpaid 3g sim, i cant send sms out...

i not using 3g one...
so i duno...

any bro here know where to get new firmware??? i wanna update mine kakakak

Just wondering how long should I charge my N2. Because from what I can see from the screen, there is no indicator whether the phone is fully charge or not when I off the phone to charge.

Still got. What colour? Pl. PM me. TQ

My pc wont recognize my n2... can i just install on the card someway? or have a mirror of the card? or anything helpful?

do u guys love this phone? im looking for it to try out...pm me if you willing to sell between rm150-180

This post has been edited by junkieG: Mar 31 2010, 01:32 AM

two issues:

1. using celcom prepaid, the *118# menu cannot be used because it dont have keypad! the middle (keyboard) sweep area doesnt appear with the *118# menu. huh..

2. i've send all contacts from my SE Z530i bt it only receive the first one. :|

Help... where to replace the touch screen?

replace what?

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Added on June 9, 2010, 11:41 pmneonode n2, its only 1 week and i already have 2 problems:

- sometimes sms saved in sim card. so i cant view it at my neonode, i realized it when i put my sim card on other phone.

- when replying a sms, and another sms arrive and i read it, the previos composing sms saved in draft with a lot of funny characters.

anyone experienced the same?

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Added on August 7, 2010, 8:21 pmgot my neonode back after repair with warranty.. yeah..

This post has been edited by effectz: Aug 7 2010, 08:21 PM

I only use this phone mainly for SMS and making calls. Is there any way that I can Pin the Contacts, History and Messages to the desktop rather than going through the menu?

u can customize the menu. swipe the menu up (1st tab) and swipe the setting tab (3rd tab)

Which version are you using? I am using the latest firmware i.e 2.1.552.5. I do not see the setting tab. The third tab consists only Alarm. Internet, Calculator, WAP. Sudoku and Tetris. I need your offer to help. Thanks a lot.

same firmware version. its not go to 3rd tab AFTER swiping 1st tab. its swiping 1st bottom tab first (menu), then swipe 3rd bottom tab. choose edit. u can refer the user guide provided.

guys can this phone send and receive mms??

yes it can. but i have problem with the setting.. anybody success? please share ur setting here..