The Nokia N79 will probably make many early N78 adopters feel sorry about their buying decision - at roughly the same starting price you get a smartphone with a handful of new features such as a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeis optics and VGA@30fps video recording, as well as smart XpressOn covers and several other tidbits.

The design update is also a welcome change, since the Nokia N78 didn't exactly manage to win our hearts. Still, the good news for people looking forward to buying N78, is that its price will probably go down to a more reasonable level once the new N79 becomes available.

The Nokia N82 will also feel the pressure by the N79 as they have pretty much the same feature set - the N79 outperforms it in several minor aspects except for the xenon flash. However, the Nokia N82 has a more attractive price tag than the N79 and that will probably allow it to keep its positions.

Nokia N79 at a glance:

* Successor of Nokia N78
* Interchangeable back covers with an embedded chip for themes control
* The most compact Nseries device (measures 110 x 49 x 15mm and weighs 97 grams)
* 2.4-inch QVGA (320 x 240) display
* 5 megapixel auto focus camera with dual LED flash, records VGA video at 30 fps
* Touch sensitive Navi Wheel
* Symbian S60 9.2 with the latest Feature Pack 2
* Accelerometer sensor for auto screen rotation
* Quad-band GSM, dual-band 3G with HSDPA
* WiFi, stereo Bluetooth (A2DP)
* GPS receiver with A-GPS support and Nokia Maps application (3-month free navigation license included)
* microUSB port and 3.5mm audio jack
* microSD card slot (ships with a 4GB card)
* Stereo speakers
* FM radio with RDS and FM transmitter
* 1200 mAh battery

Design-wise, the Nokia N79 is much more attractive than the Nokia N78 and the keypad ergonomics are way better. Again, the 3.5mm audio jack is on the top along with an inconveniently placed keypad lock key.

A most unusual solution is the combining of the microUSB port and the microSD memory card slot tightly together under a common protective cap. We guess that this arrangement may prove uncomfortable in some situations.

The Nokia N79 also introduces for the first time the concept of smart XpressOn panels. The thing is that these panels have an embedded chip which stores the information of their color. You can clearly see the contacts of the chip on the panel. When you snap one of these panels on your N79, the interface theme changes automatically to match the panel color. It's not a practical feature that would influence your buying decision but still it's some fancy piece of refreshing novelty.

By default, the Nokia N79 will come with either a white or a grey back panel, but there will be two more in the retail package. And you can buy additional ones as retail accessories.

In terms of camera performance, the Nokia N79 is on par with every other 5 megapixel N-series handset. There are no changes to the camera user interface or features except for the GPS image geotagging.

Again, there is no xenon flash, but only a dual LED unit. The active lens cover is comfortable to use and it will certainly keep the lens well protected.

The Nokia N79 seems like a great all-round device - it's got a feature set to match even the substantially more expensive Nokia N85 and it's also got the excellent performance of N78. So summing it up, the Nokia N79 will most probably make a great midrange buy somewhere around Christmas - be sure to watch out for it.

www.gsmarena.com and Nseries official
Physical features, power and memory

Size

* Form: Classic
* Dimensions: 110 x 49 x 15 mm
* Weight: 97g
* Volume: 74 cc

Display and 3D

* Size: 2.4"
* Resolution: 320 x 240 pixels (QVGA)
* Up to 16 million colours with light sensor
* Active matrix technology
* Color and brightness control
* Orientation sensor
* Ambient light detector

Keys and input method

* Numeric keypad
* Navi Wheel
* Dedicated camera and volume keys
* Voice commands

Colors and covers

* Available in-box colors:
o Canvas white with light sea blue/espresso brown/olive green
o Seal grey with espresso brown/coral red/white
* Changeable Xpress-on™ smart covers

Connectors

* Micro-USB connector with mass storage class support, High-Speed USB 2.0
* 3.5 mm AV connector

Power

* BL-6F 1200 mAh Li-Ion battery
* Talk time (maximum):
o GSM 5 h 30 min
o WCDMA 3 h 30 min
o VoiP 4 h
* Standby time (maximum):
o GSM 372 h
o WCDMA 406 h
o WLAN 172 h
* Browsing time with packet data (maximum): 5 h 54 min
* Video playback time (maximum): 4 h 24 min
* Video recording time (maximum): 3 h 30 min
* Video calling time (maximum): 2 h 20 min
* Music playback time (maximum): 29 h
* Gaming time (maximum): 4h

Memory

* microSD memory card slot, hot swappable, max. 8 GB
* Up to 50 MB internal dynamic memory
Communication and navigation

Operating frequency

* Quad-band GSM 850/900/1800/1900, EGSM 900
* Automatic switching between GSM bands
* Flight mode

Data network

* GPRS class A, multislot class 11, maximum speed 85.6/64.2kbps (DL/UL)
* EDGE class B, multislot class 32, maximum speed 296/177.6 kbps (DL/UL)
* WCDMA 900/2100, maximum speed PS 384/384 kbps (UL/DL)
* HSDPA, maximum speed 3.6 Mbps (DL)
* WLAN 802.11b, 802.11g
o WLAN Security: WPA2-Enterprise, WPA2-Personal, WPA-Enterprise, WPA-Personal, WEP
o WLAN Quality of Service: WMM, U-APSD
o WLAN wizard
* TCP/IP support
* Capability to serve as data modem

Local connectivity and synchronization

* Bluetooth version 2.0 with Enhanced Data Rate
* Add-on solutions enable integration into enterprise private branch exchange (PBX) infrastructure
* Digital Living Network Alliance certification
* UPnP support
* MTP (Media Transfer Protocol) support
* TV out (PAL/NTSC) with Nokia Video Connectivity Cable (CA-75U, sold separately) or WLAN/UPnP
* Nokia XpressPrint
* Support for local and remote SyncML synchronization

Call features

* Integrated hands-free speakerphone
* Automatic answer with headset or car kit
* Any key answer
* Call waiting, call hold, call divert
* Call timer
* Logging of dialed, received and missed calls
* Automatic redial
* Speed dialing
* Enhanced voice dialing
* Fixed dialing number support
* Virbrating alert (internal)
* Side volume keys
* Mute/unmute
* Contacts with images
* Talking ring tones
* Conference calling with up to 6 participants
* Video calling: up to 176 x 144 pixels (QCIF), up to 15 fps
* Push to talk
* VoIP

Messaging

* SMS with support for concatenated SMS for long messages
* Multiple SMS deletion
* Text-to-speech message reader
* MMS message size up to 300 kb
* Automatic resizing of images for MMS
* Common inbox for SMS and MMS messages
* Cell broadcast

E-mail

* Supported protocols: IMAP, POP, SMTP
* Support for e-mail attachments
* Support for e-mail with filtering
* Support for Nokia Intellisync Wireless Email
* Support for Nokia Mobile VPN

Web browsing

* Supported markup languages: HTML, XHTML, WML
* Supported protocols: HTTP, WAP
* TCP/IP support
* Nokia Web Browser
o Mini Map
* Nokia Mobile Search

GPS and navigation

* Integrated A-GPS
* Nokia Maps application

Image and sound

Photography

* 5 megapixel camera (2584 x 1938 pixels)
* Image formats: JPEG, Exif
* CMOS sensor, Carl Zeiss optics, Tessar™ lens
* 20 x digital zoom
* Autofocus with two-stage capture key
* Focal length: 5.2 mm
* Focus range: 10 cm to infinity
* Macro focus: 10-50 cm
* Dual LED flash
* Flash modes: On, off, automatic, red-eye reduction
* White balance modes: automatic, daylight, cloudy, tungsten, fluorescent
* Center weighted auto exposure; exposure compensation: +2 ~ -2EV at 0.33 step
* Capture modes: still, sequence, self-timer, video
* Scene modes: automatic, manual, close-up, portrait, landscape, sport, night portrait, night.
* Color tone modes: normal, sepia, black & white, vivid, negative
* Light sensitivity modes: high, medium, low, automatic
* Full-screen viewfinder with grid
* Active toolbar
* Dedicated camera key
* Slide cover for protection and camera activation
* Landscape (horizontal) orientation
* Photo editor on device
* TV out (PAL/NTSC) with Nokia Video Connectivity Cable (CA-75U, sold separately) or WLAN/UPnP
* Nokia XpressShare
* Nokia XpressTransfer
* Rotating gallery with Navi™ wheel support
* Slideshow from gallery with Ken Burns effect (automatic zoom and pan) and 3D sound effect stereo speakers

Video

* Main camera
o Video recording at up to 640 x 480 pixels (VGA) and up to 30fps
o Up to 8 x digital video zoom
* Front camera
o Up to 2x digital video zoom
* Video recording file formats: MPEG4
* Audio recording formats: AMR, AAC stereo
* Image stabilization
* Video white balance modes: automatic, sunny, cloudy, incandescent, fluorescent
* Scene modes: automatic, night
* Colour tone modes: normal, sepia, black & white, negative
* RealPlayer
* Video playback file formats: MPEG4, AVC/H.264, WMV, RV, Flash Video, H.263/3GPP
* Video straming: . MPEG4, AVC/H.264, WMV, RV, Flash Video, H.263/3GPP
* Landscape mode video playback
* Video calling: up to 176 x 144 pixels (QCIF), up to 15 fps
* Video ring tones (2 built-in tones)
* TV out (PAL/NTSC) with Nokia Video Connectivity Cable (CA-75U, sold separately) or WLAN/UPnP
* Online album/blog: photo/video uploading from gallery
* Rotating gallery with Navi™ wheel support
* Real time video sharing to another compatible mobile device
* Video sharing support (WCDMA network services)

Music and audio playback

* Nokia Nseries digital music player
o Playlists
o Equalizer
o Selection by artist, album and genre
o Album graphics display
o Skins
* Music playback file formats: .mp3, .wma, .aac, eAAC, eAAC+
* Audio streaming
* UPnP music streaming
* Dedicated volume keys
* FM radio 87.5-108 MHz with RDS support
* FM transmitter 88.1 - 108 MHz
* 3.5 mm stereo headphone plug
* Nokia Music Player


* Nokia Music Manager
* Nokia Music Store support
* Nokia Podcasting support
* Ring tones: mp3, aac, 64-tone polyphonic (35 built-in tones)
* 3D sound effect stereo speakers
* Integrated stereo speakers
* Synchronize music with Windows Media Player

Voice and audio recording

* Voice commands
* Enhanced voice dialing
* Audio recording formats: AMR, AAC stereo
* FR, EFR, WCDMA, and GSM AMR
* Digital stereo microphone
* Text-to-speech

Personalization: profiles, themes, ring tones

* Customizable profiles
* Ring tones: mp3, aac, 64-tone polyphonic (35 built-in tones)
* Video ring tones (2 built-in tones)
* Support for talking ring tones
* Wallpapers
* Screensavers
* Ring tones
* Pre-installed themes
* Changeable colour themes
* Automatic theme change with Xpress-on™ smart covers.
Software platform and user interface

* S60 3rd edition, Feature Pack 2
* Symbian OS version 9.3
* Active standby
* Voice commands
* FOTA (Firmware update Over The Air)
* Multimedia menu
* Navi™ wheel support
* Automatic UI rotation

Personal information management (PIM): contacts, clock, calendar etc.

* Advanced contacts database: multiple number and e-mail details per contact, contacts with images
* Support for assigning images to contacts
* Support for contact groups
* Closed user group support
* Fixed Dialing Number support
* Clock: digital, world clock
* Alarm clock with ring tones or radio as alarm sound
* Calculator
* Calendar with week and month view
* Converter
* Written notes, voice notes
* To-do list
* Personal Information Management, Calendar, Contacts, to do lists support

Applications

* Java™ : CLDC 1.1, MIDP 2.1, PDA (JSR 75), Java APIs for Bluetooth (JSR 82), Mobile Media API 1.1 (JSR 135), Mobile 3D Graphics API for J2ME 1.1 (JSR 184), Wireless Messaging API 2.0 (JSR 205), Scalable 2D Vector Graphics API for J2ME (JSR 226), J2ME Web Services Specification (JSR 172), Security and Trust Services API for J2ME (JSR 177), Location API for J2ME (JSR 179), SIP API for J2ME (JSR 180), Advanced Multimedia Supplements (JSR 234), Nokia UI API
* Flash Lite 3.0
* Nokia Web Browser
o Mini Map
* Quickoffice (Quickword, Quickpoint, Quicksheet)
* Adobe Reader
* Zip Manager
* Nokia Maps
* Nokia Dowload!
* Nokia Mobile search
* Adding more applications:
o Use the Download! Client - Visit www.S60.com to download free applications to your S60 device
o Visit Nokia Software Market

* Nokia N79
* Two extra Nokia N79 Xpress-on™ smart covers
* Nokia Battery (BL-6F)
* Nokia Travel Charger (AC-5)
* Nokia Connectivity cable (CA-101)
* Nokia 4GB microSD card (MU-41)
* Nokia Music Headset (HS-45,AD-54)
* User Guide
* Get Started Guide
* DVD

RM 1420 - 1500 (Ori)
RM 1230 - 1260 (AP)

e_trade_pj RM1450
andybravo RM1410

Last month we saw the first leaks about the new wireless Polar heart monitor made for Nokia mobile phones. Well, now it’s official. And it comes in the company of Nokia N79 through a special retail combo.

The Polar WearLink Bluetooth heart rate belt allows you to monitor your heart rate while practicing so you can improve the way you train by staying focused on your training goals.

While you're training you can listen to the music stored on the 4 GB microSD card you'll find enclosed in the Nokia N79 Active pack. There will also be a pair of sports headphones and an armband which should make the Nokia N79 easier to wear while jogging.

At the same time you can monitor your heart rate using the handset, again, and see if you need to step up or if it's time for a little brake.

An updated version of the Nokia Sports Tracker application is expected to become available by the time the Nokia N79 Active hits the shelves (release time still unknown). The Sports Tracker allows keeping and sharing your workout records or favorite routes.

We still remember the first cooperation between the two Finn companies - Nokia and Polar. Back in 2004 they introduced the Polar S625X Running Computer and Polar S725 Cycling Monitor for Nokia 5140.

The Nokia N79 Active will only be available in select markets for an estimated price of 375 EUR before taxes and subsides.

The nice looking Petrol Black version of Nokia N79 appeared today on the Nokia UK store web page. It's available in a so-called Nokia N79 Eco pack. What makes it “Eco” is the lack of a charger. While that sounds like a strange lind of eco-friendly initiative, it actually isn't.

When there's no charger in the box the package can be much smaller. That means less paper and water wasted, fewer trucks for all Nokia products to be delivered worldwide needed and millions of euro saved (of course there's an economical side of the ecology). Plus re-using your older Nokia charger, saves some recycling expenses.

Nokia stated that in nearly two years they have sold 250 million phones in small packages (all lower to midrange ones) and saved 15 000 tones of packaging material, 100 000 cubic meters of water and avoided 5000 truck journeys as more phones fitted in each truck.

Check out those articles (here and there). They are quite a read.

In fact, there's something else and it is important, too. The sum of 4 GBP (around 4.5 euro or 6 USD) of the 319 GBP paid for every Nokia N79 Eco will be donated to the WWF.

The price of the eco-friendly N79 is not much different from that of the regular Nokia N79, but the extra cool Petrol Black color is pretty much worth it by our books plus there's a nice eco campaign involved. Who needs another charger anyway?

The Nokia N79 Eco is now available (for online pre-order, though).

idoblu - Nov 2008 - AP - White with White/Blue/Red covers - v11.049
[Coldfission] [3 Dec 2008] [Avaxx] [1640] [red, brown and white cover running at 11.049]
[SerioseCat] [Dec 08] [Avaxx] [RM1450] [from e_trade_pj, installed GMXT, in white silicone case]
[zamanjaafar] [21Dec08] [Ori] [rm1450] [upgraded from N70, loving it ALL]
[chinook][31st December 2008] [zitron] [ver. 11.049]
[JakzT] [21st January 2009] [Sapura] [White With Brown,Blue,Green..Finding People To Trade White Back Cover]
[charles_nkj] [12/07/2008] [ORI] [RMxxxx] [white set (covers = black, blue, brown) since its a company fone, so i dun noe the price ]
[0300078][30th January 2009][Avaxx]
[PutraCrewz][22.11.2008] [AP white set come wit green, brown & blue cover currently only used green cover] [firmware updated to v11.049 30 minutes ago]
[haly][3/02/2009][ORI][RM1450][lovely! just lovely!]
[Pong85] [26 Dec 2008] [AP] [1230] [green, brown and still brown cover] [firmware --> 11.049]
[VeeJay] [Mac 2009] [AP] [1160] [Garmin XT]
[chun] [21/03/2009] [ORI SG set] [White] [Great phone & great Camera & great functions! ]
cutiesbaby312 27/3/2009 AP 1,160 from twinkles
[nk3371] [21/03/09] [AP] [RM1150] [Ver 11.049 - Successfully Hacked!]
[MT-MT][31/3/09][AP][RM1,220][Upgrade 8g..love it very much]
[kege] [26/3/2009] [AP i think] [AUD529 from eBay][Blue,Brown,Green covers. Looking for White to trade.]
[mayorcomp] [10-05-2009] [AP] [rm1260] [exchange 4gb original sdcard to 8gb and got free screen protector, the tawkei already install a lot of free games, still figuring out how to install (cracked) garmin xt and mapking, used to have WM5 and WM6- so,S60 is new for me]
[LyeNa] [18 Mei 2009] [AP] [Rm1070] [pRouD 2 Be SymBian User!!~]
[HEERO] [20 November 2008] [Ori] [RM1750] [A nice looking + A strong symbian phone]