Image Gallery: First impressions of the Nokia N96-1
The Nokia N96 is the new flagship product for the Nseries line that is the successor to the wildly popular N95. The N96 brings a large 2.8 inch display with impressive memory options that includes 16GB of flash and a microSD slot that currently supports up to 32GB. The device is built for multimedia with its 5 megapixel camera, dual LEDs, and integrated DVB-H wireless TV receiver. Other wireless options include HSDPA/UMTS, GPS, WiFi, and Bluetooth.
The back focuses on the gaming aspects of the N96 and shows it in the three sliding configurations.
The box shows that Transformers is included, but I couldn't find it on my evaluation device.
This is the top of the retail box.
The back shows some of the device specs and images of the device.
The Nokia N96 is prominently displayed when you open up the flap of the box.
Next to the N96 you will find the battery and stereo headset (2 pieces).
In addition to the manuals and a CD you will find an A/C adapter, TV out cable, USB to microUSB cable and a car charger. This is the first time I have seen a Nokia car charger included and it is a welcome addition.
I was a bit surprised by the use of the BL-5F battery that runs at 950 mAh, but reports state the N96 is actually quite efficient with it so I'll have to test that out.
The battery and SIM card are placed under the back cover.
The back has the same look and feel as what we saw on the Nokia N78 and N81 8GB. The plastic is a bit thin, but it closes securely.
Nokia continues to include a 5 megapixel camera with Carl Zeiss optics on the flagship products. You can also see the dual LED lights here.
Nokia came up with a unique way to prop up your N96 and watch videos with this integrated kickstand that surrounds the camera.
Along the top you will find the lock slider, 3.5mm headset jack, power button and part of one speaker that wraps around to the right side.
The speaker continues around from the top with the volume rocker button below this.
The camera button is found towards the bottom of the right side and the speaker wraps around to the bottom. In landscape mode the speakers are at the extreme left and right top side for optimal sound when watching movies.
The speaker wraps around and is next to the microUSB port, mic opening, and A/C charging port. Over at the far right side is the lanyard opening.
The only thing on the left side is the microSD card slot. It is actually great to see both integrated flash and a microSD card slot on the N96.
Here is the front of the N96
The N96 has a wider form factor than the N95 and uses the same design elements seen on the latest devices, like the N78, N81 8GB, and N82.
Both the N96 and N95 slide up and down for different functionality.
The keypad on the N96 is spacious, but flush with small lines separating the four rows. There are two ridges on either side of the 5 to give you tactile feel for the keys.
There are send and end keys, right and left soft keys, menu button, back button, and a multimedia button around the directional pad.
It doesn't look like there are any buttons here, but four buttons do light up for controlling your media (fast forward, play/pause, stop, and rewind).
The N78, N81 8GB, N96, and N82 all have a similar look with flush keypads, similar back designs, and similar curves with silver wrap around the edges.
The backlight is bright in low light conditions.
The hardware buttons light up in the dark as well.
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