The N97 arrives

There were a bunch of rumors floating around as to what the Nokia launch surprise from Barcelona would be. Turns out most of the speculation was right: They've launched the N97, the first high-end N-Series phone.

The announcement was made at Nokia World 2008, and this is the official video:


The N97 is a high-end phone that combines a touchscreen with a Qwerty keyboard. It is a first for Nokia, which just began shipping its first touchscreen phone, the 5800 XpressMusic. I think it looks a hellofalot like the Sony Ericsson X1, but obviously it isn't just about how it looks, it is just as much about how it works and how well it plays with others.

Scoble calls the Nokia N97 "the ultimate Facebook device" and thinks it has a distinct advantage in that respect over the iPhone. There are several photos on his site as well as a video overview/review. Engadget also has a hands-on video with the phone as well as a post with details on the specs.

There's a nice post on the pseudo-blog Nokia Conversations and link to another video. Here's the official press release: Desktop. Laptop. Pocket: The era of the personal Internet dawns with the Nokia N97 :: Tilting touch display, QWERTY keyboard and personalized home screen - a true mobile computer — Barcelona, Spain - Nokia today unveiled the Nokia N97, the world's most advanced mobile computer.

Jonas Geust, Vice President, heading Nokia Nseries, says "From the desktop to the laptop and now to your pocket, the Nokia N97 is the most powerful, multi-sensory mobile computer in existence."

We'll see ...