Nokia 5800 XpressMusic (Unlocked)

The Nokia 5800 XpressMusic is incredibly easy to use. I was amazed at how simple it was to set up right out of the box. I've set up my Wi-Fi, my e-mail, my MMS and text settings, browser settings, used the camera, played music and videos and I still haven't consulted a manual. I have the black North American version RM-428 with GSM 850/GSM 900/GSM 1800/GSM 1900 WCDMA 850/WCDMA 1900.

»The touch screen has an interesting mechanical feedback mechanism so you know when your input has been accepted. The phone vibrates gently, as if something has tapped it. Input is very fast and precise. Menus come up very quickly and scroll very quickly, in some instances, too quickly.

»The screen is huge. There is no other word for it. It dwarfs the screen of my my N78-3. It is vibrant, fresh looking and clear.

»The phone fits comfortably in the hand, nothing sticks out of place. The sensor knows when you want landscape or portrait orientation and I've seen it make an error only once.

»By default the WiFi sniffer is turned off so to get it ready to surf the web you have make a few changes, load the pre-shared key on a secured net and then surf. This was the easiest job of loading the pre-shared key on a phone I've ever had. It surfs quickly, pages load well.

»The music player functions like you'd think it should. No surprises, good or bad here. Loudness, balance, equalizer, stereo speakers all add to the show. The speakers are a step up from those on the N78-3.

»In the box there is the 5800 XpressMusic device with pen stylus, Battery (BL-5J 1320 mAh Li-Ion), High Efficiency Charger (AC-8U), Music Headset (HS-45, AD-54), Video-out Cable (CA-75U), Connectivity Cable (CA-101D) the "D" stands for demented joke, 8 GB microSDHC card (MU-43), Stand (DT-29), Stylus plectrum in wrist strap (CP-306), User guide and Quick guide, Mini DVD. The MU-43 comes with some songs and a few other things on it.

»Battery life is good. You'll always want more. The physical size of the battery is huge. Imagine a battery the width and thickness of the BP-5M but at least half again as long.

»The applications include the usual calculator sort of stuff, plus some Nokia toys such as a multi-language dictionary.

»Being an S60 driven device there are many applications, add-ons and widgets to expand the utility of the device. One of note is the β level handwriting calculator available from the Ovi application store for free. You'll never use the stock calculator again!

»The microSDHC that comes in the device is 8 gigabytes. That's large but I know it can be filled. Not to worry. It will accept up to a 16 GB card.

»The 5800 XpressMusic isn't noticeably larger nor heavier than the N78. The screen is much larger, the GPS is quicker, the sound is better. It lacks FM transmitter and Internet Radio but otherwise is fully outfitted.

My toughest choice is: T-Mobile or AT&T SIM? Both work!

» 3G Notes: With T-Mobile I'm giving up 3G because the 5800 doesn't have the 1700/2100 AWS band. The 5800 does EDGE on T-Mobile very well. On AT&T I get 3.5G downloads and 3G calling. T-Mo doesn't have 3G where I live so it really is a toss-up for me. If you are hooked on T-Mo's 3G you'll have to use a phone they sell to you.

» Firmware V21 is now available. V20 was shipping as recently as 30 May 2009. This is a 127.1 megabyte update.