When the Nokia N80 broke into the market just over a year ago, it was described as the first truly modern world smartphone, due to its adaptability to various ranges of networks and frequencies, which lets the phone be used almost anywhere in the world. The N80 was also the first Nokia N-Series phone to boast a 3.2megapixel camera besides having Wireless (WLAN) connectivity.

Succeeding the N80 is Nokia's latest addition to the N-Series, the Nokia N81. This sleek and polished-looking smartphone comes in two variants; the standard external memory slot version and the whopping 8GB built-in memory version. The 8GB versions are available at all Incomm outlets, and come in black. The Nokia N81 features a Nokia-first touch sensitive navigation control pad, much like the iPod jog-wheel.

Our demo set, courtesy of Incomm, simply blew us away. Holding the set for the first time literally gave us goosebumps! Weight wise, the phone feels almost like its predecessor, but that's where the similarity ends. This gorgeous phone is slightly thinner, and absolutely louder. The speakers (top left & right side) sound simply amazing, and could rival those of the Sony Ericcson Walkman phones.

One of the main features of the N81 is that it's one of the first Nokia smartphones to incorporate the new N-Gage gaming platform, letting you play stunning video games on the go. It's refreshing to know that all future games published for the N-Gage phone will be playable on the N81 too! The pre-installed (demo) games are FIFA 2007, Asphalt 3: Street Rules, and Space Impact Light.



Now we're not much experts in mobile gaming, but we must say that the sound and graphics of the games on this phone simply took our breath away. Its almost like holding a mini Sony PSP in your hands, but instead this one can make calls and send text messages too! Quite a good list of game titles will be available soon, all of which will put the huge 8GB of built-in memory to good use.



Overall, the Nokia N81 is just simply a joy to have and without doubt, fun to use. Here's an overview of some the phone's technical specifications:

- Network : UMTS / GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
- 3G 384 kbps
- WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11b/g with UPnP
- Bluetooth v2.0 with A2DP
- USB v2.0 microUSB
- OS Symbian OS 9.2, Series 60 v3.1 UI
- SMS, MMS, Email, Instant Messaging
- Java MIDP 2.0
- MP3/AAC/MPEG4 player
- Rotating gallery with Navi wheel
- Stereo FM Radio
- T9
- Push to talk
- Voice dial/memo
- PIM including calendar, to-do list
- 3.5 mm audio output jack
- Built-in handsfree
- Battery Stand-by Up to 410 h
- Talk time Up to 4 h

The feature-packed Nokia N81 8GB is available at Incomm for $898, with further discounts when you present your DST Card. For more information on the phone, please visit Nokia's N81 Website.