Nokia has announced that their much awaited, critically acclaimed handset, the N9 has started shipping starting today. The phone, first showcased back in June 2011 was well received by Nokia users and critics alike. It runs the Linux based MeeGo OS developed in partnership with Intel. It is also likely to be the only phone that would run MeeGO – unless of course Nokia decides to continue with the platform for its smartphones line up.
The device, was a departure from Nokia’s traditional Symbian platform and was the first phone that was borne out of Nokia’s association with Intel. Unfortunately, with Nokia getting a new CEO, the company’s focus changed midway and shifted to Microsoft’s Windows Phone 7 platform which it said would become their primary smartphone OS – leaving the future of MeeGo shrouded in mystery.
Anyway, the N9 is now here, and it feels like a vestigial product from Nokia now on a platform that the company doesn’t have prime focus on. That doesn’t take away the fact that from what we have seen so far, the device is quite a capable one.
If you prefer going through a spec sheet check, we will suggest taking a look at our article on the N9 here.
The N9 is not expected to make its landfall in India – but we would be glad if it does. Where it would be available, expect to pay $650 to $750 depending on what version you choose. There are two models available; 16 GB and 64 GB.
Note: The N9 doesn’t get a memory card slot, so you’re stuck with the 16 Gb memory if you get one with no option to expand. Just saying!
