The Apple iPhone is getting so much publicity it is almost possible to forget there are other attractive cellular handsets available in the market, including mobile phones with more add-on applications, faster network connection and expandable storage capacity. A fine example of such a device is the new music- and games-based Nokia N81, a 3G camera-phone belonging to the Finnish company's Nseries range of so-called 'multimedia computers'. Music to your ears The Wi-fi-enabled N81 features Nokia's Web browser, Mobile Search and Maps software, and an updated 3D user interface that makes it easier to find and enjoy your digital content. The slider handset, with dedicated music and game keys, is configured to find, buy, manage and play music and mobile video games purchased from the Nokia Music Store and the N-Gage games service, which will be launched before the end of the year. Multiplayer gaming will be available in the N-Gage Arena community. With the integrated Nokia Music Player program, creating play lists and managing music collections on the move is a breeze for N81 users. Compatible high-quality headphones or speakers can be used with the standard 3.5mm headphone connector. In the palm of your hand Unlike the iPhone, you can boost the N81's resources. It runs the Symbian operating system, which enables a user to adopt thousands of add-on applications ready for download online or directly from their service providers. The Nokia handset's storage capacity is also expandable, thanks to a slot for compatible microSD memory cards. Other features include a 2-megapixel camera with flash, a 2.4-inch colour display, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth connectivity, e-mail, voice-over-internet functions and stereo FM radio and speakers. Speed demon Although it doesn't have the iPhone's much-touted multitouch screen technology, the N81 does offer faster data transmission via 3G networks. The present edition of the iPhone is limited to the Edge or 2.5G network connections. The N81 costs about HK$3,980.
