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is the N97 worth getting?

40 replies · 12,699 views · Started 26 February 2010

im thinking off getting one but... is it really buggy? how is it buggy? what makes it buggy?

im thinking of buying a new one on tmbile but using my virgin sim in it. i dont want to waste my money tho..

does it keep crashing? whats opera mini/mobile or skyfire like on it?

can software updates be done over the air, as in on the fone itself and not have to be pluged in to a pc?

May be.. may be not... yes its hangs a bit if you try several program at onces... or if you never switch off your phone... but dont that all be a problem with all the smartphone??? OVI map is great.. but so does the Google map (and MapmyIndia in my courtry... I use that a lot because it has a superiour POI database).. There wasn't any groundbraking innovation... it does what it supposed to do..So does the other phones...it has all the functionilhy you might expect from a $500 phone... and so does the other phone in this category..
At the end of the day it's you who will decide what you want... if you want a functional phone which does its job... choose it... if you need something more flashy.. dongt bother..

I love my mini and I'm glad I didn't get the usual ATT/US smartphone. Because I just recently got it and it is a mini and not a full sized n97 I think I was lucky enough to bypass alot of problems you hear about.

I've seen it best price in the US SIM free from Dell for $399 and read somewhere you can get them from Dell for $375.

About the only bug that I've come accross so far is that Skype is not well behaved unless you install it to the C drive.

Also try SkyFire browser. I like it better than the Nokia browser or Opera.

Jeff

You will not regret that buy if you follow the advice you will find on these forums.

N� 1 - get the latest software (if your phone is branded, de brand it)
N� 2 - get the latest ovi maps (see thread on the forum)
N� 3 - do not listen to the moaning ars****es who are still complaining about the N97 on these (and other) forums.
N� 4 - if your GPS does not work properly, take it to an official Nokia Service Center and get the back plate replaced.
N� 5 - enjoy having in your hands the greatest bit of kit available as we speak!

Cheers,

Barrie

I'd like to disagree with point number 1.
De-brand if you want, but I think it should be a carefully considered option, and seeing as most operators I know of have released at least v20 there should really be no need now.
You said in point 4 about the warranty GPS fix - if he's de-branded then that can quite likely be refused, along with any other warranty issues, I just had to send mine off for 2 weeks cos the screen died so I would strongly recommend leaving product code.
I could understand it when the phone was released with awful firmware and it took months for operators to get v20 out, but like I said that shouldn't be a problem now.

My main bit of advice would be read up on managing the C drive, it's one of the things that can make a big difference. Basically I'd delete all applications that come preinstalled then set Ovi Store to install to E, after that download whatever you like and stick it all on mass memory. Clear browser cache regularly if you're using the built in one, and reset data regularly if you're using Nokia Messaging for your email.

Thanks for all the advice guys. All i know is its tmobile locked and im wanting to use my virgin sim in it. How do i set it e drive? U got any links? Not long now shud have it in a few days

bang bang boom wrote:Thanks for all the advice guys. All i know is its tmobile locked and im wanting to use my virgin sim in it. How do i set it e drive? U got any links? Not long now shud have it in a few days

Your first problem will be getting your phone unlocked from T-Mobile (debranding does not unlock your phone).

There are a lot of companies who "claim" they can unlock an N97 but can't. Usually you can get the operator to give you the unlock code (sometimes for a payment of about �20) but you are not the original T-Mobile owner.

Try using Search on this forum for recommendations on unlocking an N97.

You may wish to debrand your phone after unlocking, to get rid of the T-Mobile crudware on it. See here:-

http://nokia.nigelcoldwell.co.uk/firmware.htm

When you say, "set to E: drive" I presume you mean saving texts, app's, etc; there. This is fairly straightforward by using the handsets settings. See here:-

http://discussions.europe.nokia.com/t5/Nseries-Devices-and-S60/N97-how-to-clean-up-phone-memory-not-mass-storage-32GB/td-p/480892;jsessionid=F4439D6A8864AA723081C20F1C0140AA

Hope this helps.

I'd go along with most of the advice, if you are going for an N97. If it's locked, then the first thing to do is to get it unlocked. From experience with my N95 which was locked to Orange, I had to pay them 20quid for an unlock code, but then it was fine. I then proceeded to debrand it - so there are two different functions you will need to carry out.

In response to your first question, I don't think it's *that* buggy with the latest FW ( currently on v21 ) so upgrade to that as soon as you can.

Thirdly - please have a good read of this forum, as you will find several different anecdotes from N97 owners - both positive and negative. I won't tell you my opinion , as I think you should - and probably will - decide for yourself.

Lastly - if you do get one, please feel free to revisit and tell us of your experiences!

Good Luck.

bang bang boom wrote:i have, and a bargain at that i think

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290405891226&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT#ht_895wt_958

cant wait to collect it

Quick tip...

When you receive your handset, do the following:-

1. Using the onscreen kepad, type in *#0000# this will give you the software version, software version date, custom version, language set and RM type.

2. Look at the white label underneath the battery and make a note of the product code (this is 7 digits long and starts with 05***** on the N97)

This information is useful when posting as it tells us if the phone is real, not a Chinese clone, what language packs might be on it and if any of the hardware is disabled/omitted (RM-506 has no wifi).

virgin sims work in tmboile fones so no need for unloking. can this fone be updated via the fone instead of laptop? one thing i cudnt do with my N95 8GB. im hoping to get it tomorrow... its from an actual shop so cant see there being anything wrong with it, if there is its got a warranty...

bang bang boom wrote:virgin sims work in tmboile fones so no need for unloking. can this fone be updated via the fone instead of laptop? one thing i cudnt do with my N95 8GB. im hoping to get it tomorrow... its from an actual shop so cant see there being anything wrong with it, if there is its got a warranty...

Yes, OTA (Over The Air) updates and are available for the N97 and it doesn't require formatting your phone either. However, we have always advised to back up your data first before updating (either with the PC or the built-in backup option under File Manager). Also, it's often the case that updates are made available through Ovi Suite or Nokia Software Updater on a PC before they're available OTA.

id be more worried that it isnt a contract phone that is going to get reported lost 😊

a very common scam with mobile phones and ebay

the seller ends up with your money and a new insurance phone and you end up with a phone that cant make calls and is blacklisted and trying to get your money back

hope the phone turns out to be a good one and you dont have to mess about getting it fixed etc or one that gets repoted lost

buxz777 wrote:id be more worried that it isnt a contract phone that is going to get reported lost 😊

a very common scam with mobile phones and ebay

the seller ends up with your money and a new insurance phone and you end up with a phone that cant make calls and is blacklisted and trying to get your money back

hope the phone turns out to be a good one and you dont have to mess about getting it fixed etc or one that gets repoted lost

Good point... however, consider the following...

1. If the new owner finds the phone later blocked after being reported lost/stolen, then reports this 'fraud' to the police, the original owner may be traced and prosecuted.

2. If the new owner paid via PayPal AND used a Credit Card for funds, he/she can ask PayPal and/or his C/Card supplier to refund the money paid. I think this has to be within the first 12 months though.

as stated in the thread, its from a shop.

Anyway, i picked the handset up today and im using it as i type. Lovin the keybord. The shop i got it from is also a nokia repair centre and if i have any problems over the coarse of the nxt two years then i have to take it back there. Cant see it gettin blocked which is a good thing.

How do i got about ota update?

Ive done *#oooo# then when i click on check for updates it tells me i need to define an access point but dont know what to put.

The fone its self is a tmobile handset but works with my virgin sim...

bang bang boom wrote:as stated in the thread, its from a shop.

Anyway, i picked the handset up today and im using it as i type. Lovin the keybord. The shop i got it from is also a nokia repair centre and if i have any problems over the coarse of the nxt two years then i have to take it back there. Cant see it gettin blocked which is a good thing.

How do i got about ota update?

Ive done *#oooo# then when i click on check for updates it tells me i need to define an access point but dont know what to put.

The fone its self is a tmobile handset but works with my virgin sim...

Thought we might hear from you again once you had your handset! 😃

Seems like you have your bases covered on the purchase of your N97 but let us not forget other forum readers who may be thinking of buying on FleaBay. There are pitfalls.

First rule... Is read the manual (I know, alien to most males).

Second rule... The Search feature on this forum is your friend. Chances are that someone else has already asked the same question before.

In answer to your query, there are two methods of update built in to your phone:-

1. Firmware update.

This updates your phones firmware from, say, v20 to v21. The quickest way to access this is by entering *#0000# on the dial pad. This will show your current firmware.
Now select Options > Check for updates.
Not all firmware updates are immediately available OTA (Over The Air) so it's a good idea to connect to either NSU (Nokia Software Updater) or Ovi Suite.

If you are asked for an Access point you should choose your Internet Destination point, providing you have set up Destinations in Connectivity.

You can check online for the latest version available for your handset here:-

http://europe.nokia.com/support/download-software/device-software-update/can-i-update

2. Software update.

Software updates can be accessed via Menu > Applications > SW update.

This will give you the latest app's from Nokia that apply to your phone. You DO NOT have to install them.

my firmware is 11 so must be an old one and its never been updated. I cant use my pc suite as with my N95 8GB it said i havnt enough ram so ii assume it will be the same.

Ive struck lucky with my purchase 😊

bang bang boom wrote:my firmware is 11 so must be an old one and its never been updated. I cant use my pc suite as with my N95 8GB it said i havnt enough ram so ii assume it will be the same.

Ive struck lucky with my purchase 😊

I wouldn't assume anything!

Some product codes are still on v10.

The issue with your N95 8GB RAM (why didn't you just close all running app's) won't necessarily apply to the N97.

[email protected] wrote:Thought we might hear from you again once you had your handset! 😃

Seems like you have your bases covered on the purchase of your N97 but let us not forget other forum readers who may be thinking of buying on FleaBay. There are pitfalls.

First rule... Is read the manual (I know, alien to most males).

Second rule... The Search feature on this forum is your friend. Chances are that someone else has already asked the same question before.

In answer to your query, there are two methods of update built in to your phone:-

1. Firmware update.

This updates your phones firmware from, say, v20 to v21. The quickest way to access this is by entering *#0000# on the dial pad. This will show your current firmware.
Now select Options > Check for updates.
Not all firmware updates are immediately available OTA (Over The Air) so it's a good idea to connect to either NSU (Nokia Software Updater) or Ovi Suite.

If you are asked for an Access point you should choose your Internet Destination point, providing you have set up Destinations in Connectivity.

You can check online for the latest version available for your handset here:-

http://europe.nokia.com/support/download-software/device-software-update/can-i-update

2. Software update.

Software updates can be accessed via Menu > Applications > SW update.

This will give you the latest app's from Nokia that apply to your phone. You DO NOT have to install them.

ive tried ur way for software update but i cant find it in applications

2 possibilities then:-

1. It's in another folder on a T-Mobile branded phone.

2. It's been disabled in T-Mobile firmware.

Oh! right.

You really will have to get your laptop sorted as it excludes you from doing lots of things with the N97, such as, back-up's, restores, debranding, firmware upgrades (in some cases), etc:

I use PC Suite, not a big fan of the Ovi Suite at the moment, on a daily basis.

Just as a matter of interest, what firmware version are you running on your N97?

Is it T-Mobile branded (product code 0587665 I believe)?

Heres my stats...

Software version
v11.0.21

software version update
15/06/09

custom version
11.0.021.262.04

custom version update
06/07/09

language set
01

model
N97

type
RM 505

latest updated
not updated

how do i get the tmobile branded code?

Ok. Is it normal with the firmware ive got for the fone to crash... To the point where i have to turn the fone off then back on again...

Also.. Opera... Havin major problems with mobile, 5 beta and 4.2 keep closing down. Will an update sort out the problems?

bang bang boom wrote:thats the exact one as is one mine

Versions 10 and 11 were very "buggy" and immature and prone to freezing and crashing as well as lacking kinetic scrolling.

Checking on-line here:-

http://europe.nokia.com/support/download-software/device-software-update/can-i-update

it says:-

"Latest available software for Nokia N97, product code 0587665
Version: 21.0.045 "

That's the latest firmware version for a T-Mobile branded phone (and is the latest firmware version overall).

However, to update to this, you will probably need to do it via NSU on your laptop as I do not believe it is available OTA.