Nokia N97 Fanatics » N97 Deals

The Best N97 Screen Protector Only Costs One (1) Penny, And You Get 2

Mike Macias — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 18:47:44 +0000

After trying out many different screen protectors for my Nokia N97, I have finally found one that I love – and don’t have a single complaint after about 6 weeks of use. I used to be a big fan of Zagg, but decided to find something that’s a little less pricey. That’s when I came across this screen protector by SF Planet, only costing me $0.01 for two. How do these guys even make money? (Amazon price might change after article was written.)

Product Description

Use this High Quality screen protector to protect your Nokia N97 Smartphone LCD screen. Protect the image viewer from scratches or any damages. Reduce glare and protect the viewer from dirt and fingerprints. And don’t forget to use the high quality cloth to clean the screen, which is also included in this package.

My Thoughts

It was extremely easy to apply, no liquid solution is needed. The product is thicker and harder than previous screen protectors I’ve tried. Others are soft and rubbery, that is not the case with this one. If you mess up putting this on, no biggy there was two in the package. The protector fits perfectly over my screen and has holes around the earpiece, camera lens, light sensor, and menu button. It doesn’t affect the touch sensitivity or the clarity of the screen. I’ve noticed you get smudges after a bit of use but those can be easily wiped off. Not one scratch or ding has appeared on the protector, it still looks like I just put it on.

If you have any other questions about it let me know!

Click here to visit the product page at Amazon.com and try it yourself.

Need Holiday Gift Ideas? Check Out The Top 10 Best Selling Stereo Bluetooth Headphones

Mike Macias — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:30:05 +0000

Looking for something cool to buy someone or an awesome new gadget to add to your wish list this holiday? Or maybe you want to treat yourself with something that can be useful and fun while doing your last minute holiday shopping. Why not pick up a nifty stereo bluetooth headset for that tech geek in the family? You really can’t go wrong as most smartphones nowadays have the stereo bluetooth feature built in – including the latest firmware of the Apple iPhone.

Regardless if you want to shop with Amazon or not, it’s always smart to go on there and check out their best sellers lists and read all the customer reviews. Personally I think it’s one of the best places to read real reviews & comments from the users in the real world.

With that said… check out the top 10 best selling stereo bluetooth headphones on Amazon.com right now:

left column 1-5, right column 6-10

RSS? Your RSS reader might disable javascript preventing you from seeing the chart above. View this article in your browser.

My Favorite Stereo Bluetooth

Although I haven’t tried all the headphones on that list, my personal favorite is the Nokia Bluetooth BH-503 headset. Not because they are Nokia, but because I’ve tried them before and they just sound great and are very comfortable to wear. The battery life is astounding (11 hours) and the control keys kick ass. Check out the 24 customer reviews and form your own opinion. I know these are a little pricey but in the long run you’ll be happy. These work great with the Nokia N97 and make the music experience complete. Most of the time I use my stereo bluetooth headset at work, leaving my phone on the desk and walking around my office jamming out without wires.

Do you already use a pair? Let us know if you’ve tried any of these top ten bluetooth headsets.

16gb MicroSD Card Great For N97 Mini Users, Brings Total to 24gb

Mike Macias — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 03:09:33 +0000

As I mentioned just the other day, one of the bigger drawbacks of the N97 Mini compared to it’s older brother is the lack of mass storage space. The original N97 has 32gb built in while the Mini only has 8gb. Of course both have expandable memory slots which brings us to this article.

Only having 8gb for music, photos, & video is not nearly enough for me. Heck, I have 13gb of music & movies loaded up on my N97 right now. So 24gb sounds like just enough cushion to add photos, videos, & podcasts. Having that extra freedom on your mobile device feels so damn good. Example: Today at work I had to transfer a 3gb photoshop file to my home computer. While my buddy was searching for his missing thumb drive I simply plugged my N97 into the computer and transferred over the file along with some brushes and fonts.

You can get the Sandisk 16GB Microsd Card for $45 at this link

Or you can buy the 16GB Mobile Ultra Microsd Card for around $90. It’s supposed to be a little faster and more reliable. Personally I’ve never had a problem with the cheaper version. Original N97 users are spoiled with 32gb + 16gb, bringing the total to 48gb in their pockets. Whooo!

Are you thinking about picking up more memory for your N97 or do you have enough out of the box?

Review: Skinomi’s TechSkin™ Protector for the N97

MajorDouble7 — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 21:04:55 +0000

Hello, Fanatics! MajorDouble7 here with a look into Skinomi’s TechSkin™ for the N97. There’s been a lot of discussion in the cloud regarding protection for the N97, and it always seems to boil down to preference. Some go for stronger, more durable cases, while other prefer a ‘cleaner’ screen protector-style look. I count myself as member of the latter group, which brought me to Skinomi’s TechSkin™ phone protector.

Of all the screen protector brands out there, Skinomi drew my attention first because they offer a skin to protect the entire phone, not just the screen. Most of the common ‘cheapy’ screen protectors offer you 5 or 10 sheets in a packet, thus admitting that their protectors are ‘disposable’ and eventually wear out. Skinomi makes no such admission. In fact, they offer a lifetime guarantee with every product they sell (products which, by the way, vary from digital cameras to portable gaming systems).

This is from the Skinomi website:

Skinomi TechSkin™ Features:

• Toughest clear protective film on the market

• Clear protection that is virtually invisible

• Preserves your device’s original design

• Protects your device from scratches and “wear-and-tear”

• Patented layer of UV protection for anti-yellowing

• Provides protection without affecting the functions of your device

• Non-sticky or restrictive outer surface

• Lifetime Replacement Warranty

• 100% Made in the USA

Skinomi TechSkin protectors are the clear choice for maximum scratch protection. These go beyond your traditional screen protectors, skins, covers, and cases. TechSkin is made from the same film material used to protect luxury cars, military aircrafts, and NASA space shuttles. Skinomi TechSkin protectors are custom made to specifically fit your device.

So what’s the real story? Does their TechSkin stick to the issues? And what about installation?

I’m going to offer my experience regarding these questions, starting with the installation.

Installation was a real concern for me before, during, and after my purchase of the Skinomi product. I was dreadfully terrified of marring my N97 for life, even though for all intents and purposes I was just sticking a piece of plastic over it. Skinomi says that their protective skin is removable during installation to the point where you can do minor adjustments (it is also claimed to leave behind no residue of any kind if you decide to remove the protector later down the road). “Fear not” is the mantra coming out of the website. Well, I still like to err on the side of caution, I thank you.

All of the instructions for installation are posted on their website, www.skinomi.com, which is a real relief. When looking for which product to use, I wanted to know how it worked and how it was applied, in hopes to make a more informed decision. So having the instructions readily available was a real plus for me.

What I couldn’t find, however, was an application video. I was really hoping to find a video in the cloud that would show how to install the protector accurately on any device (whether by Skinomi or a fellow user). Let’s face it, I was probably a bit too paranoid about messing up my N97. Needless to say, no video was found. In fact, the only Skinomi application video I found at the time was for an electric cigarette device that’s basically in the shape of a cylinder…no help there.

So! I finally decided to get on with it and give the Skinomi a whirl (I know what you may be thinking, “Why didn’t YOU make a video while you were installing?” Well, the only camera I have is on my N97, so that wouldn’t quite work out as you can imagine). I followed all of the rules and tried my best to line up the edges just right. By the time I was finished, what was in my hand was a very unattractive piece of phone. Skinomi’s instructions say that any small bubbles and the like will disappear over time and remember: “Fear not.”

Being the trustworthy person that I am, I decided not to judge too quickly, and left my device to rest for a full 24 hours as instructed.

Fast-forward a week later and my device still had very unattractive bubbles and marks. NOW, it is completely possible (and highly likely) that my installation job wasn’t the best. Perhaps my nervousness got the better of me. I did admittedly blunder a bit when placing the front screen sheet, thus causing two nasty looking air bubbles that wouldn’t ‘push out’ with the supplied plastic tool for that exact purpose. After a while most of the micro bubbles did disappear, and my phone started to look a little more normal. There were still a few large ones present, but overall the skin was doing what it claimed it would.

After a while longer, say, three weeks or so after installation, I began playing with the idea of removing the skin, undecided as I was about my satisfaction. I finally decided that I didn’t like the ‘rubbery’ feel of the back of the phone. It was almost too ‘tactful’ (some call this ’sticky’)…I liked the original, smoother feel of the plastic on the back of the device. Also the small pieces encasing the chrome frame felt a bit wonky around the edges.

Having made up my mind, I removed the back piece and the slender chrome-covering pieces. I opted to leave the screen and other side pieces on, as they were both ok for the time being, and I certainly wanted something to protect my screen until a replacement could be found. There was no problem whatsoever with removing the previously installed sheets of the TechSkin™ and my phone felt the same as the first day I took it out of the box.

Fast-forward yet again, to approximately six weeks after installation, and I find that my Skinomi TechSkin™ looks perfect…almost perfect. The large bubbles that I was no doubt the cause of have all but disappeared. You can’t see them when the screen is on or off (only if you know where they are and look *real* close). The tact of the protector is nice and smooth; no more ‘tacky’ or ‘rubbery’ feel at all. I’ve scratched it (intentionally) and nothing happens. If there are any marks, they either wipe off or disappear in a matter of minutes. The TechSkin™ has truly delivered as advertised.

Have a look at some shots of my (admittedly dirty) N97. You can see where the edge of the screen is. It looks a lot more pronounced in these photos than it does in person.

The smudge right by the green call button is one of my bubble mistakes...hardly noticeable in person

The screen no longer has the 'sticky' or rubbery feel...nice and smooth

The small pieces along the side of the N97...the pieces included with the Skinomi package that cover the chrome have been removed

Back of N97 without Skinomi Protection

I’m convinced that any imperfections and marks are due to my poor installation of the product. I’ve never installed a screen protector on any of my previous phones, and can tell that this is a practice that you can only improve on in time. Eventually I’m sure I’ll call up Skinomi again and re-order the N97 full phone protector. Sure, they have a lifetime guarantee, and I could make up some story to get a new one, but at only $19.95 USD, I’m willing to pay them again for what I now know to be a great product.

Overall the Skinomi product does exactly what I was hoping it would do when I first placed an order for it along with my N97. The best part about it is the fact that I can hand my phone over to (almost) anyone without any fear whatsoever that they’ll smudge it, mark it, or otherwise defile my beautiful N97.

How ’bout it, Fanatics? what screen protector do you prefer? Was it a hassle to apply? Tell us all about it.

Until next time…

MD 7

has the ability to resist the highest level of abrasion, making it the ultimate protection for gadgets and devices. The film’s “self healing” technology makes it immune to scratches and virtually indestructible. Passing numerous OEM tests in the United States, the TechSkin’s film has been hailed superior in scratch resistance to any other film on the market.

Skinomi TechSkin™ Features:

• Toughest clear protective film on the market
• Clear protection that is virtually invisible
• Preserves your device’s original design
• Protects your device from scratches and “wear-and-tear”
• Patented layer of UV protection for anti-yellowing
• Provides protection without affecting the functions of your device
• Non-sticky or restrictive outer surface
• Lifetime Replacement Warranty
• 100% Made in the USA

Skinomi TechSkin protectors are the clear choice for maximum scratch protection. These go beyond your traditional screen protectors, skins, covers, and cases. TechSkin is made from the same film material used to protect luxury cars, military aircrafts, and NASA space shuttles. Skinomi TechSkin protectors are custom made to specifically fit your device.

Nokia N900 Available For Preorder, Cheaper Than White N97

Mike Macias — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:59:46 +0000

You guys all remember the Nokia N900 right? How can you forget? We first showed you the N900 and it’s specs a few weeks back with Timi Cantisano calling it “The Real N97”.

Timi said,

It supports cellular signals which means that the internet will be available anywhere you go, and not only internet but calling as well. Why is this device important? By looking at the specifications I think this is what the N97 should have been. So it comes to mind that maybe Nokia purposely put a lower CPU/less RAM in the N97 because it wanted to have a clear segregation between its MID and Mobile devices.

While Timi is right about the N900 specs blowing away the N97, I’m not so sure I’m ready to be without 3g since the N900 will not have AT&T 3g bands, and I’m definitely not ready to switch over to T-Mobile which has the compatible 3g bands of the N900. T-Mobile users should be ecstatic, likewise AT&T users should be pissed. Not sure what Nokia’s reasoning was behind this. Regardless of the carrier, I know many of you are eager to get your hands on this hot item and you should find it interesting to know that you can preorder Nokia N900 for cheaper than the white N97 over at Amazon.com. Oddly enough, the black N97 is currently priced at $529.99, as mentioned here yesterday.

The Nokia N900 showed up at Amazon sometime in the past few days with the price of $588.99. The shipping date has yet to be announced. Amazon says,

This item has not yet been released.
You may pre-order it now and we will deliver it to you when it arrives.Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.

Preorder The N900 Now

I’m not sure if this price will go up or down when it actually starts shipping, but I am still shocked at the price point. I expected it to be higher.

Nokia N900 Mobile Computer Unlocked Cell Phone

To learn more about the Nokia N900 visit the official site.

Deal Alert: Nokia N97 Price Drops To $529.99

Mike Macias — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:17:01 +0000

If you’ve yet to make a decision on purchasing the Nokia N97 32gb smartphone now would be a good time with the upcoming firmware 2.0 right around the corner. It will literally transform the N97 experience, making it much better and faster. The inclusion of kinetic scrolling, long press function keys, optimized RAM and more free memory will void all the negative reviews that Nokia’s flagship device received upon release.

Amazon.com along with many other retailers are dropping the price of the Nokia N97. Because of Amazon’s 30 day no hassle return policy I like to recommend people buy from them. I’ve used their return policy dozens of times without a hitch. Visit Amazon at the link below to check out the drop in price and over 40 real customer reviews.

Nokia N97 Unlocked Phone, Touchscreen, 3G, 5 MP Camera, A-GPS, 32 GB, MicroSD Slot, and Integrated Ovi Applications–U.S. Version with Warranty (Black)

Don’t forget to protect your investment and shop for a good screen protector or full body case to cover your N97 with. Visit the N97 Accessory Store to find various deals and brands.

Nokia N97 Cradle, Stand, Charger. Any Suggestions?

Timi Cantisano — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 03:51:48 +0000

While the N97 has a wonderful tilt screen which gives users an excellent view of the screen while on a flat surface, some might be interested in a more traditional looking stand for the N97. While I haven’t found a particular brand of stand, I have found a couple stands that share the same basic design. A majority of the N97 desktop stands/chargers cradle the N97 in a vertical position and have room for an additional battery that can be charged in the rear. The main unit receives charge/sync via a USB cable that connects to the N97’s micro USB port.
Although this is accomplished via a hideous cable that doesn’t look to flush. While I haven’t directly purchased this myself, I’d be curious to hear from the readers of N97fanatics that have purchased a cradle/desktop stand and their opinions on how they work and what brands seem to offer the best product. Below I have included some pictures of the different types of cradles that I have seen. Most range in price from 12 dollars to 50 dollars USD.

*I’ve also searched for cradles that would leave the N97 horizontal but would have a charging port that would dock with the unit. I’m not to sure how practical that would be, but if anyone has seen this please don’t hesitate to link it! I”ll be looking forward to your input.

Deal Alert: Nokia N97 Price Drops To $579.99

Mike Macias — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:13:54 +0000

Once in awhile we like to alert you guys about N97 deals on phones and accessories.

If you’re still on the fence about purchasing a Nokia N97 then you might want to check out this deal. Newegg.com just dropped their price on the Nokia N97 to $579.99 with free shipping, about $20 cheaper than competitors.

NOKIA N97 White 3G / UMTS Unlocked Cell Phone US Version

NOKIA N97 Black 3G / UMTS Unlocked Cell Phone US Version

If you’d rather go with Amazon they have the N97 for about $599.00. Click here to see that deal.

Tell your friends!

Need Security For The N97? Get The CityMan 450

Mike Macias — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:13:21 +0000

No it’s not an N97 antivirus (not needed).It’s not a security application. It’s City Man 450. Remember those super-bulky phones that came out in the early 90’s? I was still in short pants at that time, but I do remember them and how goofy they looked. My parents never had one but once in awhile I’d see busy people walking around with one, looking like silly fools. Little did I know someday I would be a phone fanatic myself.

N97 Fanatic writer Timi got himself one of these City Man 450’s to protect himself and his phone from all the bandits and phone thieves that roam the streets of California.

Over at Timi’s phone blog Phoneomenon.com he reviewed the security system and has even more photos. Timi says,

The CityMan 450 is a state of the art anti theft device that locks onto your N97 and with the aid of the CityMan application help turn your N97 invisible! Well not really invisible, but invisible to those that would care about stealing a high end mobile device.

Hilarious!

Click here to learn more about CityMan 450 over at Phoneomenon.

Disclaimer: This of course is a gimmick item and is meant to be a joke. Anyone that takes this seriously should be kicked in the rear.

N97 OEM Housing Replacement For Scratched Screens

Timi Cantisano — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 05:25:31 +0000

While I know lately there has been a lot of discussion/posts about scratches on the N97’s here at N97fanatics.com and we’ve had coverage on what can be done to protect against this. But what happens if you were one of the many eager N97 owners that cruised nude without a protector? While there weren’t many options for repair, now there is! CNN.CN has a replacement housing (currently only available in white) for those willing to replace the entire casing. It might not be the most economical fix (142.99 without tax and shipping) but its great that they are offering a solution. This does offer hope that in the future they will offer just the front case. But for now those that are in dire need can order a replacement and be sure to protect the new screen with a protector