Nokia N97 launch timed with Palm Pre and iPhone roll-out

Mobile Phones

Dan Leahul

June 03, 2009

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Nokia N97 launch timed with Palm Pre and iPhone roll-out

LONDON - Nokia is throwing its hat into the ring for the summer of the smartphone, with hopes that its new N97 device finds its way into the hands of consumers instead of the upcoming Palm Pre and a revamped iPhone.

Nokia said it plans to sell 10 million N97's, hoping the new handset will be as popular as the N95, which sold its 10 millionth unit in March.

The new device, which Nokia insists on calling a 'mobile computer' is due to ship to more than 75 countries and hits shelves in the UK on June 19 at a price of £499 each, available on Vodafone or O2.

So far, reviews have been positive, with features such as a tilting touch display, Qwerty keyboard, customisable homescreen and access to Nokia's new Ovi app store.

The N97 will have stiff competition from Palm's highly anticipated Pre, which is due to launch stateside on June 6, with no official UK release date as of yet.

Apple is also expected to announce the details of its new iPhone next week during its World Wide Developers Conference, with early rumours of a video player and upgraded memory capabilities.

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