Randy Arnold's Blog

source: conversations.nokia.com

I didn’t expect to be able to say anything first-hand about the Nokia N9.  I really thought my semi-facetious post a while back would be pretty much it unless I came up with some other abstract commentary to inflict on you all.  And I really haven’t used this meandering blog for device reviews, unless you count one admittedly unusual attempt for the slightly-less-cool N8.

So I was genuinely surprised to receive a sleek black N9 in London last month the day before Nokia World 2011, at a special Champions Day event.  And I’ve used it enough to share some juicy details.

First, however, a disclaimer:

The following review is from a drooling, starry-eyed device nut who is contemplating super-gluing an N9 to his hand.  Don’t expect much objectivity.

So let’s do this. 

Design

There’s been enough mentioned on this aspect, but I have to say it myself nonetheless: this is the Ferrari of phones.  In fact I even suggested on Twitter that Nokia co-brand a red one with the Italian king of cars.  I cannot overstate the sexy elegance.  Yes I have overused that word “sexy”.  Yes the N9 deserves it.  No other cell phone has been designed better.  Most don’t even come close.

Your gaze is immediately hooked by that seductive ebony screen.  The one bordered by an almost non-existent bezel.  The only one that gently arches above the front surface of a cell phone.  Double-tap that gloss black Gorilla glass beauty and be dazzled by the display’s brilliance.

This device is such a work of art that I find myself treating it with much more reverence than its predecessors.  I am using the included slip case religiously, and finally contemplating placing a screen cover on a cell phone… for the first time.  Just hope I find one that does it justice.

The single-body case is almost stunning enough to make me forgive Nokia for the sealed battery.  Almost… but given my discouraging experiences with Nokia batteries, I’m really concerned about the possibility that this one could go bad.  So there’s a risk.

I’m also disgusted with myself for somehow letting the chrome camera trim get a little scuffed.  Probably from riding in my pocket.  Note to self: buy a damned hip case.

Oh, and I really like the robust SIM slot and usb cover mechanisms.  Nokia finally got those right!

UI/UX

I came to this conclusion with the N950, but the N9 just cemented it: MeeGo Harmattan provides the ultimate mobile device experience.  Period.  Yes, I have a fondness for the various Maemo iterations (and a tolerance for Symbian Anna) but this user experience is state of the art.  Swiping is so intuitive, so expected, that I now find myself futilely flicking my finger across the screens of lesser devices.  Other than some oddities with settings drilldowns, I’m completely satisfied.

Notifications and messaging integrations go a long way toward making this a must-have product.  I’m a forgetful sort who gave up on watches when I started using cell phones, and the N9 does a great job of alerting me to what I’ve scheduled and what is going on in my virtual world.  The sleep screen shows the time and icons for alert types– very handy.

Power/Performance

At first the N9 irked me with its sluggishness on waking from sleep.  No such thing as a coffee app, unfortunately, so I had to wait for the recent PR 1.1 update to see an improvement.  Sure enough, it now wakes up and goes straight to work.  Nicely done, Nokia!  Especially getting the update out so quickly.

Battery life is… tolerable.  I’m a demanding user of mobile internet so I know to keep expectations low… but I would not have complained if a larger capacity battery had added some size and weight.  My ultimate dream device will go at least a day of heavy use without needing a recharge.  The N9 isn’t there, but it tends to last long enough between recharge opportunities.  I occasionally have issues charging from usb (“not enough power…”) but without some troubleshooting I don’t know if it’s the phone, my power sources or both.

Apps

You know me: I’m not really an app guy.  Allergic to Apple-sized content stores, I’m usually content with what the manufacturer includes.  Nokia has done a great job here, preloading the N9 with the usual useful utilities like Maps, Music, Facebook & Twitter clients, a nice integrated Accuweather app and much more.  That even includes Nokia Drive, contrary to some misleading press.

So what have I installed?

• Solitaire
• PhoneTorch
• Recorder
• File Manager (beta)
• Radio FM4

…and a really pretty fish wallpaper.  All recommended.

Etcetera

I love the tiny usb-style wall charger.  It’s about time Nokia got on board with that.

Kudos also to Nokia for its environmentally-responsible quest to reduce packaging.  The N9′s product box is really close to zero wasted space.  Other manufacturers, take note: you should be ashamed of your excess.

I enabled Developer mode on mine because I’m trying to teach myself Qt.  I haven’t seen it interfere with any other functionality.  Now if only my code would work…

Summary

The most surprising thing about the N9?  The amazing reaction it’s garnered.  Quotes like:

You’ve never seen anything like it, and if you think it’s attractive in pictures, wait until you see it in person — it’s completely and utterly irresistible. -Engadget

The thing with the N9, though, is that, much to my surprise, I really do rather like it. -Gizmodo

After using the Lumia 800 for a day, I am happy to say that it makes my Nokia N9 purchase even more valid and justifiable -ZDNet

The sole complaints from reviewers?  The expected short shelf life of the MeeGo Harmattan OS and the scarcity of apps.

I must now remind the reader: I am really a computer person, not a phone person.  And when I have had to use a cell phone, my past preference has been Nokia sliders and E71-type form factors.  So when I tell you I can’t put this candy bar touchscreen phone down, that’s profound.  The user experience has no equal.

Well done, Nokia!  Now… if your CEO would only change his mind on the platform’s viability…

This is a highly personal post so for those whose eyes roll or minds reel at the thought, click past this one and I promise more juicy tech stuff next.

As regular readers know, I lost a great job with an awesome company in January of 2009.  As of this past Monday I started a challenging new role with what seems like another awesome company so far.  In between, I worked at something that didn’t work out while keeping an eye on Nokia opportunities the whole time.   

Now, maybe I need to qualify that last statement.  It’s not like I’m ever going to “phone in” performance at any employer.  I worked hard at my previous position.  But I could have made much, much more of the role had I been so empowered… and it was extremely difficult going from the can-do culture at Finland’s single largest employer to an organization that could have used a best-practice infusion at the very least.

I’ve related here and there some lessons learned before and after my Nokia job loss and I will repeat them here for the interested readers’ sake.  Not just to bemoan my own mistakes, but perhaps help others from making the same ones.

But first I want to share some things with Nokia.

You really were an awesome employer.  There’s no such thing as absolutely perfect, but you were close enough for me.  You provided me opportunities I never could have previously imagined.  Thanks to you I’ve been to Finland, France, Ireland, The Netherlands, England and Mexico (not to mention states here in the US).  I was already open to cultures other than my own but you cracked my mind wider.

The projects I was given, and others I was able to initiate thanks to your empowerment, had me eagerly racing into work on Mondays when others dreaded the drive.  It’s an almost indescribable feeling.  Like I was being paid to play.

When you closed the Alliance factory I was almost in tears.  Many colleagues did indeed cry.  We were a family.  A tight, talented family that kicked ass if I might say.  I still believe there was value in what we did for the US market.  I still believe we had the skills and strengths to turn around your prospects here.  I just hope you’re truly serious about pulling that off.

You emphasized Connecting People at every level, every entry and exit point.  I wasn’t good at that at first.  You helped.  In three years I went from a stuttering introvert to a much more confident trainer, presenter and business explorer.  You demanded it.  Thank you for pushing me out of my comfort zone.

But I didn’t get it as well as I should have.  Sure, I networked globally with 400 to 500 people on a regular basis, but I neglected key parties on my home turf.  So when you (mistakenly) decided my critical role was superfluous, I discovered the hard way that I had not made managers at the fringe of my circle aware of who I really was and what I could do for them.  You were good enough to give me two months to find another internal opportunity, and they did exist, but the hiring managers declined to interview me because of my former failure to fully network.  Ouch. Lesson learned… painfully.

But it wasn’t all me.  In the past three years I’ve noticed you doing some odd, even counterproductive things with regards to hiring.  I’m mystified by why you deleted the “Global/Location Negotiable” job classification out of your Taleo  career system.  Many of your employees can and do operate virtually.  So how do you classify them now?  And why did you remove that for new prospects?  I don’t get it; virtual is the trend!

Then there was the extremely frustrating experience of applying for jobs that were available.  On one I was told I was overqualified and would not be considered.  I replied that the economy here had dropped just about everyone down a job grade so that was not an issue.  Still no go.  The job was closed without being filled, then re-opened weeks later, same exact description.  I applied again, and this time was told I was underqualified.

Really?

There were so many other chances at roles I could fulfill.  But no interviews.  I still don’t know why.

I came so close to rejoining you a month ago, though– I was even told to expect an interview!  But you dashed those hopes by deleting the opening… along with, I now hear, the jobs of more friends and colleagues.  That’s hard news to swallow, and I can only hope your master plan is on track.  Of course I also hope that every released employee finds another good opportunity as soon as possible.

But hey, I’m not writing just to lament lost opportunities.  I’m throwing myself into what I’m doing now.  An even though I failed to rejoin you, I’ve stayed close.  In 2009 after a brief hiatus I shifted my focus in the Maemo community from technical liaison to outreach.  Being elected to the community council is what got me to Amsterdam.  Helping the MeeGo community later got me a trip to Dublin.  More recently, participation in your Nokia Developer Champion program helped land me in England for Nokia World 2011.  Friends and family don’t quite get why you do these things without hiring me back, and I have been trying to explain the perks of volunteerism in response.  Personally I feel well-rewarded!  I strongly urge everyone, especially young people, to volunteer in activities that interest them.  One never knows where that might lead.

I had hoped to eventually leverage that volunteer work into a related role within your walls, but it looks like you’re not ready for that yet– at least, not in my neck of the woods.  Everything these days seems to revolve around Beijing and Sunnyvale.  The Irving office is about to lose more employees and I don’t know for sure your plans for its future.

But I did just have my Champion status renewed for another year, so I’m looking forward to our continued relationship.  I will proudly carry (and show off!) my gorgeous N9 and when my Lumia 800 arrives, I’ll try to give it equal time.  I’m even hoping to develop for both (currently struggling with Qt).  I want you to succeed, for a variety of reasons, and I will continue to do my small part in that… paid, unpaid or what have you.  So ping me when you need me!

I still believe in you.  You truly were an awesome employer.  It’s just a shame I could not put “Nokia” back on my resumé.

But life goes on.