Gadgets and just Gadgets

Nokia’s N81, 8GB toy shipping with N-Gage preview

Nokia announced the global availability of its Nokia N81 multimedia computer, which also ships with a preview of the N-Gage gaming service. As you may or may not recall, the N81 is available in two versions–an 8GB model and one with a microSD expansion slot that can accept cards up to 4GB–and both are optimized for gaming and music. They are equipped with 3.5mm
headphone jacks and dedicated game keys (when held in landscape position). And while the N-Gage service won’t be available till later this year, the devices will come with playable demos of EA Sports’ FIFA 07, Asphalt 3, Street Rules, and Space Impact Light. Other highlights include Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP support, Wi-Fi (802.11b/g), a 2.4-inch, 16 million-color QVGA screen, an FM tuner, and side-mounted dual stereo speakers.

Those same games will be available for free download-and-preview over HSDPA when the service goes live sometime “later in 2007.” Still, while Nokia touts a global launch, the fact that this quad-band GSM phone only sports 2100MHz WCDMA will limit its effective use in North America.

Pre-tax, pre-subsidy €360 / $515 for the 2GB microSD model or €430 / $615 for that full 8GB of on-board flash experience.

Tags: n-gage, n-series, n81, n81 8gb, N818gb, nokia, cellphone, street rules, asphalt 3, space impact light