What's new in Nov06?

Having previously been an avid Nokia fanatic for so many years, vowing to support their every product, then only recently discovering the beauty of Sony Ericsson, I still tend to keep a close eye on their new products.

NOT that I plan to change anytime soon mind you!

November 2006. Sadly, Nokia has done another marketing gimmick through their releases, whilst SE has evolved through theirs. As pictures speak more than a thousand words, here they are.

Nokia N91 (8Gb), Nokia N73 Music Edition, Nokia N70 Music Edition and Nokia N80 Internet Edition.

"Ooooh.... Ahhhhh......"

Reading up on their "new" specs and features, I can't help but notice that really, the only major difference worth mentioning is the COLOUR! The N91 for example, C'mon, already its not a very popular model here, and they now release an 8Gb one?! As for the N70 and N73, music editions? And an Internet Edition N80?! What gives?! What's the difference with the current ones? (Note: There is now a "special black edition" of the N70 also just out recently *rolls eyes*)

I just can't comprehend what Nokia's strategies are lately. Releasing "new" models with refurbished outer casings. Pathetic. I wouldn't recommend any of these to anyone and I fail to see any reasons why existing owners would want to switch. Having said that though, it might be targeted at new buyers, SO, unless: (1) You're looking for a new phone which happens to be one of these models, (2) You happen to think that black is the best colour in the world, (3) You don't mind paying a bit more than the current (good enough) editions and (4) You don't really want to invest in extra memory cards since now the-higher-capacity-memory-cards-come-as-standard, then.... Knock yourself out, run out there to get one.. NOW!

Moving on, Sony Ericsson w710i and Sony Ericsson w950...

Now THESE are what I would call "new" models. Two greatly evolved releases from SE.

The SE W710, is targeted at the sporty and active. (A quote from SE's site) "Inside the w710i is a motion sensor. Based on the movements the sensor detects, the fitness application measures time, speed and distance when you run. It also includes a step counter for walking. Your results are stored in your phone so you can monitor your progress". Impressive. In the package, you also get a specially designed Sports belt clip, a Sports armband and Stereo Portable Handsfree! Now THIS is what I call thinking about the user. As a gym rat (almost), I see scores of people at the gym doing their thang with iPods dangling from their arm bands. I'm pretty sure that they had to spend that little bit more for that accessory. If only they waited for this beauty of a w710i.

The SE w950, on the other hand is no stranger to many. Having been previewed some many months ago, it was touted as the Nokia N91 killer. 4Gb memory built in, lighter-than-the-brick-of-the-N91, touchscreen (!)... need I say more? Mobile-review has done a fair review here and GSMarena here. GSMarena ended by saying the w950 is a great smartphone, a great phone and a great music player. I guess that about sums it up doesn't it? So, if you're either a sports freak or a music buff who wants to carry just one device instead of a phone and a little "white thing", then maybe you should consider these delectable offerings from SE.

SUPPOSING it was December now, and I am debating what to ask for for Christmas, and I was given these choices from Nokia and SE, I know I would have my mind pretty much made up. Have you? December's around the corner mind you.