If you're using one of the latest Nseries models, then you'd be very interested to learn of the following...

Nokia and Microsoft have finally announced the official release of their Windows Live suite of apps, enabling users access to the following Windows Live services directly from a compatible S60 handset: Contacts, Hotmail, Live Spaces, and - most importantly - Live Messenger (aka MSN). This is great news for those who wants to be able to access these online services at any time they so wish.

Some time prior to this announcement, a preview release (or beta) of the suite was floating around on the Internet - and I managed to get hold of it to try out, and ultimately use. And after having spent some time with it, I've got to say that they've done a fantastic job with the implementation on virtually all fronts... well done Nokia!

Now, on availability - this excerpt from the official press release pretty much sums it up:

Nokia customers who own the Nokia N73, N76, N80 Internet Edition, N93i, and the N95 multimedia computers can get the Windows Live services via the Download! application in the following countries; Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, UK, Sweden, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Customers can visit http://www.nokia.com/windowslive to learn more, and check if their country is on the availability list. Initially the service will be available as a free trial and then customers in select markets wishing to continue using the service may be asked to pay a monthly fee.

Sadly, this is how it is right now. But do check back at the Nokia Windows Live page often to see if the suite is available for more phone models, and whether it has been extended to more markets (currently, the list only shows selected countries in Europe and the Middle East).

(While more S60 models will be supported in the near future, Nokia is also planning on bringing these services to S40-based models as of next year - stay tuned!)

Resources: Nokia Windows Live page