I guess I couldn't really put it any better - as Nokia seems to always know best...

On the surface, the new N82 is the candy bar version of Nokia's 5-megapixel camera smartphone, the N95.

True - but only to a certain degree.

While it may mirror many of the very features found on the N95, it also adds a few other items of great importance - like the new Xenon flash (replacing the rather-pathetic photo light - which Nokia dares to define as a flash - found on all Carl Zeiss enabled models thus far), and an amber-coloured AF assist light (which improves upon the standard white-coloured light). Clearly, Nokia is finally starting to become quite serious on the subject of mobile photography...

Other features of interest include:

• support for HSDPA (3.5G) enabled networks;
• WLAN (802.11b/g) support plus UPnP capabilities;
• integrated GPS with assist option - along with pre-installed Nokia Maps application plus local maps;
• multifunctional 3.5mm A/V port - supporting standard headphones, phone-based headsets, and video output;
• Micro USB socket for data connectivity over USB 2.0 (PC suite, data modem support, mass storage), and PictBridge; and
• Bluetooth 2.0 + EDR and wireless stereo audio (A2DP) support.

The N82 will have around 100MB worth of built-in dynamic memory, plus a 2GB microSD card included within the sales package.

And availability is of... right now! Quoting from Nokia's press release...

The Nokia N82 is available now in key markets with an estimated, pre-tax, unsubsidized sales price of approximately 450 euros.

Resources: Nseries.com | Nokia.com | Technical specifications

After quite a wait, Nokia finally introduces 3G to its premium line of handsets - with the introduction of the Arte family of models.

The 8800 Arte, to be commercially available before the end of the year, will feature a state-of-the-art design involving the combined use of both glass and metal in its overall construction (apparently, the finishing will be anti-fingerprint), plus its unique ball-bearing-plus-spring slider mechanism. At the same time, its technological capabilities have been expanded to include features that are quickly being taken for granted - including:

• a bigger, brighter display - 16.7-million-colour QVGA display, utilising OLED technology, with a viewable diagonal of two inches;

• better-looking pictures - a 3.2-megapixel camera with auto-focus lens;
• bigger internal storage - up to 1GB worth of internal memory for the storage of media and other files;
• improved battery life - a 1000mAh lithium-ion battery ensures reasonable usage times, along with the help of an ambient sensor to further conserve power by dimming the display's backlight based on current available lighting;
• faster data access - WCDMA on 3G, and GPRS or EDGE on GSM (2G) networks;
• wider connectivity - its Micro USB port allows for battery charging, audio output, and data handling (PC suite, data modem capabilities, mass storage, and audio management); and
• touch-and-go features - 'tap-for-time' for an instant showing of the time, and 'turn-to-mute' for the silencing of incoming call alerts and alarms.

Many will be glad to see the expanded feature set of such a model, as those previous ones lacked various capabilities that are deemed crucial to those many "mobile" users.

For the 8800 Sapphire Arte, to be available in the first quarter of next year, it will share exactly the same features on the inside, but differing somewhat in the aesthetics department. A genuine sapphire gem stone sits proudly below the glass-encased display, and the use of soft leather provides that unique sensation.

As per usual, Nokia has included a range of unique accessories to go with both 8800 Arte models: a matching desk stand; carrying case finished in suede; and a specially-designed Bluetooth headset featuring active noise cancellation and touch-sensitive volume adjustment.

I have a feeling that this latest 8800 instalment will probably be one of the most popular thus far.

Resources: 8800 Arte - technical specifications | 8800 Sapphire Arte - technical specifications

Boys and girls, Opera Mini 4 has finally come out of beta and the official version is available for download from the Opera Mini web site.

Should you be using any of the betas, I'd strongly suggest an upgrade to this gold build. For version 3 users, you will be amazed at just what Opera has managed with this latest release - given that it's purely written in Java, making it compatible on most phones out there.

And if you have no clue as to what I'm blabbering on about, maybe it's time to check out OperaMini.com for yourself, and find out just what you're missing out on! :)

In addition to the Walkman models, Sony Ericsson also showed off their newest K-series entrant for the mass market, plus their first USB data modem device...

Sony Ericsson K660i

The K660i is a model orientated towards providing an enriched mobile web experience. With its higher-res QVGA display, 3G-based HSDPA data support, and - most importantly - the availability of dedicated web shortcut keys (used in the browser's landscape view mode), it allows the user to access web sites as easily and as comfortable as possible on such a device - given the physical restrictions imposed on most typical handset designs.

And just like the K810i and the K850i, where the camera function indicators illuminate upon the camera's activation, the web shortcut icons on the K660i will light up when the browser is turned on - specifically, when the display mode is set to landscape. Once again, the aim is to increase overall user-ability when accessing Internet content via the internal browser is concerned.

Quite simply, the K660i is more of a product extension of the yet-to-be-released K630i, announced less than a month ago. Notable differences between the two include the added GSM 850 support (making the K660i quad-band GSM compatible), a higher-res display, horizontal web browsing support, and a design that's by far more eye-comforting - where it will come in two different colour combos: Lime on White, and Wine on Black... your pick!

Sony Ericsson MD300

If you're like me, being someone who prefers to have their laptop with them whenever possible, then the MD300 is a must-get if Internet connectivity is crucial wherever you may be. While many handsets are able to accomplish the same end result, it just doesn't beat the simplicity that this attachment can provide as a mobile broadband modem.

With a size similar to the typical USB flash drive key, it makes the MD300 really compact to carry around, yet not too small to misplace. To use, simply plug it into your Windows-enabled PC, or even a Mac, where it gets recognised (after installation of all appropriate drivers and settings). And within just a few secs, Internet accessibility becomes available - until you decide otherwise. A multi-colour led surrounding the SE branding area will indicate the modem's current working state upon its connection.

Installation and setup is also a cinch! For Windows (Windows 2000, XP, Vista) users, the MD300 will come with pre-installed software and drivers that get automatically installed onto the connected system. Once the initial foundation is laid, connectivity is just a few clicks away. If you're a Mac (OS X) user, SE has stated that these drivers "will be available for download" - most probably by the time of its release.

The MD300 is compatible with all major network frequencies currently used by the GSM (850/900/1800/1900) and UMTS (850/1900/2100) standards, as well as the data standards associated with these - that is, GPRS & EDGE for GSM, and W-CDMA & HSDPA (up to 3.6 Mbps) for UMTS.

SE expects to release both the K660i and MD300 products sometime during Q1 of 2008.

Resources: K660i - technical specifications | MD300 - press release

Once again, Sony Ericsson brings us their stylish handset designs in the form of music-concentric Walkman models - two, to be precise.

The W890i, being the obvious successor to the current W880i, sports a similarly thin body as well as materials usage (brushed aluminium panels). But its design is no longer so "out there", shown by their return to a more traditional button design (for the numeric keypad) and choice of colour schema.

In the features department, 'SensMe' (the SE-based technology that creates playlists based on mood) has been added along with the updated Walkman 3.0 player. A 2GB memory card (Memory Stick Micro, or 'M2') will also be included to get its user started, whether it's for music - or even photos (the W890i comes with a 3.2-megapixel camera, up from the previous model's 2.0 MP support).

On network-based capabilities, its 2G (GSM) transceiver has been upgraded from tri-band to quad-band (850/900/1800/1900), thereby expanding its overall usability in markets specifically within the Americas. The new HSDPA support will result in faster data transmission speeds (on networks supporting this new standard) for those using a 3G network.

And if you're wondering about the FM radio, then be rest assured to know that it will be included with this latest release - unlike the careless neglect which the W880i received...

Alternatively, the W380i - being the more down-to-earth model - is the ultimate candidate for anyone wanting choice in their enjoyment of music, and at an affordable price. Let it be the choice of audio accessory, which it can cater for both wired or wireless (Bluetooth-based) devices, or even the type of storage medium used - between Sony's M2 or the now-widely-used microSD format.

Static buttons on the clamshell's front, enabling quick navigation of tracks, makes moving through playlists and libraries pure child's play! An OLED display, intuitively camouflaged beneath the panel, can show the name of the currently-played track, the frequency of the tuned-in radio station, as well as any other phone-based notification messages - such as received messages or incoming and missed calls.

But what's most interesting about the W380i is the gesture control feature. By simply hovering your hand over the phone, it's possible to mute an incoming call alert, or even the alarm clock tone should it go off. I'm not exactly sure how this will work (as I've yet to see the real deal) - but I believe it'll be a practical feature for some of us.

There'll be no 3G with the W380i - but it will be offered in two different tri-band GSM variants (900/1800/1900 or 850/1800/1900 MHz), along with both GPRS and EDGE data capabilities. Again, two different colour variants - Electric Purple and Magnetic Grey - will be available on launch.

And when shall we expect such greatness to arrive? Well, SE has slated these products for commercial release during Q1 of 2008. No luck here if you're still in search for a gift to put under the tree...

Resources: W380i - technical specifications | W890i - technical specifications