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Nokia N97: Must-have applications

February 19, 2010 at 7:07 pm (Mobile phone applications, Smart phones, Symbian s60 5th)

When looking for new applications for my smart phone (a Nokia N97), I realised that I hadn’t really dedicated a post to the Symbian s60 5th edition applications. Bearing in mind all the time I spend playing with my mobile phone, I think that it well deserves a post.

• What you won’t find in this post: all the available applications for Symbian s60 5th mobile phones.
• What you will find in this post: a personal opinion on the must-have free applications for your Symbian s60 5th mobile phone.

I’m aware that there might be other good paid applications out there, but the list below only contains free ones. If you are using what you consider a must-have app. which isn’t listed below, please let us know!

Snaptu

Although I mostly use this app. for Twitter and Facebook, it comes with a nice selection of free applications (e.g. Picassa, Flickr, Google calendar, London tube map, News readers, UK TV guide, Movies information, etc.)

Pros: Nice interface, applications run very smoothly and fast.
Cons: Menu buttons are a bit too small.

- Download Snaptu from your computer.
- Download Snaptu from your mobile.

Fring

Although I must admit that I stopped using this application after hearing about Nimbuzz (see next app.), I love Fring since it allows me to make free video-calls* via my Skype account (*make sure you have a data connection plan).

Pros: The quality of video calls is good on both, over WiFi and data connection.
Cons: For chat purposes, I prefer Nimbuzz as it allows you to add more instant messaging communities (e.g. Facebook, Google Talk, Skype, Messenger, etc.) and has a nicer interface.

- Download Fring from your computer.
- Download Fring from your mobile.

Nimbuzz

Because sometimes I’d rather chat than to make a video call, this is still my favourite multi-protocol instant messaging application. Nice looking and very user-friendly. If it offered free video calls… it would be the perfect application! (take a note of this Nimbuzz team).

Pros: Very user-friendly. Contacts display a picture and familiar icons which allow you to quickly identify the community they are chatting from (e.g. Skype, Facebook, Messenger, etc.).
Cons: Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer free video calls.

- Download Nimbuzz from your computer.
- Download Nimbuzz from your mobile.

Ovi Maps: Free voice navigation

Free sat nav for your Nokia, how cool is that. As it will use your data connection, if you lose signal, it is very likely that the sat nav will also stop responding for a few seconds. However, unless you own any other navigation system (e.g. Tom Tom, Garmin, etc.), Ovi Maps will be a great help in one of those ‘where am I‘ occasions.

Pros: User-friendly menu. It offers free walk and drive navigation.
Cons: It will drain the battery of your mobile phone so if you are planning to use it quite often, a car charger will be another must-have!.

- Download Ovi Maps from your computer.
- Download Ovi Maps from your mobile.

Sky Remote Recording

Whether it’s because you forgot to program your Sky to record that important football match or because you’ve just heard of a good comedy show which will start in a few hours… and you won’t be at home in time to record it. You might not use this application very often, but it will be there for when you need it, making your life that bit easier.

Pros: No panic no more. You can record your favourite TV programs from your mobile.
Cons: Not found any.

- Visit Sky Remote Recording for more information.

And what are you favourite applications?