Something different: Samsung GT-i8510 Innov8
My not very successful purchase of the new Nokia N85 made me consider trying something a little different. Before ordering up the N85 I had been eyeing the Samsung i8510 Innov8 and since it became available in Denmark today, I decided to get one.
The Innov8 is something of a spec monster – (my) highlights being the 8 megapixel camera, GPS, Symbian S603rd Feature Pack 2 OS, 16 GB internal memory + microSD card slot, “2.8 display, 7.2 mbps HSDPA, optical trackpad, TV-out and a 1200 mAh battery.
It has been favorably reviewed at both GSMArena, All About Symbian and MobileBurn, and did very well in a recent 8 megapixel shootout. The shootout pitched the Innov8 against the Sony Ericsson C905, Samsung M8800 Pixon and LG KC910 Renoir.
Still, I feel getting the Innov8 is something of a gamble. I am aware most of the Nokia S60 applications I am used to (and enjoy) – like Share Online, Active Notes and Nokia Maps – does not work with the Innov8.
But what about other S60 applications - will they work? Does the Innov8 provide the same easy-to-use navigation – for free? What about firmware updates? And Java ME – coworkers have been chiding me for getting a Samsung, since Samsung handsets have notoriously bad Java implementation.
I am hedging my bets on Samsung has by now gotten S60 “right”. In a short while Samsung will also release the GT-i7110 – a very attractive candybar handset, that has also been getting nice initial reviews. The i7110 has just been announced in Denmark – to be released sometime early next year.
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November 14th, 2008 at 20:39
I’ve been wondering about the INNOV8 ever since it was announced. I’m glad that you’ve made the purchase… for science! Are you going to do a full review? I’d love to see some screenshots of the video editor(s?) on the INNOV8.
Too bad it can’t run Nokia’s apps tho. Let us know how much you miss that.
November 16th, 2008 at 02:45
I probably will not do a full review like the ones I link to above. It is too much work and others do a better job than me.
I plan to focus on some specific issues like how the Innov8 handles itself for everyday usage; how to migrate to it, coming from N series devices; and how it compares to Nokia handsets in terms of features, ease of use and applications.
I will definitely take a look at on-device video editing since it is something I have really used on my N95-1.
Right now a burning questions concerns the TV out feature: Samsung has not included a TV out cable in the Innov8 product package (why not??? - it is a $900 handset!) and I really hope a) TV out works through the 3.5 mm connector, b) it will work with my N95-1 TV out cable. If not, I will be fairly dissatisfied.
May 9th, 2009 at 07:24
just sign the softwares or hack your phone…
all software will be installed..
i have n-gage from nokia :D