Neonode N2 review: Simply cool

Old known applications in a new dress

Neno allows installing additional applications but it does not support the wide-spread Java platform. What's more, the entire interface of the phone is quite straightforward in line with its simplified and user-friendly system. On the other hand, it offers all standard functions: typing SMS and MMS, calling, time management and entertainment in the form of a music player and games. A simple web browser is available too, but GPRS provides rather low-speed browsing. There is no email client in the Neonode N2.

Typing on the virtual keypad is enhanced by a confirming vibration

Each contact can be assigned a picture • setting keys vibration intensity • Ringing volume, as well as the volume of the music player is adjusted in a similar way too.

Contact details in the phonebook • shortcuts to frequently dialed contacts

Composing messages: SMS or MMS

Neonode not only looks like a music player; it is a brilliant music player

The Neonode calendar features limited options, compared to the calendar in Windows Mobile, but they share the same platform and synchronization abilities.

Simple built-in browser

Videos can be played in landscape mode; subtitles can be displayed and read too.

Another version of Tetris

Surprisingly practical camera

The camera lens is hidden deep in the corner of the rear panel of the phone. On one hand, this solution protects the lens against scratches but on the other, the lens nest will gather dust with time. The pictures taken with Neonode N2 were a pleasant surprise given the minimalist size of its lens. Colors are a bit aggressive, the compression is too strong, but even so the final images are not bad at all.

Camera interface is simple; pictures are taken by a simple tap on the display. Images can be renamed, rotated, added to a contact, set up as wallpaper. When browsed they also display basic file details.

A bright sunny day is always good news for a cameraphone. Sharp contrast and especially vivid colors

N2 did well indoors too

Neonode is not able to take macro shots as it lacks autofocus. Blurred toy-car and text shot using tripod.

An extraterrestrial?

Coming up with a title for this review wasn't simple at all, never mind the choice of words. Neonode N2 is just cool. There's something about this device that just fails proper description. If you are of a certain age, getting yourself a Neonode N2 will make you the envy of your friends. And then, there is no doubt that the uniqueness of this device will inspire regardless of age.

The extraterrestrial (as I named the Neonode logo) all over the handset • neonode inscription above the display.

As you could feel from this review, I am pretty enthusiastic about the Neonode N2. I did like it big time. The device, of course, falls quite short of bringing all the contemporary functionality so many handsets are offering lately. But Neonode N2 is a truly fascinating gadget. It is an excellent music player, it's a mobile phone and it offers good synchronization with PC. It is a fashion accessory, if you like. It's not your cup of coffee if you need a communicator, if you type more than 5 SMS a day, or if you like playing Java games.

Its starting price is estimated at 330 euros.