Nokia's N79, N85, and XpressMedia 5800 "Tube" exposed?

Random flickr feeds aren't the typical way for hot new Nokias to be discovered out in the environs, but hey, who are we to question a good thing when we see it? Pictures of one totally unknown Nseries have emerged -- alleged to be the N79 -- showing a sublime S60 candybar in a pair of colors. Next, we have more of the just-scooped N85, including some of a white version, so we're definitely feeling more confident by the minute that it's the real deal and not some ridiculously sophisticated fake. Last but certainly not least, we have some shots of the XpressMedia 5800 affectionately known as the "Tube," a device that'll likely come to be Nokia's first to use S60 Touch. This one is Vodafone branded (doesn't really surprise us, we guess) and features a 3.2 megapixel sensor with Carl Zeiss optics, a stylus, and the key to our hearts. How much longer do we have to wait for these, Nokia?

[Via Talk About Nseries]

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 9th 2008 9:39PM]

why no iPhone knockoff accusations? because it's a Nokia?

[imjason Posted Jun 9th 2008 9:56PM]

Probably because the iphone was a knock off of the LG Prada? Which wouldn't make the Nokia an iphone knockoff.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 9th 2008 11:18PM]

Maybe because of Nokia 7710 from 2004...

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 10th 2008 1:20PM]

So you're saying it's an LG Prada knockoff?

[wtcnbrwndo4u Posted Jun 9th 2008 10:19PM]

I don't know about you, but it looks to me that the N85 is the new replacement for the N81. It's boasting the same dual-slide concept as the N95/N96... but if it's said that its not replacing the N82, it's gotta be the N81 with those music controls.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 9th 2008 10:24PM]

It should be "XpressMedia"(5800 not sure) not XpressMusic,cos even by the appearance its pretty clear that the dedication is not solely towards music,but with the Touch UI it'll broaden its limits to whole bunch of new media.

[BeeQAL Posted Jun 9th 2008 10:53PM]

iPhone knockoff accusations? Whatever dude. It would help if there was an uncanny resemblance but most of all, I think intelligent engadget readers are capable of thinking beyond comparing everything to the iPhone so enough already. You have your happy Apple day and the new 3G iPhone.

I was really looking forward to the "Tube" but I'm not a big fan of the stylus and I hope that's not the final design of the phone because it leaves a lot to be desired. Although, the recent video of the S60 touch interface seems very positive so they may at least have the most aspect down.

I just really want Nokia, Sony Ericsson and HTC (to a lesser degree) to step up their game. Feed the tech hungry masses! ;)

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 10th 2008 10:51PM]

Yes, intelligent engadget readers do get it right, however, they are too far and between ;)

Stylus is kinda bitchy, but I think in certain kind of applications it's pretty much irreplaceable because of the precision it offers. If a touch UI system only relies on hand operation, it limits the usability of some applications...of course this is obvious when e.g. common operations require stylus operation. So i'd say that in the spirit of mobile computers -idea, the stylus good addition...but it should be an addition to tackle stylus sensitive needs.

[Judah Rosenthal Posted Jun 10th 2008 12:28AM]

I just can't believe I'm the only one who likes buttons any more. I really like the look of the N85. I do wonder, since the design elemets aren't following the N series family, if these aren't early mock ups that aren't destined to be released (save for "Tube" as they're required to have an iPhone-like phone for 2008).

[Pdexter Posted Jun 10th 2008 4:12AM]

Your not alone there. Nokia sells 50% of all smartphones and non of them have TS yet.
This will be just part of it while of course buttons will keep rocking as always.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 10th 2008 1:32AM]

This 'Tube' looks like a cheap copy of iPhone. NOKIA SUCKS and is damn expensive. No one can beat iPhone, it is simply the greatest innovation in mobile phone technology.

[Pdexter Posted Jun 10th 2008 4:12AM]

...so why is can you get every Nokia phone for free exept 8xxx and N95 8GB(that you are still getting for cheaper than Iphone) with 2 years contract.
Sometimes i wonder if people in this USA based blogs know what unlocked even means =D

[Pdexter Posted Jun 10th 2008 4:16AM]

Tell me about it. Funny thing is that Nokia will probally sell much over 10 million of these in Europe and Asia just because of the brand.
While actually it might be that as TS phone alone iphone might be the winner. Thought when it comes to features we can probally say who wins there.

[(Unverified) Posted Jun 10th 2008 10:22AM]

So are those pictures saved anywhere? When I clicked on the link I got the message that J Blade is no longer active on Flickr.

And you can't get the N95 for free on a two year contract in the U.S. I paid $450 for mine unlocked... and that was with adding another phone to my plan -- it would have cost $550 to $600 at the time without doing that. They wouldn't give me any discount for renewing my contract. When and if the N95 comes to AT&T it will probably have enough changed that I wouldn't even want the phone at the reduced price.

[Pdexter Posted Jun 10th 2008 11:21AM]

You can at least find some pics from here
http://forum2.mobile-review.com/showthread.php?t=69892&page=109
And i'm sure howard forums S60 section got some pics left too.

That guy probally got poisoned.. poor guy ;D Thought seems these pics wherent ment to be out yet. Many times it's mostly Nokia's own grainy pics we see about some devices like first N95 was.
Still i havent seen pics about the devices i'm intrested like the real N85 and more stuff about Nokia's S60 TS phones. That guy who had that flickr account said that the 5800 X-pressmedia didnt have even battery in it so it was just a dummy...probally right decission from Nokia =)

[fernando Posted Jun 10th 2008 3:15PM]

I mirrored the high res pictures from his flickr before he deleted here: http://www.fwrnando.com/protoleak/

Same guy who posted it on mobile-review, btw :P

[suncho Posted Jun 12th 2008 3:47PM]

Wow that guy is so busted. You can see his papilar lines on the hi-res photos:)