Nokia N900 Scratch Test And Ordering Experience

By Jon | Tuesday, December 1st, 2009 | Comments

This video puts the screen of the Nokia N900 to the test against mild and heavy pressure applied with a stylus, coin, and key. The video also compares the scratch resistance properties of the N900 vs. the Nokia N97 and the Apple iPhone.

Nokia N900 Ordering Experience

This Nokia N900 was obtained from the Nokia Regent Street in London (UK). We had pre-ordered the N900 from the very store approximately one month ago. Unfortunately, the N900 was hit with two delays, once for November 16th, and the other for December 4th. We contacted the Nokia store several times after November 16th, but was given the same “it will come in the next few days”. One day, we were blessed with some good news when they said that the N900’s will be available on Monday, December 1st.

We called that Monday, and was told that we were unable to obtain the N900 because we did not place a cash deposit for the device one month prior. This was frustrating to say the least, as one month ago, we had asked if preordering with or without a cash deposit made a difference, and the Nokia employee said no. Needless to say, we, or rather, Paul expressed his opinions on the phone, and we were lucky enough to secure an N900 that was mysterious “unavailable” a few minutes ago.

We unboxed and tickered with the brand new Nokia N900 as soon as we got home, and was greeted with a cluster of dead pixels near the center of the screen, as well as light leakage underneath the X and C keys.

December 4th would be the day I return to Canada, and it is coincidentally the day the Nokia N900 is officially available for public purchase. Instead of venturing back to London for an exchange, we decided to put the N900 to some tests to help demonstrate to you guys the built quality of this 500 GBP monster.

Nokia N900 Ordering Experience Video

Scratch Test Conclusions

We were absolutely shocked to discover how much easier it is to scratch the Nokia N900 to the Nokia N97. Out of the box, the unprotected screen of the N900 felt a tad “softer” compared to the N97. We believe this is to optimize touch performance and feedback with the resistive technology. The screen of the N900 is much more responsive compared to the N97. However, the possibly “thinner” material has a price. The N900 scratched relatively easily with the key test. With mild pressure, the tip of the key was able to dig and scrap off a layer of the screen.

Are You Crazy?! You’re destroying a 500 GBP device!

We might be a little crazy, but I believe it is quite practical. With these tests, users and future purchasers will know exactly what their Nokia N900 can endure.

Future Tests
* Scratch tests with the physical QWERTY keyboard and the backing
* Pocket test in a clear zip lock bag and in a real pocket
* Drop tests on grass, gravel, and concrete

Potential Future Tests
* Water test and rain simulation

Protect Your Nokia N900

If you are nervous about your naked screen’s vulnerability, we strongly recommend you protect it with a screen protector, or even an InvisibleShield protective film. Click here to check out the Invisible Shield for your N900

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    • cammie
      my heart broke when you scratched the screen with the key.. x_x
    • OMG you will go to hell for this ! (evil laugh) ha ha ha !
    • RobJM
      Nooooooo! you're evil! ,next time I'll swap you my N95 and you can pretend it's the N900 :(
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