Ode to Neonode N2
January 30, 2008 by Jayvee Fernandez
Filed under Editorial
Watching the product video and CES preview from Tekzilla, the Neonode N2 is basically a “technical explanation” of the iPhone’s technology.
As a standalone product, the Neonode N2 is a pretty much straightforward device that builds on a small form factor and attractive design. It has microSD expansion up to 32GB and its own “Neno” user interface. It houses a 2MP digital camera with fixed focus and video capabilities.
The N2’s biggest drawback is the proprietary operating system. Maybe 5 years ago a product like this could have built a solid founding but with the way the market seems to be competing with the iPhone, Windows Mobile and yes, even Palm OS, it will be rather hard to find developers to exert the time to make third party applications for this.
The Neonode guys should have just licensed the screen mapping interface to a platform developer like Windows Mobile rather than make their own hardware. It allows them to enter a bigger market with a higher competitive edge. This phone won’t survive. It doesn’t have 3G capabilities and it doesn’t have wireless Internet.
The N2 uses an infrared grid; it’s not a true touchscreen. I, myself, like the user interface. The form factor is a great deal for this kind of phone. The only problem is price point… $600!
BrianB,
true that the IR grid is different from the touchscreen of the iPhone but don’t you think that at the end of the day it doesn’t really contribute anything new?
i’d be sold to this device IF it wasn’t in a closed platform.
it has a in-build webbrowser and use gprs – 2.5G
it´s small and tiny and the minisdcard can be up to 32gb – as sdhc !
… and if you like to have 3.part software – come and visit http://www.neono.de
have fun — it´s a great phone !
unfortunately you was right,n2 did not survive.In my opinion the price was the no.1 cause( i buy a new htc cruise for 140 euros,and guess what,i have gps.wifi,a2dp and i can even install apps-yess after 2 years i am still nervous for spending a lot of money for a small gsm handy)