Is Nokia ready for high end market?

Question

It is the time of smartphones.  With the introduction of 3G, distance and speed are not a barrier at all.  Prediction is that, we will see a shift from laptop to smartphones, something we experienced a few years ago when laptop replaced desktops. So, is Nokia really ready for this competitve market?  I believe they are still not ready looking at the way they support N series and E series.
 My horror story started the day I purchased my N96, exactly 4 months back.   I have been watching the developments of N95 and wanted to own one.  Nokia released N96 by the time I made my decision.  The problem started when I started seeing low memory errors.  To my surprise, I noticed that Nokia uses phone memory for messages and N-gauge.  Configuring "mass memory" as the storage for messages didn't solve the problem completely as it failed to move all messagesI searched for some file explorer kind of applications to explore and clean phone memory.  I wish if Nokia had one.  The solution given to me by Nokia support was to reset the phone.  And, that cleared all data from my phone.  So, here are a list of my pain points
- Does Nokia expect us to reset phone for every small issues.  Note that, these are not just phones, but smart phones.  More than contacts, I have my personal data, bookmarks, configurations, rss feeds, video feeds, radio stations, podcasts, GPS locations, blogging tools, applications etc. installed.  Getting back the phone in the same state will take days after a hard reset.  Do I agree if my laptop service center tells me that they have to format my harddisk everytime I take my laptop for servicing? Nokia Care's standard answer is to update the firmware (though I have the latest firmware) and reset the phone for any issues.  I only wish if Nokia trained their technicians to handle smartphones.  
- N96 reboots when I use GPS 50% of the times (when you use it for longer duration either with google map or Nokia map or sports tracker)
- Phone hangs when you move from wifi hotspot to other places while wifi scan is going on (I don't see this issue after upgrading to 12.043)
- There is no way to restart the phone when the phone hangs.  You have to take out the battery and put it back.
- I get disconnected frequently when I'm on long calls.  Though I can blame my network provider, I know its not completely because of them.  My N70 doesn't have this problem.
- I have been having a long battle with Nokia support and bluetooth issues.  I tried to use Motorola HT820 headset with this phone.  Phone hangs or reboots 90% time when I turn on the headset.  Nokia's standard answer is that Motorola HT820 is not a supported accessory.  I agree, but is it acceptable if phone reboots or hangs when I tried to use an unsupported accessory?  Only way to reboot the phone when it hangs is to remove the battery and place it back.  Why can't they give a reset switch hidden somewhere if they can't write bugfree code (and nonone can).  I have been doing this for the last one month while trying to convince Nokia that they have a problem with their bluetooth stack. I can prove that it happens only with A2DP profile.  I have been using a plantronics bluetooth headset without any problem.  I'm also using HT820 with my Nokia N70 which supports only HSP profile. Unfortunately, N96 doesn't provide an option to choose what profile you want to use when you pair a bluetooth headset.  I could have listened to music from my laptop (A2DP) while the headset is connected with phone (HSP), and I don't miss any calls.  I'm pretty sure it is a bug in their bluetooth stack; only if I could talk to one of their developers and explain the problem.  
- You know the commotion Nokia created when they removed VoIP stack from N96.  Thanks to Fring, I use VoIP and skype with N96 today.  
- The NetWork stack is so cumbursome.  Each applications have to define their own access points and rights.  Why can't it be in the platform level? Just imagin you doing this on your laptop for each of the applications.
- Its better not to talk about the battery.  It comes for less than a day for me.  But, you can always blaim the usage.
How do we make Nokia listen to issues?  Do they have any customer feedback forum (please, not through the Nokia Care centers)?  I wish if they improve, after all, I still love my phone (Yes, I paid a good amount for this phone)
--jaimon
N96, FW: 12.043

Answer 1

Hi Jaimon,
I'm with you - I've had my N96 nearly six months and am VERY disappointed.
I just bought a Parrot Party Bluetooth speaker. A GREAT little unit. Needless to say, the implementation of A2DP leaves a LOT to be desired on the N96. Basically, it's like listening to a CD that skips every 10 seconds. The N96 cannot keep up the stream of data fast enough. It's VERY annoying.
I checked to make sure no other apps were running to make sure it wasn't something else running that was causing the problem, but no, it's rubbish (I have firmware 12.043). Other people in my office can connect their Blackberries etc... no problem. Plays back beautifully, but my N96? Piece of garbage.
Nokia have a LOT to answer for! Like you say, a phone that costs more than a laptop and this is the level of service we get. I have written TWICE via their online customer service form, and on each occasion received an email saying I can expect a response in 72 hours. I've never received ANYTHING!
Also, I had a Plantronics headset - Explorer 340. A nice headset. Same problems as mentioned elsewhere, would intermittently be disconnected and reconnected - very annoying. Last week, it paired but would not connect. Plantronics' support was wonderful! So efficient. They're exchanging the unit with a newer model (brand new) because they cannot replace the old model. Maybe that will work better. Meanwhile, because I NEED a headset for driving (and the supplied stereo headset is pathetic - cable too short, microphone ends up around your waist (USELESS!)) I bought (*gasp*) a Nokia BH-101. Paired fine with the N96 (as one would EXPECT), but the headset itself is lousy - such a poor design. I challenge anyone to make it fit in their ear comfortably enough as to be able to HEAR the bloody thing while driving. I have to keep one hand on it to keep it in my ear. USELESS NOKIA!
What is it WITH this company?! Why have they lost the plot?!??!
Ian Nicholson
Poor Sod/N96 Owner
Nokia: Connecting People... with iPhones.