[Smiley Dan]

Where will people be buying their N95 from? Expansys is always first port of call for me, but I expect significant stock shortages with the N95. Any other shops worth looking at?

[getti]

I have just cancelled my Expansys pre-order after waiting 6 months. £620 is a rip off!.

Play.com are getting stock on 2nd April for 499.99 which is more like it. Expansys always charge more than other online stores which does my head in. They know its a popular phone so because of 19 days they get it before Play they want to charge an extra £130

[whatleydude]

I don't want to pay for mine so I'll get a contract with an operator like a normal person..

;)

[3g-g]

I don't want to pay for mine so I'll get a contract with an operator like a normal person..

;)

Yep, and then I'd buy direct from the operators, none of this 3rd party nonsense!

[getti]

I will get as an upgrade on 3 the day it comes out (A perk of the job working in a official 3 store as i can keep 1 back)

Networks will be the cheapest and normaly the best way to get the phone as if it goes wrong, gets lost or stolen and you have network cover you can just get a new 1. Buy sim free and you cant get your network to insure it so it's at your own risk.

1 problem i can see is with the Vodafone model. Early photos show all the icons changed and a very 'modded' software version on their handsets. At least on Orange the home screen can be turned off. And on 3 the only network branding is a theme (that can be changed) and a small 3 logo somewhere on the phone (like the N73). Oh and 99% sure they will remove the 'GSM Only' mode but thats to be expected as they are a 3G ONLY company.

Apart from that it will be as Nokia intended. Should cost me £350 as an upgrade at MOST compared to the £600 ish sim free!

Oh and il get X-Series :D

[Ben]

Where will people be buying their N95 from? Expansys is always first port of call for me, but I expect significant stock shortages with the N95. Any other shops worth looking at?
Woah, you've got some serious cash to burn! Expansys is possibly one of the most overpriced sites I've ever come across! Ok, sometimes it's reasonable, but for the vast majority of the time it's not.

That said, I paid over the odds for my N73 from the Nokia online store - but it has been the best Nokia I've had for years and it's nice to know it's not grey-market.

You might like theorder, mphone, mobilefun to name but a few.

If you are getting a contract or upgrade, I'd strongly advise going directly with your network and bartering for the best deal available.

[getti]

And if you are going to upgrade PLEEEEEEEEEEESE go to the network instead of a 3rd party store.

I have had some right horror stories of people ordering online or froma 3rd party and having problems. Then when you want help they are not there to support you.

Network stores are the best. When i was with Orange i ALWAYS went to the store OR if not the store the official Orange CS line.

Same with 3

[Hands0n]

Networks will be the cheapest and normaly the best way to get the phone as if it goes wrong, gets lost or stolen and you have network cover you can just get a new 1. Buy sim free and you cant get your network to insure it so it's at your own risk.

Its not necessarily as gloomy as all that! It is quite possible to arrange 3rd party insurance for your handset sans the network operator, and sometimes quite a bit cheaper too. A simple Google search (http://www.google.co.uk/search?client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen-GB%3Aofficial&channel=s&hl=en&q=mobile+phone+insurance&meta=cr%3DcountryUK%7CcountryGB&btnG=Google+Search) will reveal plenty of options. But be sure to read carefully to see what you are getting. Often the network operator's insurance is quite a expensive because it is a Fully Comprehensive policy - and for that you pay. You may not want/need quite as much cover.

It is also well worthwhile asking your own home insurer what it would cost to add the family's mobile's onto the home cover, that could be a cheap option also.

Edit: I had to add this website simply because of its name, not bad cover prices for the lower end of phone, cheaper than the networks, http://punkndoll.co.uk/mobilephoneinsurance.htm - pay more for the more expensive phones ... naturally. These also insure other personal electronics, pda laptop ipod etc...

[whatleydude]

1 problem i can see is with the Vodafone model. Early photos show all the icons changed and a very 'modded' software version on their handsets. At least on Orange the home screen can be turned off..

VF changed all the icons on my N73.
I just changed themes.

Problem solved.

Incidentally - the N95 I've currently got in my pocket is running on VF quite nicely.

Also - if anyone currently has an N95 and would like to try out Mobizines (http://www.mobizines.com) go to the website and sign up for the beta trial.
It actually looks quite cool.

;)

[Ben]

Can the Orange homeshite be turned off? I thought you lose Active Standby if you do? I use Active Standby every time I want to access contacts, write a new message or add something to my callendar so that's not really practical.

WRT insurance, some home policies may cover, or be able to cover, mobile phones as Hands0n mentions.

[3GScottishUser]

Bearing in mind that a big feature of the N95 is the inclusion of WiFi, does anyone know if/when it will be available on a network that supports WiFi hotspot coverage. I know Vodafone have an arrangement with BT Openzone and T-Mobile have Web'N'Walk packages that include WiFi access. If I were investing in one of these I think I would like to maximise all of the data options.

[Smiley Dan]

Yeah, it seems rather expensive at Expansys. Maybe I'll wait a little while and see how the prices pan out.

I tend to prefer my phones SIM free because I don't like all the branding and other crap the operators put on the phones. Not sure if that's changed. I used to be able to get credits anyway from T-Mobile to cover the cost of the phone (up to a maximum £100, I think it was) but I think they've stopped that now.

[Nosskibird]

U switch are listing a few resellers and you can pre-order the N95. It is also available to pre-order on Carphone Warehouse. T-mobile say they are still waiting for a release date. I am due to upgrade with T-mobile in July so will probably hang on until then as I would miss my web n walk too much if i went elsewhere! Unfortunately that leaves T-mobile with a great advantage over me.

Does anyone have info of a better deal where i can browse the net, download and check my email for a fixed price or even inclusive in the tariff?

[Hands0n]

At the moment T-Mobile seem to have mobile Internet pretty much sewn up as far as the value proposition goes.

[whatleydude]

I don't want to pay for mine so I'll get a contract with an operator like a normal person..

;)

Like today for instance - thank you Vodafone.

[Hands0n]

What gives? The phone isn't on their website!!

[Smiley Dan]

Expansys have it in stock now... only a good £150 above other store's prices! (Albeit without those having stock).

[Nosskibird]

Just rang T-mobile, they won't give me a personal upgrade price as it's not due until July 7th but they are saying the standard upgrade to this handset is £319.99. My current package is:

£42.50 per month
Unlimited Web n Walk
500 mins
200 texts
500 bonus texts

The closest 12 month contract to that they are offering new customers is Flex £35 + Web n Walk £7.50 which would only give you

Unlimited Web n Walk
500 mins
200 texts

But the handset is only £9.99

[Ben]

mPhone appear to have the handset now :S

http://www.mphone.co.uk/acatalog/n95_sim_free.html

Still not cheap, but better than Expansys's predicted price. Given two weeks the N95 will be everywhere and, while not cheap, dramatically cheaper than now.

[Smiley Dan]

I've tried to buy it twice today already!

First, Mobilefun. Unfortunately they require delivery and invoice addresses to be the same and as I moved over the weekend this is a bit of an issue. Plus, I happen to have a job and don't really want it posted to my home when no-one's in.

Secondly, Amazon, who promised delivery this morning at about 1:30pm. I logged in again later and it had changed to 5th April. I cancelled the order; I've seen similar from Amazon before and I don't trust them.

[Gagz]

Ok so got up this morning at like 11am (had work at 2:15) and i knew Vodafone were getting the N95 this morning because i rang them up everyweek for about 2months. Had a look around various boards and woopydoo people posting their offers and what not. So i thought what the hell and rang up. I just got off a 18month contract with Vodafone and went back to PAYG about 2weeks back fyi.

Anyways back to my offer, so rang up new connections and got offered the below which i took:

12 MONTH CONTRACT
500 Minutes + 500 Texts = £35 per month
+ Nokia N95 = £100
Total = £520

At first the dude said N95 would cost me £150 so i was like "No thanks" and he lowered it but wouldn't budge from £100 so i took it, i can drop to a lower price plan after 9months to save money so im good. I think the deals pretty good, not the best but very reasonable :) N95 comes tomorrow sometime between 8am to 6pm. I know some people have got 1gb MicroSD cards with their N95's, but im not sure if Vodafone do that so we'll see

[3g-g]

Will someone get their juicy pics on here for us all to drool over! :D

[Smiley Dan]

Got mine, all enabled on web-n-walk, good times!

[Gagz]

I found out what i signed up to was wrong on Monday wtf, rang VF and was told i was on £35 for 500minutes and only 100 texts when i was clearly told it was 500txts but they said they couldnt do anything grrrrrrr. I pointed out it was 250txts on their website so they gave me 250 hoorah but that was yday.

I rang back today saying i paid £100 on my phone and i think its a joke that ive been with VF for 8yrs and ive only got £30 saving compared to new customers. So the nice guy today said he'd up my texts to 500 hoorah so now im getting what i was told on Monday ++ I told him i wanted to save some money and he gave me 3months half price line rental :)

So now my deal is
12 Month Vodafone Contract
500 Minutes + 500 Texts = £35 a month
£100 for Nokia N95
+ Half price line rental for 3monts = £17.50 p/m

So im guessing the next 12months of cost is going to look like this for me:
April, May & June @ £17.50 p/m = £52.50 + £100 for N95 = £152.50
July,August,September,October,November,December = £35 p/m = £210
January,Febuary,March = £20 p/m = £60
Total £422.50

So im happy now but i cant get my bloody Linksys router to work with my N95 for WiFi :( i dont know how to make it work grrr

[Hands0n]

Excellent deal :)


........i cant get my bloody Linksys router to work with my N95 for WiFi i dont know how to make it work grrr


Okay, what seems to be the problem? I'm sure that we can get that bijoux problem solved.

What Linksys is it - what version of firmware are you running on it - what WiFi encryption are you using (None, WEP or WPA/PSK). The N95 will support all of those so it is likely to be nothing more than a config issue, I reckon.

[Gagz]

Excellent deal :)



Okay, what seems to be the problem? I'm sure that we can get that bijoux problem solved.

What Linksys is it - what version of firmware are you running on it - what WiFi encryption are you using (None, WEP or WPA/PSK). The N95 will support all of those so it is likely to be nothing more than a config issue, I reckon.

I cant seem to get WiFi to work. This is the first time ever ive actually used something to do with WiFi so im prolly making a mistake somewhere.

I have a 10mbit NTL broadband connection going through my Linksys WRT54GS (Firmware Version: v1.50.9) router. Ive tried a number of things and none have worked. Heres some pictures of my router setup page located at http://192.168.1.1/.

Image 1 (Ive tested changing the wireless network mode to B/G and Mixed and none work + tried nearly every channel with no luck) - http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/3050/router1gl6.jpg
Image 2 (Ive tried 3 different Security modes - WEP - WPA Personal & WPA Personal 2 and none work) http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/4360/router2cc4.jpg
Image 3 (Here ive added my N95's mac code to the list which i blurred out and have triple checked it to make sure and its right, ive turned this mode on/off with no luck) - http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/9908/router3fm8.jpg
Image 4 (Havn't touched anything on these settings) - http://img127.imageshack.us/img127/5066/router4ep9.jpg

Ive reset my N95 to factory settings and my router but it didnt make a difference. There is a orange light on the front of my linksys on when the wireless is enabled. Right now using the settings in the images below ive done the following on my N95:

Flipped it up and it says "WLAN network found"
Next i go onto the main menu and scroll down to 'Tools'
Then down to 'WLAN Wiz'
Selecting that it scans for access points and says its found 1 which is 'ntl10mb' which is my router
So i click the top left key to go into options and selected 'Define access point'
It now asks for the Pre-Shared key for WLAN' which to my image below is 'testing123' so i enter that in and again top left key to OK and get 'ntl10mb access point defined' message
And it now says my connection is known.
So i just select top left key again and go to 'Start web browsing'
It then says 'Connecting via 'ntl10mb'' and after about 20seconds that little message goes and its just a white page loading, then after nothing loading for about 30seconds it says 'Web: No gateway reply'

This is so annoying, i was on my way back from work yesterday and i managed to make it work in the city center because it found a free wifi hotspot and let me surf around. I came home and tried but wouldn't work so i thought it was my router or something but both my N95 and router work find. I know this because last night for about 5minutes my WiFi on my N95 actually connected to my router and it let me surf around then says 'Lost connection' and hasn't worked since.

Can someone please help me? I dont know if im doing something wrong or what

[Hands0n]

Okay - thats a ton of good info.

With WiFi there are a few things to get right - and if not the thing will simply not work at all. It is best to tackle WiFi in steps until you are familiar with it, then you can jump in :D Start with fully Open, then turn on Encryption and finally any physical (MAC) access policies that you want. But don't go turning them all on in one go! That is a bit of a recipe for trouble.

Router Firmware - there are five (5) different hardware versions of the WRT54GS - the versioning is printed on the front or on the label where the serial number is. You need to find out which one it is.

Version 1.0 boxes have 3.37.8_20 as the latest firmware
Version 2.1 boxes have 2.1_20 as the latest firmware
Version 4.0 boxes have 1.50.6
Version 5.0 boxes have 1.50.9
Version 6.0 boxes have 1.50.9

You say you have 1.50.9 which suggests a version 6.0 box, and if that is the case then you're on the latest and greatest version! Linksys UK downloads page is here (http://www-uk.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Content_C1&childpagename=UK%2FLayout&cid=1129319214507&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=1450714507H35&displaypage=download). So I don't think that you need worry about updating the firmware in the Linksys.

Router Configuration:
The first thing you should do is to turn off the WEP/WPA settings so your WiFi network is Open (unencrypted) and in its most basic form. We can turn security back on once we make sure that you've got the basic WiFi comms working with the N95. Oh and turn off that MAC filtering (Image 3) - that is probably the last thing you should turn on after you've everything else working.

Do same on the N95 - no security or encryption. The fact that you made contact with an Open WiFi network in your city centre is encouraging, it suggests that your N95 WiFi is functioning. I presume that you are successfully using WiFi with other device/s in your home. That would clear the router of any fault.

Just also make sure your handset is acting as a DHCP client, i.e. it is set to get its network IP address from the network (your Linksys). If you are getting on the network

If you still cannot communicate it could be that you are on a common channel to an adjacent WiFi network or devices (i.e. DECT cordless phone installation) - Image 1 - change the Channel to 6 or 11, it should help (channels on adjacent networks should be spaced 5 channels apart ideally). There is no channel setting on the handset, it will use any it finds.

The key here is to get the handset working to your Linksys without anything set that could screw up the comms. If you can get the N95 working without any encryption (i.e. an Open WiFi network) we can turn to switching on the security.


Assuming you get this far, I suggest WPA/PSK (WPA Personal in Linksys-speak). Make sure that the key you type into the router and the handset is absolutely identical in all respects - case is important as is making sure no additional or missing spaces or symbols. If turning on the WPA/PSK breaks it that is where the problem lies. I'd go for typo errors in the key - it happens all too easily, especially on the WiFi handsets! It took me a few goes to get my N80 hooked into my WPA/PSK network - typo's as expected!!

Give that a try and let us know how you get on.

[Gagz]

Okay - thats a ton of good info.

With WiFi there are a few things to get right - and if not the thing will simply not work at all. It is best to tackle WiFi in steps until you are familiar with it, then you can jump in :D Start with fully Open, then turn on Encryption and finally any physical (MAC) access policies that you want. But don't go turning them all on in one go! That is a bit of a recipe for trouble.

Router Firmware - there are five (5) different hardware versions of the WRT54GS - the versioning is printed on the front or on the label where the serial number is. You need to find out which one it is.

Version 1.0 boxes have 3.37.8_20 as the latest firmware
Version 2.1 boxes have 2.1_20 as the latest firmware
Version 4.0 boxes have 1.50.6
Version 5.0 boxes have 1.50.9
Version 6.0 boxes have 1.50.9

You say you have 1.50.9 which suggests a version 6.0 box, and if that is the case then you're on the latest and greatest version! Linksys UK downloads page is here (http://www-uk.linksys.com/servlet/Satellite?c=L_Content_C1&childpagename=UK%2FLayout&cid=1129319214507&pagename=Linksys%2FCommon%2FVisitorWrapper&lid=1450714507H35&displaypage=download). So I don't think that you need worry about updating the firmware in the Linksys.

Router Configuration:
The first thing you should do is to turn off the WEP/WPA settings so your WiFi network is Open (unencrypted) and in its most basic form. We can turn security back on once we make sure that you've got the basic WiFi comms working with the N95. Oh and turn off that MAC filtering (Image 3) - that is probably the last thing you should turn on after you've everything else working.

Do same on the N95 - no security or encryption. The fact that you made contact with an Open WiFi network in your city centre is encouraging, it suggests that your N95 WiFi is functioning. I presume that you are successfully using WiFi with other device/s in your home. That would clear the router of any fault.

Just also make sure your handset is acting as a DHCP client, i.e. it is set to get its network IP address from the network (your Linksys). If you are getting on the network

If you still cannot communicate it could be that you are on a common channel to an adjacent WiFi network or devices (i.e. DECT cordless phone installation) - Image 1 - change the Channel to 6 or 11, it should help (channels on adjacent networks should be spaced 5 channels apart ideally). There is no channel setting on the handset, it will use any it finds.

The key here is to get the handset working to your Linksys without anything set that could screw up the comms. If you can get the N95 working without any encryption (i.e. an Open WiFi network) we can turn to switching on the security.


Assuming you get this far, I suggest WPA/PSK (WPA Personal in Linksys-speak). Make sure that the key you type into the router and the handset is absolutely identical in all respects - case is important as is making sure no additional or missing spaces or symbols. If turning on the WPA/PSK breaks it that is where the problem lies. I'd go for typo errors in the key - it happens all too easily, especially on the WiFi handsets! It took me a few goes to get my N80 hooked into my WPA/PSK network - typo's as expected!!

Give that a try and let us know how you get on.

I turned off my security on my router and found it on my N95 but it still didn't work. The router dosn't seem to give the phone internet access for some reason. I dont have any other Wi-Fi things in my house, its just my router and my N95. There don't seem to be an option anywhere on the N95 about accepting IP addresses from a router or that DHPC thing your on about :(. Ive flicked through all the channels too but nothing

[Gagz]

Quick update, it works :D someone on another forum told me to hold down the reset button for 30seconds on my router which i just did and then attempted to connect and vwalla we have Wi-Fi. Ahhh the N95 experience starts now

[Hands0n]

Ok, now you have got your router defaulted to the factory settings. Your router is now wide open to anyone passing by to use your Internet connection and, possibly, getting access to your other networked PC/'s. Nothing to get paranoid about but best to secure it all up once you've got it settled.

Next step will be to turn on the WPA/PSK in the wireless settings on the router, then when you next try and connect with your phone it (the phone) should prompt you for the WPA/PSK passphrase. Pop that in and you're up and running nice and secure.

I would not bother with MAC filtering unless you are particularly paranoid!

[Gagz]

Grrrr, i turned on security and the Wi-Fi disconnected and now wont connect !!! Ive reset my router again 3 times and it just wont connect now, the security set thing messed it up :(

[Hands0n]

Hmmm! As soon as you turn on WiFi Security on the router you have to go back to the handset and re-connect to the router, but this time specify the WPA passphrase in the handset. If you're re-setting your router, don't forget to hold the reset button in for something over 30 seconds to get it to factory reset.

It should all work - I am using an older version of your router here on a Telewest Cable connection, I'm using WP/PSK for all of my WiFi devices and the Nokia N80 had no problem connecting. So I'm thinking you've missed something out when setting up the WPA/PSK - it'll only be something trivial!

[Gagz]

Nothing has worked :\ spent about 10/12hours this week on the bloody wifi lol wont work, i give up tonite, thanks for your help HandOn

[Hands0n]

Its a bummer when things go wrong like that. Not always easy espesh if you're sort of new to the tech.

Generally, WiFi is fairly straightforward but there are things that have to be got right. Otherwise its a bit like a cable with the wrong plugs on at one, other or both ends! On a fully Open WiFi network there is nothing more than the MAC layer (TCP/IP Layer 2) to get working and that it does right out of the box, generally. You already had that - so it is good news that both the router and the phone are compatible. There is always an off-chance with a new phone like the N95 that you discover a significant bug. Not at layer 2 anyway, so thats good.

Why secure the WiFi? - "best practise" really. Otherwise the potential is there for someone to either use your ISP link for their own purposes (try explaining away that kiddie porn download tracked to your IP address!!). Or maybe a local cracker fancies their chances at getting into your LAN and its devices (PCs Laptops etc.).

But, if you're confident that the risk is low to non-existent then you could just run on Open - very many people do, as I find out often when running a scan while driving around.

The WiFi encryption is placed on top of the MAC layer protocols and it is here where I believe the problem lies for you right now. Something is not being configured right in either the Router or the Handset to allow the WPA/PSK to authorise the Handset onto the LAN.

I read that the N95 has a WLAN Wizard in the OS - have you found that yet, or been using it to configure up to now? It may be easier for you to go through the Wizard rather than manually configure the N95. Again, the WPA/PSK key is critical of all characters, both printing and non-printing.

Try going through the following sequence of steps - I have not got an N95 but S60 should not be too different in yours than in my N80. I just walked through these with my N80 even though it was working okay and got it back onto my WLAN without any problem.

Before you start, let's check that you are in control of which Access Point (AP) you use each time you connect to the internet.

* Browse to Menu | Web.... If the phone attempts an Internet connection select Cancel (right selection key).
* Select Options | Settings | Access Point and select Always ask.


1. Clear out any existing WLAN settings - Menu | Tools | Settings | Connection | Access Points - Highlight the WLAN access point and press Options | Delete . Make sure you only clear the WLAN APs and not your network operator's! Exit out of all the menus back to the main display.

2. Enable WPA/PSK on the router - use a simple passphrase for now, say "secure"

3. On the N95 again - do Menu | Tools | WLAN wiz - it will then search for any WLANs that it can find. Highlight your WLAN and press select, then "Start Web Browsing". At this point the wizard should prompt you for your "Pre-shared key for WLAN:" at which point you pop in the same key [exactly] as you entered into the router.

That should be the conclusion of setting up the WPA/PSK between the router and the N95 handset. There really is nothing more to be done. If it still does not work then I think you should do the following
1. Put your router back to Open - no security
2. One the N95 remove all WLAN configurations as above.
3. Get your handset replaced if it is still within the 14 days of taking receipt of it or have it sent for repair under Nokia 2-year warranty as there is likely something wrong with it. You can more certainly point the finger if you can get another WLAN device such as a laptop or PDA to work with WPA/PSK to your router.

Hope this helps - otherwise I'm out of ideas :(

[Gagz]

Nope no luck, the routers WLAN light starts flashing when the N95 attemptes to connect but after about 12seconds the light stops flashing and just remains on and a few seconds after that i get 'Web : No gateway reply' so make of that what you will. The router to me don't seem to want to give the phone internet but i can pick up wifi in town fine.

I'll pop into Vodafone on Tuesday and see what they say, i only got the handset on Monday so ive got next week

[Hands0n]

Grrrrrrrrr, thats a bit of a spit! :(

The WLANs that you picked up in the city must have been Open, and you already proved that working with your setup last night, earlier on :cool:

I'm cannot say for sure where the fault lies, but I cannot but think it is in the N95. To keep you going over the rest of this weekend I suggest that you config the router back to Open (unsecured) for the weekend so you can at least play with the N95 on WLAN. Make sure that, on the N95, you remove the WLAN you just created and then create a new connection, this time to the Open unsecured WLAN. That should put you back working for now.

The only way to fully attribute the location of the fault is to connect to your WLAN with another client device (laptop or PDA) using WPA/PSK. If it connects then the fault is most likely with the N95, if it does not then the fault is with the Linksys.

My money is on the N95 - probably a bijoux bug in the OS preventing WPA/PSK interoperability. Linksys have been doing this for simply ages, its unlikely to be them.

[Gagz]

The open network or secured networks both wont work :(, sometime im getting no WLAN found so i think my N95 is a bit dodgy tbh, im going to take it into Vodafone on Monday or Tuesday and get Nokia to look at it or give me a brand new phone. Thanks for your help :)