Review: Nokia N95 smartphone

If you want to experience 1.8Mbits/sec HSDPA mobile internet, you'll not only need to be signed up to the appropriate tariff from your network operator, but also be located in an HSDPA area of the UK - check out Vodafone's coverage map .

But for accessing mobile web sites, the N95's 3G mode is perfectly adequate.

Alternatively, if you're within range of a wireless network you can switch to the N95's Wifi mode.

By default, the phone will search for access points every five minutes; this can be altered or turned off completely to save battery life. If any wireless networks are found, the home screen displays a notification - you can then choose to connect to the network and, if applicable, enter the Wep/WPA security key. It's also possible to predefine favourite hotspots, such as your home network.

Once connected to a wireless network you can bypass your Sim card when browsing as well as share files with other computers on the network. Impressively, the N95 is UPnP compatible, allowing you use it as a network remote control; it lets you hunt down media on a local UPnP drive and instruct it to be played on a nearby media streamer (such as the Buffalo Linktheater).

The GPS feature on the N95 is obviously going to be a big draw and there aren't many smartphones with built-in receivers. However, it doesn't act in the same way as on dedicated sat nav kit such as the TomTom Go510 or Mio C710.

In much the same way as Google Earth operates, map chunks are downloaded as you need them and cached for future reference; if you're not on a flat-rate data plan from your network operator you could end up adding a fair amount to your monthly bill.

Furthermore, voice navigation commands cost extra - around £5 per month or £50 for a three-year subscription. Features such as points of interest and city guides are also included.

During testing, the time to first fix (the time it takes to locate its position at startup) took around five minutes, which can be very frustrating. It's also fiddly to use in-car and we would certainly recommend opting for a dedicated sat nav for this purpose.

However, the GPS feature can be incredibly useful when on foot - especially if you get hopelessly lost while out and about.

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