Once again, the software of the N78 accounts for most of its connectivity features. Although it possesses HSDPA, WiFi, USB 2.0, A-GPS and Bluetooth, those would be futile without bug-free advanced programs. The most important for the end-user is the Web application, which its functionality is becoming closer and closer to a desktop web browser, although few basic elements are missing, such as multi-tabs.
Other applications that account for the N78's connectivity potential are Nokia Maps, which will be covered in a separate section, Email and Messaging, RSS reader, Sync, FM Transmitter, and Share Online.
The N78 will work in most parts of the world as it covers the WCDMA 900/1200MHz bands, and GSM/GPRS/EGPRS 850/900/1800/1900MHz bands, and there is a NAM version.
As we said previously, the biggest problem in the Web application is not allowing more than one tab or window at a time, which means less productivity. There is a hack for this, but if you can do it by other means, why not include this as a default functionality? The processor on S60 phones isn't necessarily slow, and the RAM isn't low either.
Bookmarks are the first screen you view when you run the Web application. It is quite useful to have your favourite websites there first, but maybe replacing that by the most accessed websites would be better.
There are history and recently accessed webpages folders on the Bookmarks section, as well as bookmark folders and lose bookmarks. Besides a title, the bookmarks show their URL, and a favicon as well.
Before I go any further, one of the most important functions is privacy, and even though phones are used privately almost everytime, it's useful to delete cookies and your cache in case there is secure information in it.
Talking about security, there is an irritating pop-up that always appears when accessing secure websites, such as email providers. It asks the user if he/she allows a secure connection, and if he/she allows the website to exit the secure connection.
The N78 has FlashLite 3.1 which allows flash videos to be played, such as the ones from YouTube. The phone goes really slow when you try to do so, and if you don't have a fast connection, it doesn't even play them. I didn't manage to play any flash video.
You can deactivate flash and images to save your cash, but if you're low on airtime you rather use Opera Mini. S60 v3 phones have a mini-map that guides you through the whole website, while Opera Mini adapts the entire website to your screen, just as if you were reading a newspaper and then brought an article closer to your eye.
Small details are also useful when browsing the internet comfortably. These are: pop-up blockage, font size, automatic website or number find, form data saving.
Web feeds, which is an RSS/Atom feed reader, is incorporated on the Web application. The only option here is automatic updates, there is no option to import or export OPML files.
S60 browser is truly excellent, but if it doesn't change quickly and adapt to new features, it will lose its ranking. Apple's Safari and Opera Mobile 9.5 are our favourite internet browsers, and we feel that Nokia can approach their reputation as well.
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