I'm just back from the Nokia Shop in Causeway Bay Hong Kong. Have tried out a bit of the Hong Kong version of Nokia N900. Noted the following:

Web-browser:

- Overall feels more responsive. The few "flashes" when opening new pages are gone.

- The web-browser buttons have changed - the Back button is placed on the very left. It exchanged with the position of the bookmark button.


- Clicking the Back button takes you to the previous page instead of the history thumbnails. This is really more convenient.

- The address bar of portrait mode of the web-browser is replaced with the Back, Add Bookmark and Bookmark buttons. There is no way that you can enter address in portrait mode - you need to enter address in landscape.



- Drop-down lists are still incompatible with portrait mode - still takes u back to landscape when you click on a drop-down menu... what a disappointment.

- Viewing flash is more smooth but it appears that it's still the same low resolution.

VOIP & IM Accounts: Now has Facebook built-in. (is it new?)



Maps: it's updated. See the new screen. I'm not sure why it couldn't download maps despite wifi was connected at the Nokia Shop and there was no problem with internet surfing. I asked the people in the shop and they said it needs to be connected with GPS first.... I think this is weird and nonsense but really couldn't succeed in downloading any map (whether US, UK or HK).



Phone: now allows you to choose "landscape" as the orientation. Doesn't appear that anything else has changed.

Media Player: I don't notice any changes.

For those interested in the Chinese input: the Chinese handwriting recognition is VERY GOOD and VERY RESPONSIVE .... I think it's just the same as the iPhone and is much much better than N97 or other resistive touch devices.

Language: it allows you to choose English as interface language but with Chinese input. Just set in the Language & region setting. It needs a reboot after changing though ...

I have got the US version of the N900 and asked a few of the Nokia people there whether I can get it updated to the newest firmware... Very unhelpful staff saying that "the firmware is Hong Kong specific and N900 not purchased in Hong Kong cannot upgrade to the firmware".

What? ... I want this firmware! I hope the people are just buffling there...

Oh for those who want the product code: I'm not sure how I can find it but I have taken down the IMEI number which is 356938034612433. Don't know if this helps.