PDA Essentials magazine issue 71 is out today (in the UK) and is notable for a five page 'Real World Test' between the iPhone, the Nokia N95 8GB and a smattering of HTC, Palm and Blackberry models. Tests included 'Outdoors' (contrast in sunlight), 'Pub' (ease of use when err.... inebriated) and 'Bus' (ease of use on shaking transport, possibly one-handed). There was also a seven page 'Smartphones with GPS' round-up. Read on for results and comments!

The N95 8GB came out a comfortable winner in the 'Real World' test, producing the 'best all round results':

Later in issue 71 is a larger 'Smartphones with GPS' roundup, this time up against the HTC Advantage, the E-TEN glofiish X800 and the Blackberry 8820. The N95 8GB was pronounced 'a well deserved winner':

 

Also in issue 71 is a sumptuous double page spread of top S60 3rd Edition Tips, a glowing review of the Nokia E51 (9/10, "thin, neat and brimming with features") and a tutorial walkthrough of the Nokia Music Store.

Apologies for seeming like an advert for both Nokia and PDA Essential magazine, but if you're passing a newsagents then make sure get a copy of issue 71 before it sells out. 8-)

Steve Litchfield