Nokia Begins Shipping N95 to Europe, Asia

Nokia has begun shipments of its N95 multimedia computer device Thursday, with the first devices going to key European, Asian, and Middle Eastern markets.

The phone, which was first announced back in September, has no release date as of yet in the US. It includes a 5-megapixel camera and HSDPA/WCDMA support, along with integrated GPS functionality and a two-way slide design.

Unlike normal slider phones, the N95 slides two ways. One way will reveal a telephone keypad, while sliding the other way would reveal dedicated media keys.

"The Nokia N95 is the ultimate multimedia computer and a fantastic example of what Nokia Nseries devices can deliver," multimedia senior vice president Juha Putkiranta said. "It easily replaces a number of single-purpose devices with a well-designed package that is with you and connected."

Other features include built in stereo speakers, support for microSD memory craps, and built in browser and mapping functionality. The N95 will be based on the company's S60 operating system, the company said.

The phone will be available for a price of 550 euros ($704 USD) before carrier subsidies.