Did you know that the N-Gage is so cheap there's even a couple of European companies that that have outfitted their mobile workforce with N-Gage devices rather than the more suitable (and expensive) communicator devices... I wonder if they supplied them with the latest Tomb Raider or Tony Hawk Pro Skater?

Anyway, this quote from the Entertainment & Leisure Software Publishers Association (ELSPA) hit Slashdot.org recently and got my attention... "The N-Gage chart, though still produced, is of little interest to anyone. Sales of the machine and its software have failed to make any impact on the market at all."

Pretty harsh words but no doubt a wake up call to Nokia. Realistically though, you need to keep in mind that the ELSPA is used to watching Playstation, Xbox, N intendo, etc... are they really that aware of N-Gage and its capabilities? Their findings are also purely based on software sales... this doesn't take into account the N-Gage users who may not buy software or even use the device for gaming. Additionally, you have to wonder also how they track online software sales directly from publishers and portals? Perhaps software sales are slumping in realtive terms but considering more than one million devices have sold Globally is it fair to say that device sales have had NO impact... c'mon!

If you look back a few months, recall that N-Gage QD was launched and boasted a smaller, sleeker style than the original N-Gage. QD also negated the pesky requirement to hold the device like a taco when using as a phone and there was no longer the need to pull the battery when changing games. I can't think help think though that getting rid of the FM Radio was a big mistake with this release [mindyou, I've heard that the redesign of the QD and the fix of the battery swap issue made it difficult to package the radio and MP3 player] .

When you consider that 2004 has been the year of the iPod and now N-Gage is getting slammed for apparent poor sales it makes you wonder. But are sales really that poor? Hasn't made an impact at all... how can one say this? you have a sub $200 Symbian smartphone and wireless game deck. Dollar for dollar this device remains a true bargain and as a game deck it rocks. Bring back the MP3 player and FM radio and I'll be back on the bandwagon!

 To the person who stole my N-Gage out of my car.. you suck!!!

See www.n-gage.com, http://www.elspa.com