Promoted as a "mobile computer," the N97 supports up to 48GB of storage, including 32GB of onboard memory, expandable with a 16GB microSD card for music and other media. It runs on the latest version of Nokia's S60 Symbian operating system.

It supports a range of WCDMA and EGSM cellular frequencies and HSDPA for 3G wireless. It has a 802.11bg adapter and Bluetooth 2.0 and enhanced data rates. It supports a Micro-USB connector and Hi-Speed USB 2.0. In addition, there is a built-in GPS receiver with support for assisted GPS services.

Nokia is opening widget development to third-party programmers. For now, users will have to make use of the existing Symbian application, called Downloads. Nokia hinted it will release an improved download service, akin to Apple's popular App Store in 2009.

Two new Nokia services, Maps and Messaging, were unveiled for the company's online services platform for mobile users, though it also supports PCs. Finnish for "door," Ovi is part of Nokia's self-proclaimed shift to become an Internet services company. Announced in late August 2007, Ovi initially offered the Nokia Music Store, Nokia Maps and N-Gage, for games.

The new version of Nokia Maps, for mobile mapping and navigation, lets users pre-plan a route on their PC, then synchronize it with their mobile device. The service also supports high-resolution aerial images, 3D landmarks for 216 cities, and terrain maps. There's also a new route overview feature. The company says future upgrades will integrate Nokia Maps with other personal content, enabling users to combine location-associated media and content with trips or visits, and share the results with others.