Nokia has finally started to ship the 8GB version of its N81 as well as the standard version of the N81 globally. Both handsets features a wide range of multimedia features and Nokia even goes as far as calling them multimedia computers which we can't quite agree with. None the less, the N81 series has support for audio and video playback and supports a wide range of formats such as MP3, AAC, ACC+, WMA, WAV, RealVideo 8/9/10, MPEG4, H.263 and H.264.

But one of the big sellers is the inclusion is Nokia's gaming platform, N-Gage and the handsets ship with Space Impact Light and demo versions of Fifa soccer 2007 and Asphalt 3: Street Rules. More games will be available for download later this year. The N81 series also uses a new 3D multimedia menu system which Nokia claims will make it easier to use digital content and internet services on the N81.

Other features include 3G connectivity, quad band GSM, a 802.11b/g Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 2.0 with A2DP, FM radio, a 2 Megapixel camera with flash and a front mounted camera for video calls. The N81 also has a micro SD card slot for memory expansion and both models feature a 320x240 2.4-inch display capable of displaying 16.7 million colours.

One feature we really like is the built in 3.5mm audio jack which enables you to easily attach any standard pair of headphones for music listening. The N81 should retail for around AU$580 with the N81 8GB coming it at a very steep AU$692, ex GST.

You can find more details about the N81 8GB here