Let the fun begin—Nokia just announced that they are shipping the N81 and N81 8GB “multimedia computers.”

Each unit packs dedicated game and music keys into a tiny mobile phone. That’s right; it does make calls. You wouldn’t know that from the press release, but that apparently is not much of a selling point these days.

Something that might be a selling point: This unit allows for direct music downloads via the Nokia Music Store and a wireless LAN or 3G network. Other features include Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, a 2.4-inch QVGA main color display, a voice recorder, and plenty of audio, video, camera and text messaging features.

Another added bonus: The units will preview the N-Gage games service, with playable demos of EA’s “Fifa 07,” “Asphalt 3: Street Rules” and “Space Impact Light.” The full application will be available to suck down what’s left of your paycheck later this year.

Nokia has put the pricing in Euros, but it’s looking like they’ll be about $499 to $599 each.

Rachel Cericola - Contributing Writer

Over the past 15 years, Rachel Cericola has covered entertainment, web and technology trends. Check her out at www.rachelcericola.com.