[Stevedh]

I've just purchased a new phone case which has a magnetic catch for my N97. I'm not sure if anyone else has this problem, but when I attempt to use the compass in Nokia maps with my phone in it's case, it appears that the compass doesn't go green after attempting to calibrate it many times, but rather stays red. When I take it out of the case it is able to work after hardly any attempts at calibrating, I think it may be due to the case which has a magnet in it, I've also heard that it can cause the phone to think the back camera is open, if that makes sense, although I haven't encountered this problem yet. I was wondering if there may be long-term damage. 

[ITEXNZ]

It's hard to say for sure it there would be long-term damage if you continue using the magnetic case but speaking for myself it would make me nervous that the magnet could cause some permanant magnetization of some other metals in the phone which would make the compass errors permanent - remember in kids science classes where you can rub a needle a few times with a bar magnet to magnetize the needle? To be extra safe I'd stop using the case and get a silicone one or something.

[sockatume]

First of all, your hunch is right, the magnet in the case will be stopping the compass working properly.

I think the metal components in the N97 are aluminium, which shouldn't permanently magnetise. However if it's going to knock your compass out of action you really should consider a new case anyway.

[charlypuss]

Magnetic, Fluxgate and Gyro compasses will be directly effected by any magnetic source which is in a close proximity. Any ferrous metal can also impede the accuracy of the compass.

As for damaging the phone, if the keyboard slide contact is a reed type switch, as in all of the previous communicators, it will be operated by a small magnet in the case of the phone. Normally the switch would be held in the off position by the magnet, if a stronger magnet was introduced (ie from the case flap) then it is possible that the switch would not operate and turn the screen on when the keyboard slide is opened.

It is never a good idea to keep any electronics near a source of magnetism.