What phone would make you take a vacation from android?

[superg05]

i personally love android in my g1 at its evolving at a faster pace then anyone would have imagined but because htc did not want the g1 future proof so you would have to buy more of there handsets if u wanted new features. the g1 is lagging behind the times though there are work arounds thanks to root and devs but can be risky i've flashed my phone so may times its crazy was like a little mobile heaven but i see another os and a more powerful phone so its time to go on vacation from android alittle bit here is my my choice for a phone the Nokia N900http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41UHmot%2BZEL._SS400_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JWZb5iz4L._SS400_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51J9u0SIDHL._SS400_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51K7Pt1fluL._SS400_.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhTtsZATwBQ<-look at me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP5R-5NX1BE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHOGweOq8pw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo8DGHUQmtEVery unique ability
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0wbLaMXeu4 Awesome ability watch

Fast 3G connectivity with broadband-like speeds via 900/1700/2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA. (T-mobile 3G bands)

Integrated assisted GPS (A-GPS) receiver for navigation using the Ovi Maps application as well as for geotagging photos and accessing location services used by popular social networking sites. Switch between rich 3D, satellite and hybrid map views.

3.5-inch touchscreen display with built-in accelerometer and 800 x 480-pixel resolution. (Learn more)

Slide-out full QWERTY keyboard as well as virtual onscreen keyboard. Speed your typing up further with smart on-screen features and word completion.

The Nokia N900 has 32 GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 48 GB via optional microSD cards (up to 16 GB in size).
Powerful Computing

Running on the new Maemo 5 software, the Nokia N900 enables you to have dozens of application windows open and running simultaneously while taking full advantage of the cellular features, touch screen and QWERTY keyboard. Designed for computer-grade performance in a compact size, Maemo complements Nokia's other software platforms, such as Symbian, which powers Nokia's smartphones.

The Nokia N900 packs a powerful ARM Cortex-A8 processor, up to 1GB of application memory and OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics acceleration. The result is PC-like multitasking, allowing many applications to run simultaneously. Switching between applications is simple, as all running content is constantly available through the dashboard. The panoramic home screen can be fully personalized with favorite shortcuts, widgets and applications. Thanks to the browser powered by Mozilla technology, web sites look the way they would on any computer. Online videos and interactive applications are vivid with full Adobe Flash 9.4 support. Maemo software updates happen automatically over the internet.

Powerful 5-Megapixel Carl Zeiss Optics
With the Carl Zeiss optics on the 5-megapixel camera, you can capture print quality photos and DVD-like quality video clips. Carl Zeiss, a world leader in high quality camera lenses, brings an award-winning legacy to the Nokia N900 with state-of-the-art optics for mobile photography and mobile video. The Zeiss name has been associated with cameras from Hasselblad, Rollei, Yashica, Sony, and Nikon.

Tag photos with keywords to easily find them later on with a keyword cloud display, and see where your images were taken with the automatic geotagging. The camera offers an auto-focus Carl Zeiss lens with two-stage capture key, dual LED flash, and JPEG/EXIF still image file format. Other features include a full-screen viewfinder, dedicated camera key, sliding lens cover for protection and camera activation, and a photo editor. Upload your photos and videos to Ovi Share and share them online with friends and family.

The N900 can also capture videos in a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio at 800 x 480 pixels and 30 frames per second (fps). Additionally, the N900 includes a VGA camera on the front for use of video calling services (dependent upon carrier; additional charges applicable).

After shooting photos and videos, you can connect the N900 to an external monitor or TV (NTSC/PAL) using the included cable, and control playback via UPNP (WLAN supported)

Tech spec summary
Technical Specifications

2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 1700 / 2100 / 900(tmobile)
Announced 2009, August
Status Coming soon. Exp. release 2009, November
Size Dimensions 110.9 x 59.8 x 18 mm, 113 cc
Weight 181 g
Display Type TFT resistive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size 800 x 480 pixels, 3.5 inches
- Proximity sensor for auto turn-off
- Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate
- Full QWERTY keyboard
Sound Alert types Vibration; MP3 ringtones
Speakerphone Yes, with stereo speakers
- 3.5 mm audio jack
Memory Phonebook Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
Call records Detailed, max 30 days
Internal 32 GB storage, 256 MB RAM
Card slot microSD (TransFlash), up to 16GB
Data GPRS Class 32
HSCSD Yes
EDGE Class 32
3G HSDPA, 10Mbps; HSUPA, 2Mbps
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA
Bluetooth Yes, v2.1 with A2DP
Infrared port Yes
USB Yes, v2.0 microUSB
Camera Primary 5 MP, 2592x1944 pixels, Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus, Dual LED flash, video light
Features Geo-tagging
Video Yes, WVGA(848 x 480)@25fps
Secondary Yes, VGA
Features OS Maemo 5
CPU ARM Cortex A8 600 MHz, PowerVR SGX graphics
Messaging SMS (threaded view), Email, Push Email, IM
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, RSS feeds
Radio Stereo FM radio (via third party software); FM transmitter
Games Yes, Bounce, Chess, Mahjong + downloadable
Colors Black
GPS Yes, with A-GPS support; Ovi Maps
Java No
- Digital compass
- MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ music player
- WMV/RealVideo/MP4/AVI/XviD video player
- TV-out
- Voice command/dial
- Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
- Photo editor
- T9
Battery Standard battery, Li-Ion 1320 mAh (BL-5J)

this is the phone i will pick what would you guys pick? it what i always wanted to see and android be like and mabye it will be like this in android 7.0 but who knows what do u guys think i wanna hear your opinion

N900 is now shipping

[scrannel]

I agree 100%, N900 is probably my next phone. Android needs to grow up and when it does, maybe I'll check it out again. N900 works on TMo 3G, so I'm seriously circling it.

[Hands0n]

If you're coming from the Android world I'd suggest to think very carefully about Nokia - they are renowned for poor quality OS that take several iterations to resolve even the basic issues. Have a read up on the N97's short history. Do the research before taking the plunge into the N900 which, like the N97 before it, looks superb on paper.

Then again, coming from the Android world, and particularly if you've been a bit of a hacker playing with different distributions of Android there will be none of that on the N900. At best you'll be limited to what is available on the OVI Store. Unofficial apps may make an appearance on the platform, but no guarantee of that.

I used to be a Nokia die-hard, but after an exhausting experience with the N95 and later the N97 I think that I can safely say that it is unlikely that I'll use a Nokia smartphone again. Not while there are OS X and Android alternatives out there.

My other concern would relate to the new Maemo OS - it is unproven in the wild. That and Nokia's reputation for poor quality software leaves me feeling very cold towards the product.

To answer the OPs question - there isn't much that would make me look outside of Android (or OS X) right now. I'm very interested in the 50+ new Android handsets already announced. With faster CPU and larger memory Android will most definitely up its game in the performance stakes. And the software is maturing very nicely also what with Android 2.0 on the horizon and the number and quality of apps on the increase all of the time. Not a good time to jump ship, I'd say :)

[Crashdamage]

Need to set some things straight...


...the N900 which, like the N97 before it, looks superb on paper.
I would never have considered the N97, It did NOT look superb on paper due to obvious memory limitations. The N900 will NOT suffer from the same problem. Also, you're trying to compare Symbian OS phones to a Maemo OS phone, which is like comparing old Palm OS phones to a Palm Pre with WebOS. They just ain't the same animal.


...if you've been a bit of a hacker playing with different distributions of Android there will be none of that on the N900.Not true. Maemo is a more open OS than Android in several ways. There are already variations of Maemo available or in progress, such as the totally open Mer distro. Do some reading.


At best you'll be limited to what is available on the OVI Store. Unofficial apps may make an appearance on the platform, but no guarantee of that.Again, not true at all. 'Unofficial' apps have been available for years. It already has a large, well established user/developer community and will have FAR more apps available than Android had when it was released.


...the new Maemo OS - it is unproven in the wild.Again, not true at all. The Maemo OS has been available 'in the wild' on internet tablets since 2005. Maemo 5, introduced on the N900, is simply the first version to include cellphone capability. It's a well-proven OS (basically Debian with a mobile UI, is Debian unproven?) that is far more tried-and-true tested than Android or WebOS were when released.

I'm not getting an N900 for the hardware, though of course I think it's nice, with a feature set that's pretty much unmatched right now. Or because (or in spite of) it being a Nokia. It's not about getting the best hardware. State-of-the-art hardware is state-of-the-art for about 15 minutes these days anyway.

No, I want the N900 precisely because of Maemo. To me, it's all about the OS. Maemo is the obvious next step, from mobile operating systems designed for smartphones (OS-X, Symbian, Android, Win Mobile, etc.) to a far more complete, robust OS ready for the step - from smartphones to true pocket computers. Nokia, like 'em or leave 'em, understands that's where all this is headed. In moving to Maemo for their top units, Nokia has backed a complete, highly flexible, open OS (compared to the other major mobile OSs) that is truly up to the task. More than anyone, with Maemo Nokia has positioned themselves for the future capabilities of hardware and software we haven't dreamed of yet. They're betting their (very large, the largest by far) smartphone farm on Maemo. They wouldn't bet billions on an untried OS. They may not 'win' in the end, but it won't be because Maemo isn't capable.

Don't get me wrong. I'm not bashing Android. I like Android, I was one of the first to get a G1. Clearly, it is and will be a huge commercial success. But just as clearly, Android has some serious limitations. And to say Maemo can't stack up against OS-X or Android is just incredibly wrong. The question should be 'Can OS-X or Android stack up against Maemo?'

The purchase of a N900 is me getting ready for the next wave.

[draxter]

iPhone 3GS.

[bmcclure937]

The Nokia N900 has some solid features, but that tactile QWERTY would suck. Everyone complains about 4-row keypads... that thing only has 3 rows and an extremely janky key layout.

Have fun typing on that! I will stick with other devices and be patient to see what comes out in the next 6 months

[hondamx525]

(not to mention the onscreen [not sure if there is one dont know much about the platform] would be unpleasant due to the resistive screen)

[Crashdamage]

Resistive screens have come a long way. By most accounts the N900's screen is very responsive. Check out some videos. Looks very good with smooth scrolling/swiping. Plus a resistive screen offers precision with a stylus or fingernail a capacative screen can't. This will be more and more important as phones become, and are used as. true pocket computers.

Of course the N900 has a on-screen VK. Users who have actually had a N900 in their hands have rated the HK anywhere from good to one of the best.

Read some N900 info and reviews. Get some real knowledge before simply posting FUD.

[cmbarry1]

I am so torn between the N900 and the Sholes, I have a very strong feeling they are both coming to Tmo for the holidays and I can get an upgrade but I think the N900 is a little to bulky along with the resistive may turn my off from it even though it is completely open source and seems responsive for a resistive screen. Just gonn have to wait for some slashgear and phone dog reviews along with other videos

[scrannel]

If you're coming from the Android world I'd suggest to think very carefully about Nokia - they are renowned for poor quality OS that take several iterations to resolve even the basic issues.

Not in my hands-on experience with many Nokia smartphones over the years. They all have been superb, and put up with a ton of abuse. And none have done any of the really lame crap that Android has, like uninitiated data-roaming. Worse, my experience with some of the Android features has been lousy. To compensate, had to add apps to bring it up to ground zero. Android is the untested system, and it is lame -- as in crippled.

[hondamx525]

I guess many people just dont understand android. It is supposed to be a good thing that you can get apps to do what the phone originally cant, and thats kind of the point.

Also i know resistive screens have come a long way, and i wasnt referring to anything other than the touch screen keyboard, which is not going to be a great experience on any resistive screen.

Ive read plenty of reviews on the n900, ranging from pretty good hardware keyboard, not horrible. It seems like average is the general consensus quoting one review, "not optimum, but still better than a virtual keyboard."

I think the n900 looks like a great phone but it definitely has its faults.

[m4nic3]

None.........

[cmbarry1]

I guess many people just dont understand android. It is supposed to be a good thing that you can get apps to do what the phone originally cant, and thats kind of the point.

Also i know resistive screens have come a long way, and i wasnt referring to anything other than the touch screen keyboard, which is not going to be a great experience on any resistive screen.

Ive read plenty of reviews on the n900, ranging from pretty good hardware keyboard, not horrible. It seems like average is the general consensus quoting one review, "not optimum, but still better than a virtual keyboard."

I think the n900 looks like a great phone but it definitely has its faults.


One major fault brought up in another forum or thread was its inability to turn portrait mode unless in a phone call..kind of a reverse G1 problem..Hopefully this is untrue or can be an easy fix cuz thats a deal-breaker for me

[superg05]

First off I do understand android a lot im one of the biggest get an android fan boy there is convinced 12 people to take the plunge root there phone and flash,flash,flash


As for the n900s faults they said they where fixing it and should be fixed in time for shipping or next upgrade which is not bad plus its an open source full Linux distro while android is Linux based nokias have a rep for being able to dual boot so I will be running and android on it as well when I feel nostalgic

[hondamx525]

First off I do understand android a lot biggest get an android fan boy there is conviced 12 poeple to take the plunge root there phone and fglash,flash,flash


As for the n900s faults they said they where fixing it and should be fixed in time for shiping or next upgrade which is not bad plus its an open source full linux while android is linuxed based nokias have a rep for being able to dual boot so I will be running and android on it as well when I feel nestalgic

woah.......

[superg05]

I am so torn between the N900 and the Sholes, I have a very strong feeling they are both coming to Tmo for the holidays and I can get an upgrade but I think the N900 is a little to bulky along with the resistive may turn my off from it even though it is completely open source and seems responsive for a resistive screen. Just gonn have to wait for some slashgear and phone dog reviews along with other videos

i like the Sholes it has similar power to the n900 but doesn't fully utilize its capabilities though im sure it will get there i know android will climb to the top of the mobile Os's but for god sakes will someone besides samsung put a larger flash rom in there phones at least 8gb god!!!!!!!!!

on that note has anyone head a rumor about them having an actual 16gb drive in europe and not the us?

[texas_born]

maybe the hd2

[superg05]

maybe the hd2

i know i saw that today i will might likely get both since t-mobile has payed installments on phones just wished it had a keyboard


anyone see that tmonews article about the sholes might come to tmobile article http://www.tmonews.com/2009/10/please-let-this-be-real/

[Derrick]

Unless you are on a contract with T-Mo I see know reason to get N900. While many phone's have Android as their OS there are multiple versions that phone manufacturers incorporate into their phones. So if your sick of stock Android why not go to Sense, and if thats not cutting it move on to Blur or Rachael.

Also whats this business of Android being crippled? The only major issue Android has that I can think is the tacky BT support which is looking better in 2.0. Also the developing community for Android is very strong. Sure Google is some what limiting what these devs can do with hacked ROMs, but it is really understandable if you think about it.

The last point I would like to make is that I feel a lot more comfortable with a company like Google backing up their own OS. If their is an issue I know they will work on it to appease their customers. It just gives an all around better sense of security imo. Also not only is Android booming, but Google themselves are getting their hands into EVRYTHING. You would be hardpressed to find any type of software that Google is not involved in. I think this broadens their service potential more than any other company out there, and who knows what type of awesome things they can bring to their OS.

[RDILLZ]

Android crippled? Ridiculous.

No way would I take that Nokia over Android! With all the powerful droids coming out. Was that a trick question? Lmao... Nokia, right!

[superg05]

who said android was crippled it wasn't me maybe u should have quoted dunno but anyways there making phones with barely any rom space and we all know its on purpose that handset manufactures do this and yes some great phones are coming out but none that can do what i saw this nokia do. when someone makes an android layout with those capabilities im all for it over it in it on the rom space

i had a solution to this problem and i wrote both google and the oha of how to implement apps to sd without having to worry about people pirating paid apps i have yet to get any response from them or see them implement this or even try

"installing apps on SDcard u could easily use encryption like Microsofts .menc files for windows mobile it can't be used off of device it was installed on not allowing them to be used any place then the google account holders phones thus solving them being pirated all over the net" note iphone users on the ideas site voted it down a lot from where it was but it was high ranked for awhile Googles ideas site here http://productideas.appspot.com

it was my way of trying to help make android better you guys should join and share your ideas

[Hands0n]

Android is the untested system, and it is lame -- as in crippled.

I believe that it was this gentleman who suggested that Android was "crippled".

Oh well, here starteth the Linux wars for mobile handsets I suppose ;)

Maemo may well have been around for a while but it has yet to find its way into a mainstream handset. That Nokia took it up is not necessarily a recommendation. I will need to see the evidence of Nokia producing a fully capable OS for their handset. Just changing the OS is no guarantee of success given Nokia's previous track record, in my opinion. But we'll see soon enough.

Someone earlier in this thread remarked on Nokia's robust Smartphones - I can only cite my own experience of a pair of Nokia N95s, Nokia's "computer in your pocket" - it took them until firmware version 12 to get the handset anywhere near stable enough to use 'robustly'. Just in time for me to migrate away to the iPhone and later Android that are just worlds apart from that dreadful Symbian OS of theirs. Watching a good friend struggle with his N97 brought back awful memories of Nokia's quality of new Symbian handsets. He gave up, eBayed it, went to an iPhone and hasn't looked back. This was a hardened Nokia fan who finally had enough having been through it all before with a N95-8GB.

I'll accept that I could be completely wrong about Nokia's Maemo-based N900. But the sceptic in me will take some convincing. But I will be watching the story unfold with great interest. It would be a shame to see Nokia succumb to the modern OS that it now has to compete with.

[Crashdamage]

Maemo may well have been around for a while but it has yet to find its way into a mainstream handset.
That's because Maemo 5, on the N900 is the first version to get cellphone capabilities. 'Til now, it was on tablets only.


I will need to see the evidence of Nokia producing a fully capable OS for their handset.OK, do some Googling, get some info, watch some videos. You'll be amazed, especially of the N900 playing video on a 50" screen. Maemo is more than fully capable. That's the whole point. To go beyond OS-X, Android or Symbian. To go to the next level. To REAL pocket computing.


I can only cite my own experience of a pair of Nokia N95s, Nokia's "computer in your pocket" - it took them until firmware version 12 to get the handset anywhere near stable enough to use 'robustly'. Just in time for me to migrate away to the iPhone and later Android that are just worlds apart from that dreadful Symbian OS of theirs. Watching a good friend struggle with his N97 brought back awful memories of Nokia's quality of new Symbian handsets.Again, you're comparing the N95 (years old) N97/Sybian to the N900/Maemo situation. Very different hardware and TOTALLY different software. It just doesn't apply.

I'll say it again...Maemo is basically Debian with a mobile-optimized UI. Are you saying Debian is not capable, unproven or unstable?

[djunio]

I'm getting the N900 in Jan. unlocked until the 1GHZ Androids come to T-mobile. That 3 row keyboard is total bs but the rest of the hardware makes up for it easily.

edit:BTW both os's are Linux based so I think you will see Android on N900 and Maemo on android phones rather quick.

[Derrick]

OK, do some Googling, get some info, watch some videos. You'll be amazed, especially of the N900 playing video on a 50" screen. Maemo is more than fully capable. That's the whole point. To go beyond OS-X, Android or Symbian. To go to the next level. To REAL pocket computing.

I have watched videos and I have seen nothing that the iPhone, Android, or even BlackBerries can't do. I don't see how this is anymore "realer" than its competitors. The only real advantage I've heard that Maemo has over Android is its openess as the phone practically comes rooted when you get it. Still I've heard from developers on various sites claiming even though its more open, its more difficult to develop for because the tools Google gives you for developing are better.

Don't get me wrong I think this is a great phone and OS. For example I really like the way it manages multitasking. Android could really use something like that. Also the UI is MUCH better looking then the default Android UI.

[Hands0n]

That's because Maemo 5, on the N900 is the first version to get cellphone capabilities. 'Til now, it was on tablets only.
...
...
I'll say it again...Maemo is basically Debian with a mobile-optimized UI. Are you saying Debian is not capable, unproven or unstable?

I would certainly say that Maemo is not proven in a cellphone in the mainstreet sales market. Any videos so far will not be of retail handsets out in the field. Therefore I have to stand by my sceptic view that Maemo is yet to be proven in the context that we are talking of here.

I've seen my iPhone playing to a 52" Samsung and am quite happy to report that the resultant display was very viewable.

My citation of Nokia's N95 and N97 were in the context of how well, or rather how un-well, Nokia delivers their OS. To date, each and every new release has been a dogs dinner. On that basis I do not expect the first iteration of Maemo on the N900 to be any better. But I do reserve the right to be pleasantly surprised 'when' the device hits retail.

[superg05]

I would certainly say that Maemo is not proven in a cellphone in the mainstreet sales market. Any videos so far will not be of retail handsets out in the field. Therefore I have to stand by my sceptic view that Maemo is yet to be proven in the context that we are talking of here.

I've seen my iPhone playing to a 52" Samsung and am quite happy to report that the resultant display was very viewable.

My citation of Nokia's N95 and N97 were in the context of how well, or rather how un-well, Nokia delivers their OS. To date, each and every new release has been a dogs dinner. On that basis I do not expect the first iteration of Maemo on the N900 to be any better. But I do reserve the right to be pleasantly surprised 'when' the device hits retail.

so all the hands on reviews don't count ?

[Adedasfreak]

HTC HD2 and possibly the N900 (dont like the Resistive Screen):D

[Hands0n]

so all the hands on reviews don't count ?

Actually, no. I'll treat the reviews so far as I've seen reviews of past Nokia kit that I've already cited. In each case these devices were supposed to revolutionise - they did nothing but frustrate. By the time the firmware was in any reasonable way fixed interest had been lost, other product had come by, or Nokia had released its next great promise.

You'll have to forgive me then, or perhaps not, if I remain completely unimpressed at the N900 on paper. I'll wait to see it out in the wild, being used by ordinary people, in a real world first.

Nokia's own history persuades me that is the safest way to assess one of their new products.

None of that is to diminish what the N900 is or could be on paper, speculative blogs and YouTube virals.

[superg05]

Actually, no. I'll treat the reviews so far as I've seen reviews of past Nokia kit that I've already cited. In each case these devices were supposed to revolutionise - they did nothing but frustrate. By the time the firmware was in any reasonable way fixed interest had been lost, other product had come by, or Nokia had released its next great promise.

You'll have to forgive me then, or perhaps not, if I remain completely unimpressed at the N900 on paper. I'll wait to see it out in the wild, being used by ordinary people, in a real world first.

Nokia's own history persuades me that is the safest way to assess one of their new products.

None of that is to diminish what the N900 is or could be on paper, speculative blogs and YouTube virals.
not symbian

[superg05]

Great news the N900 is now shipping
engadget reports the phone is now shipping http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/nokia-n900-is-finally-shipping/

[Crashdamage]

Just got up, had an email from Nokia USA - but no, not for the N900 I pre-ordered. It was notice that the car charger I ordered for it a couple of days ago had shipped.

That's ok, I can wait a little longer, it'll be worth it...

[stopcrazypp]

http://www.reddit.com/r/programming/comments/9ls6j/android_vs_maemo_from_developers_perspective/
http://buruonbrails.blogspot.com/2009/09/android-vs-maemo.html

A little bit of cold water for some of you saying that Maemo is a tested platform and that Android is "crippled".

From a developers prospective (not a developer yet, but comparing various platforms to see which is the best to start), here's a few comments.

Unlike the Android or Palm's WebOS SDK, which supports all three major OSes: Windows, OSX, and Linux, Maemo's SDK only supports Linux, specifically working best on Debian or Debian based distros; also there is a bit of hacking that needs to be done to get it to work on computers with AMD processors. This is similar to the iPhone's SDK support of only OSX. This is fine for the iPhone since it's a very popular platform, so a budding developer wouldn't mind getting an Apple computer to develop for the iPhone, but not so for platforms like Android, Maemo, WebOS which have yet to gain a very large market. For a budding/small developer Android or WebOS will look more attractive just for this reason.

The only exception of course is if you are a developer already familiar with Linux and Linux development. One of the major pluses of Maemo is that it is based on Debian, so porting Debian apps should be quite easy, though whether there will be many developers porting apps is another issue.

Looking at the ecosystem, it seems the only backer of Maemo is basically Nokia. So Maemo will be limited to mostly Nokia devices. Can't predict the future, but I'm guessing the install base of Android will be higher than that of Maemo.

Looking at language, it seems Android might be a bit easier to pick up. Some people hate Java, but in general it's a fairly easy language to deal with, and it seems Android should have better compatibility between releases (from comments, it seems you might have to recompile your program for every new release, due to binary compatibility issues).

As a general view, Maemo looks to be a huge step up from Symbian and should give Nokia a much better chance of competing with the other OSes rather than falling behind.

[Crashdamage]

First, let me say again I'm no Android hater. I was one of the first to get a G1 and I like Android. I just recommended to my daughter she should get and Android phone because right now, for her purposes and budget, it was the best choice. She did. But I'm not blind to Android's problems, or Maemo's. You made some (as least somewhat) valid points. Regarding those...

The Maemo SDK can be used on more than Linux with a bit of effort. And Nokia is moving quickly to make Maemo development more cross-platform friendly, not only regarding what OS to run but so that apps written for Maemo are easily ported to Symbian, WebOS, whatever.

As for a potential market for Maemo apps, remember just over a year ago the was NO Android market at all. Nokia is a friggin' monster, with around 40% of the global smartphone market, Neither Apple or Android will break 10% by the end of 2010. The market potential is certainly there.

Maemo has a HUGE advantage over Android when it comes to porting existing apps over to it.

I could go on and on, but I gotta get to work. This kinda stuff can be argued back and forth endlessly anyway. Bottom line for me and many others is:

Maemo is simply the most powerful, and by far the most open, mobile OS available on any phone. And if it's still not open enough for you, there's the Mer offshoot. Let me go a little further...

Maemo is real Linux. Android is not, it's a specialized Linux kernel with a Davlik virtual machine running on it. OS-X is a bastard child of BSD. WebOS comes closer to real Linus, but is very closed by Palm. Maemo is totally different and therein is it's power and potential. It's a full-stack, real Debian-based mobile Linxu distro with X, root access, etc. etc. - all the advantages of real Linux but with a finger-friendly UI.

IOW, other mobile OS like Android, Symbian or OS-X were designed for smartphones. Maemo is designed for the future, to take mobile software and hardware to the next level, from smartphones to true pocket computers. Anyone who doesn't understand the difference or understand the limitations of Android for that purpose should probably just go ahead and work with Android. But Bratag and some others who are leaving for Maemo get it.

Get more info from the source instead of reddit or blogs:
http://maemo.org/development/

[Diviance]

First, let me say again I'm no Android hater. I was one of the first to get a G1 and I like Android. I just recommended to my daughter she should get and Android phone because right now, for her purposes and budget, it was the best choice. She did. But I'm not blind to Android's problems, or Maemo's. You made some (as least somewhat) valid points. Regarding those...

The Maemo SDK can be used on more than Linux with a bit of effort. And Nokia is moving quickly to make Maemo development more cross-platform friendly, not only regarding what OS to run but so that apps written for Maemo are easily ported to Symbian, WebOS, whatever.

As for a potential market for Maemo apps, remember just over a year ago the was NO Android market at all. Nokia is a friggin' monster, with around 40% of the global smartphone market, Neither Apple or Android will break 10% by the end of 2010. The market potential is certainly there.

Maemo has a HUGE advantage over Android when it comes to porting existing apps over to it.

I could go on and on, but I gotta get to work. This kinda stuff can be argued back and forth endlessly anyway. Bottom line for me and many others is:

Maemo is simply the most powerful, and by far the most open, mobile OS available on any phone. And if it's still not open enough for you, there's the Mer offshoot. Let me go a little further...

Maemo is real Linux. Android is not, it's a specialized Linux kernel with a Davlik virtual machine running on it. OS-X is a bastard child of BSD. WebOS comes closer to real Linus, but is very closed by Palm. Maemo is totally different and therein is it's power and potential. It's a full-stack, real Debian-based mobile Linxu distro with X, root access, etc. etc. - all the advantages of real Linux but with a finger-friendly UI.

IOW, other mobile OS like Android, Symbian or OS-X were designed for smartphones. Maemo is designed for the future, to take mobile software and hardware to the next level, from smartphones to true pocket computers. Anyone who doesn't understand the difference or understand the limitations of Android for that purpose should probably just go ahead and work with Android. But Bratag and some others who are leaving for Maemo get it.

Get more info from the source instead of reddit or blogs:
http://maemo.org/development/

If I didn't know better, this would read like you are trying to convince yourself rather than us...

But on topic, though it isn't the topic of the thread, Maemo looks nice. I don't care for the design of the hardware, and ever will ugly hardware put me off of a phone. That keyboard is hideous :(

[Crashdamage]

If I didn't know better, this would read like you are trying to convince yourself rather than us...
I have no idea where you got that. As soon as I read a little about Maemo, I was immediately convinced it was what Android should've been.


I don't care for the design of the hardware, and ever will ugly hardware put me off of a phone. That keyboard is hideous :(Different strokes...I really like the N900, but it's not the most beautiful thing ever. And I could live with the looks of my G1, but to me the Droid/Sholes is just butt-ugly.

But I don't get what's so hideous about the N900 keyboard? Looks like an ordinary keyboard, no strange colors or odd shapes. Has gotten generally good reviews. ???

[Diviance]

I have no idea where you got that. As soon as I read a little about Maemo, I was immediately convinced it was what Android should've been.

Different strokes...I really like the N900, but it's not the most beautiful thing ever. And I could live with the looks of my G1, but to me the Droid/Sholes is just butt-ugly.

But I don't get what's so hideous about the N900 keyboard? Looks like an ordinary keyboard, no strange colors or odd shapes. Has gotten generally good reviews. ???

To be honest, on the first part I was just messin around with you.

I just don't like the lack of spacing between the keys. I would like it to be more like a normal keyboard, with spacing between each key.

[indosmoke]

Waitin for the N900 as we speak, would have been HTC HD2 if it was Android, but Winmo, come on now...

[olla86]

N900 is my dream! I want it! I want it!!

[Michel Dover]

iPhone 3GS, although Android platform has a better future.

[nickyrash]

i personally love android in my g1 at its evolving at a faster pace then anyone would have imagined but because htc did not want the g1 future proof so you would have to buy more of there handsets if u wanted new features. the g1 is lagging behind the times though there are work arounds thanks to root and devs but can be risky i've flashed my phone so may times its crazy was like a little mobile heaven but i see another os and a more powerful phone so its time to go on vacation from android alittle bit here is my my choice for a phone the Nokia N900http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41UHmot%2BZEL._SS400_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41JWZb5iz4L._SS400_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51J9u0SIDHL._SS400_.jpghttp://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51K7Pt1fluL._SS400_.jpg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GhTtsZATwBQ<-look at me
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP5R-5NX1BE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHOGweOq8pw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bo8DGHUQmtEVery unique ability
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E0wbLaMXeu4 Awesome ability watch

Fast 3G connectivity with broadband-like speeds via 900/1700/2100 MHz UMTS/HSPA. (T-mobile 3G bands)

Integrated assisted GPS (A-GPS) receiver for navigation using the Ovi Maps application as well as for geotagging photos and accessing location services used by popular social networking sites. Switch between rich 3D, satellite and hybrid map views.

3.5-inch touchscreen display with built-in accelerometer and 800 x 480-pixel resolution. (Learn more)

Slide-out full QWERTY keyboard as well as virtual onscreen keyboard. Speed your typing up further with smart on-screen features and word completion.

The Nokia N900 has 32 GB of internal storage, which is expandable up to 48 GB via optional microSD cards (up to 16 GB in size).
Powerful Computing

Running on the new Maemo 5 software, the Nokia N900 enables you to have dozens of application windows open and running simultaneously while taking full advantage of the cellular features, touch screen and QWERTY keyboard. Designed for computer-grade performance in a compact size, Maemo complements Nokia's other software platforms, such as Symbian, which powers Nokia's smartphones.

The Nokia N900 packs a powerful ARM Cortex-A8 processor, up to 1GB of application memory and OpenGL ES 2.0 graphics acceleration. The result is PC-like multitasking, allowing many applications to run simultaneously. Switching between applications is simple, as all running content is constantly available through the dashboard. The panoramic home screen can be fully personalized with favorite shortcuts, widgets and applications. Thanks to the browser powered by Mozilla technology, web sites look the way they would on any computer. Online videos and interactive applications are vivid with full Adobe Flash 9.4 support. Maemo software updates happen automatically over the internet.

Powerful 5-Megapixel Carl Zeiss Optics
With the Carl Zeiss optics on the 5-megapixel camera, you can capture print quality photos and DVD-like quality video clips. Carl Zeiss, a world leader in high quality camera lenses, brings an award-winning legacy to the Nokia N900 with state-of-the-art optics for mobile photography and mobile video. The Zeiss name has been associated with cameras from Hasselblad, Rollei, Yashica, Sony, and Nikon.

Tag photos with keywords to easily find them later on with a keyword cloud display, and see where your images were taken with the automatic geotagging. The camera offers an auto-focus Carl Zeiss lens with two-stage capture key, dual LED flash, and JPEG/EXIF still image file format. Other features include a full-screen viewfinder, dedicated camera key, sliding lens cover for protection and camera activation, and a photo editor. Upload your photos and videos to Ovi Share and share them online with friends and family.

The N900 can also capture videos in a widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio at 800 x 480 pixels and 30 frames per second (fps). Additionally, the N900 includes a VGA camera on the front for use of video calling services (dependent upon carrier; additional charges applicable).

After shooting photos and videos, you can connect the N900 to an external monitor or TV (NTSC/PAL) using the included cable, and control playback via UPNP (WLAN supported)

Tech spec summary
Technical Specifications

2G Network GSM 850 / 900 / 1800 / 1900
3G Network HSDPA 1700 / 2100 / 900(tmobile)
Announced 2009, August
Status Coming soon. Exp. release 2009, November
Size Dimensions 110.9 x 59.8 x 18 mm, 113 cc
Weight 181 g
Display Type TFT resistive touchscreen, 16M colors
Size 800 x 480 pixels, 3.5 inches
- Proximity sensor for auto turn-off
- Accelerometer sensor for auto-rotate
- Full QWERTY keyboard
Sound Alert types Vibration; MP3 ringtones
Speakerphone Yes, with stereo speakers
- 3.5 mm audio jack
Memory Phonebook Practically unlimited entries and fields, Photocall
Call records Detailed, max 30 days
Internal 32 GB storage, 256 MB RAM
Card slot microSD (TransFlash), up to 16GB
Data GPRS Class 32
HSCSD Yes
EDGE Class 32
3G HSDPA, 10Mbps; HSUPA, 2Mbps
WLAN Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g, DLNA
Bluetooth Yes, v2.1 with A2DP
Infrared port Yes
USB Yes, v2.0 microUSB
Camera Primary 5 MP, 2592x1944 pixels, Carl Zeiss optics, autofocus, Dual LED flash, video light
Features Geo-tagging
Video Yes, WVGA(848 x 480)@25fps
Secondary Yes, VGA
Features OS Maemo 5
CPU ARM Cortex A8 600 MHz, PowerVR SGX graphics
Messaging SMS (threaded view), Email, Push Email, IM
Browser WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML, RSS feeds
Radio Stereo FM radio (via third party software); FM transmitter
Games Yes, Bounce, Chess, Mahjong + downloadable
Colors Black
GPS Yes, with A-GPS support; Ovi Maps
Java No
- Digital compass
- MP3/WMA/WAV/eAAC+ music player
- WMV/RealVideo/MP4/AVI/XviD video player
- TV-out
- Voice command/dial
- Document viewer (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, PDF)
- Photo editor
- T9
Battery Standard battery, Li-Ion 1320 mAh (BL-5J)

this is the phone i will pick what would you guys pick? it what i always wanted to see and android be like and mabye it will be like this in android 7.0 but who knows what do u guys think i wanna hear your opinion

N900 is now shipping

Hi,

Thanks for sharing the wonderful information

[RDILLZ]

Its been mighty quiet on this thread since the release of the N900.lmao! I thought "its what Android should have been"? Now this thread is a ghost town.HAHAHA! Next!

Meanwhile "crippled" Android continues to dominate the tech news!

[ggrant3876]

Nothing would make me swith from android especially with the Nexus One coming out in January.

[Crashdamage]

Its been mighty quiet on this thread since the release of the N900.lmao! I thought "its what Android should have been"?
It absolutely IS what Android should've been - real full-stack root-enabled Linux.


Meanwhile "crippled" Android continues to dominate the tech news!Crippled might be a little strong, but it has the right idea. Don't get me wrong, I like Android ok, used my G1 for 1 1/2 years. Just recommended my sister to buy Android (she did). But Android has some serious weaknesses. I knew it when I pre-ordered a G1, but at the time it was the best option for me. Not any longer.

And does the iPhone's dominantion of tech news for 3 years make it better/best? Not even...quality is not a popularity contest.

Not tempted in the least to go back to Android for the Nexus One because:

a. No real keyboard. This is not just a choice, but an actual requirement for a phone/pocket computer to do what I need.

b. Snapdragon processors have a Snappy name and magic 1Ghz stated rating that make for marketing ease, but in actual use it's not that simple. Rating mobile processors' actual capabilities is much more complicated than a cool names and giving a simple raw speed rating. I'm not terribly impressed with the Snapdragon. Price is not the only reason phones running Snapdragons have been slow to arrive.

c. Likely it won't run at full speed anyway. It'll probably run at about 2/3 rated speed for battery life, just like the G1 was throttled down from the rated 528Mhz.

Anyway, bottom line is I'm absolutely tickled pink with my N900. The most amazing piece of technology I've ever held in my hand.

[superg05]

First off I do understand android a lot im one of the biggest get an android fan boy there is convinced 12 people to take the plunge root there phone and flash,flash,flash


As for the n900s faults they said they where fixing it and should be fixed in time for shipping or next upgrade which is not bad plus its an open source full Linux distro while android is Linux based nokias have a rep for being able to dual boot so I will be running and android on it as well when I feel nostalgic

this is alittle late but to the people who said i was wrong about dual booting i was right ha ha now what the best of both world on one device :P.............
ok im done carry on
http://gizmodo.com/5455495/watch-a-nokia-n900-dual+boot-maemo-and-android

[superg05]

you know something else i did not like about the android phones not the os is that htc took out the video decoders they used to make windows mobile phones out i was like wtf when i read that they said they where a big backer of windows so i guess they cripped there friends(micros) competition abit

[RDILLZ]

So.....hows that n900 working out for you guys? :rolleyes:

[superg05]

wow this is and old thread to reply to it was working great i loved my n900 the task switcher blue meamo a bluetooth program and all my other goodies we had got out house remodeled and got wooden floors and on the first day we got it my phone fell face first on to it and cracked i was so pissed i dropped it many time for higher and it never had a scratch i even tripped one time i it crash landed like a space ship planted in dirt 20 feet away for ****ing scratch but wood was apparently its kryptonite or its F'ing shields where down or something you have no idea how pissed i was and still am it was good over all but was lacking in a few key areas but also had an android duel boot was running at 1 ghz even without overclock it was snappy could running 32 apps at once just to show my ass but the part and the main reason i picked it was because it could play damn near any video format you could throw at it at and addition codecs from its market plus tv out

[Diana_Diana89]

I would go for N9000 .