Nokia n900 horrible!

[vasputin]

Just got my new NOKIA N900 yesterday. I must say i've been a loyal, long time fan and user of NOKIAs, but this one... they really screwed it up big time! So many bugs, such a crap. I'm sending it back tomorrow for a full refund. Screen only tilts if you use phone dialer, alarm does now work on the phone if bluetooth connected, in other words the alarm will work, but the sound will only be in bluetooth, i guess one would have to sleep with bluetooth to wake up. Also if bluetooth connected you will not hear a ring on the phone, you will only hear ring in bluetooth. Very , very disappointed. My advice, don buy it yet, maybe they'll fix it later.

[hypnotik]

Alarm works fine without bluetooth connected. sorry you have problems. bye!

[Nirunrid]

You're sending it back because of that?

[vasputin]

Yeh without bluetooth, why should i bother shutting bluetooth off? I have it always on, everything works fine with my NOKIA N97.



Alarm works fine without bluetooth connected. sorry you have problems. bye!

[thinh]

wait you signed up to this forum just to start this one tread just to post this one post?

lol

[vasputin]

I've missed bunch of calls because of this. Also while talking on bluetooth, and if you get another call coming in, it puts automatically first caller on hold. Really crap.

You're sending it back because of that?

[Naz_AK47]

hmmmm....hope mine turns out to be in good working orderif theres any bugs wiv mine imma go ballistic

[kin900]

you do realize this device just released weeks ago and will have bugs like any other new device out there, right? NO DEVICE is perfect right out the box.

[olighak]

Just got my new NOKIA N900 yesterday. I must say i've been a loyal, long time fan and user of NOKIAs, but this one... they really screwed it up big time! So many bugs, such a crap. I'm sending it back tomorrow for a full refund. Screen only tilts if you use phone dialer, alarm does now work on the phone if bluetooth connected, in other words the alarm will work, but the sound will only be in bluetooth, i guess one would have to sleep with bluetooth to wake up. Also if bluetooth connected you will not hear a ring on the phone, you will only hear ring in bluetooth. Very , very disappointed. My advice, don buy it yet, maybe they'll fix it later.

Screen is only in portrait mode when phone dialer is used...................I am so surprised. You´re device must be way different than all the other ones.

Welcome to the forum :)

Portrait mode is yes only enabled in the dialer for now. It´ll be enabled in more aspects via updates later. Nokia has not been specific on how far they´ll go with that.

I´d see the device not making sounds in other places than on the bluetooth to be the feature I´d want. I mean really, don´t I connect to bluetooth headsets for the purpose of using them? And then disconnect if I am not?

[unkno]

Before buying a product (especially something expensive), always know and research what you're buying.


It's your own fault.

[God]

Give the man a break! He's pissed off for burning a hole in his pants & getting this sort of result. It's normal!

I'm sorry to hear this dude, I guess you'll just have to wait for a firmware update or perhaps exchange it for another N900? If it makes you happy, just ask for a refund & go for the Milestone or HD2.

A little tip for the future; don't EVER moan about the N900 on talk.maemo.org, you'll get the auto-abuse reply ;)

[vasputin]

A phone should work as a phone first, dont care about multiple desktops if i cant hear when someone is calling me

[les_garten]

I have to say that the Original Poster is 100% on target here. I'm noticing some strange stuff with Bluetooth in a number of different areas in addition to what he is referring to. All the things that bother Vasputin are irritating to me as well.

[Naz_AK47]

Trade descriptions act comes into this
send it back 2 year warranty with nokia might aswel make most of it since u paid a bomb load already

[God]

A phone should work as a phone first, dont care about multiple desktops if i cant hear when someone is calling me

Oh but don't forget...the N900 is only a phone SECOND!

mhm!

[Diavoli]

This community is just becoming a place to vent their complaints, what has happened to the community. I bet it wasn't like this with just the first internet tablet users using it.

[maxximuscool]

Just got my new NOKIA N900 yesterday. I must say i've been a loyal, long time fan and user of NOKIAs, but this one... they really screwed it up big time! So many bugs, such a crap. I'm sending it back tomorrow for a full refund. Screen only tilts if you use phone dialer, alarm does now work on the phone if bluetooth connected, in other words the alarm will work, but the sound will only be in bluetooth, i guess one would have to sleep with bluetooth to wake up. Also if bluetooth connected you will not hear a ring on the phone, you will only hear ring in bluetooth. Very , very disappointed. My advice, don buy it yet, maybe they'll fix it later.



Dude how old are you? How could you not know that the only thing that work in rotate is the Phone. They stated it on their pre-release information man. If you are suffering from "ID-10-T" syndrome then you can ask a doctor to fix you up with some google medicine. Beside the device is not suite for you, since you don't even know how to operate it or learn how to use it well.

[vasputin]

Thanks for speaking out. They all think i'm crazy here.

This model is really undeveloped.



I have to say that the Original Poster is 100% on target here. I'm noticing some strange stuff with Bluetooth in a number of different areas in addition to what he is referring to. All the things that bother Vasputin are irritating to me as well.

[maxximuscool]

A phone should work as a phone first, dont care about multiple desktops if i cant hear when someone is calling me

First of all Nokia N900 is not class as a PHONE. Read Nokia Claimed. It is an Internet Tablet Device with Phone Functionality added.

[vasputin]

Old enough " DUDE ". Be nice with your comments.

Dude how old are you? How could you not know that the only thing that work in rotate is the Phone. They stated it on their pre-release information man. If you are suffering from "ID-10-T" syndrome then you can ask a doctor to fix you up with some google medicine. Beside the device is not suite for you, since you don't even know how to operate it or learn how to use it well.

[Texrat]

Maybe the signal-to-noise ratio here would improve if we just go ahead and create an "N900 sucks" subforum...

:rolleyes:

[Naz_AK47]

But why add faulty phone functionality
The only reason I and other fellow mobile phone users decided to go with the n900

[vasputin]

That would work :) I hope NOKIA people read it as well.



Maybe the signal-to-noise ratio here would improve if we just go ahead and create an "N900 sucks" subforum...

:rolleyes:

[JD2010]

Maybe the N900 is too complicated for you get an iphone instead

[Sopwith]

Maybe the signal-to-noise ratio here would improve if we just go ahead and create an "N900 sucks" subforum...

:rolleyes:

That would be an improvement over the current topic. It would at least be a complete sentence.

[mazerB]

That would work :) I hope NOKIA people read it as well.
from where you bought yours??

[Naz_AK47]

Why is there so much hate on this forum
i swear down this is a place of discussion not a keboard gangsta session
some people get offended like they are the creators of the N900

JD2010
if people wanted the iphone they would have got one like me i wanted it at first but when i found about nokia's n900 i wanted it because it is a Nokia and i have always had a nokia.
Brand loyalty always helps sales.

[flux41]

Every device I have ever bought right when it's been released has been buggy has hell. However, I have been using my n900 since Monday and I haven't noticed that many, but then again I bought it to be a Internet Tablet with a phone feature in it; Not a phone with Internet Tablet functionality in it. See the difference?

[vasputin]

From nokia store

from where you bought yours??

[phreck]

Maybe the signal-to-noise ratio here would improve if we just go ahead and create an "N900 sucks" subforum...

:rolleyes:

yea, these threads drive me apeshit. like im about to go full flame on and begin verbal tormenting. i completely agree with you.

[Sopwith]

Why is there so much hate on this forum
i swear down this is a place of discussion not a keboard gangsta session
some people get offended like they are the creators of the N900.

I am sure at least some of the "hate" is caused by the frustration from waiting for your device while reading the complaints of poorly informed people unable to appreciate their luck.

[Naz_AK47]

i no but its good one way
Everyones facing problems with the n900
imma make a checklist to check my device
hope it is all good

[lstrike21]

Just got mine today and have been playing with it for an 2 hours. So far this phone is A-FREAKIN-MAZING!

First impression is the phone is solidly constructed, screen is beautiful, space bar placement will take some getting used to but the keyboard feels great. The OS is snappy I have had zero hangups, crashes or even lag. I recorded video, listened to music, made a 30 minute call, kicked out around 20 messages and outputted to the TV. Very slick device.

Now if no one minds too much I am going to go play with my new toy. PS - I also have a Palm Pre, Google G1, MyTouch 3g and a Touch Pro 2. This phone so far has nothing to envy out of any of those phones on first few hours usage.

[GeraldKo]

... if bluetooth connected you will not hear a ring on the phone, you will only hear ring in bluetooth.

That's how my Motorola phone works. I thought that was the norm. No? I guess it would be nice if it could be made to work either way; but no ring if it's on bluetooth, well, is that the norm or is my Motorola abnormal too?

[sjgadsby]

This community is just becoming a place to vent their complaints, what has happened to the community. I bet it wasn't like this with just the first internet tablet users using it.

Ever heard of Mike Cane?

[amorek13]

N97 over N900 holly molly are those prescription drugs or .....
sorry i could not help my self.

if you leave your bluetooth on may as well sleep with it

[Eric G]

A phone should work as a phone first, dont care about multiple desktops if i cant hear when someone is calling me

There was a story on NPR the other day that reported a recent study of cellphone users that found the majority would rather text than talk, and that a 70 word voicemail took about 2 minutes to listen to but only 30 seconds to read.

Voice is so 1876...

[fnordianslip]

There was a story on NPR the other day that reported a recent study of cellphone users that found the majority would rather text than talk, and that a 70 word voicemail took about 2 minutes to listen to but only 30 seconds to read.

Voice is so 1876...
and how long to type 70 words on an n900?

[freppas]

Why is there so much hate on this forum
i swear down this is a place of discussion not a keboard gangsta session
some people get offended like they are the creators of the N900

JD2010
if people wanted the iphone they would have got one like me i wanted it at first but when i found about nokia's n900 i wanted it because it is a Nokia and i have always had a nokia.
Brand loyalty always helps sales.

Well seeing as this is the forum for the people who wrote a lot of the software for the N900 I wouldn't be surprised if they sometimes react strongly to someone saying the product is ****.

It's all about the tone of the conversation, I think everyone understands that you can get very mad when you spend lots of money on something that doesn't work like you expected it. But also, going to the people who made it, saying that it sucks and you don't want it anymore and then expecting a slew of understanding condolences might be a tad optimistic.

How about we look at this a bit more positively. Apparently there are issues with the bluetooth functionality. Has anyone created a bug report for this?

EDIT: wow this forum actually cancels out bad words automatically... technology is so cool!

[phedders]

There was a story on NPR the other day that reported a recent study of cellphone users that found the majority would rather text than talk, and that a 70 word voicemail took about 2 minutes to listen to but only 30 seconds to read.

Voice is so 1876...

... but how many text messages back and forth to complete a conversation? My wife texts more than talk - but sometimes she can be texting for 15 minutes getting annoying that it takes that time when a 30 second 2-way phonecall would have solved the problem. And been cheaper.

[CharlesM]

[QUOTE=freppas;406611]Well seeing as this is the forum for the people who wrote a lot of the software for the N900 I wouldn't be surprised if they sometimes react strongly to someone saying the product is ****.

It's all about the tone of the conversation, I think everyone understands that you can get very mad when you spend lots of money on something that doesn't work like you expected it. But also, going to the people who made it, saying that it sucks and you don't want it anymore and then expecting a slew of understanding condolences might be a tad optimistic.

How about we look at this a bit more positively. Apparently there are issues with the bluetooth functionality. Has anyone created a bug report for this?

---------------

Good point . . .not many commercial organisations would allow end users direct access to 4th line support! not a very clever move as they speak a different language!!

n900 was built by techies for techies . . . even this web site was clearly designed by a certain community for a certain community and is not my idea of and end user site! nokia have obviously made a commercial descision to do this and will definately live or die by it!

1 thing is for sure people will either love or hate the 900. not many will be in between!

not sure how long the fins can take the noise!

dont blame people for thinking the n900 is a phone and that nokia is a phone manufacturer! its an easy mistake to make in my opinion!

[freppas]

Good point . . .not many commercial organisations would allow end users direct access to 4th line support! not a very clever move as they speak a different language!!

n900 was built by techies for techies . . . even this web site was clearly designed by a certain community for a certain community and is not my idea of and end user site! nokia have obviously made a commercial descision to do this and will definately live or die by it!

1 thing is for sure people will either love or hate the 900. not many will be in between!

not sure how long the fins can take the noise!

dont blame people for thinking the n900 is a phone and that nokia is a phone manufacturer! its an easy mistake to make in my opinion!

Right, but then the iPhone should be assumed to be a computer no? :p

I'm sure the idea has been floated already but how about a users forum for the simpler question?

[revamped]

This community is just becoming a place to vent their complaints, what has happened to the community. I bet it wasn't like this with just the first internet tablet users using it.

I'm curious about this N900 forum, after searching for a while this was the only real forum I found. Is this just a forum for linux/maemo developers, and is there a better forum for general users of the phone? I just want to share general information and experiences about using the phone (which means I want to hear about people venting complaints).

[Naz_AK47]

I'm curious about this N900 forum, after searching for a while this was the only real forum I found. Is this just a forum for linux/maemo developers, and is there a better forum for general users of the phone? I just want to share general information and experiences about using the phone (which means I want to hear about people venting complaints).

Braaavo!!!
My point bein exactly
Now this persons on my planet unlike others on ere

[CharlesM]

Right, but then the iPhone should be assumed to be a computer no? :p

I'm sure the idea has been floated already but how about a users forum for the simpler question?

freppas, even though you speak 'tongue in cheek' I think you are really onto something and are very right!

Most people that I know that use the iPhone were not traditional smartphone users before! They carried around a phone, an iPod and a seperate cam!

Some were big on mac and moved onto iphone!

typicall nokia lovers transition to n900 from . . . n95/other smartphone maybe or other lower device! and a % from internet tablet community!

despite what the manufacturer or community say the device should be used for . . . 'perception is reality'

if i go to my local nokia website and list 'all phones' . . . tada the n900 is listed . . .

indeed n900 is a "Phone Model Number"

interestingly mini laptops are not listed as phones and do not have a "Phone Model Number"

Now we go to the apple web site and equally see the iphone listed under the mac tab :eek:

obviously im only joking no apple clearly clearly say what is a phone and what is a computer!

damn it the thing is called iPhone while they have (like sony did with walkman and hoover did with vacuum cleaners) succesfully come up with their own adjective for a personal computer!

for me the real shame here (and its totally redeemable) is the n900 is a great bit of tech and the concept of a open linux based os is amazing! I love nokia to pieces but have to admit they are playing catch up here on many fronts.

a few years ago the sony walkman was ubiquitous. and despite the size and power of sony the apple ipod came and found the company resting on its laurels. . . . they have never recovered since!

while no direct comparison can be made i hope we are not seeing the same thing here with nokia as both google and apple have raised the game exponentially!

personally i do not see apple as nokia's biggest long term worry but google and android!

[Untouchab1e]

A phone should work as a phone first, dont care about multiple desktops if i cant hear when someone is calling me

Then you shoulndt buy a device that is not being called a phone, but a mobile computer :rolleyes:

[Untouchab1e]

freppas, even though you speak 'tongue in cheek' I think you are really onto something and are very right!

Most people that I know that use the iPhone were not traditional smartphone users before! They carried around a phone, an iPod and a seperate cam!

Some were big on mac and moved onto iphone!

typicall nokia lovers transition to n900 from . . . n95/other smartphone maybe or other lower device! and a % from internet tablet community!

despite what the manufacturer or community say the device should be used for . . . 'perception is reality'

if i go to my local nokia website and list 'all phones' . . . tada the n900 is listed . . .

indeed n900 is a "Phone Model Number"

interestingly mini laptops are not listed as phones and do not have a "Phone Model Number"

Now we go to the apple web site and equally see the iphone listed under the mac tab :eek:

obviously im only joking no apple clearly clearly say what is a phone and what is a computer!

damn it the thing is called iPhone while they have (like sony did with walkman and hoover did with vacuum cleaners) succesfully come up with their own adjective for a personal computer!

for me the real shame here (and its totally redeemable) is the n900 is a great bit of tech and the concept of a open linux based os is amazing! I love nokia to pieces but have to admit they are playing catch up here on many fronts.

a few years ago the sony walkman was ubiquitous. and despite the size and power of sony the apple ipod came and found the company resting on its laurels. . . . they have never recovered since!

while no direct comparison can be made i hope we are not seeing the same thing here with nokia as both google and apple have raised the game exponentially!

personally i do not see apple as nokia's biggest long term worry but google and android!


I sincerely cant understand why you don't understand that Maemo and the N900 doesn't target the same audience as Android and the iPhone. While the two latter are (smart)phones, the N900 is truly a computer in a mobile phone format and provides the ultimate linux experience in such a device. People who are totally satisfied with their iPhones will probably not be very satisfied with the N900, as it has a completely different focus.

[CharlesM]

I sincerely cant understand why you don't understand that Maemo and the N900 doesn't target the same audience as Android and the iPhone. While the two latter are (smart)phones, the N900 is truly a computer in a mobile phone format and provides the ultimate linux experience in such a device. .


if(intPeopleWhoDontGetIt>(PeopleWhoDoGetIt)^2))
{
return(-1);
}

[range]

Maybe the signal-to-noise ratio here would improve if we just go ahead and create an "N900 sucks" subforum...

:rolleyes:

Maybe it also would if the fanboys (of which I am one since yesterday) would stop behaving as if Nokia also needs a Church of Steve.

Okay, and maybe it also would help if the people who don't like the phone would try to be constructive about that. The bluetooth behaviour looks like a bug to me - and pulseaudio should be able to divert call sounds to the speakers, too.

It would be nice if the original poster would file a bug about that behaviour instead of just venting here.

[Untouchab1e]

It just bothers me when people start their own topics to tell how much they hate their N900 because of the lack of portrait mode and MMS when the slightest readup on the N900 would reveal that before they spent 600$ on it..

[fouro]

It just bothers me when people start their own topics to tell how much they hate their N900 because of the lack of portrait mode and MMS

Yep. I have nothing against about discussing the wanted/missing features but the problem is that there are at least few topics a day with pretty much the same message that has been discussed a million times already.

I can understand that people feel frustrated if the device isn't what they expected, but at the same time there's frustration building in these forums with endless amounts of these threads.

Perhaps having a sticky "Yes, it doesn't have portrait and MMS, discuss it here" would help. :P

[jaark]

dont blame people for thinking the n900 is a phone and that nokia is a phone manufacturer! its an easy mistake to make in my opinion!

It doesn't matter how Nokia announce or market it. The vast majority of people will assume it's a phone.
I'm fairly certain that every conversation with someone new who spots my 770 or n810 included the line "No, it's not a phone", closely followed by "It's still not a phone".
The N900, having GSM hardware inside just confuses people even more.

It's easy to blame Nokia for people not paying attention to what they and others say about the device.

[schlinkey]

So many trolls posting here since it launched. Why do they even bother. :P Mods should just go on a locking spree :)

[ralphb]

This community is just becoming a place to vent their complaints, what has happened to the community. I bet it wasn't like this with just the first internet tablet users using it.

I'm seriously starting to wonder if Nokia-competitors are using these forums for black-ops negative marketing. I'm sure that Google's Android staff would "do no evil" but it must be very tempting for, say, Samsung or Apple sales people - or just fanbois - to come in here and slag off the N900.

[Gk@Pgqr*]

everything works fine with my NOKIA N97.


Thats quite funny in itself.

[synthaxx]

I can understand the frustration on your part vasputin, i would expect alarms to play on the speakers no matter what.
Jumping into a forum announcing that it sucks however is not the way to enter a community.

Instead you could have looked through the bug list (https://bugs.maemo.org). If you did you'd have found this little gem (https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=6275) on which you could have voted. This way this phone, and this community works.
So instead of complaining, try helping out. It takes a bit more effort i know, but it gets you better results.

I've ofcourse done this work for you and voted for this bug to be looked at. I suggest you and the other people experiencing this do the same (les allready has).

[Fishon]

I guess I am sticking my head in the lions den with this post, considering the treatment the first writer is getting. But here I go: I too have huge problems with my N900.

Just received it yesterday, and have been playing alot with it since then. I am constantly getting unexpected reboots, and in different application, email, maps, browser, photo album, music player, hermes, radio, gpodder etc, etc.

Am I just unlucky with my unit, or are other users experiencing something similar?

[synthaxx]

Am I just unlucky with my unit, or are other users experiencing something similar?

Welcome.

Unfortunately other people are experiencing this as well. (http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=35055&highlight=random+reboots)
There's also an accompanying bug report (https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=6334) currently marked critical.

[pspbricker]

So many trolls posting here since it launched. Why do they even bother. :P Mods should just go on a locking spree :)

Is the original poster trolling? He may have worded it wrong, but it does sound like Nokia have again launched a product with major bugs. I gave up on my N97 after seeing that the 2.0 update still left a lot to be desired (Sold it for a €250 loss), and placed an order in early October for a N900 - Nokia having assured me it would launch at the end of October.

I'm listening carefully to all the bug reports (portrait mode bug, mic bug, bluetooth bug) with €600 in my hands. If I read that these bugs are being exaggerated/resolved, I'll go for the N900 with gusto. If not, Android is my next phone.

There's no such thing as a netbook with phone functionality. If Nokia expect the public to believe that one in order to explain some phone function shortcomings, then their smartphone market share will continue to fall - of course it's a phone, and it's what the majority of N900 owners are buying it for - hence the increased interest vis-a-vis the previous N700/800/810.

Although he may have come across as a moany little git (Aw, jus' kidding), the poster is right - if I understand his complaints. If connected to a bluetooth headset, the ringtone should be audible through the phone's speakers, not the headset. If left connected to the headset during the night, any alarms should still come through the phone's speaker.

Can any other N900 owner actually confirm this?

Yes, this and other bugs will be fixed with updates, but surely after the problems with the initial N97 firmwares (and subsequent public reaction), Nokia would have been determined to start the N900 with a wave of positive reaction?

Still want the damned thing though - i'm currently in France, where any possible N900 will have an "azerty" keyboard, so I'll continue waiting.

[osfight.de]

This whole "it is not a phone thing" charade is ridiculous, as it is just a software issue to implement all phone functions and somewhat implies that the Nokia guys have been lazy. However, I am fine with waiting a while to get the other stuff done. Nokia go.

[HangLoose]

I guess I am sticking my head in the lions den with this post, considering the treatment the first writer is getting. But here I go: I too have huge problems with my N900.

Just received it yesterday, and have been playing alot with it since then. I am constantly getting unexpected reboots, and in different application, email, maps, browser, photo album, music player, hermes, radio, gpodder etc, etc.

Am I just unlucky with my unit, or are other users experiencing something similar?

I think you should immediately contact the sales support. This is not supposed to be happening (well duh!) and mine works perfectly in all of those situations you just mentioned. There is nothing much that people here can actually help you with.

But since you mentioned about getting some heat the problem we have here is with people that actually just come here to vomit their frustrations, either cos they dont have luck with girls or cos they are just unhappy 30 year olds still living with mama, and start to blame everyone here. We are actually here cos we care about something and many of us (surprise!) are not paid to deliver answers.

You actually came with a valid concern and you deserve a proper answer. Dont be afraid to ask questions, fill bugs and so on...

[kanishou]

I'm curious about this N900 forum, after searching for a while this was the only real forum I found. Is this just a forum for linux/maemo developers, and is there a better forum for general users of the phone? I just want to share general information and experiences about using the phone (which means I want to hear about people venting complaints).

It's fine to do this here, just keep in mind that this is also a place for developers (including many Nokia folks and sub-contractors like myself), so the feedback you get may be accordingly (a good thing if you are actually looking for some information, a bad thing if you just want to vent). At least you are not going to get censored for your opinion here (if respectfully formed), no matter how negative it is for Nokia.

I am sure that many more end-user oriented forums will pop up in no time, if you prefer more disconnected places.

[kanishou]

Good point . . .not many commercial organisations would allow end users direct access to 4th line support! not a very clever move as they speak a different language!!

maemo.org is independent of Nokia though. Only maemo.nokia.com is "official". I believe that this site's status could be called "endorsed" or "sponsored", but others will know that better than me.


n900 was built by techies for techies . . .

That's not entirely true... It was built for everyone, although there is clearly a strong internet focus. I would argue that it's hard to find a better device, if your primary interests are accessing the web, IM, and VOIP. If you just want a simple phone with gimmicks, this is probably not it.

even this web site was clearly designed by a certain community for a certain community and is not my idea of and end user site! nokia have obviously made a commercial descision to do this and will definately live or die by it!

Only maemo.nokia.com is meant for end-users. This is the website of the open source maemo project.

[kanishou]

This whole "it is not a phone thing" charade is ridiculous, as it is just a software issue to implement all phone functions and somewhat implies that the Nokia guys have been lazy. However, I am fine with waiting a while to get the other stuff done. Nokia go.

That's just plain rude. Try to write a desktop environment from scratch and don't overlook any software issues, then we can talk again about "laziness". No amount of testing can protect you from that, that is also why major iterations of other operating systems (like Vista, OS X, or the iPhone OS) were anything but flawless.

As a consumer you always have the choice whether you jump right in and be one of the first to use something entirely new, or wait a while until most of the kinks have been ironed out.

[tissot]

I have been loving this forum as it has actually been about the device and not about the N95 vs iphone stuff going over in certain forums. Nothing wrong what vasputin is doing here as the problems need to be said, but maybe post to the threads that already are out there and get some actual disussion going on.
OSX, Android 1.0, WebOS all had their share of problems from the start and still have. The thing is that we get those fixed before Harmattan/Maemo 6 comes out next year ;)

Some other good sites for N900 might be
http://forum2.mobile-review.com// (that has been down for 1-2 days now by some reason?)
Or example http://www.howardforums.com/forumdisplay.php?f=521 Maemo section

[pspbricker]

That's just plain rude. Try to write a desktop environment from scratch and don't overlook any software issues, then we can talk again about "laziness". No amount of testing can protect you from that, that is also why major iterations of other operating systems (like Vista, OS X, or the iPhone OS) were anything but flawless.

As a consumer you always have the choice whether you jump right in and be one of the first to use something entirely new, or wait a while until most of the kinks have been ironed out.

With all due respect Kanishou ; That's just naive. Nokia cannot afford for consumers to wait for kinks to be ironed out. The result of that would be the situation faced with the N97. The N97 has tarnished Nokia's image - hardware and software issues still remain long after launch. Many N97 owners look to the N900 to redeem Nokia, and if they were to read about the many bugs currently on the N900, they might easily be dissuaded. In other words, if consumers buy a buggy phone, chances are they won't wait long enough for several updates (Hell, I'll wager that the average consumer doesn't even know what an update is, let alone how to do the update!) and will move on to a stable environment.

Thank heavens Nokia did delay the launch until now(ish). The criticism of the pre-launch models would have been immense, and hopefully most of the bugs will be fixed with frequent updates.

[vasputin]

I'd be more then happy to do that. Can you please point me in the right direction. Where exactly do i file BUG REPORT with Nokia in regards to N900?

Thanks!


Maybe it also would if the fanboys (of which I am one since yesterday) would stop behaving as if Nokia also needs a Church of Steve.

Okay, and maybe it also would help if the people who don't like the phone would try to be constructive about that. The bluetooth behaviour looks like a bug to me - and pulseaudio should be able to divert call sounds to the speakers, too.

It would be nice if the original poster would file a bug about that behaviour instead of just venting here.

[ralphb]

I'd be more then happy to do that. Can you please point me in the right direction. Where exactly do i file BUG REPORT with Nokia in regards to N900?

https://bugs.maemo.org/

[mason]

can we have a bashing subforum? ;) this would help to clear out the view here...
im reading here since 1-2 years since i bought the n810, but now with the 900 the forum goes bonkers with all the people who drop in and have nothing constructive to say ... too sad

[kanishou]

With all due respect Kanishou ; That's just naive. Nokia cannot afford for consumers to wait for kinks to be ironed out. The result of that would be the situation faced with the N97. The N97 has tarnished Nokia's image - hardware and software issues still remain long after launch. Many N97 owners look to the N900 to redeem Nokia, and if they were to read about the many bugs currently on the N900, they might easily be dissuaded. In other words, if consumers buy a buggy phone, chances are they won't wait long enough for several updates (Hell, I'll wager that the average consumer doesn't even know what an update is, let alone how to do the update!) and will move on to a stable environment.

Thank heavens Nokia did delay the launch until now(ish). The criticism of the pre-launch models would have been immense, and hopefully most of the bugs will be fixed with frequent updates.

So you are saying it would have been better for Nokia's image not to release the N900 at all, rather than risk another release with possible flaws. Well, we just have to agree to disagree on that front.

Unfortunately there is no magical way to guarantee that software is bug-free, especially when it is a completely new development.

P.S.: And honestly, why anyone would look at the N900 to redeem Nokia from an unstable N97 release is completely beyond me. The N900 should have been the last phone to have this expectation, considering that it is _far_ more experimental than the N97. There is a reason why the N97 was marketed as a flagship device and the N900 is not.

[HangLoose]

can we have a bashing subforum? ;) this would help to clear out the view here...
im reading here since 1-2 years since i bought the n810, but now with the 900 the forum goes bonkers with all the people who drop in and have nothing constructive to say ... too sad

Be careful in saying this here cos you cant actually say that you like maemo or n900 here since you are accused of being a fanboy...

Its like going to a U2 concert and being shooshed and bashed if you clap..

[Soheil]

Have you ever spent time to explore the site even? Flashing a newer firmware gets these problems fixed! Try the 5.0.42.11 Global release firmware.

Even bothered to see bugszilla section?

Just one small bug makes you send back the best device Nokia ever created since the E90... you really need to think twice and hang on to it.

Give it time, newer firmware updates will just make your experience into a pleasant one.

[God]

Be careful in saying this here cos you cant actually say that you like maemo or n900 here since you are accused of being a fanboy...

Its like going to a U2 concert and being shooshed and bashed if you clap..

tutut, anyone else starting to get nausea from his whining?

barfbarf!

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_CqtZ6YfaifQ/StYxQRKZQjI/AAAAAAAACsA/dwBlQKfQgkw/barfd.jpg

[iJanne]

This whole "it is not a phone thing" charade is ridiculous, as it is just a software issue to implement all phone functions and somewhat implies that the Nokia guys have been lazy. However, I am fine with waiting a while to get the other stuff done. Nokia go.

But the thing is: Nokia told us all this beforehand! They were clear the Maemo was not yet ready for consumer smartphone use, hence they were releasing a step 4 of 5 - a mobile computer with phone functionality.

It is not about lazy, it is about Maemo not yet being ready for all that we have come to expect from smartphones. Call it being late, if you must. It is a mobile computer first, a phone second because of this - they told us that, very clear, very honest. If that is not a product for you, that is OK, but don't act like Nokia didn't announce this and design it like this.

[puelocesar]

I think this all is comprehensible.. After all, this is a experimental phone, but some people found it to be so awesome, and created a so big hype, that normal people are buying it thinking it's a final/consumer version and demanding it to be far superior then competition.

That's the effect of misinformation: hell on our Maemo forums :P

[iJanne]

I think this all is comprehensible.. After all, this is a experimental phone, but some people found it to be so awesome, and created a so big hype, that normal people are buying it thinking it's a final/consumer version and demanding it to be far superior then competition.

That's the effect of misinformation: hell on our Maemo forums :P

This is, of course, exactly what happened. A lot of the media attention too has misunderstood or misreported what this device is all about. (And I'm sure plenty of overly eager Nokia salespeople and PR guys to blame too.)

Do not buy the N900 expecting a ready-made smartphone experience! Please don't, you'll just be disappointed.

If on the other hand you want a mobile computer with good browsing experience, great multi-tasking operating system and open source potential - as well as a device that can do most of your phone needs too, then the N900 might be for you.

The N900 is certainly near perfect for me. All I miss is a bit more content of course, rSAP would be nice, MMS I might need occasionally. And please, fix that playlist management for those who need it. Otherwise, this is the best device with phone I've owned. The screen is absolutely brilliant and stylus-navigation kicks my iPod touch's butt. Like I said earlier, I even moved my iTunes library to the N900 and just love browsing those albums covers on this great screen (so many of them fit at a time) - before I used an iPod separately from my phones.

[shapeshifter]

I'll tell you, what your problem is:

i've been a loyal, long time fan and user of NOKIAs

You shouldn't be loyal, you should use your damn brain. The n900 is obviously not meant for the regular user. It hower _does_ offer an insane amount of opportunity to the avarage linux geek, who knows exactly what he wants and has learned to cope with the disatvantages of linux. The advantages far outweigh the downsides. If these advantages aren't of any use to you, the n900 is rubbish. Why did you buy it. It is not for you.

If it wasn't for you damn Nokia fanbois, I'd have an n900 is my hands by now. Why do you just run off buying devices blindly without reading any reviews. It was obvious for a long time that it lacks some functionality that might be important to you.

Stop biŧching.

[pspbricker]

@kanishou

Yup - we'll agree to disagree. Yes I am definitely saying that Nokia should not have released the N900 as is. There are serious bugs out there - random calls, microphone problems (apparently due to the Nokia charger supplying 5.3V!), bluetooth problems, contacts dissapearing, devices rebooting randomly and so on. Of course bugs will be around, but I feel Nokia rushed this one out again. These bugs have been reported within days of being released. Don't tell me Nokia's testers didn't spot them, and pushed ahead with the launch.

I am not a developer, nor is my knowledge with Linux vast. However when you say completely new development, my understanding is that the N900 is a continuation of the N700/N800/N810, and that Maemo has been around for years now.

The reason that Nokia need the N900 to redeem itself is because of the shakyness of the N97. Confidence in Nokia's products has been dented, and we look to the N900 to restore that confidence. As you say, the N97 was marketed as the flagship device, but faced criticism over the OS, processor, available RAM, UI, stability and hardware (camera lens cover) - when a device was announced that improved all these issues, it makes sense to see it as being a superior device - and it is. It's early days yet, but I still think that some of the bugs could have been tracked down before launch.

To be honest I don't have an N900 yet, but will still get one regardless. I'm prepared for all of the above bugs, because they all sound fixable via updates (apart from the possible charger fault). However, I think sales will suffer.

Again, has anyone else had these bluetooth issues the poster refers to?

[puelocesar]

@pspbricker, I think the main problem here it's not people spotting bugs. The problem is the constant *****ing on the forums. It's typical behavior of average consumer, they want their devices to work flawlessly, and they are right, but the point is, this device is not consumer ready, it's a toy for developers (a very nice, powerful and expensive toy I must say :P), so these kind of people shouldn't buying these devices..

This is a situation that's bad for everyone, us, Maemo 4 users, because the forum is becoming useless for us, Nokia, because their image is being destroyed, the public of the N900 is intended for, because they get angry and annoyed with all the ranting, and even people like the original poster, that probably all he wanted was a "jesus phone", but got a technology preview of it..

How to fix it? Well, bloggers, stop the hype, advertise it as what the real thing is, a developer's phone

[sardaukar]

@kanishou

Yup - we'll agree to disagree. Yes I am definitely saying that Nokia should not have released the N900 as is. There are serious bugs out there - random calls, microphone problems (apparently due to the Nokia charger supplying 5.3V!), bluetooth problems, contacts dissapearing, devices rebooting randomly and so on. Of course bugs will be around, but I feel Nokia rushed this one out again. These bugs have been reported within days of being released. Don't tell me Nokia's testers didn't spot them, and pushed ahead with the launch.

I am not a developer, nor is my knowledge with Linux vast. However when you say completely new development, my understanding is that the N900 is a continuation of the N700/N800/N810, and that Maemo has been around for years now.

The reason that Nokia need the N900 to redeem itself is because of the shakyness of the N97. Confidence in Nokia's products has been dented, and we look to the N900 to restore that confidence. As you say, the N97 was marketed as the flagship device, but faced criticism over the OS, processor, available RAM, UI, stability and hardware (camera lens cover) - when a device was announced that improved all these issues, it makes sense to see it as being a superior device - and it is. It's early days yet, but I still think that some of the bugs could have been tracked down before launch.

To be honest I don't have an N900 yet, but will still get one regardless. I'm prepared for all of the above bugs, because they all sound fixable via updates (apart from the possible charger fault). However, I think sales will suffer.

Again, has anyone else had these bluetooth issues the poster refers to?

I've (almost) always had Nokias since I have mobile phones (3200, 3300, brief time with Ericsson T68i, 6600,N80) and the N80 has *really* *really* disappointed me and, at the time, I said "Nokia no more".

But I reconsidered with the N900 - it's an amazing device, and when the competition is either the iPhone, the various Androids or the Pre (the Windows Mobile ones are not even competition for me) the choice is clear.

Having said that, Nokia better step up their game. Their acquisition of Trolltech was pure genius and I hope their Qt-fueled revamp of S60 and the new Maemo platform goes well, because an Apple dominated market is not good at all, as IMO it stifles creativity and certain freedoms for the sake of what THEY think is OK for you to do with YOUR phone. But shipping 600€ phones with obvious bugs is NOT COOL - whether you're a techie (who can live with it) or an Average Joe (or Joanne).

I'm trying to get an N900 in Portugal (it's almost impossible) and the main focus, for me, are the non-phone features - the "phone" part of the phone itself is almost an afterthought for me.

HOWEVER, since the thing costs 600€, I did my research - obviously! And dudes and dudettes: if you haven't, I don't get your total absence of money-loving :)

[Gk@Pgqr*]

[QUOTE=puelocesar;407545It's typical behavior of average consumer, they want their devices to work flawlessly, and they are right, but the point is, this device is not consumer ready,[/QUOTE]

You are right, but Nokia will most probably market and sell this as a consumer ready device.

[matthewcc]

But the thing is: Nokia told us all this beforehand! They were clear the Maemo was not yet ready for consumer smartphone use, hence they were releasing a step 4 of 5 - a mobile computer with phone functionality..

This is BS. you cannot market the phone as the coolest, most revolutionary thing your co. has come up with in a decade and say "yea.... but" You do not put up billboard adverts and center events around a not ready for showtime device.

It is black or white. 4 of 5 is not a good statement, Nokia had to release something, so they put together a good piece of hardware and put what they had for software on it. The device is great, the software is in progress, they were honest about that - but when they saw the interest they should have shifted gears, and i believe they are/will.

The consumer sentiment is making the n900 a success beyond what they may have expected. They knew the volume of pre-orders anc could easily compare that to other first run devices they have sold (5800xm) to be able to understand total demand over time.
Nokia are not stupid people. They know they need to deliver. It is a consumer device even if YOU do not want it to be.

[OhSnap]

It just bothers me when people start their own topics to tell how much they hate their N900 because of the lack of portrait mode and MMS when the slightest readup on the N900 would reveal that before they spent 600$ on it..

Bump, Applause, Exactly!

[iJanne]

This is BS. you cannot market the phone as the coolest, most revolutionary thing your co. has come up with in a decade and say "yea.... but" You do not put up billboard adverts and center events around a not ready for showtime device.

It is black or white. 4 of 5 is not a good statement, Nokia had to release something, so they put together a good piece of hardware and put what they had for software on it. The device is great, the software is in progress, they were honest about that - but when they saw the interest they should have shifted gears, and i believe they are/will.

The consumer sentiment is making the n900 a success beyond what they may have expected. They knew the volume of pre-orders anc could easily compare that to other first run devices they have sold (5800xm) to be able to understand total demand over time.
Nokia are not stupid people. They know they need to deliver. It is a consumer device even if YOU do not want it to be.

Maybe Nokia should have shifted gears but they didn't/couldn't. I don't know why you are expecting the N900 to be something it wasn't announced to be and clearly isn't. It is one thing to hope and want something and completely another to be annoyed when things turn out the way they were told to turn out.

Hence I continue to discourage consumer smartphone clientele from getting this phone. Clearly it is not for them and Nokia has been open about that. I have no problem with saying this is Nokia's failure to be late, but N900 is what it was announced to be. Just because some people go crazy over it does not change that no matter how much you repeat it. It is a device available to consumers just like a Linux boxset but that does not make it a consumer smartphone. It is not a smartphone in the traditional sense and does not have all such features.

I do not see how you could call that BS. It is completely another matter to say that Nokia should have a Maemo consumer smartphone by now. They don't and one can certainly crtique that. But N900 is what was announced.

Of course both of us share the hope that N900 will gain more features in the future, but to me that is bonus. Bugs of course need to be fixed as soon as possbile.

[sardaukar]

It is, indeed, BS. Just go to the official Nokia product page for the N900 - where does it say it is anything other than a smartphone for the masses?

Sorry, dude - Nokia dropped the ball on this one. You can either live with the rushed device and workaround the bugs (that I believe will be fixed soon-ish) because you're a devout geek, or return the device and get a refund. What you can't do, however, is deny the harsh reality - it was rushed, and it's not a mass product despite being marketed by Nokia as such.

Remember, most people don't go around forums or read Engadget or whatnot - they go to Nokia's shops or the Nokia.com website. And in the shops it's marketed with huge posters as "Your net - always on" and that appeals to everyone. It's the same shops that featured ZERO posters for the previous Nx00 devices, and that had them in a corner instead of being on display, at the store's center!

But hey, I'm going to buy one - I'll live with the bugs :)

[Kieron]

Just got my new NOKIA N900 yesterday. I must say i've been a loyal, long time fan and user of NOKIAs, but this one... they really screwed it up big time! So many bugs, such a crap. I'm sending it back tomorrow for a full refund. Screen only tilts if you use phone dialer, alarm does now work on the phone if bluetooth connected, in other words the alarm will work, but the sound will only be in bluetooth, i guess one would have to sleep with bluetooth to wake up. Also if bluetooth connected you will not hear a ring on the phone, you will only hear ring in bluetooth. Very , very disappointed. My advice, don buy it yet, maybe they'll fix it later.

Good riddance.

I say fools like you that don't read into what they buy aren't worthy of this phone.

b-l-e-e-d-i-n-g - e-d-g-e

Go suck on an iPhone.

[Kieron]

It is, indeed, BS. Just go to the official Nokia product page for the N900 - where does it say it is anything other than a smartphone for the masses?

Sorry, dude - Nokia dropped the ball on this one. You can either live with the rushed device and workaround the bugs (that I believe will be fixed soon-ish) because you're a devout geek, or return the device and get a refund. What you can't do, however, is deny the harsh reality - it was rushed, and it's not a mass product despite being marketed by Nokia as such.

Remember, most people don't go around forums or read Engadget or whatnot - they go to Nokia's shops or the Nokia.com website. And in the shops it's marketed with huge posters as "Your net - always on" and that appeals to everyone. It's the same shops that featured ZERO posters for the previous Nx00 devices, and that had them in a corner instead of being on display, at the store's center!

But hey, I'm going to buy one - I'll live with the bugs :)
That's the thing though - this phone isn't for most people..

[sardaukar]

If you bothered to read what I wrote - the thing is it's being marketed as such!!

[Kieron]

If you bothered to read what I wrote - the thing is it's being marketed as such!!
I did 'bother' to read what you wrote thanks, but I myself haven't seen any marketing thus far except on the web. I mean you go into Phones4U etc. and they think N900 is one of R2D2's mates.

I guess I can see what you're trying to say, but it's Nokia's first smartphone-tablet-phone hybrid, and first shot at Maemo 5 for anything other than the old tablets. What do you expect?

[Bratag]

If you bothered to read what I wrote - the thing is it's being marketed as such!!

The problem people have with you saying "But its marketed as blah blah" is that if you had spent 30 minutes bothering to do some research on the phone you would have discovered these forums and would have been well aware of the what the N900 is and isn't. The problem here is your lack of due diligence, NOT Nokias marketing. Its Marketing's job to sell items, it's yours to make sure that they are the items you want.

If I believed everything that Marketing told me I would buy every piece of crap that ever had a shiny commercial made for it. The reason I DON'T is because I bother to go away and find out more about the item before committing to a purchase, especially one that's $600+. Hell I don't even go see a movie before reading a review or two.

This is a buyer beware world. Get used to it.

Now that out the way. I do believe that Nokia were surprised by the popularity of the device and are probably

a) Very happy
b) Working to fix some of the more glaring issues.

Be patient for farks sake. The device has been out in the mainstream user base for less than 3 weeks.

[sardaukar]

Cool. So it's Nokia's Marketing job to sell, and ours to make sure they're selling what they're announcing (or, in other words, if they're not lying). That's what kept me away from MS products, but OK.

You guys don't get it. Research? For 30 minutes? Dude, it's not a buyer beware world - it's a 5 second attention span one. "Looks cool? I have the money? Cool" is most people's mindset. Telling them it's cool because it runs Linux and it's free and whatever - most people don't care. And unless Nokia cares about the possible fallout of huge returns and bad image resulting from it, they should market it appropriately.

For geeks. And tinkerers.

But sure, whatever - let the brand name erode and have a bad reputation. People always come back, right? /sheesh

[kanishou]

@kanishou

Yup - we'll agree to disagree. Yes I am definitely saying that Nokia should not have released the N900 as is. There are serious bugs out there - random calls, microphone problems (apparently due to the Nokia charger supplying 5.3V!), bluetooth problems, contacts dissapearing, devices rebooting randomly and so on. Of course bugs will be around, but I feel Nokia rushed this one out again. These bugs have been reported within days of being released. Don't tell me Nokia's testers didn't spot them, and pushed ahead with the launch.

It's the first time I hear of these issues, so I think you overestimate how wide-spread they actually are. The random call thingy sounds very obscure and may well have nothing to do with the phone at all. The bluetooth problems the OP is talking about are not bugs, he simply doesn't like the behaviour of all sound being routed over the bluetooth headsets as long as they are connected. While I agree that this may not be best behaviour, it's still not a bug and even less so a release blocker. I can promise you that, if broken microphones or constant reboots would have been spotted during testing (and not deemed fixed), the device wouldn't have been released.

There was nothing rushed about the N900, it was now or never. Personally, even as a consumer I would rather have the device available rather than not have it available, which would have been the only alternative.


I am not a developer, nor is my knowledge with Linux vast. However when you say completely new development, my understanding is that the N900 is a continuation of the N700/N800/N810, and that Maemo has been around for years now.

That's like saying that OS X was not a new operating system because it was based on *BSD though. The user experience is entirely new, the desktop and window management are completely new (for the first time using hardware 3D acceleration and transitions), the phone and communication framework is completely new, the calendar has been written from scratch, the hildon toolkit has been extensively updated (most noticeably the pannable area and touch selectors), and so on.

I have never seen anything of this complexity being released without a couple of bugs.


The reason that Nokia need the N900 to redeem itself is because of the shakyness of the N97. Confidence in Nokia's products has been dented, and we look to the N900 to restore that confidence. As you say, the N97 was marketed as the flagship device, but faced criticism over the OS, processor, available RAM, UI, stability and hardware (camera lens cover) - when a device was announced that improved all these issues, it makes sense to see it as being a superior device - and it is. It's early days yet, but I still think that some of the bugs could have been tracked down before launch.

No, it doesn't make sense. Yes it is a superior device, but otherwise it has nothing whatsoever to do with the N97. And looking at the most experimental device in Nokia's line-up is just not reasonable, if what you care about is primarily stability.


To be honest I don't have an N900 yet, but will still get one regardless. I'm prepared for all of the above bugs, because they all sound fixable via updates (apart from the possible charger fault).

I got that impression, because I think that your perspective is severely skewed by reading too much in the forum. You are still far more likely to get a device that works fine for you, than one that has any critical defect.

Keep in mind that if two in a hundred have an issue with a product, it is most likely that it is exactly those two who seek out a forum to complain about it. Never take this as an indication as to how many products are actually affected.

[Mandibela]

I have to say that if you have the money to spend on something new and shiny, it's your choice. It's a gift-wrapping for something inside the package. Get it? Too bad that the insides aren't quite what the blinded-by-the-PR-speek buyer is seeing.

You have the money. You choose where to put it. If you don't like the merchandise, give it back because you can. This isn't cheating you out of your precious money and time. Nokia is being very fair and they're not really pushing it out to the masses. If you read the hype, look at where the hype is coming from. Why do you assume that something good for somebody else would be good for you?

But yeah, it could be argued that it's Nokia's fault as it doesn't do enough to control the hype - it's clearly just not enough in this fast-paced-world to just give out the facts and speak openly of the devices' purpose. When Nokia make an internet tablet with phone features and say that that's what it is, and also say that it's just step 4 of 5 - people just dismiss those facts because the packging is soo shiny???

I obviously don't get it. What the hell is wrong with you people?

[sardaukar]

Nothing is "wrong" - I'm all for the N900. I wanna buy one! But I understand people feel cheated, just that.

What's missing in these forums is precisely that - understanding! Typical Linux "screw you n00b" attitude. And saying stuff like "it's only been out for 3 weeks" - how long does it have to be out to fix basic bugs like not being able to use GSM shortcodes starting with *, that any proper tester could have caught, and should be release stoppers??

I want one. But Nokia messed up. Just that - don't bash the guys feeling cheated, that's all I'm saying.

[froid]

I can understand the complaints. I am a long time user of S60 and love it. I have also had a 770 and currently use a N810 with my N65 all the time. If I knew someone liked S60...and was used to that...I would probably tell 90% of those users to stay with S60. Same goes with the different Blackberry, Apple, Moto and other users.

The other 10%...are those either like me, a current Maemo user...or someone who is looking for a tablet device that can do phone stuff too and can do some tech stuff, or someone that likes Linux and uses it already. Those are people who should jump in now.

[MonkeyMagic]

I'm seriously starting to wonder if Nokia-competitors are using these forums for black-ops negative marketing. I'm sure that Google's Android staff would "do no evil" but it must be very tempting for, say, Samsung or Apple sales people - or just fanbois - to come in here and slag off the N900.

No doubt this happens. Ive thought about this many times on forums like this. Staff of other phone brands, fanboys, irate consumers who have just tied theirself into the wrong contract with wrong phone but need self reassurance to bolster these ill-informed purchases. All of these groups must hate the "i love my N900" posts and will counter every one with negative feedback using info they have found elsewhere in the forum.
I think if someone genuinely owns the N900 and has genuine reason to even be on the forum then they SHOULD be listened to with empathy and not a barrage of abuse. They should though , have researched the £500 purchase beforehand as to not have any nasty surprises.
If people post Non-constructive posts, to create negativity, then they should automatically be ignored and not replied to.
Who cares if someone has not researched a £500 purchase and got burned because it doesn't do portrait except in dialer mode. There has to be some kind of accountability on the consumers behalf. We have cooling off periods for disgruntled rich idiots. Hand it back, get money and buy something different.
If you want some problem with the phone fixed then put it to the community,(excellent system and really well structured).
I think people, we need to put on our bullsh.it deflectors to identify this kind of behavoir as to not waste too much time with them.
Sorry for such the long post, but i feel too much negativity being nourished in favour of progression by positive action. Ive seen the complaints and just laugh at most of them. I'll hopefully recieve my N900 next week, and if I feel I have purchased the wrong product then I can only blame myself for being an early adopter.
Lets take each post with a pinch of salt at least till some kind of integrity can be ascertained from the content of the post
Hope I haven't offended anyone:) ........including you fruitphone and schmoogle users and staff.
can we take a positive from the OP and report a bug with bluetooth when using alarm using constructive criticism to progress the device for all? I think thats what the forums for isn't it? ;)

[Alex Atkin UK]

Just got my new NOKIA N900 yesterday. I must say i've been a loyal, long time fan and user of NOKIAs, but this one... they really screwed it up big time! So many bugs, such a crap. I'm sending it back tomorrow for a full refund. Screen only tilts if you use phone dialer, alarm does now work on the phone if bluetooth connected, in other words the alarm will work, but the sound will only be in bluetooth, i guess one would have to sleep with bluetooth to wake up. Also if bluetooth connected you will not hear a ring on the phone, you will only hear ring in bluetooth. Very , very disappointed. My advice, don buy it yet, maybe they'll fix it later.

OK lets return this thread to topic and civilised conversation.

Portrait mode only available or phone:

The N900 was designed with landscape in mind, this is not a bug. Portrait IS supported by the OS itself but only the phone currently supports it. The Internet browser is confirmed as being upgraded to use it in the next firmware update.

Third-party software can easily support either mode but mostly does not because landscape is a more "computer" style way of working and unfortunately there is no portrait on-screen keyboard by default. Also the N900 is based on Linux, plenty of software comes over from Desktop so is designed for landscape use ONLY. It will take time for software designed for the older tablets and desktop to be adapted to be more "phone-like".

Believe me I really wish conversations supported portrait as I often type one-handed on the bus/tram. However it is by no means a deal breaker for me.

Alarm and ring tones through bluetooth only, if bluetooth is on:

I assume you mean if your headset is paired and switched on. Surely it does not do this if bluetooth is on but your headset is turned off? If it does, then that clearly is a bug.

If it does not however then why on earth are you leaving your headset turned on when you are asleep in bed? Surely it should be turned off charging somewhere.

I would argue that the way it works makes sense, as why bother upsetting everyone else in the room with your alarm/ring tone if you are wearing your headset? Although it would be nice to be given the choice its a sensible default behaviour. There is little logic to leaving your headset powered on if you are not wearing it so its a fairly logical assumption that you are.

Overall, I am overjoyed to hear the N900 works this way. I always feel guilty when receiving a lot of SMS messages especially if I am doing something like queuing at the bank, as hearing the same tone over and over must be annoying for everyone else (I know it annoys me when someone else does it). The idea that it would redirect to my headset instead is excellent.

[sjgadsby]

Enough with the insults and personal attacks. Keep it civil and on topic.

[Sloth]

If it does not however then why on earth are you leaving your headset turned on when you are asleep in bed? Surely it should be turned off charging somewhere.

I would argue that the way it works makes sense, as why bother upsetting everyone else in the room with your alarm/ring tone if you are wearing your headset? Although it would be nice to be given the choice its a sensible default behaviour. There is little logic to leaving your headset powered on if you are not wearing it so its a fairly logical assumption that you are.

You leave it on because, if the phone rings, you are going to answer it using your headset, of course. Pretty much every phone I've owned, quite a few, does it this way - and it's the right way. The headset is on but in my shirt pocket. The phone is in my pocket or in a holster. The phone rings, I hear it, I put the headset on and answer.

Otherwise you are wearing your headset 24x7, like a dork.

The other phones will ring out through the headset, or at least send a ring tone - so if you have it on, you will hear it there as well.

To mute the phone, you mute the phone.

Now, should all that be configurable? Sure, that would be great.

But the default being the same as everyone else - audio out through the phone, phone audio out/in through the headset? Perfect.

This is for a PHONE headset. For audio headphones, audio should route out through the headphones. Just like everyone else.

And, for the record, this exact bug is what caused me to cancel my N900 order. I'll wait to see if this gets fixed because, from perspective, this is a deal breaker.

[phreck]

If it does not however then why on earth are you leaving your headset turned on when you are asleep in bed? Surely it should be turned off charging somewhere.

I would argue that the way it works makes sense, as why bother upsetting everyone else in the room with your alarm/ring tone if you are wearing your headset? Although it would be nice to be given the choice its a sensible default behaviour. There is little logic to leaving your headset powered on if you are not wearing it so its a fairly logical assumption that you are.

You leave it on because, if the phone rings, you are going to answer it using your headset, of course. Pretty much every phone I've owned, quite a few, does it this way - and it's the right way. The headset is on but in my shirt pocket. The phone is in my pocket or in a holster. The phone rings, I hear it, I put the headset on and answer.

Otherwise you are wearing your headset 24x7, like a dork.

The other phones will ring out through the headset, or at least send a ring tone - so if you have it on, you will hear it there as well.

To mute the phone, you mute the phone.

Now, should all that be configurable? Sure, that would be great.

But the default being the same as everyone else - audio out through the phone, phone audio out/in through the headset? Perfect.

This is for a PHONE headset. For audio headphones, audio should route out through the headphones. Just like everyone else.

And, for the record, this exact bug is what caused me to cancel my N900 order. I'll wait to see if this gets fixed because, from perspective, this is a deal breaker.

uhhh. right.

[Sloth]

uhhh. right.

The community around here is something to behold, at times.

[Neegs]

By any chance is this a person who didnt read Maemo forums or nokia press releases before buying the phone. GGGG i wonder how many people are gonna do that. My guess is loads :)

Deosnt help its being sold as a smartphone like i said. Either way unlucky mate but that will teach you to research a phone lots before you buy it. esp one so expensive.

you prpobably didnt no but its not intended for you. only Linux techies should dare to buy this as it was solely intended for them as they dont mind the fact that the phone features are half assed or that it is buggy. you know why cos to them the benifits far out way a few missing features. if only it was sold like this nokia/maemo wouldnt have a problem.

Mud sticks people and the N900 is really starting to get a bad name. even people at work who i have been singing the n900 praises to have heard its buggie and the launch was a joke. They were so close to peeling themselves away from their iphones/G1s and opening their eyes to the possibilies of a contender

whats going on i was really really hopeful for the N900 BUT im gonna stick by it for now and see how this promised Firmware update pans out.

[Neegs]

But the thing is: Nokia told us all this beforehand! They were clear the Maemo was not yet ready for consumer smartphone use, hence they were releasing a step 4 of 5 - a mobile computer with phone functionality.

It is not about lazy, it is about Maemo not yet being ready for all that we have come to expect from smartphones. Call it being late, if you must. It is a mobile computer first, a phone second because of this - they told us that, very clear, very honest. If that is not a product for you, that is OK, but don't act like Nokia didn't announce this and design it like this.

As i keep saying what Nokia have said and what they are selling the phone as, are two VERY different things.

Not everyone in the world reads this board or nokia information. I admit a little digging would have maybe.....ok would definitely have uncovered this but believe it or not people still buy expensive items before fully researching them.

[kimchi29]

I'm curious about this N900 forum, after searching for a while this was the only real forum I found. Is this just a forum for linux/maemo developers, and is there a better forum for general users of the phone? I just want to share general information and experiences about using the phone (which means I want to hear about people venting complaints).

theres also howardforums.com

[Alex Atkin UK]

But someone has already commented in this thread that it is NOT the way "all phones" do it.

Although fair enough, you are right, it should be configurable.

[froid]

Hmmm...I have a bluetooth banana...how will I know to pickup the banana and answer if the phone doesn't make a noise itself and not just through the banana? Ok that might be annoying.

[sardaukar]

People don't get into the proper scope when they speak. And I bet if they are faced with someone else *in real life* complaining, they wouldn't call them "stupid n00bs" or "idiots". Alas, the internet shields people and that's when the trolling begins.

And for some (like me, also) being such a geeky tool is more than OK - for people wanting a phone and being faced with typing "repository URLs" to get extra software it's definitely not OK.

The thing is - can't we just be civil? Bear in mind - it's being advertised by Nokia in shops and on the website as A PHONE. Not a "Linux geekgasm-inducing device" which is what it is in fact (and some may argue not a complete one yet).

[Sloth]

it's being advertised by Nokia in shops and on the website as A PHONE. Not a "Linux geekgasm-inducing device" which is what it is in fact (and some may argue not a complete one yet).

I have an N800 and I love it. Love it. I'm on T-Mobile, so the carrier is a non-issue. I immediately ordered an N900, based on my N800 experience and because I'd always thought that all it really needed was phone functionality and it would be a slam dunk device.

Then I reconsidered a bit.

I do need a few more things. It has to be a decent phone, at least. It has to let me use bluetooth the way all my other phones have because, yeah, that's what I want. It has to have decent email (exchange or imap idle and gmail) because, let's face it, that's what I get on Android. Some native (gmail) and some via a commerical app (touchdown).

So the bar has changed.

I'd really, really like Nokia to succeed with this device. The notion of full linux with X running on a phone is wonderful and could be a real game changer.

But first they have to clear a fairly minimal bar.

And I don't think they have yet.

I don't, BTW, think this device will be horrible. I think it'll be great. I just don't think it's - yet - anything like what I need to get me to move.

[volt]

You know, this thread amongst the other threads are just the scout before the old world army invades with all it's might.

Everyone who joined this place before the N900 was named, knows that it's a tablet first, and a phone second.

Everyone else in the whole world DOES NOT. M'kay? The webshops promote it as the new top of the line Nokia phone. There are lovely glossy pictures, and the texts are all along the lines

"It's a phone. It's a computer. It's multitasking. You can call with GSM, VOIP, send SMS or IM. It's the future."

I had a long thread about it here, worrying that most people would not understand why the N900 is special.

I was right.

This phone is not being marketed as an internet tablet with phone functionality. It's being marketed as the top of the line Nokia phone.

Each and every one who buys this except 1000 talk.maemo.org users and a handful researchaholics are going to expect voice navigation, voice dialling, and most certainly an alarm that beeps even if you have it connected to a handsfree.

This phone will get more complains than the N97.

It's friggin frustrating, it's a wondrous machine and noone is going to understand it!

[sardaukar]

It will be my next phone, since my expectactions are (in order of preference):

1. to dig the "tablet" side to the most
2. to answer and reply to SMSs
3. to answer and initiate phone calls
4. MAYBE to skype with it
5. MAYBE use a Bluetooth headset

I believe it fulfills all requests, the fact being that 2 is very far away from 1 :D. I may even remove the SIM and just use it as a(n expensive) tablet and replace my iPod Touch, keeping my N80 as a phone.

I may have a few gripes with the interface and so on, but in all fairness, I don't get much calls, just texts.

[sardaukar]

You know, this thread amongst the other threads are just the scout before the old world army invades with all it's might.

Everyone who joined this place before the N900 was named, knows that it's a tablet first, and a phone second.

Everyone else in the whole world DOES NOT. M'kay? The webshops promote it as the new top of the line Nokia phone. There are lovely glossy pictures, and the texts are all along the lines

"It's a phone. It's a computer. It's multitasking. You can call with GSM, VOIP, send SMS or IM. It's the future."

I had a long thread about it here, worrying that most people would not understand why the N900 is special.

I was right.

This phone is not being marketed as an internet tablet with phone functionality. It's being marketed as the top of the line Nokia phone.

Each and every one who buys this except 1000 talk.maemo.org users and a handful researchaholics are going to expect voice navigation, voice dialling, and most certainly an alarm that beeps even if you have it connected to a handsfree.

This phone will get more complains than the N97.

It's friggin frustrating, it's a wondrous machine and noone is going to understand it!

You're totally right, and it's unfortunately going to erode the Nokia brand even more than the N97 :| Nokia will be forever known as the "sucky top of the line" phone brand, "just good for 50€ phones" - you know, like Motorola :D

[Neegs]

there are people like me willing to give it a go even with a few rough edges but after a very lengthy first post from myself about getting off the fence and buying the phone i got myself a step ladder and got right back up on it :(. i am starting to wonder if it is even ready for people like me.

[sardaukar]

there are people like me willing to give it a go even with a few rough edges but after a very lengthy first post from myself about getting off the fence and buying the phone i got myself a step ladder and got right back up on it :(. i am starting to wonder if it is even ready for people like me.

What edge don't you tolerate? (honest question)

[iJanne]

It is, indeed, BS. Just go to the official Nokia product page for the N900 - where does it say it is anything other than a smartphone for the masses?

Sorry, dude - Nokia dropped the ball on this one. You can either live with the rushed device and workaround the bugs (that I believe will be fixed soon-ish) because you're a devout geek, or return the device and get a refund. What you can't do, however, is deny the harsh reality - it was rushed, and it's not a mass product despite being marketed by Nokia as such.

Remember, most people don't go around forums or read Engadget or whatnot - they go to Nokia's shops or the Nokia.com website. And in the shops it's marketed with huge posters as "Your net - always on" and that appeals to everyone. It's the same shops that featured ZERO posters for the previous Nx00 devices, and that had them in a corner instead of being on display, at the store's center!

But hey, I'm going to buy one - I'll live with the bugs :)

This the Nokia Maemo N900 page:

http://maemo.nokia.com/n900/

Read that and tell me it's a good old smartphone. They don't even mention the phone there.

I do get that Nokia could shout out this more, for the lazy folks. I go to Nokia.co.uk, just for example, All phones lists the N97 as the flagship. N900 is way down there. All phones also lists the N800, which is not a phone at all, which is confusing. But how one could interpret that as a flagship device is beyond me.

"Explore these features to learn what you can do with the power of the Nokia N900 mobile computer." "...new era of mobile computing..." All this is there. And the link to maemo.nokia.com for more as well as the press releases and announcements. Click full tech specs and you can see what it does and does not.

http://www.nokia.co.uk/find-products/all-phones/nokia-n900/features

I do get it. This device is confusing people, like I'm sure previous Internet Tablets from Nokia were confusing coming from a phone company. But anyone doing any little research into the N900 should get that it is not a full-on smartphone. In some cases it is less, in some cases more (mobile computer).

N900 is the future, sure. But part of that loaded word means some of the future is yet to happen. Let's not act like Nokia didn't tell us beforehand because they did. Unlike Apple for example, Nokia shares the roadmap and their product philosophies beforehand.

So do spread the word. N900 is not for everyone. People will be disappointed if they buy it not understanding what it is.

[iJanne]

But so it doesn't get lost in the mix: I do agree Nokia.com should explain this better. They do link to the info, and to maemo.nokia.com, all pics are in landscape, no MMS is listed in features and whatnot. The info is there. But because people are lazy and because it can be confusing, I agree they should explain it better.

Criticize Nokia for this, or for being late. But don't blame the N900 for not being what it was not designed to be. If it isn't for you, then it isn't for you - please don't buy it if you are looking for a full-featured smartphone.

[volt]

But anyone doing any little research into the N900 should get that it is not a full-on smartphone. In some cases it is less, in some cases more (mobile computer).

(...)

So do spread the word. N900 is not for everyone. People will be disappointed if they buy it not understanding what it is.

I have yet to see a webshop or Nokia page have text that makes it possible to deduct the "some cases it is less" part. Only reviews will do that, and frankly, the reviewers are almost all our kind of people, tech people, crying in joy over it's good sides.

I agree that the N900 as it is now is not ready for the market slot it's in: people willing to buy the hottest Nokia available. It's behind on quite a few features most people expect in a phone.

It's the things that people don't expect in a phone, that's where it excels.

[iJanne]

But so it doesn't get lost in the mix: I do agree Nokia.com should explain this better. They do link to the info, and to maemo.nokia.com, all pics are in landscape, no MMS is listed in features and whatnot. The info is there. But because people are lazy and because it can be confusing, I agree they should explain it better.

Criticize Nokia for this, or for being late. But don't blame the N900 for not being what it was not designed to be. If it isn't for you, then it isn't for you - please don't buy it if you are looking for a full-featured smartphone. It was not designed to be one and this was announced beforehand.

[sevla]

First of all Nokia N900 is not class as a PHONE. Read Nokia Claimed. It is an Internet Tablet Device with Phone Functionality added.

I wish people would stop repeating this marketing ********. It's a damn phone, end of story. All this "mobile computer" crap is non-sense and a poor attempt at creating a new marketing gimmick.

It's shaped like mobile phone it looks like a mobile phone it rings when people cAll me and I can call people on it. Stop using this " it's not a phone it's a mobile computer" as an excuse to have BASIC PHONE features not work properly or non existent all together.

Nokia really has some of you brainwashed and it's scary.

[nuknuk]

N900 is a mobile computer and if you dont like go else where
:DGOODBYE:D

[God]

I wish people would stop repeating this marketing ********. It's a damn phone, end of story. All this "mobile computer" crap is non-sense and a poor attempt at creating a new marketing gimmick.

It's shaped like mobile phone it looks like a mobile phone it rings when people cAll me and I can call people on it. Stop using this " it's not a phone it's a mobile computer" as an excuse to have BASIC PHONE features not work properly or non existent all together.

Nokia really has some of you brainwashed and it's scary.


They're nerds, they forgot what phones are...

[iJanne]

I wish people would stop repeating this marketing ********. It's a damn phone, end of story. All this "mobile computer" crap is non-sense and a poor attempt at creating a new marketing gimmick.

It's shaped like mobile phone it looks like a mobile phone it rings when people cAll me and I can call people on it. Stop using this " it's not a phone it's a mobile computer" as an excuse to have BASIC PHONE features not work properly or non existent all together.

Nokia really has some of you brainwashed and it's scary.

Look, I'm an Apple fan, first and foremost.

Yet even I knew what the N900 was and was not, with a few minutes of research beforehand.

It bugs me people do absolute no research and then are annoyed when the thing isn't what they expected.

It is perfectly clear what the N900 is and is not when one understands the Nokia Internet Tablet/mobile computer line of products and the Maemo 4 of 5 step.

I do agree some of the PR stuff Nokia has done is confusing, but that doesn't change the N900s design goals which clearly did not define a consumer-grade smartphone, but instead a mobile computer with phone functionality.

That is why it is step 4 of 5. Next step is the consumer smartphone. Nokia told us all this, months beforehand.

Deny this all you want, won't make it untrue, though.

If anything, this is definitely NOT marketing ********. If anything, it is the marketing ******** and media attention that has muddied this issue. The roadmap and device specs announced and communicated outside of marketing ******** clearly support my position.

[volt]

It was not designed to be one and this was announced beforehand.

Most people here agree, however, most people elsewhere weren't listening to that particular Nokia announcement with eager impatience. It's hard to notice that it only has a section of the phone features when it's being marketed as being more than a phone.

For Nxxx owners, maemo.org really is the center of the world. But for future owners, it's really not.

When I buy a new motherboard I usually read the comments at newegg, and a handful of reviews. Not an asus owner forum.

[squirreluk]

To be fair this phone is not even availabile from mobile networks yet, I was looking for a phone for some time before i came across this last week. If the phone is fit for purpose and going to do well its the like of vodafone direct and o2 that will decide this. Most basic phone users would never buy a phone straight from nokia or mobile phones direct. So my point really is its up to the mobile providers when they stock it to explain to customers what it is or is not.

[God]

Look, I'm an Apple fan, first and foremost.

Yet even I knew what the N900 was and was not, with a few minutes of research beforehand.

It bugs me people do absolute no research and then are annoyed when the thing isn't what they expected.

It is perfectly clear what the N900 is and is not when one understands the Nokia Internet Tablet/mobile computer line of products and the Maemo 4 of 5 step.

I do agree some of the PR stuff Nokia has done is confusing, but that doesn't change the N900s design goals which clearly did not define a consumer-grade smartphone, but instead a mobile computer with phone functionality.

That is why it is step 4 of 5. Next step is the consumer smartphone. Nokia told us all this, months beforehand.

Deny this all you want, won't make it untrue, though.

If anything, this is definitely NOT marketing ********. If anything, it is the marketing ******** and media attention that has muddied this issue. The roadmap and device specs announced and communicated outside of marketing ******** clearly support my position.


So they're too dumb to bring a decent gadget out?

Oh I get it, it's to get them financially stable, so they can proceed to step 5? They sell a crappy half/half device that doesn't offer pure experience on either side, so that they can then release a complete one? Wow...they're such genius, they tricked people into buying a phone for 500+ haha! Owned by Nokia again ;)

[God]

Look two idiots together.:D

Is your mic working yet?! PMSFL!!!!

[squirreluk]

So they're too dumb to bring a decent gadget out?

Oh I get it, it's to get them financially stable, so they can proceed to step 5? They sell a crappy half/half device that doesn't offer pure experience on either side, so that they can then release a complete one? Wow...they're such genius, they tricked people into buying a phone for 500+ haha! Owned by Nokia again ;)

All the reviews i have seen say this phone is great,so are you saying these have all been written by nokia to trick us into buying the phone? I only bought the thing because of the good reviews.

[jaysire]

I wish people would stop repeating this marketing ********. It's a damn phone, end of story. All this "mobile computer" crap is non-sense and a poor attempt at creating a new marketing gimmick.

Yeah. We've seen previously unheard of stampedes to be among the first to receive the N900. Yet, the N810 does everything much better than the N900 right now: XMMS, Canola, Maemo Maps etc etc etc. Except for maybe one thing...

So what makes people willing to trample each other to death in the fight to get their greasy nerd paws on an N900? Why hasn't there been a similar stampede to get the N810? What does the N900 do, that the N810 doesn't? GPS? Physical keyboard? Large screen? Large resolution? Unparalleled performance? Or maybe the phone?

I don't think there's any sense denying that the PHONE-feature is the main reason so many have taken the step and are willing to jump on the Nokia tablet bandwagon. The promise of having only ONE device with you everywhere you go.

[osfight.de]

@knishou and iJanne

That's just plain rude. Try to write a desktop environment from scratch and don't overlook any software issues, then we can talk again about "laziness". No amount of testing can protect you from that, that is also why major iterations of other operating systems (like Vista, OS X, or the iPhone OS) were anything but flawless.

As a consumer you always have the choice whether you jump right in and be one of the first to use something entirely new, or wait a while until most of the kinks have been ironed out.

You guys have just no clue what u talking about. First of all, I just bought two units of the N900, one for me, one for my friend. Second of all, I support cutting edge technology and also tolerate somewhat bugs and flaws in new approaches, especially on Linux. However, that does not mean, I am not a fan of working software and a phone which tries to be a computer (and not uses this as an excuse). You have to admit, that things like missing MMS and Portrait modus are definitely due to a lack of man power, which does not mean that any of the Maemo guys have been lazy, that is why I said it "SOMEWHAT implies". I am on your site when it comes to tolerance towards teething problems with such a hot new product and so on, but whatsoever, thinking for Nokia, it is more than in their sense to sell a consumer-friendly product, for the majority of consumers.

[volt]

Very few of my family members would google something before they bought it. They would go into a store, look at the phones on the wall, and the prices, and buy the one that looks neatest at the right price point. They would look insecure, and a sales person would come over and talk them into buying the one they look at.

I believe that is much more representative for Nokias customers than this site is.

People are not going to know what they are getting themselves into.

[iJanne]

Look, clearly there are two separate issues here.

One is what the N900 was supposed to be and what it is. Sure, it has some bugs that still need ironing out, but feature-wise it is what was announced and communicated to us. Many people seem to be disputing this or ignoring this, but I consider it indisputable fact.

Second, obviously, is how the N900 is perceived to be - and how any marketing from Nokia, media attention or public's expectations play towards forming this perception. I agree Nokia should communicate this better. And I do think a lot people buying or considering one have done lowsy research into their product choice and are *****ing partly in result of their own laziness.

I don't agree N900 is missing something it was announced to have. N900 is pretty much how it was announced and doing what it is supposed to do. But if someone is ignorant of the press releases and announcements, and just reads Nokia.com shop listings their expectations might lead them to believe the N900 to be more than it is. Not that the Nokia.com is untrue (when I read it with my expectations it doesn't seem to claim anything untowardly), it is just people expect the N900 to have things nobody is actually claiming it to have.

[nuknuk]

If you dont get the N900 then DONT get it SIMPLEZ

[volt]

I also do not think it is missing something it is announced to have. Only what it is expected to have. We're in perfect agreement.

[houz]

Mine works perfectly! Uptime of 4 days now ;) I *&%^ing love this thing!!!!!!!

I only had the device go non responsive once (screen wouldn't unlock or light up) luckily i was reversed ssh'd to my 900 and it was still responding! Just told it to "reboot".


Did I mention!!?!?!? I LOVE THIS DEVICE!!! TY Maemo community and Nokia!

[God]

All the reviews i have seen say this phone is great,so are you saying these have all been written by nokia to trick us into buying the phone? I only bought the thing because of the good reviews.

You're just naive.

1: You can't rely 100% on a personal belief

2: Don't get sucked into the media & technology now a days, they take your money like hot pancakes

3: I never said it wasn't a good phone, I said it's not offering enough experience on either side, mobile/computer. It should have came out later, with better features & childhood syndromes being fixed.

[squirreluk]

Look, clearly there are two separate issues here.

One is what the N900 was supposed to be and what it is. Sure, it has some bugs that still need ironing out, but feature-wise it is what was announced and communicated to us. Many people seem to be disputing this or ignoring this, but I consider it indisputable fact.

Second, obviously, is how the N900 is perceived to be - and how any marketing from Nokia, media attention or public's expectations play towards forming this perception. I agree Nokia should communicate this better. And I do think a lot people buying or considering one have done lowsy research into their product choice and are *****ing partly in result of their own laziness.

I don't agree N900 is missing something it was announced to have. N900 is pretty much how it was announced and doing what it is supposed to do. But if someone is ignorant of the press releases and announcements, and just reads Nokia.com shop listings their expectations might lead them to believe the N900 to be more than it is. Not that the Nokia.com is untrue (when I read it with my expectations it doesn't seem to claim anything untowardly), it is just people expect the N900 to have things nobody is actually claiming it to have.

I always believe that part of the fun of buying a phone like this is the fact that new items, features, apps, etc are going to be added all the time. The phone will constantly be improving and most high end phones are like this now, even the iphone when first out was like this.

[nuknuk]

You're just naive.

1: You can't rely 100% on a personal belief

2: Don't get sucked into the media & technology now a days, they take your money like hot pancakes

3: I never said it wasn't a good phone, I said it's not offering enough experience on either side mobile/computer. It should have came out later, with better features & childhood syndromes being fixed.

Or maybe its to complicated for you to work out :eek:




















Think about it............:D



;)

[squirreluk]

Why worry about cost 12 months down the line some muppet will still buy it off ya for £350.

[sevla]

Look, I'm an Apple fan, first and foremost.

Yet even I knew what the N900 was and was not, with a few minutes of research beforehand.

It bugs me people do absolute no research and then are annoyed when the thing isn't what they expected.

It is perfectly clear what the N900 is and is not when one understands the Nokia Internet Tablet/mobile computer line of products and the Maemo 4 of 5 step.

I do agree some of the PR stuff Nokia has done is confusing, but that doesn't change the N900s design goals which clearly did not define a consumer-grade smartphone, but instead a mobile computer with phone functionality.

That is why it is step 4 of 5. Next step is the consumer smartphone. Nokia told us all this, months beforehand.

Deny this all you want, won't make it untrue, though.

If anything, this is definitely NOT marketing ********. If anything, it is the marketing ******** and media attention that has muddied this issue. The roadmap and device specs announced and communicated outside of marketing ******** clearly support my position.

Do you really think anyone outside outside of this forum knows or even cares that this is "step 4 of 5"? When you go to Nokia's website, do they have a section for mobile computers? Is the n900 under that section.. No... It's found with the other PHONES.

Regardless of all of that the n900 should NOT be getting a pass on legitimate bugs because you and whoever else thinks it's a "mobile computer". That is the point I'm trying to get you to understand. What does the op's problems and concerns with the phone have to do with this device being a "mobile computer"? Should he expect and accept that the blue functionality is not going to act the same as others devices with cellular capabilities?

The gripe I have with this forum is that EVERY single time someone makes a post with legitimate issues someone either says "it's a mobile computer so why would you expect that smart phone feature to work like other smart phones" or "go buy an iphone". It's disgusting.

This forum really should only be for developers and hardcore enthusiasts because anyone outside that category is treated like garbage..

[nuknuk]

Why worry about cost 12 months down the line some muppet will still buy it off ya for £350.

On the ball m8ty there is enough of them out there and on here.:D

[sljonson]

I wish people would stop repeating this marketing ********. It's a damn phone, end of story. All this "mobile computer" crap is non-sense and a poor attempt at creating a new marketing gimmick.

It's shaped like mobile phone it looks like a mobile phone it rings when people cAll me and I can call people on it. Stop using this " it's not a phone it's a mobile computer" as an excuse to have BASIC PHONE features not work properly or non existent all together.

Nokia really has some of you brainwashed and it's scary.

No, veterans of Maemo.org see that N900 for what it is. They have been involved with the softare and hardware they even stop of it's evolution from N770 to present day. Others' like myself have been involved even long . I've helped (mostly as a guinea pig) with the development of the a lot of the technology as it was development.

The N900 is the next milestone in the development of the Maemo OS and Internet Tablet hardware. Yes they added basic phone functionality and began it's integration into the Maemo eco-system. Yes as a smart-phone is an immature platform. But Maemo doesn't have years of Symbian code and expertise to draw upon. As such, much of the Phone and other support system have to written from scatch or non-phone software roots. Nokia could not add everything in terms of smartphone feature and get the N900 out the door in reasonable timeframe. Compromises had to be made, and feature dropped for the initial deployment. But all of the stuff that is mission is merely software. Given enough time it will be developed and deployed.

I know what the N900 is. For me it's the converged device that I've been wanting for the over 2 years. I've begun leaving my N810 and old 3G phone at home both turned off. I don't have 3G service in my area for the N900, but I don't care. The N900 is just that good to me. The N900 is not perfect. There are a lot of annoying behaviours I don't like, but they aren't enough to make me want to return the N900.

People are being honest of what the N900 is. It's foremostly the latest version of the Nokia Internet Tablet and secondly it's a mobile communications device of which voice is just one protocol among many.

[sevla]

No, veterans of Maemo.org see that N900 for what it is. They have been involved with the softare and hardware they even stop of it's evolution from N770 to present day. Others' like myself have been involved even long . I've helped (mostly as a guinea pig) with the development of the a lot of the technology as it was development.

The N900 is the next milestone in the development of the Maemo OS and Internet Tablet hardware. Yes they added basic phone functionality and began it's integration into the Maemo eco-system. Yes as a smart-phone is an immature platform. But Maemo doesn't have years of Symbian code and expertise to draw upon. As such, much of the Phone and other support system have to written from scatch or non-phone software roots. Nokia could not add everything in terms of smartphone feature and get the N900 out the door in reasonable timeframe. Compromises had to be made, and feature dropped for the initial deployment. But all of the stuff that is mission is merely software. Given enough time it will be developed and deployed.

I know what the N900 is. For me it's the converged device that I've been wanting for the over 2 years. I've begun leaving my N810 and old 3G phone at home both turned off. I don't have 3G service in my area for the N900, but I don't care. The N900 is just that good to me. The N900 is not perfect. There are a lot of annoying behaviours I don't like, but they aren't enough to make me want to return the N900.

People are being honest of what the N900 is. It's foremostly the latest version of the Nokia Internet Tablet and secondly it's a mobile communications device of which voice is just one protocol among many.

Ok so with that being said, is it your opinion that blue tooth or other phone functionality found in the device should not be working or basic phone features flat out missing?

[osfight.de]

Look, clearly there are two separate issues here.

One is what the N900 was supposed to be and what it is. Sure, it has some bugs that still need ironing out, but feature-wise it is what was announced and communicated to us. Many people seem to be disputing this or ignoring this, but I consider it indisputable fact.

Second, obviously, is how the N900 is perceived to be - and how any marketing from Nokia, media attention or public's expectations play towards forming this perception. I agree Nokia should communicate this better. And I do think a lot people buying or considering one have done lowsy research into their product choice and are *****ing partly in result of their own laziness.

I don't agree N900 is missing something it was announced to have. N900 is pretty much how it was announced and doing what it is supposed to do. But if someone is ignorant of the press releases and announcements, and just reads Nokia.com shop listings their expectations might lead them to believe the N900 to be more than it is. Not that the Nokia.com is untrue (when I read it with my expectations it doesn't seem to claim anything untowardly), it is just people expect the N900 to have things nobody is actually claiming it to have.

I am not quite sure where you get your opinion form. If somebody asks you if you wanna have all the features you can hardly deny and say no. Nokia does not seem to know where to place this phone, as it is the most advanced approach of a phone to be a pc - or MAC? -, but people won't only buy it because of being a computer. They could just simply go for a netbook with more power and bigger screen, even Nokia offers these. The attractive thing is clearly its hybrid status, of being both, making things easier. So it is clearly a mobile computer, but if it also wants to be accepted as a phone too, it has to improve. That is all what people are claiming and demanding. And you gonna see, that is also what Nokia wants.

[Untouchab1e]

Honestly, I see no "basic phone features" missing.. Unless you consider unique ringtones for each contact a basic phone feature.... (Something that I have never used >.<)

[mikec]

I love this debate on Smart Phone features.

It appears to me that the arguments For features is because the average consumer expects them and therefore the N900 is not for the average consumer.

Where as the power users of the N900 don't care a stuff FOR these phone features and are happy with the limited phone features.

So are "Smart Phones" for non sophisticated users, and "Dumb-phones" for sophisticated users?

Maybe it reflects the change from Voice/Voice mail based world to an Online , instant gratification one. Maybe Nokia are smarter than we all think.

[God]

If you dont get the N900 then DONT get it SIMPLEZ

nuknuk :|! Don't over do it...

[sevla]

Honestly, I see no "basic phone features" missing.. Unless you consider unique ringtones for each contact a basic phone feature.... (Something that I have never used >.<)

I don't have the phone yet so forgive me if i'm wrong.. I've only been messing with the sdk.

But can I filter call logs yet? Ca ni see ONLY missed or received calls...

That is a basic phone feature....


Is it there?

[Untouchab1e]

I love this debate on Smart Phone features.

It appears to me that the arguments For features is because the average consumer expects them and therefore the N900 is not for the average consumer.

Where as the power users of the N900 don't care a stuff FOR these phone features and are happy with the limited phone features.

So are "Smart Phones" for non sophisticated users, and "Dumb-phones" for sophisticated users?

Maybe it reflects the change from Voice/Voice mail based world to an Online , instant gratification one. Maybe Nokia are smarter than we all think.

The average consumer expect certain features, some of which they dont find in the N900, while the power users of the N900 expect certain features which the N900 has that no other phone has. So, its really just a balance between two worlds. If you want what the N900 has to offer, go for the N900. If not, then I would suggest staying away for now.. No one is forcing you to buy it and the missing features are no secret!

[iJanne]

Do you really think anyone outside outside of this forum knows or even cares that this is "step 4 of 5"? When you go to Nokia's website, do they have a section for mobile computers? Is the n900 under that section.. No... It's found with the other PHONES.

Yeah, just like the great phone N800, that is also listed there. The N900 is a phone, though. But that is not its full description or product goal - and it definitely is not a consumer-level smartphone. This is obvious looking at its predecessors and the five step roadmap Nokia announced, back in, what was it - 2004?

I agree Nokia PR is confusing, but anyone doing half a bit of research can see what this product is and is not. Nokia was open and honest about it, we've known the steps for years and the announcements and interviews from earlier this year were clear. This is not a consumer smartphone release.

Regardless of all of that the n900 should NOT be getting a pass on legitimate bugs because you and whoever else thinks it's a "mobile computer". That is the point I'm trying to get you to understand. What does the op's problems and concerns with the phone have to do with this device being a "mobile computer"? Should he expect and accept that the blue functionality is not going to act the same as others devices with cellular capabilities?

N900 should not be getting a pass on legitimate bugs, agreed.

Besides, I am responding to responses, not the original poster I believe.

The gripe I have with this forum is that EVERY single time someone makes a post with legitimate issues someone either says "it's a mobile computer so why would you expect that smart phone feature to work like other smart phones" or "go buy an iphone". It's disgusting.

Now, let's define legitimate issues. If you say legitimate issues like someone's phone rebooting, then definitely that deserves some good responses. If someone posts here how come the phone doesn't do portrait for other than phone and how it doesn't have all the stuff N97 does, then I don't think they "got" the product.

This forum really should only be for developers and hardcore enthusiasts because anyone outside that category is treated like garbage..

Actually some see it reverse. This place is being treated like the dumpster by a lot of people who don't seem to understand what the N900 is supposed to be. They want it to be something it wasn't designed or announced to be, and personally I think it merits a response.

[Untouchab1e]

If someone posts here how come the phone doesn't do portrait for other than phone and how it doesn't have all the stuff N97 does, then I don't think they "got" the product.
.

Exactly! And this happens like, how many times a day? People go out and buy devices they dont really know what are and then come here and complain about it. They have probably just seen the Nokia branding on it and considered it the new N97...

Sorry, but such topics are getting old.. really old!

[iJanne]

The average consumer expect certain features, some of which they dont find in the N900, while the power users of the N900 expect certain features which the N900 has that no other phone has. So, its really just a balance between two worlds. If you want what the N900 has to offer, go for the N900. If not, then I would suggest staying away for now.. No one is forcing you to buy it and the missing features are no secret!

Would people settle for a compromise:

The N900 is not a consumer-level smartphone, and Nokia did announce it truthfully. But late PR and salespeople pitches have muddied the issue and Nokia needs to be more clear about it. Also, the N900 has some bugs to be ironed out. And Nokia needs to come out with that consumer-level smartphone, step 5 of 5, pronto.

How about that?

[Neegs]

What edge don't you tolerate? (honest question)

To be honest i didnt expect there to be as many bugs coming out. the phone itself i still cant wait to get but i figure i will wait for the firmware update. there is nothing in particular that worries me just the number

my flat mate has the n97 and that was just terrible. it has made me question the n900. although its a different OS and it has lots of community support its is still a Nokia which means it is going to follow a similar test cycle and processes etc etc etc i was am hoping the same mistakes will not be made so i will wait and find out.

also i do like lots of phone functionality and was willing to give this up for a mini computer. im not willing to give it up for a buggy mini computer. i know its a new OS so there will be bugs, i guess its my fault in having got worked up about the phone and my expectations may have been too high :rolleyes: but i havent given up :D

[Untouchab1e]

If Nokia can iron out the bugs ASAP and maybe bring a few wanted features to the table, then I think we should all be satisfied.. honestly!

[HangLoose]

Would people settle for a compromise:

The N900 is not a consumer-level smartphone, and Nokia did announce it truthfully. But late PR and salespeople pitches have muddied the issue and Nokia needs to be more clear about it. Also, the N900 has some bugs to be ironed out. And Nokia needs to come out with that consumer-level smartphone, step 5 of 5, pronto.

How about that?

People have been trying to say this for a long time... I dont think you will convince the haters/fanboys otherwise :)

But nice try dude...

[iJanne]

Ironically, even though I can agree based on posts here that the N900 has bugs, none have crossed me yet.

It actually has worked pretty much perfect for the whole, what, two weeks I've had it now.

Knock on wood definitely.

[sljonson]

Ok so with that being said, is it your opinion that blue tooth or other phone functionality found in the device should not be working or basic phone features flat out missing?

If basic phone functionality was not working, I would have returned the device last Friday. My N900 is in part replacing my work phone, it [b]HAS[b] to work because at time I go oncall. Bluetooth headsets, AD2P streaming, SMS and voice calls work well enough for me.

And since you asked indirectly I'll mention those annoying behavious I mentioned. First is the FM transmitter being kicked off when a bluetooth headset connects to the N900. (specifically it's the hands free feature of my car's stero system). Knowing how the sound subsyste works in Maemo, I understand why but I'm not happy with it. I think it should only diable the FM xmitter is a headphone bluetooth device connects. We really need a sound mixer so an advanced user has control over how sound is mixed on the N900 (and other Maemo hardware).

A missing phone feature, the big one for me is voice dialing. That's the one I really miss. I had vowed my next phone would have it since Palm decided not to add it into their Treos. But I went and bought the N900 anyway.

Other missing features I'd like to see user definable profiles that extend well into the other apps. (For instance disable Email app's auto updating at night. And enable it during the day. An other example is disable/enable each account individually for each profile.) That's all I got off the top of my head.

[bAxon]

I don't have the phone yet so forgive me if i'm wrong.. I've only been messing with the sdk.

But can I filter call logs yet? Ca ni see ONLY missed or received calls...

That is a basic phone feature....


Is it there?

the N900 is too sophisticated for that type of functionality :eek:

[HangLoose]

If Nokia can iron out the bugs ASAP and maybe bring a few wanted features to the table, then I think we should all be satisfied.. honestly!

Btw, any idea/rumor which features/squashed bugs will be in the 1.1?

[iJanne]

People have been trying to say this for a long time... I dont think you will convince the haters/fanboys otherwise :)

But nice try dude...

I think part of the problem is that because of the confusion, not created just by Nokia but media and market too, it is not the same people making the flammatory statements. So even if a few "get" it, more will pour in not getting it.

Clearly a risky move, the 4 out of 5. I agree that some damage probably is being done to Nokia, not only to maemo.org slash N900.

[iJanne]

This was written by a blog earlier this year:

This reception of Nokia N900, contrasts very sharply with the attitude displayed toward the device by every Nokia exec who was talking about it.

You would think that, having made such a superb device, they would be preaching from every corner and pulpit to make sure we notice.

Instead, Anssi Vanjoki has spent a whopping 3 minutes at the end of 62 minute opening keynote (including OPK presentation), talking about N900. Half of that time was spent talking about the beginnings of Maemo platform, Nokia 770 internet tablet, and how this is just step 4 in five step program (read: somewhat unfinished product)!

And it went downhill from there.

In the follow up interviews we heard how this is just a niche product, how they see an open channel (non-subsidized, non-operator) as the main for N900 sales, that Nokia won’t really push N900 to operators, how it is important to sell N900 to the right people (read: limited sales and promotion), etc; etc;

The impression I get from all of this is of, if not an outright dismissal of N900 as a flagship for Nokia, then extreme cautiousness, expectations management and downplaying the potential attractiveness of the device.

And I wonder why that is.

Read the rest here:

http://www.unwiredview.com/2009/09/05/nw09-impressions-did-nokia-underestimate-how-good-n900-really-is/

Yeah, I don't wonder why that is.

[Venomrush]

I don't have any of the problems you mentioned. Beside portrait mode only available in Phone? Well we already know that and portrait will be available system wide through firmware updates.

If you blame the software and device, then we're all on the same boat.

Therefore it's user's fault, not knowing how to use the device properly.

[Neegs]

i know this is a very serious topic :P but God's pictures and some comments had me in stitches. immature humour all the way

Grr why is the Nokia Store in the Departures at Terminal 5, means i cant play with the phone again on the way home

[pspbricker]

Let's look at the original post again ; "N900 is horrible" - Firstly, let's be positive, at least he didn't use the word "sucks"...

Seriously there are two seperate issues raising their heads here.
1) The fact that the N900 is a supposed "mobile computer" with phone functions, which is why it doesn't do MMS, portrait mode, and so on. Understandable. The rest of the quotes "step 4 out of 5" and "It's Maemo/Linux so don't buy it unless you're ubergeeky" seem to bolt themselves onto that fact. I have read, studied and researched the N900 since early October, and have no problem with any "missing features" since they can be added either through 3rd party software or through Nokia themselves.

2) The second issue (and the one which is making my next "phone" purchase more difficult) are the increasing number of bugs being reported - not small, hard to detect bugs, but major eight-legged fanged flying bugs. Bluetooth, microphone, messaging, rebooting, random calls and contacts disappearing. All reported on this forum.

Yes, those bugs will be tracked down and fixed, but I for one will now wait until I see improvements. Big deal? Maybe. But i'm going to have another look at a Hero, and that could be Nokia's loss. Rightly some of you have said "Do research before you buy a phone". Well, this is research, and it's making me doubt. Those people who don't do research and spend €500 - €600 on their N900s will likely be disappointed.

I don't think the N900 is horrible - but reports of people sending them back after a matter of days for a refund just shows how impatient people can be - but it does make you wonder who the N900 is supposed to target? Some people here insist that it is not a smartphone, due to having only basic phone features and therefore not going for the iphone/hero/palm pre market. Others don't see it competing with the internet tablet/netbook market due to the relatively small screen and small keyboard.

I had a brief play with a N900 in Helsinki, but have mostly used YouTube and this forum for my questions regarding the N900 - maybe I need to try one out again to convince me.

[CharlesM]

Wow these threads are beginning to get me down. I think today will officially end my interest on n900 simply because of the uncontrolled noise on this forum.

I was looking for the next platform on which to move my whole company and was excited by the n900. Clearly that would a disastrous move for me right now.

I will end my visits here with this summary:

1. N900 is an very powerful and exciting device
2. N900 is fast becoming a marketing disaster for nokia
3. The real problems are not all of the bugs people are screaming about but the approach nokia took to develop the sw!

Clearly the community that developed this system in no way understood the very simple needs of their real stakeholders! They honestly thought this phone was just for them and are now insulted because people dare question design priority decisions!

It’s that attitude that has helped me decide. whatever fixes may or may not come in the next few months the many many users who are screaming need to understand. . . your screams will be heard but the community still think your mad! why . . . (said in an very echoing voice as I run down a very long corridor) . . . "because its not a f...ing phone " ha ha

[olighak]

Wow these threads are beginning to get me down. I think today will officially end my interest on n900 simply because of the uncontrolled noise on this forum.

I was looking for the next platform on which to move my whole company and was excited by the n900. Clearly that would a disastrous move for me right now.

I will end my visits here with this summary:

1. N900 is an very powerful and exciting device
2. N900 is fast becoming a marketing disaster for nokia
3. The real problems are not all of the bugs people are screaming about but the approach nokia took to develop the sw!

Clearly the community that developed this system in no way understood the very simple needs of their real stakeholders! They honestly thought this phone was just for them and are now insulted because people dare question design priority decisions!

It’s that attitude that has helped me decide. whatever fixes may or may not come in the next few months the many many users who are screaming need to understand. . . your screams will be heard but the community still think your mad! why . . . (said in an very echoing voice as I run down a very long corridor) . . . "because its not a f...ing phone " ha ha

Quite true, the tablet people see this as a tablet primarily. Us phone people, me coming from N95, see this as a device similar to that phone/mobile computer.

But as more of us come in here that tone will change and Nokia will have to give more and better efforts to fix this up and add the missing features.

[bAxon]

Wow these threads are beginning to get me down. I think today will officially end my interest on n900 simply because of the uncontrolled noise on this forum.

I was looking for the next platform on which to move my whole company and was excited by the n900. Clearly that would a disastrous move for me right now.

I will end my visits here with this summary:

1. N900 is an very powerful and exciting device
2. N900 is fast becoming a marketing disaster for nokia
3. The real problems are not all of the bugs people are screaming about but the approach nokia took to develop the sw!

Clearly the community that developed this system in no way understood the very simple needs of their real stakeholders! They honestly thought this phone was just for them and are now insulted because people dare question design priority decisions!

It’s that attitude that has helped me decide. whatever fixes may or may not come in the next few months the many many users who are screaming need to understand. . . your screams will be heard but the community still think your mad! why . . . (said in an very echoing voice as I run down a very long corridor) . . . "because its not a f...ing phone " ha ha

fully agree this is not a phone that could be used in business unless you have several issues addressed. I will still keep my unit with expectations that something will be done in the next 2 months

[deadmalc]

what i don't understand is why someone would spend five hundred pounds on a device without doing some research first.
its a hell of a lot of money to waste if you dont need it
but there again i've been waiting for the n900 for about 2 years.
if there was a device that could do what the n900 could do i would have bought it before.
but there again people bought the iphone on mass....
but its "cool" the n900 isnt cool it does what it is supposed to very very well

a fool and his money are easily parted

(IMHO) ;)

[iJanne]

Absolutely do not buy the N900 as your company smartphone, unless carryng a mobile Linux computer is your personnels pockets is useful for your business.

No matter how much some people seem to expect and want it, the N900 was never ever going to launch as a consumer-level smartphone. Maemo still is a computer system first, phone second. Next generation is announced to balance things out.

Of course many of us hope N900 will gain more and more features through updates, but that's gravy.

[karmicguy]

As a seriously on-the-fence buyer of the N900, I can completely understand the disappointment expressed by others in the forums. I did plenty of research about the N900 before purchasing it (I actually had a good experience with Nokia USA) and still possess a Nokia 770, so I had some idea of what to expect, but I still find the N900 really lacking in execution. Now, that may be a good thing in that there is plenty of opportunity for improvement if Nokia (and the community, I suppose) can devote the resources to doing so.

What I really like about the device::)


The screen is very nice and the resolution is wonderful.

Web browsing is speedy (although flash is still really not very good -- hopefully flash 10.1 will improve that) and very desktop like.

Multitasking is very good and doesn't seem to slow down the device.

Notifications are good.

Keyboard (like and dislike, actually. Like that it has one -- don't like the cramped nature of it and having to press multiple buttons for numbers and symbols).

What I don't like::(


Form factor: The N900 would not win any beauty contests. It's not incredibly large, but is chunky and noticeably heaver than my Android phone.

Google synch. I would like to see a way to do this separate from Mail for Exchange or if this is the only option then I need support for multiple exchange accounts so that I can have work and google synching.

No multiple mail for exchange accounts (see above)?

Telephony features are not fully baked (Yes, I know it's not primarily a phone, but still a bummer). Others have expressed the flaws and they are valid comments that I hope Nokia will address soon with future updates.

I am occasionally experiencing random reboots. It's not frequent, but it is happening.

Many annoying UI issues. For example, WHO thought that having the browser zoom and volume control be the same button was a good idea:confused:? When viewing flash videos, I often want to adjust the volume BUT not the zoom. Now it seems that to do so I have to minimize the browser window and then adjust the volume and then maximize the browser window again. That's a lot of steps. Now there may be an easier way to do so, but it's certainly not obvious. There are many other annoying issues like this (someone, please let me know the best way express comments like this to the n900 developers, because it's not a bug, but it is quite frustrating).

Don't really like the mail client/features. They are basic, but nothing special. I am thankful for HTML mail, but find it rather slow.

GPS is very erratic. It's definitely not a quick or smooth as my other phones. I often have issues in getting a lock. Not very impressive at this point...

Battery life is poor I often only get about 4 hours of usage before having to recharge. Now, to be fair, I have probably been really giving the N900 a untypical workout, but, still, not stellar. S60 seems much better at this than Maemo, but again the good news is that there is much room for improvement.

Lack of applications (Yes, I know it's early in the game, but it's true and Yes, I have perused maemo extras and extras-testing...).



So, having said all that, will I keep my N900 or send it back? As I said above, I'm seriously on the fence. I definitely sense potential here. The browsing experience is superior to other devices out there with similar form factors. The multitasking is also superior to other comparable devices. The biggest problem with the N900 at this point is probably that the UI does not charm me and there are obvious missing pieces that will hopefully be addressed by Nokia in the near future. Also, there is nothing particularly special about other aspects of the device. I will say that Android (my primary phone) seems to be getting better by the moment (although Android has some performance issues, as well). I hope Nokia can also demonstrate the same ability to improve Maemo. Right now I would rate it a distant fourth in the UI race.

Summation:


N900 as the ultimate geek device (for Unix gurus, early adopters and developers)? On target!

N900 as a consumer friendly device to compete with iPhone, Android, Symbian and Palm? I whole heartedly suggest that you avoid it if that is what you are currently shopping for as it's not quite baked yet. Maybe with Maemo 6 it'll be ready for that.


I think I may keep my N900 and see what Nokia can deliver. My criteria for success will be getting to the point where I feel that I can forget my Android phone at home and just carry the N900 with me. At this point, I would do so very reluctantly. Nokia has a lot of catching up to do with maemo, in my evaluation. So, let the race begin... :).

[Crashdamage]

A lot of nitpickin' over various missing features, bugs, etc. etc. in this thread. I wonder if anyone complaining tried using a very early G1/Android phone and if so, what they remember about that? I pretty much expected Android to be kinda raw and incomplete. It certainly was - and still is in many ways.

As for me, just got my N900. Still getting used to it and everything setup, installing apps etc. So far I can say 2 things...

1. No problems at all. Yes, the mic works, totally stable, very fast.
2. In a nutshell, the most amazing piece of technology I've ever held in my hand.

IOW, I'm both very happy and totally rocked. I'll post more detailed impressions later in an appropriate (positive) thread. The N900 is one cool tool. Makes an iPhone/OS-X or a G1/Android look like toys for boys.

Congratulations and many thanks to the Maemo community and Nokia for a truly revolutionary product.

[Eric G]

and how long to type 70 words on an n900?

Not as long as T-9 on an N95 and just a little faster than on my work-provided Blackberry.

And I think if the point is to convey information it is a fair trade off to take extra time to compose instead of forcing your intended audience to take extra time to listen. The only real downside to sending a text is that inflection is lost, so you'd better take extra time to make sure sarcasm (for example) is stated as such. But that's where emoticons and tags come in handy!:)

[fnordianslip]

Not as long as T-9 on an N95 and just a little faster than on my work-provided Blackberry.<br>
<br>
And I think if the point is to convey information it is a fair trade off to take extra time to compose instead of forcing your intended audience to take extra time to listen. The only real downside to sending a text is that inflection is lost, so you'd better take extra time to make sure sarcasm (for example) is stated as such. But that's where emoticons and tags come in handy!

Now I've spent more time with the N900's keyboard, I'm finding pretty good and infinitely superior to using predictive text.

[etuoyo]

Now I've spent more time with the N900's keyboard, I'm finding pretty good and infinitely superior to using predictive text.
I'm finding that the keyboard takes me longer. But then again I was the king of predictive text. Super fast and I didn't even have to look at the screen/phone at all.

[fnordianslip]

I can still send morse code faster than i can type on the N900's keybd though :)

[mikec]

i can still send morse code faster than i can type on the n900's keybd though :)

..-. ..- -.-. -.- / -- .

[fnordianslip]

..-. --- ..-. ..-.

[theonlymac]

I've missed bunch of calls because of this. Also while talking on bluetooth, and if you get another call coming in, it puts automatically first caller on hold. Really crap.

Oh my god! This is horrible. Worse than i feared! I totally agree with vasputin. Why are the phone functions so neglected?
If youre not connected on bluetooth, just in the middle of a call, does another incoming call put the first one on hold? Or does that only happen if youre on bluetooth?

I would love to buy this phone, just to give it a go, and see how it goes, but at this price, i dont think i (and many other people) will be able to do that. If its price was more like that of the N97 mini, i would already have bought it, and since being a lot cheaper my expectations would be lower too. But like this? There's no point buying this phone yet unless youre a 100% geek.

[Kypeli]

If youre not connected on bluetooth, just in the middle of a call, does another incoming call put the first one on hold?

No, of course not.

[TheFarr]

I also bought an N900 before christmas, and the microphone stopped working the first day. The retailer replaced the phone but within one week the ear peice stopped working. I agree with forum member that the Nokia Claim: "It is an Internet Tablet Device with Phone Functionality added", but it is not a very good Internet device as many websites are not rendered or function properly with it and the added phone functionality was very poorly implemented. In my opinion, after owning every model of the Communicator, and N95, N96,97 and 5800, the N900 the worst phone I have ever owned. It has become a common practice for Nokia to pass quality control testing to customers who are paying full retail prices for their products. How can a company with so much phone manufacturing experience produce a device with phone functionaliy that doesn't address the primary, and basic functionality of a phone, simply for 2 parties to speak and hear one another. Afterall it is 2010 not 1980.

[daxx]

yup my keyboard broke cuz it slid about too much (whole rubber part with keys attched) and the top left hand side of the keyboard keys creeked when pressed untill they died and lost bounce n just rocked about lol. phone went back geting a refund. bag of **** lol

[romanianusa]

Bluetooth my ***..i never used it! I will knock your whitetooth for making dumb useless thread! Just because you use BlueTEETH....does that mean everyone does!