Things most reviews of the n900 missed. (for Nokia)
 

While there is a lot of work to be done on the n900 I've outlined many problems below, but failed to credit all the really amassing things that have happened to make this phone possible. Just to qualify I forked out over $700 CAD for my n900 so I could to make this contribution.

To preface, I am quite disappointed with the actual performance of Maemo on my n900 but I am more than excited by the open development process. As a community member I can have some input, I would like to see good ideas bubble up with the communities help. so I have outlined my biggest n900 shortcomings below.

I hope I don't need to point out if any one of these points resonates with you please take the time to figure out how to vote and VOTE, it beets just leaving a smear in on the blog. If any point has a Bug # please add a link and my point number so I or other members can vote on it.

Things reviews of the n900 Media player missed. (for Nokia)

Things reviews of the n900 applications missed. (for Nokia)

above links are other posts on the same topic.

Re: Things most reviews of the n900 missed.
 

1. PIM lacking
a. add description to tasks
https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=6892http://www.jdidesign.com/files-in/maemo/1a-b.JPG

b. add a Category field ( map to Outlook contact, notes and tasks)
https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=5497 (categories are like groups)
c. add search to PIM
http://www.jdidesign.com/files-in/maemo/1c.JPG

d. add search to notes
https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=7125
http://www.jdidesign.com/files-in/maemo/1f.JPG

e. add search to tasks
http://www.jdidesign.com/files-in/maemo/1e.JPG

f. add search to contacts (all fields including numbers not just name)
http://www.jdidesign.com/files-in/maemo/1f.JPG

g. improved switching between PIM components
https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=6934
h. add send calendar event – Bluetooth – possibly support for IR too.

Re: Things most reviews of the n900 missed.
 

2. Phone
a. show call duration on call history list.
b. reorient incoming and outgoing call arrows (looking at the arrows I can't tell which is in and out)
http://www.jdidesign.com/files-in/maemo/2a-b.JPG

c. provide call details on “select and hold” (duration, number called, date, type of call, etc)
http://www.jdidesign.com/files-in/maemo/2c.JPG

d. improved performance for rotating and identifying orientation. (i can never just hang up as the phone changes to landscape and as I hit the button I miss)
e. programmed numbers in Skype with a pause to enter DTMF tones after connecting won't dial.
https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=8343
f. one hand address book by name search in portrait mode (typing on the keyboard works great. but requires 2 hands) scrolling through 400 contacts is not fun no matter how nice it scrolls.
add keyboard option in portrait mode for one handed search by typing name.
http://www.jdidesign.com/files-in/maemo/2f.JPG

g. making Skype calls when Skype is off line should provide a button to go online not just a tell you to go online.
http://www.jdidesign.com/files-in/maemo/2g.JPG

h. if power button is pressed twice when the device is locked (screen off) I it should go from the unlock swipe to the phone app. (if pressed once it performs as intended)
i. alarm sounds when in silent mode alarm shroud just vibrate.
j. When clicking a contact in call history add Call Details button
http://www.jdidesign.com/files-in/maemo/2j-k.jpg
k. When clicking a contact in call history display number called in an editable text field (allow editing and re dialling using dial out options like Skype SIP Cell etc.

Re: Things most reviews of the n900 missed.
 

3. messaging lacking
a. incoming SMS message time is incorrect. https://bugs.maemo.org/show_bug.cgi?id=5994
b. search function to search conversations.
c. delayed send SMS (setup an SMS message to send out at 8:30am eg. I'll send you a reminder before our meeting tomorrow - enter the SMS message now and have it auto send tomorrow @ 8:30)
d. SMS using Skype service
e. block Skype spam
http://www.jdidesign.com/files-in/maemo/3e.gif

Re: Things most reviews of the n900 missed.
 

Great great, points

i am with you on all of them.
I do think however a lot of these would be sold by MeeGo 1 (maemo 6)..

Re: Things most reviews of the n900 missed.
 

So where does that leave us..? Im massively concerned for the N900 now.

Re: Things most reviews of the n900 missed.
 

Surely with how it is now, in whichever orientation you hold the phone, the arrows pointing in towards you physically are calls coming in to you and the arrows pointing out away from you are calls going...... er, out from you?

Re: Things most reviews of the n900 missed.
 

I created the screen shots out of frustration with Meamo, I hope the Meego team solve them, and there is more chance of solving someone one is aware of it.

Re: Things most reviews of the n900 missed.
 

Speaking as one reviewer, sorry, these items that you point out weren't missed. They may not have factored into the overall review, but preferences, such as what you outline here aren't misses.

Many early reviews of the device came on devices loaned for a time (2 weeks to a month). Given that it takes 2 weeks to get acclimated to a device, and then several months to accrue an opinion about the device compared to other platforms, there's a lot that can be not as acutely highlighted in that time scale. Add to that any platform/usage bias, and frankly speaking, not everything will come to light immediately. Its not a pass towards reviewers only the reality of trying to get eyeballs more than mature users.

Nevertheless, you make some good suggestions - and ones that many former PDA users that I know will like. Good stuff, just next time, don't (seemingly) bash reviewers who might not have your context towards using a device. You catch more bees with flowers and honey than with a flyswatter and bigger wings ;)

Re: Things most reviews of the n900 missed.
 

I totally didn't mean to offend anyone especially all those who contribute to the project. Prior to purchasing the n900 I read every review google could find. while I was aware of a lot of the shortcomings no one mentions the PIM function was inadequate, so I started making a list of things I would have liked have improved before making the purchase. All in all I love what the n900 stands for and want to see it sucseed thants, it.

I'll throw in some more honey next time.