It's rare that I can replicate my internal blogs to the outside world, but this one I can ():


After months of public speculation the N810 Internet Tablet is now officially acknowledged. So far it has been met with the usual mixed (and largely emotional) informal reviews in iconic forums like Internet Tablet Talk. Interestingly, many of the complaints orient around its close kinship with the N800. This is ironic given that the abrupt split between the 770 and N800 aroused serious indignation amongst the community and encouraged Nokia to continue providing unofficial support for the 770.

But I'm not here today to talk much about downsides, pitfalls and grumblings. Instead, I'll touch on what this advent means for current N800 users and future development. For brevity's sake I'll gloss over some aspects to focus on a few. Also note that I have only briefly seen the physical product so I'm unable to go very deep in analysis anyway (maybe later if/when I obtain one).

One of the most immediate benefits that N800 users will enjoy is the release of the slick 2008 operating system (heretofore codenamed Chinook), which will simultaneously support both devices-- a first for the platform. Performance complaints have been addressed with a boost in available CPU speed (from 333 MHz to the upper limit of 400 MHz) thanks to improvements in the OS. This will resolve some issues involving video playback. Finger support has been enhanced, although there are still menus that will require a stylus or a really sharp fingernail. Hopefully the interface will continue to evolve toward something more iPhone-like, as many users are expecting.

Hardware-wise, the N810 has built-in GPS, a very welcome addition for me, along with navigation software and maps. I am assuming that the N800 will also be able to use the same application and data with an external GPS but I have not yet seen confirmation of this. I do expect to eventually see third-party offerings in this space though.

But the most obvious difference between the two sibling devices is that the new kid has a built-in slide-out keyboard. In contrast to the inclusion of GPS, however, this feature has polarized users into two very distinct camps, those for versus those against. Many seem to prefer choosing their own external bluetooth keyboard, and have complained loudly against built-in keyboards on the tablets. Without being dismissive, I don't see them as the target customer anyway; obviously this move is intended to broaden the scope of the still geek-centric platform and draw new customers into the fold. In fact, the keyboard strips away some of the early-adopter aura and pulls the platform closer to mainstream. There are many users who will not want to seek out the expertise necessary for dealing with bluetooth keyboards... although the tablets now make such usage relatively easy.

Given that the N800 and N810 are more alike than different, I see this as an extension of the current tablet paradigm rather than a direct replacement. Indeed, customers now have two clear choices: a basic version or one with the same CPU running the same OS only with GPS and keyboard included. I hope this continues to be the case as the platform matures.

I am a bit surprised, however, at the Nseries designation. In my opinion the N800 was already veering close to Eseries territory, and the addition of a keyboard to the N810 speaks to me of further encroachment. I'm not sure what the overall strategy here is, but customers are clamoring for an E- variant on the tablet theme that better supports business-class usage (enhanced email, contacts, scheduling, Microsoft Word support, etc) and some feel let down that this was not it. So will we ever see that E8xx? Or will the tablets remain a solely Nseries offering, despite the potential capability to do more?

Along those last lines, Apple has announced improved third-party development support for the iPhone. The OS still isn't Linux, and this won't quite offer what Nokia is making available, but it is certainly a sign that Apple is feeling pressure to compete with the Internet Tablets in an area that has made them uncomfortable in the past. It will be interesting, to say the least, to see how this contest plays out!

EDIT: it appears Wayfarer GPS app will NOT be available for the N800... "free", anyway.

Great blog. Too bad we can't see more of your internal postings.

Thanks, zero, and yeah I agree-- especially since it's been harder building a consistent readership there... : /

Very well said, especially the part above.

Tex! Very well written. Wish we could see more as well.

I'm ecstatic about the keyboard and the GPS. I'm think they're both really excellent moves. I'm also really happy about the move toward a more finger friendly O/S. And I'm also really happy about the ambient light sensor. I think that is sorely missing in the n800, especially when driving.

I think Nokia is going to hit a huge home run with the n810. I hope so anyway. It looks like a great product.

My only complaint is the mini/micro SD card slot requirement. I guess my current 4G full size SDHC card won't work. That kinda sucks. But I'll deal. The GPS alone is worth it.

BTW, is Chinook going to bump the n800's CPU speed to 400mhz too? Or is that strictly an n810 benefit?

IMO the 770->800 split was due primarily the stark line drawn between the operating systems and what that did to developer support. I don't think the hardware bump itself had much to do with it (other than the 770 not really being able to deliver on the device's promise).

Given that the 800 and 810 will share an OS (and thereby implicit app support) I don't think you really had to worry about the same sort of split.

Keep on that track and I think you can safely add more hardware to new SKUs without huge backlash.

(I'm still waiting for the proper camera + internal HDD revision btw)

Tex,

I second & third this sentiment. Great info. Your writing is very insightful, and, of course, very much in line with what you've been saying (and hinting ) all along. Keep up the good work.

I've seen information stating that it will affect both devices.

EDIT: a program manager just read my blog... I'll be getting my N810 soon.