Hey, gang. I just received my Nokia N810 about three days ago, for my wife, who uses her Palm Centro smartphone non-stop during the evenings, browsing and e-mailing away. My intent was to provide her a better and easier-to-read toy for her.

But here's the problem: we're working off our home wi-fi, and when browsing, the pages take a pretty long time to load. Is this normal? She's stopped using it and has gone back to her Palm Centro, using the Sprint wireless network, and feels like it's considerably quicker.

I have another few days before I have to return it. If it were a $50 toy, that would be one thing. I've spent the last three nights (after she's stopped using it) to learn it and see if it's indeed annoyingly slow, and I have to agree with my wife. Our laptop is considerably faster, using the same wi-fi network.

So, please talk me into keeping this!

Thanks.

I would suggest updating the firmware. You can do it from the nokia official support website.

Thanks -- will give 'er a whirl. Can you download straight from the device?

google: nokia n810 update
you do it attached to a pc by usb
this info ought to be in the paperwork/guide that came with the unit

unless something goes wrong, it's the only time you'll have to do it

then install the browser called Tear
it's much faster
if you disable java and plugins, it's much much faster

Instructions here: http://wiki.maemo.org/Updating_the_tablet_firmware

Also, do yourself a favor and install the tear web browser. Once she's got the firmware updated and is using tear, she won't want to go back to her centro.

And if you don't mind my going off topic, can I ask how she likes the centro. I'm just now considering getting one as my phone/pda, but I want to make sure that the battery life is OK and that there aren't any other goofy bugs. Thanks!

First off, I'm so impressed with the quick response. Knowing there is such great support makes me want to keep the handy little device no matter what.

I'm not sure there were any instructions on connecting to a PC, downloading updates or firmware to the PC, etc. But I'm sure I can figure it out tonight when I'm home. There is a bit of a learning curve on this end -- haven't used Linux before and the keyboard/touchscreen is making it all a bit slow right now.

Also, is this the place for great new apps to download (like the ones you guys have just suggested)?

It took my wife awhile (a few months) to start using the Centro for more than taking a picture of our little girl and e-mailing it to her sisters. She now spends an hour or more updating her social media pages, e-mailing and browsing. Which was why I purchased the Internet tablet. She really likes it, and I have to say that her Centro, with the Sprint service, is faster than my BB Curve with Verizon, for what that's worth. Her camera, even at just 1.2 MP, takes sharper pictures than my Curve (with 2.0 MP).

Also, one more question -- where do I disable java and plugins?

Thanks again for all the great input, and please keep it coming!

Again, this link will walk you through updating the firmware: http://wiki.maemo.org/Updating_the_tablet_firmware

This link will walk you through installing tear: http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=28539

Go here to browse through more apps online: http://maemo.org/downloads/OS2008/

You can also browse for apps using the tablet's on-board Application Manager.

As for disabling java and plugins, once you install tear and have it open, tap the upside-down V on the bottom right, scroll to the bottom of the list that pops up, and unselect java and plugins.

And yes, if you have remaining questions about anything after a reasonable search, feel free to post them. You may get a snipe or two from someone who insists you gave up on your solo-search too soon. But most of us are ready and willing to help where we can.

You guys are great. I'm thinking my instincts were good and that this tablet is going to exceed my expectations (once I figure it out).

I think y'all saved me...

Thanks, Im2. Understood. I needed to make a decision whether to keep this Nokia tablet or not, in the next day, and I needed some quick advice. Asking that broad question gave me a quick answer (after all, I'm supposed to be working right now!). I'll dive thoroughly into this site this weekend.