WiMAX Internet Tablet Update

[Reggie]

Here's more proof of the upcoming WiMAX enabled Internet Tablet. It seems like Nokia is working with Alvartion Ltd., and Cisco, and Mocano Telecom on establishing a Center of Excellence on WiMAX aiming to provide cosumers VoIP, streaming video, and an always on-line experience through their mobile device. Alvarion is bringing in their 4Motion Open WiMAX solution, Cisco is providing seamless WiMAX mobile integration via their Broadband Wireless Gateway, Nokia is bringing in a WiMAX 2.5GHz compatible Internet Tablet, and Monaco Telecom is experimenting on the solution at Tunisia. According to Ari Virtanen, Vice President, Convergence Products at Nokia:Working with Alvarion, Cisco and Monaco Telecom is a great step towards making Mobile WiMAX available for consumers and fits perfectly with our strategy of offering a broad and innovative portfolio of devices.In the US, WiMAX will be via Sprint's XOHM. Expect the new internet tablet sometime April - May. Read the full article.Read the full article. (http://www.internettablettalk.com/2008/01/23/wimax-internet-tablet-update/)

[Kozzi]

Expect the new internet tablet sometime April - May

N900 with WiMAX, OMAP3430, D-pad on left and buttons on right , higher quality webcam and FM-tuner included ? :eek:

[phi]

or it could just be a add-on/refresh...like when they hyped OS2006 as a new tablet...

[CyberCat]

Oh dang, and I just bought my N810 last week. =(

[bartsimpson123844]

Sweet; I am really hoping for a new internet tablet. Something that is considerably better than the current version hopefully.

[CyberCat]

N900 with WiMAX, OMAP3430, D-pad on left and buttons on right , higher quality webcam and FM-tuner included ? :eek:

For me, the "perfect tablet" would have all the features of the N810 plus:

- WiMax
- OMAP3430
- IR send/receiver (so it could be a universal remote)
- Front-facing 2-4 megapixel camera with video capture
- 256+MB RAM
- Two SDHC slots like the N800
- An alt key (just replace one of the shift keys)
- Video out (maybe microDVI?)
- 2 left/right d-pads and/or low profile analog sticks (would be great for gaming!)
- FM radio
- Bluetooth PAN/DUN

...all in the same form factor with same battery life. Well I can dream.. :rolleyes:

[gemniii42]

<snip>
...all in the same form factor with same battery life. Well I can dream.. :rolleyes:
C'mon make that at least twice the battery life with a little built in hand crank!!
Plus teleportation.

[Texrat]

Yeah, I just learned the new model name today. It's not what anyone would guess. :D

[adsum ignotus]

The N(friggin sweet) perhaps?

[Hagar]

OK, Texrat, you have our attention.....
What's it?

[CyberCat]

Yeah, I just learned the new model name today. It's not what anyone would guess. :D

Oh yea, do share!

Is it the N811? N810+WiMax?? GP3X??? :p

[drizek]

How much does Sprints NAMBLA service cost? If it is expensive it makes the whole wimax thing pretty useless to me.

[fpp]

Long shot : E820 ? :-)

[bartsimpson123844]

Yeah, I just learned the new model name today. It's not what anyone would guess. :D

.....and why the hell are you keeping it a secret?? :D

[tso]

he works at the place, and if he talks about it, he would breach a nda thats part of his work contract, or something like that...

so all in all, unless its a released device the rat talks about, ignore the beast, nothing good will come from paying attention...

[GeneralAntilles]

Yeah, I just learned the new model name today. It's not what anyone would guess. :D

/me begins prodding Texrat with a stick.

On a related note, why does everybody seem to think WiMAX is some sort of magic bullet for data access on-the-go? Do we have any potential pricing scales? Data limits? Coverage (is it going to be as spotty as 3g)? Personally, I just don't see it being as great as everybody thinks it will be.

[EIPI]

On a related note, why does everybody seem to think WiMAX is some sort of magic bullet for data access on-the-go? Do we have any potential pricing scales? Data limits? Coverage (is it going to be as spotty as 3g)? Personally, I just don't see it being as great as everybody thinks it will be.

I guess it depends on your situation. Here in Canada, WiMAX coverage is excellent, and current rates are $50 for 1.5Mbps and 30Gb monthly bandwidth. That is for the current 'portable' WiMAX modems. If I could use such a service with just the tablet alone, no modem, I would probably be all over it.

[geneven]

In other Nokia news, I found this interesting reading. Just the isolated fact that Nokia has sold more than twenty million phones in China is pretty impressive.

Nokia posts big increase in profit:

http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/01/24/technology/nokia.php

[Reggie]

Yes, WiMAX won't be for everyone, especially if it will only roll-out on just the major cities early this year. The hype however is, it is backed up by some interesting big players such as Nokia, Intel, Motorola, Samsung. The Intel MIDs are coming out with integrated WiMAX. Nokia might be the first one to release a WiMAX tablet though.

FYI, WiMAX speeds on earlier reports say that it will be 3-4Mbps down and 1Mbps up.

[Karel Jansens]

Yeah, I just learned the new model name today. It's not what anyone would guess. :D

Is it "P&|A"?

[Texrat]

Hey, nice guesses... except from Karel of course.

And no.

[lad]

"Yeah, I just learned the new model name today. It's not what anyone would guess"

If the new WIMAX Nokia Tablet doesn't follow the previous numbering convention, then maybe it's considered a complete break in design/concept. Maybe even designed to (finally) be "consumer friendly." ;)


"Sprints NAMBLA service"

????

Now, there's an acronym that needs a fast change! :eek:

[Texrat]

"Yeah, I just learned the new model name today. It's not what anyone would guess"

If the new WIMAX Nokia Tablet doesn't follow the previous numbering convention, then maybe it's considered a complete break in design/concept. Maybe even designed to (finally) be "consumer friendly." ;)


"Sprints NAMBLA service"

????

Now, there's an acronym that needs a fast change! :eek:

Mmm... don't go too far out on a limb with your first premise. :D

As to the second point-- yikes! :eek:

[EIPI]

How about the 'Nokia N802.16' ? He he

[Kozzi]

How about the 'Nokia N802.16' ? He he

I think the new device is modified version of N800 so it could be N802 too ;)

[Texrat]

I think the new device is modified version of N800

At least, that's what some members of the media are claiming... :rolleyes:

[CyberCat]

Can't you at least give a little hint Texrat? How about we guess, like say "Does it start with N?" and then you just say "yes" or "no", that way you technically haven't told us anything. :D

[Texrat]

Ok... Yes.

[Kozzi]

so it starts with N, now next number

will it be
8 ?
9 ? :P

[CyberCat]

That's not really a "yes" or "no" question... how about is the second character a "9"?

[sjgadsby]

"Does it start with N?"
Yes.

All right! The new Nokia Netsucker. Yeah!

[Texrat]

Yes, it could be a number.

[sjgadsby]

Yes, it could be a number.

The Nokia Nπ?

[Texrat]

Good question! I wonder if N# is taken...

[sjgadsby]

Good question! I wonder if N# is taken...

I like: Nokia NaN.

[Karel Jansens]

Hey, nice guesses... except from Karel of course.

And no.

Virtual beerpoints to whoever "gets" the name I proposed.

Except if I've seen you on "that" forum. You know who you are, Pupnik.

Here's that name again: P&|A.

[drizek]

"Sprints NAMBLA service"

????

Now, there's an acronym that needs a fast change! :eek:

Ya, I forgot the name of it so I improvised :D

So does anyone have any idea what it would cost?

[Texrat]

So does anyone have any idea what it would cost?

Yes. Yes I do.

[cairn]

Virtual beerpoints to whoever "gets" the name I proposed.

Except if I've seen you on "that" forum. You know who you are, Pupnik.

Here's that name again: P&|A.

P AND OR A, Pandora. Of course.

[Texrat]

Nice work cairn!

I checked Karel's link out of curiosity the other day. One of my kids already wants that device. :D

[cairn]

I'm keeping an eye on the Pandora project too. I decided to pass on the N810 (very happy with my N800) so I'm looking forward to the next tablet and/or Pandora. I have no interest in WiMax since it'll be ages before it's available in my area, but I'm looking forward to other hardware upgrades.

[Karel Jansens]

P AND OR A, Pandora. Of course.

125 points!

[Texrat]

125 points!

Just thank him 125 times.

cairn, get posting!

[Viipottaja]

Texrat, we had fun guessing the name. Now, you MUST out of loyalty to the happy and tightknit family of IT lovers gives a hint (or two) (or three) about what its actually like - just N800/N810 + WiMax chip? Or something different/better? Come on man, you are killing me with curiosity. And I am not even a cat. Maybe a dog.

[Texrat]

Eh, I only have scant detail, Viipottaja, and if I knew more I couldn't/wouldn't say. I have loyalty to my job, too. Almost as much. ;)

[GeneralAntilles]

Eh, I only have scant detail, Viipottaja, and if I knew more I couldn't/wouldn't say. I have loyalty to my job, too. Almost as much. ;)

/me continues prodding. :p

[Kozzi]

that's it, it's a 770 with WiMAX.

[sjgadsby]

that's it, it's a 770 with WiMAX.

Oh, how I hope they call it the N770. The confusion it would cause!

[GeneralAntilles]

Oh, how I hope they call it the N770. The confusion it would cause!

Ehehe. That would be fun. :D

[Texrat]

/me continues prodding. :p

Quit that. It tickles.

[mullf]

Texrat, will the new tablet fix the GPS problems? If it requires cold-start time for each fix, even when your last one was only an hour ago, then I can't justify buying it. If I buy it, I need it to replace both my 770 AND my stand-alone GPS receiver, which does hot- and warm-starts just fine (as is the industry standard). If the new tablet has a properly-working GPS and WiMAX, I am all over it!

[Texrat]

I don't know anything about work related to GPS, sorry.

[johnkzin]

Virtual beerpoints to whoever "gets" the name I proposed.

Except if I've seen you on "that" forum. You know who you are, Pupnik.

Here's that name again: P&|A.

Pretty easy, if you're a programmer...

[Greyghost]

Come on man, you are killing me with curiosity. And I am not even a cat. Maybe a dog.

Forget it man...won't work. TR let my old cat go without so much as a whisper of the release date last year...but then rats don't like cats...:rolleyes:maybe it's better you're a dog...;)

[ompa]

I'm probably pushing my luck here, but it's for the sake of decision. With the release would anyone expect the N810 to drop below $300? I ask this because if it would, I'll probably wait the extra month or two, but if it isn't, I'll just get an N800. Alternatively if the new one launches at sub $350 I'd probably consider that one...

[bartsimpson123844]

I doubt the N810 will drop below $350 anytime soon. I also think the new IT will also include integrated GPS like the N810; therefore, I believe the new IT will be well over $350. Hopefully, they will upgrade the Processor and include 2 full size SD slots and a better digi/web cam. If they do that much, I would expect it to be quite high. I would, however, still buy one.

[johnkzin]

I'd rather have 2 microSD slots than 2 SD slots.

It'll be interesting to see what improvements they work into it.

[GeneralAntilles]

I'd rather have 2 microSD slots than 2 SD slots.


I wouldn't prefer it, but I could deal with that if "size constraints" still factored into it.

[lad]

I still think that the PIM market will be getting more crowded and competitive and the new Nokia will have to stand out in price/features somehow. The N810, esp. compared to the N800, suffers for this.

[Akai Kenshi]

Does anyone know if WiMax will be interoperable with LTE (which seems to have ton of industry momentum)? I'm really wary of another set of competing mobile standards.

[ag2]

Texrat, will the new tablet fix the GPS problems? If it requires cold-start time for each fix, even when your last one was only an hour ago, then I can't justify buying it. If I buy it, I need it to replace both my 770 AND my stand-alone GPS receiver, which does hot- and warm-starts just fine (as is the industry standard). If the new tablet has a properly-working GPS and WiMAX, I am all over it!

Moreover, the current standard for cold fixes is 30 seconds (MTK, Sirf chips). I really hope the next Nokia tablet will dump the piece-of-you-know-what Texas Instruments GPS chip.

Better yet, give us offline AGPS. With offline AGPS, you download a 50k file once every 10 days, and get all fixes in about 5 seconds. Now, wouldn't that be sweet?

[Texrat]

I still think that the PIM market will be getting more crowded and competitive and the new Nokia will have to stand out in price/features somehow. The N810, esp. compared to the N800, suffers for this.

When we release a PIM, we'll take that into consideration. :D

[kdub420]

They offer wimax in QUE?
kdub

[mwiktowy]

Moreover, the current standard for cold fixes is 30 seconds (MTK, Sirf chips). I really hope the next Nokia tablet will dump the piece-of-you-know-what Texas Instruments GPS chip.


Kind of off topic for this thread but ...

It seems that the problem is not the hardware after all. The problem was a buggy gpsd (or buggy function feeding gpsd the date) that was giving the wrong date by exactly a day ... which cases the gps to cold start every single time. Jussi Kukkonen found the problem and made a fixed deb available here:

http://vilunki.wordpress.com/2008/02/04/solution-to-n810-gps-problems/

(Isn't it great to have the source code available?)

I downloaded it an installed it (must be in Red Pill mode ... just the plain gpsd ... not the gpsd-dev or gpsd-dbg) and it didn't kill my N810 but I won't get a chance to test it until my drive home.

[mwiktowy]

I won't get a chance to test it until my drive home.

The improvement was quite dramatic on the warm start. It still had to cold start (~4 minutes while moving) the first time but the time was reduced quite a bit even after a reboot while still moving (~1 minute while moving). When stopping and starting the maps apps while stationary, the GPS reacquired a position very quickly (~15 seconds).

[Red]

N820
N900
N910
N830

I'm guessing it's one of the above.

[Texrat]

Nope. Nope. Nope. Nope.

[GeneralAntilles]

RX-48 . . . what can we take from that?

I want to say it'll be similar to the N810, but my instincts tell me we don't have enough data on the model codes to be sure.

How's Nokia on trailing letters? Maybe an N810w or N810i?

[sjgadsby]

Nope.

While I'm still rooting for "Netsucker", I suspect Nokia will choose something more understated. Perhaps this is a trailing lowercase letter situation. So, Nokia N810i or the like.

EDIT: Ah, nuts. The General beat me to it.

[Texrat]

I can neither confirm nor deny the general's prescience. His speed, however, is obvious.

[fpp]

That's illogical -- the 'i' suffix is when they add "internet capability" (generally a browser) to an existing phone. The "Internet Tablet", of course, already has what it takes to have the 'i'... but it's not a phone. So something like N800p or N810p could make sense... if they were to add a SIM slot to the tablets. But then they would have to add PIM functionality too, so we know it's out of the question :-)

I'm still rooting for an E-something.

[CyberCat]

I've got a feeling it probably starts with N9* (wild card).

[GeneralAntilles]

I've got a feeling it probably starts with N9* (wild card).

Nah, there's no way it's a 900-series. N9?? would imply a big changeup in hardware (OMAP3, etc), which the model code suggests against. Besides, an N9?? release would piss off far too many new N810 owners.

[CyberCat]

Nah, there's no way it's a 900-series. N9?? would imply a big changeup in hardware (OMAP3, etc), which the model code suggests against. Besides, an N9?? release would piss off far too many new N810 owners.

I don't know. We already know it starts with N, we know it's not N820 or N830. I suppose it could be like N850 or N890 maybe. They could use the last digit too, like N895, N815, N835, etc. Is Nokia in the habit of using revision letters? Maybe we're talking something like *A or *a, *B, etc.

To be honest, I'm actually much more interested in finding out what other features are planned for the unit than its actual name.

[Texrat]

I will say it is NOT an N9xx. GA's logic is spot-on there.

[johnkzin]

Hm. Wonder about a minor version number increment. Like N811.

[CyberCat]

I will say it is NOT an N9xx. GA's logic is spot-on there.

Really. Interesting, well, I suppose my hunch was incorrect. In that case I'm going to say it'll be N8??. The second digit has to be 4-9, and the last will probably be 0, maybe 5 or 1. The vast majority of Nokia phones have 0 at the end.

[bartsimpson123844]

I was thinking N880? Kind of like the N770?

[CyberCat]

I was thinking N880? Kind of like the N770?

Yeah, I'm thinking N880 or N890.

[pipeline]

I think the rumored WiMax (WM) was incorrect... its actually that they realized their error of omission in the N8x0 series and they are planning a return to Magic Magnet™ technology!

So maybe N810+MM or both wimax -and- magic magnets! N810+MM+WM

[Benson]

Really. Interesting, well, I suppose my hunch was incorrect. In that case I'm going to say it'll be N8??. The second digit has to be 4-9, and the last will probably be 0, maybe 5 or 1. The vast majority of Nokia phones have 0 at the end.

But the N-series phones are not so %10-ish, and it's an N-series. If it's essentially either an N800 or an N810 with WiMAX stuffed in, then N801/811, N802/812 (to leave room for the SIM version:)), etc. would make sense. Still, Texrat said it's not what anyone would expect, and I have seen it referred to as a N801 before. I wouldn't put any money on this, ever, but could be going to 4 digits?

[johnkzin]

N8hahayoucouldn'tguessit!!!20

:-)

[sjgadsby]

Since it's going to be some time before WiMAX becomes widespread, I'm more interested to see what Nokia will put in their upcoming entry level tablet, the N008.

[CyberCat]

But the N-series phones are not so %10-ish, and it's an N-series. If it's essentially either an N800 or an N810 with WiMAX stuffed in, then N801/811, N802/812 (to leave room for the SIM version:)), etc. would make sense. Still, Texrat said it's not what anyone would expect, and I have seen it referred to as a N801 before. I wouldn't put any money on this, ever, but could be going to 4 digits?

Yeah, maybe it'll be N802.16e! (WiMax/WirelessMAN) :p

[pipeline]

Since it's going to be some time before WiMAX becomes widespread, I'm more interested to see what Nokia will put in their upcoming entry level tablet, the N008.

ZWave IR Remote Technology... it'll be the N008Z and the sku for US/UK is N008Z-USUK

[speculatrix]

my vote would be the N810wu - for wimax usa, n810wc - wimax canada, 810wu - wimax uk, etc etc

wimax requires regional regulatory permissions, so I can see there will be national variants.

hope nokia fix the video bandwidth problem too, I see that as being just as important as more ram+flash!

[ag2]

Kind of off topic for this thread but ...

It seems that the problem is not the hardware after all. The problem was a buggy gpsd (or buggy function feeding gpsd the date) that was giving the wrong date by exactly a day ... which cases the gps to cold start every single time.


The gpsd fix is only for warm starts. Cold starts are still in 2+ minute range. Cold fixes are the more important ones -- usually your GPS has been off for a while when you need to use it.

The problem _is_ in the hardware. As far as I can tell, the TI 5300 chip does not bother to store almanac data. The chip also requires at least 4 satellites to obtain a fix, when most (all?) other chips only need 3.



Jussi Kukkonen found the problem and made a fixed deb available here:



Hey there :). Give me some credit too. I was the one to discover the problem. Jussi found a fix for it.

[Texrat]

Still, Texrat said it's not what anyone would expect

In hindsight I have to qualify that by saying not what most would expect. :D

[CyberCat]

So Texrat, how are our guesses so far? :D

[Texrat]

Um... which ones?

[CyberCat]

Um, all of them I guess! :D

Has anybody guessed the right name? Or at least gotten the first two or three characters correct?

[Texrat]

Okay. I'll say this: somewhere in this thread, a correct guess was made.

[GeneralAntilles]

Okay. I'll say this: somewhere in this thread, a correct guess was made.

Damn guess spammers. . . .

[CyberCat]

Ok. Here is a complete list of every guess made in this thread. ONE of them is the name of the new tablet!

N008
N008Z

N770

N801
N802
N802.16
N802.16e

N810w

N810i
N810wu
N810wc
N810wu
N810+MM
N810+MM+WM
N810+WiMax
N811
N812
N820
N830
N880
N890

N900
N910

N(friggin sweet)

GP3X

P&|A
Pandora

E820

Netsucker
NaN
Nπ

Very unlikely
Unlikely
Possible
Likely

That's 31 guesses. I think it's safe to say that it starts with N8* so that leaves only 16 possible options. If we cut out the repetitive ones we get down to about 7-9, and once we elimate the ones Texrat already said weren't right, that only leaves about 4 or so options. :rolleyes:

[mwiktowy]

The problem _is_ in the hardware. As far as I can tell, the TI 5300 chip does not bother to store almanac data. The chip also requires at least 4 satellites to obtain a fix, when most (all?) other chips only need 3.

Hmmm ... usually 4 satellites are needed for 3D fix and 3 are good enough for a 2D fix given a simple model of the Earth. I know my iBlue external GPS would give me a 2D fix until it finally resolved a full 3D fix. Perhaps that is the step that is missing with the N810s hardware that is giving the perception that it is taking a much slower time to finally complete the fix. Considering there doesn't seem to be anywhere in the included maps software that gives altitude, perhaps the hardware can be kicked into a different "2D" mode that would be sufficient for most ground navigating people.

Hey there :). Give me some credit too. I was the one to discover the problem. Jussi found a fix for it.

Sorry ... I was just relaying info what I saw in Jussi's blog in response to someone's complaint about the built in GPS. Didn't mean to not give credit where credit is due ... kudos to your insight.

[EIPI]

Okay. I'll say this: somewhere in this thread, a correct guess was made.

Guesses are fun. But it'd be more fun if Nokia/Maemo rewarded the correct guesser with the new tablet. Any thoughts Texrat on how to swing that idea within the Nokia organization?

[Benson]

Ok. Here is a complete list of every guess made in this thread. ONE of them is the name of the new tablet!

N008
N008Z

N770

N802
N802.16
N802.16e

N810w
N810i
N810wu
N810wc
N810wu
N810+MM
N810+MM+WM
N810+WiMax
N811
N820
N830
N880
N890

N900
N910

N(friggin sweet)

GP3X

P&|A
Pandora

E820

Netsucker
NaN
Nπ

Very unlikely
Unlikely
Possible
Likely

That's 29 guesses. I think it's safe to say that it starts with N8* so that leaves only 16 possible options. If we cut out the repetitive ones we get down to about 7-9, and once we elimate the ones Texrat already said weren't right, that only leaves about 4 or so options. :rolleyes:
Here kitty, kitty, kitty!
Just curious how you ranked probability? presumably not taking TR's input, since you account that later, and also because you list N9xx as Unlikely, not Very unlikely.
Anyway, here's a couple you missed (emphasis added):
If it's essentially either an N800 or an N810 with WiMAX stuffed in, then N801/811, N802/812 (to leave room for the SIM version:)), etc. would make sense.
N8hahayoucouldn'tguessit!!!20
Perhaps we should move this to the wiki... ;)

Was this post (http://www.internettablettalk.com/forums/showpost.php?p=138140&postcount=70) the first time that !@$#% rat started ducking? Or did he just have to make a crack about GA's speed, and that was necessary for texture? AAAAaaaaaarrrggggghhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!

[Texrat]

Hee hee hee hee hee.

:D

Guesses are fun. But it'd be more fun if Nokia/Maemo rewarded the correct guesser with the new tablet. Any thoughts Texrat on how to swing that idea within the Nokia organization?

No, sorry, this is not an official contest nor can I make it one. And I also can't acknowledge the winner...

[EIPI]

Thanks for your response, Texrat - It was worth a shot!

AFAICT from info to-date, only US customers will benefit from the WiMAX edition. Will other countries will have progressive releases after the initial launch in the US?

[sjgadsby]

Here is a complete list of every guess made in this thread.

I'm not sure whether I'm getting more enjoyment from almost all my suggestions being ranked as "very unlikely" or from "N008" not ranking that way.

[CyberCat]

Here kitty, kitty, kitty!
Just curious how you ranked probability? presumably not taking TR's input, since you account that later, and also because you list N9xx as Unlikely, not Very unlikely.
Anyway, here's a couple you missed (emphasis added):


Hi Benson, sorry I missed those (I could have sworn I had added them), they have been added to the list now. Also changed the N9*s to very unlikely based on texrat's post, I hadn't realized he had confirmed that it is absolute no N9*, I thought he had said something like "it's probably not N9*" so I didn't want to roll anything out.

Also changed *i to unlikely since that would imply that they just added internet.

Let me know on any other corrections/additions, and if you think something should be rated higher/lower.

[Kozzi]

I'm not sure whether I'm getting more enjoyment from almost all my suggestions being ranked as "very unlikely" or from "N008" not ranking that way.

N008 makes me think of possible N007 edition of IT for coming soon James Bond movie :P

[CyberCat]

Out of the items on the list I don't think it will have the N810* prefix, since I think Nokia will want to make a better distinction of it. Also I doubt it will have a LOWER number since that will make it sound like an older model (unless we're losing features??) N802* is a good guess for the WiMax designation, but I don't know, lower model number? I still think it's gonna be the N880, it has a nice sound to it (better than N890). N811, N812 and N890 are good guesses to, very possible certainly, but the N880 still sounds better to me.

[Michiel]

Couldn't the new name be like the N-Gage naming. Like N-Tablet or someting?

[Texrat]

<joke> yes, it's the N-wii </joke>

<no joke> oh, and N810wu is listed twice. Hmmm... why did I key on that? </no joke>

[CyberCat]

So how correct is the list, Texrat? Is it one of the "likely" ones?

[Texrat]

So how correct is the list, Texrat? Is it one of the "likely" ones?

Other than the duplicate I mentioned, it looks very nice and colorful.

[CyberCat]

That's because the person mentioned it twice. [U]nited states and [U]nited Kingdom.

[Texrat]

That's because the person mentioned it twice. [U]nited states and [U]nited Kingdom.

Then maybe it should be N810wus and N810wuk. Wait-- those don't sound good...

[CyberCat]

So, Is it one of the "likely" ones? :D

[Texrat]

Is what one of the likely whats?

[CyberCat]

Is the name of the new WiMax/WirelessMAN tablet that Nokia is making called one of the following names:

N802
N810w
N811
N880
N890

[Texrat]

Anything's possible!

[Benson]

Including slithering through the internet and strangling a certain uncooperative rat! (It's like a bunch of tubes, you know.)

[GeneralAntilles]

Couldn't the new name be like the N-Gage naming. Like N-Tablet or someting?

Aside from the brand-baggage associated with the name, and the fact that N-Gage is no longer a hardware thing, but a platform/application thing, this is incredibly unlikely.

ITOS in its current state from Nokia just doesn't have what it needs to fit into the N-Gage platform—we'd be getting a lot more rumblings on the software side if things were going that direction. Besides, gamers are about the last guys who are going to have the money/interest for WiMAX.

Although I don't see it happening soon, I certainly wouldn't be against an ITOS gaming device. :D

Including slithering through the internet and strangling a certain uncooperative rat! (It's like a bunch of tubes, you know.)

Maybe we can get it out of him if we raise enough money for him to retire comfortably after he leaks all of Nokia's secret hax. :D

[Texrat]

Including slithering through the internet and strangling a certain uncooperative rat! (It's like a bunch of tubes, you know.)

We rats excel at tube navigation. Do your worst!!!

/me shakes fist-- er, paw.

[CyberCat]

Anything's possible!

So is that a yes?

[sjgadsby]

So yes?

Sheesh, you just keep trying to bring this thread back to something approaching on topic. Come on, the rest of us are attempting to discuss Texrat's prowess at navigating tubes, and...ugh, unclean!

[Texrat]

So is that a yes?

Is what a yes?

[Greyghost]

Is what a yes?

O that makes my kids *crazy* when I do that! :D

[CyberCat]

Is what a yes?

Is your response a "yes" regarding the name of the new WiMax tablet that Nokia is making being called one of the following:

N802
N810w
N811
N880
N890

[Texrat]

O that makes my kids *crazy* when I do that! :D

When you do what?

[Texrat]

Is your response a "yes" regarding the name of the new WiMax tablet that Nokia is making being called one of the following:

N802
N810w
N811
N880
N890

No, sorry, my response was "anything's possible".

[CyberCat]

No

"No"?... interesting, I'll guess I'll have to re-arrange my list. What a shame, I thought N880 sounded pretty nice. :(

[Texrat]

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

..........................................

[Greyghost]

When you do what?

[running from room, hands in air]arrrgggrh!!!!!

[Greyghost]

"No"?... interesting, I'll guess I'll have to re-arrange my list. What a shame, I thought N880 sounded pretty nice. :(

[running back into room, then back out again] arrrrrggghhh!

[Texrat]

Oh cool! A duck shoot!

[m_sparks]

i don't think it's going to be a new tablet - i'm betting on the "two box" theory. A small "box" that will take care of translation between WiFi/bluetooth to the WiMax network. This "box" will also provide the subscriber authentication means (sim or whatever it is).
would be easy/inexpensive, and in my view the most important, enables WiMax for all tablets. (sarcasm: no-it's not a phone! )

<NOMEX flame suit ON!> :eek:

-Matt

[GeneralAntilles]

i don't think it's going to be a new tablet - i'm betting on the "two box" theory. A small "box" that will take care of translation between WiFi/bluetooth to the WiMax network. This "box" will also provide the subscriber authentication means (sim or whatever it is).
would be easy/inexpensive, and in my view the most important, enables WiMax for all tablets. (sarcasm: no-it's not a phone! )


Yeah . . . no. Nice idea, but if you actually consider the information available it's complete and total hogwash.

[TA-t3]

The one posting that looks true to me is the one by speculatrix - if there's to be wimax tablets, then

wimax requires regional regulatory permissions, so I can see there will be national variants.

(Bold emphasis by me)

[johnkzin]

i don't think it's going to be a new tablet - i'm betting on the "two box" theory. A small "box" that will take care of translation between WiFi/bluetooth to the WiMax network. This "box" will also provide the subscriber authentication means (sim or whatever it is).
would be easy/inexpensive, and in my view the most important, enables WiMax for all tablets. (sarcasm: no-it's not a phone! )

<NOMEX flame suit ON!> :eek:

-Matt

You mean like a competitor for the Cradepoint Personal Hotspot (hopefully that, instead of their non-battery product (CTR I think?))?

I'd like to see it, I really would. I'd especially like to see it if they had a version for GSM carriers (GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSPA), a version for CDMA carriers (1x, EVDOr0, EVDOr1), and a WiMAX version. But I really doubt that's what Nokia is doing.

[GeneralAntilles]

I'd like to see it, I really would. I'd especially like to see it if they had a version for GSM carriers (GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSPA), a version for CDMA carriers (1x, EVDOr0, EVDOr1), and a WiMAX version. But I really doubt that's what Nokia is doing.

The important question: how the hell is this any different than just carrying around a phone with your tablet? <_<

[Benson]

The important question: how the hell is this any different than just carrying around a phone with your tablet? <_<Hopefully cheaper than a phone, I guess. And if it was WiFi, rather than BT, then there's comparatively few (and pricey) phones that could do it. Like this morning on engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/06/3g-n95-joikuspot-wifi-iphone-3g-iphone-the-hard-way/), it could help the poor little iPhone, too. Why either of these would motivate Nokia to produce one, of course, is an open question.

[johnkzin]

The important question: how the hell is this any different than just carrying around a phone with your tablet? <_<

1) Most of the US carriers don't have options for "0 voice service, unlimited data service" on your phone (T-mobile does, but only with smartphones).

2) Most of the US carriers I've seen make unlimited data for your phone more expensive ($75-$110/mo. total, even with a dirt cheap voice plan). And that may or may not cover a tethering option. In comparison, the mobile router products, like Cradepoint's offering (and a couple other vendors), use data cards or USB dongles, which tend to get a reasonable flat rate unlimited service from the carriers ($40-$60/mo. total). Oh, and, at least with T-mobile, that unlimited internet tier covers using VOIP, so you don't need to ALSO carry a phone if you don't want to: just use Skype on your NIT (if you find Skype's quality to be good enough).

3) It uses Wifi for the bridge between your NIT and the network. This means you don't have worry about buying a phone that has Bluetooth DUN or PAN, and even if it does have DUN, wondering if it will actually work with the NIT. It also means that you can have more than one such device (a camera with that wifi SD card, for example).

4) Some bluetooth phones make you hit "OK" or something on every bluetooth connection, even if the devices were already paired and trusted the last time you connected them. This means you have to physically handle the gateway device every time you use it. With the PHS, you only have to touch it if it's not actually turned on. If it's in the bottom of your backpack, but on and just waiting for you, then you don't have to touch it at all.


That's how it's different from (and IMO, superior to) just carrying around your phone to tether with your NIT.

[johnkzin]

Hopefully cheaper than a phone, I guess. And if it was WiFi, rather than BT, then there's comparatively few (and pricey) phones that could do it. Like this morning on engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/06/3g-n95-joikuspot-wifi-iphone-3g-iphone-the-hard-way/), it could help the poor little iPhone, too. Why either of these would motivate Nokia to produce one, of course, is an open question.

Yeah, an iPhone with VOIP (someone is making VOIP software for it, right?) and a PHS device doesn't need to be tied to AT&T (or the single blessed iPhone vendor in your country). Though, at that point, you might as well go with the iPod Touch instead of the iPhone.

Might make it easy for Nokia to make money off of the people who love the iPhone/iTouch but hate AT&T.

[TA-t3]

4) Some bluetooth phones make you hit "OK" or something on every bluetooth connection, even if the devices were already paired and trusted the last time you connected them. This means you have to physically handle the gateway device every time you use it. [..]
That would indeed be very annoying. But that should also be considered a bug of the actual phone, and hopefully there aren't too many of those (it would also obviously make BT headsets quite tiring to use).

My cheap BT phone stays put in the pocket (a very small pocket), as it should be.

[GeneralAntilles]

2) Most of the US carriers I've seen make unlimited data for your phone more expensive ($75-$110/mo. total, even with a dirt cheap voice plan).

Somehow I don't think a device like this would be much cheaper. ;)

[johnkzin]

Somehow I don't think a device like this would be much cheaper. ;)

Then you're not paying attention.

Cradlepoint PHS + Sprint EVDO USB dongle == $60/mo. for unlimited and unfiltered data.

($50/mo if you qualify for SERO)


MUCH cheaper than paying Sprint for a dirt cheap minutes plan + unlimited "phone as modem" (then you're looking at $100/month or more, depending on which options you get).

[Texrat]

Great news! For me anyway. I just got added to the list of early testers for the wimax tablet. I can't wait! :D

[Mara]

Great news! For me anyway. I just got added to the list of early testers for the wimax tablet. I can't wait! :D

Congratulations!

When there is going to be WiMax network coverage in Dallas, TX area? I have only heard news that Sprint will start building the network in April... (Another story when they get it up and running in Dallas... but I assume Dallas is pretty high in priority list...)

Or are you testing that in some internal test network?

[johnkzin]

How does one get added to this list? hmmm? :-)

[Texrat]

Well, to get added to the list, one must be a Nokia employee.

As to Mara's questions, ask me in sametime, email or person. BTW I just moved to building 2, 4th floor. We need to grab lunch sometime.

[sjgadsby]

How does one get added to this list?

Start here (http://www.nokia.com/A4126298).

[Texrat]

Start here (http://www.nokia.com/A4126298).

Man, am I glad I clicked that link almost 3 years ago! :)

[Mara]

Man, am I glad I clicked that link almost 3 years ago! :)

I didn't know that you are such a newbie... :p

[CyberCat]

Man, am I glad I clicked that link almost 3 years ago! :)

Texrat, I'm curious what it is you do at your job at Nokia. Are you like some kind of product designer or something?

[sjgadsby]

Texrat, I'm curious what it is you do at your job at Nokia. Are you like some kind of product designer or something?

You know how Apple used to have evangelists? Texrat's job is like that for Nokia, but with more teasing.


That, or he does boring quality control management stuff.

[pipeline]

Texrat is kindof like Agent Simmons of Sector 7 (http://transformers.wikia.com/wiki/Reggie_Simmons) in that the only communication he is authorized to have with us was to tell us he wasn't authorized to communicate with us.

You know how secretive them fancy japanese companies like nokia are.

[Texrat]

Texrat, I'm curious what it is you do at your job at Nokia. Are you like some kind of product designer or something?

I was a designer for many years for other companies (TI, Stanley, etc) but not Nokia. Here I started as a data analyst for QA, added quality engineer (as in for N800 launch) to my duties when our group shrank, went back to data analyst but for the Americas timezone after our factory shut down, then joined customer logistics as a global applications specialist when the timezones were disbanded.

And :p to pipeline. :D

[Greyghost]

Great news! For me anyway. I just got added to the list of early testers for the wimax tablet. I can't wait! :D

Ah, most xlnt! Hoping that you'll post here some of your observations, then I too can't wait. Er, um, in the interest of my 'helping' you with the waiting, when exactly do you expect to have one? Or is that too specific a question? I have some more cats...

[Texrat]

I can't post observations until some time after testing. But-- I'm open to suggestions from posters here on what to try.

[Benson]

I'm open to suggestions from posters here on what to try.
Could you try out the camera? I've had quality issues when photographing large, smooth, flat reflective surfaces perpendicularly. Maybe you could snap some pictures like that and upload them so we can see if it's better.
Or maybe you could try something like this (http://tabletblog.com/2007/01/nokia-n800-dissection-and-reassembly.html)?

Naturally, of course, the main upgrade (that we know of) is WiMAX, so tales of disgustingly fast downloads of new tablet firmwares over a VPN from an internal Nokia network while driving 90 mph down the freeway would be in order...

[Texrat]

Don't quit your day job. :D

[johnkzin]

I can't post observations until some time after testing. But-- I'm open to suggestions from posters here on what to try.

Clarity of making Skype calls on it?


Oh, and seeing how well it travels via fed-ex (you know, seeing if any of their scanners or other handling processes damage it, things like that). I volunteer to be the other end-point of the test shipment. And I promise I'll send it RIGHT back. No, really, I will.

[traveller604]

Are there actually any wimax networks out there?

[speculatrix]

Are there actually any wimax networks out there?

Canada seems blessed by this.

USA seems to have a few trials - Sprint's Xohm?

in the UK, as far as I know, there's only one operator even offering a public trial:
http://www.pipex.net/pg.asp?home

[aflegg]

I've recently seen planning notices outside Tower 42 (in the City of London) for the erection of WiMAX antenna. I can't remember the company's name, but it definitely wasn't Pipex.

[johnkzin]

and there's a WiMAX mobile variant (WiBro) in S. Korea already, that is widely deployed.

[Greyghost]

Are there actually any wimax networks out there?

Indeed. This is what I want to hear about. How does one connect, how fast is it, how reliable, etc. But, can you test these things w/o a wimax network? Or is there such a thing in place in Dallas already? Certainly nothing like that here in Austin...yet:o

Edit: Well, I've been doing some reading. Seems like wimax might be closer than I thought. At wimax.com I found a 'deployments' page that lists both Dallas/Ft. Worth and Austin, though I'm not exactly sure how the service is being deployed and how one gets access to it if it is. More reading is in oner, of course...

[deeteroderdas]

Indeed. This is what I want to hear about. How does one connect, how fast is it, how reliable, etc. But, can you test these things w/o a wimax network? Or is there such a thing in place in Dallas already? Certainly nothing like that here in Austin...yet:o

Edit: Well, I've been doing some reading. Seems like wimax might be closer than I thought. At wimax.com I found a 'deployments' page that lists both Dallas/Ft. Worth and Austin, though I'm not exactly sure how the service is being deployed and how one gets access to it if it is. More reading is in oner, of course...

Look here:

http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2006/07/10/daily2.html?jst=b_ln_hl

Woot!

[Texrat]

Looks like I may have to take a road trip to really test this!

Also, I am due back in Helsinki in early March...

[CyberCat]

Here's a map of their coverage areas in the US:http://www.wimax.com/images/articles/clear2.jpg

And in Malaysiahttp://www.wimax.com/images/articles/malaysiamap.jpg

[johnkzin]

Unfortunately, those Clearwire dots in central CA are actually are as inland as they look (I'm coastal). It's in the inland-dustbowl ... er.. inland valley in CA (modesto, merced, etc.).

Hopefully Clearwire will come to San Jose and Santa Cruz soon.

[sjgadsby]

Here's a map of their coverage areas in the US:

Ooh, all of Pennsylvania is "in Development"! That's vaguely promising. I'll just ignore the fact that their web site is "unable to validate" any address I've tried in the state. I'm sure that's meaningless.

[TTgowings]

Woo hoo, WIMAX coming to Grand Rapids (http://www.dailywireless.org/2006/12/06/grand-rapids-clearwire/), MI. via Clearwire..

[sjgadsby]

Woo hoo, WIMAX coming to Grand Rapids (http://www.dailywireless.org/2006/12/06/grand-rapids-clearwire/), MI. via Clearwire..

From the article: Clearwire’s Residential Plans typically run from $30-$40/month for 700K-1.5 Mbps.

That sounds reasonable to me, and it would certainly be nice to have a competitor & alternative to Comcast's cable modem service in my area. DSL isn't available here yet, and I don't expect to see FiOS anytime soon.

[Greyghost]

Look here:

http://sanantonio.bizjournals.com/sanantonio/stories/2006/07/10/daily2.html?jst=b_ln_hl

Woot!

Woot indeedI Still, it's hard for me to tell from what I've read so far if/when and how/how much. Do you think that the statement: "Airband is now marketing its WiMAX network service in Austin..." means it's currently available? I guess it may be, downtown, but I don't live or work there.

Also, it occurs to me that since we are waiting for the N820 wimax tablet, are there devices already in the market that can take advantage of WiMAX? Or will any device capable of WiFi be able to make use of the WiMAX signal?

And cost? I haven't seen any rate plans, etc, but then maybe I haven't looked in the right places. Airband, for example, doesn't seem to have a subscription page.

[sjgadsby]

Or will any device capable of WiFi be able to make use of the WiMAX signal?

No, you'll need new hardware.

[TTgowings]

How about though would it be at all possible to have a hardware Mfg. put out some sort of firmware update and maybe at some point in time some companies could make a WIMAX SD/SDHC card much like they are doing now with the WiFi SDHC cards ?

[Benson]

Also, it occurs to me that since we are waiting for the N820 wimax tablet, are there devices already in the market that can take advantage of WiMAX? Or will any device capable of WiFi be able to make use of the WiMAX signal? I believe I've heard of WiMAX-connected APs that would let you connect any WiFi device.

[Viipottaja]

what is worrying to me is that its only going to "early testing" now... :( Texrat may be able to comment, but that sounds to me like its not going to be in the shops anytime soon at all...

[johnkzin]

From what I recall, it's not due until the middle of the year, anyway. So going into testing now seems about right, to me.

[Texrat]

Also, "early testing" means different things to different people along the development chain. ;)

[UXSam]

I signed up to ask this question. :) I'm getting a N810 soon. Texrat, if you can answer this question, please do. If not, then ignore it: Does the new model design look better, does it feel any different compared to the current model?

[TA-t3]

I don't think texrat is allowed to say much about that.. I, on the other hand, with no idea about what Nokia is up to, I can answer it I think:

- New model design: This will look better to some and worse to others, just as was the case when the N810 came out.
- As it's quite unlikely that a new model will be built exactly like one of the previous ones I think it's pretty safe to say that "yes, it will feel different to the current model(s)".

:D

[sjgadsby]

..."yes, it will feel different to the current model(s)".

The real question is: which model did Texrat get? Pleather or faux fur?

[Texrat]

The real question is: which model did Texrat get? Pleather or faux fur?

Ack!!!

...ok, who's the spy?

[TTgowings]

Could this little announcement (http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/12/intel-and-nokia-working-on-seamless-wifi-wimax-switchoffs/) play into things ?

[TheHMan]

I doubt any of the Beta testers can answer this, but maybe someone else can toss in some insight. I'm just about to purchase a N810, but this WiMax thing seems to be a pretty big deal. I'm in Canada and it's offered all over, but usually Canadian releases for products are held back for half a year after it's released in the US.

What's the likelihood of a simultaneous release along with the Q2 release in the US? Would it be worth holding out for a couple months? Also, would the US models be capable with the 3.5ghz services here?

[johnkzin]

Is this it?

The combination of the black N810 rumors, an N830 designation... hmmm...

http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/19/nokia-n830-wimax-equipped-internet-tablet-photo-leaked/

If the only difference between the N810 and the N830 is black vs blue-ish, and WiMAX or not ... I'll probably stick with the N810, at least until WiMAX is available in my area.

Still has the D-pad in the wrong place.

[TA-t3]

An N810 with wimax isn't for me, what I would like is an N800 with wimax. The only thing I care (a lot) for in the N810 design is the transflective screen.

[Texrat]

Is this it?

The combination of the black N810 rumors, an N830 designation... hmmm...

...*sigh*...

[sjgadsby]

...*sigh*...

Among other terms, I track "maemo", "N800", and "N810" on Twitter to keep tabs on how the Internet tablets are being received and used. Yesterday, I began tracking "N830" as well to see how far and fast the misinformation spread. It's been entertaining.

[nikolajhendel]

regaring the "readyness" of 810 wimax edition.

Texrat saying that he has to take a roadtrip suggests that the 810 wimax is "close".

Else nobody outside nokia would be allowed to see it - and even inside, only a few...

Maybe an announcement at Cebit... (even though I know it is the wrong continent) - and I'm not even sure that Nokia has a booth.

[Texrat]

Texrat saying that he has to take a roadtrip suggests that the 810 wimax is "close"...

Don't read too much into a joking comment. ;)

[instigator]

Currently, in Canada, Rogers is offering "Portable Internet Basic" (their brand of Wimax) for $26 for their slow version (4x dialup) and about $50 for the "high speed" (1.5 Mbps). Would be cost effective if you could get rid of your cellphone and use VOIP instead.

[Greyghost]

Don't read too much into a joking comment. ;)

O. You're driving down to see me, right?

Right after you slap Mara with a herring....or did you already do that?:p

[Texrat]

Actually, I'll be in Austin April 18 through 20. I'll bring the herring.

[Mysticode]

Currently, in Canada, Rogers is offering "Portable Internet Basic" (their brand of Wimax) for $26 for their slow version (4x dialup) and about $50 for the "high speed" (1.5 Mbps). Would be cost effective if you could get rid of your cellphone and use VOIP instead.

Will you be able to use any WiMAX device on their plan or just their cards?

[instigator]

Will you be able to use any WiMAX device on their plan or just their cards?

Have not seen anything specific on that. Right now they rent out Wimax modems but I'm sure they'll open it up once devices become more common/available.

[speculatrix]

An N810 with wimax isn't for me, what I would like is an N800 with wimax. The only thing I care (a lot) for in the N810 design is the transflective screen.

well, just leave it closed and you'll forget the keyboard exists!
:D

[Benson]

I can't post observations until some time after testing. But-- I'm open to suggestions from posters here on what to try.

OK, you could try streaming internet radio in the car... that'd be cool, if the hand-offs are as slick as has been claimed.

[Texrat]

Do you mean using WiMAX as the internet connector? I have to find available nodes first. And even then, I'm currently not clear on the limitations there, access wise...

[Benson]

Yes, with WiMAX.
Limitations, access wise? Not sure what you mean there, could you elaborate?

[glabifrons]

An N810 with wimax isn't for me, what I would like is an N800 with wimax. The only thing I care (a lot) for in the N810 design is the transflective screen.

I definitely second this one.

I had a chance on a great deal on the N810, but after holding one I decided to go with the N800 instead.

Things I like better about the N800:

Speakers fire towards the user instead of away in the direction of everyone else. :confused:
2 SDHC slots (I have a 16GB card in the internal) :D
Normal/common mini USB port
Directional pad reachable in its normal state!:rolleyes:

Things I didn't like about the N810 keyboard:

No pipe key :eek: (but includes some weird money symbol I don't recognize?)
Flat and smooth, very awkward feel (compare to a SideKick/HipTop keyboard)


I already have an iGo ultra keyboard (Amazon, $30) and a bluetooth GPS (BT-GPS, Geeks $37) and I find them far more usable.
The keyboard can be used on your lap or desk, has a full set of keys in a touch-type capable spacing, etc.
The Bluetooth GPS can be tossed up on the dashboard (or window) where it will get a signal when the N800 is in the car (or airplane, etc).

While I'm at it... I miss the hard shell of the 770 on both of the new models! (I carry mine in my pocket and the "sock" that everyone hates saves mine from a scratchy death). :p

[tso]

would the money symbol be this one:
€

[glabifrons]

would the money symbol be this one:
€

No, the one that looks like a "Y" with 2 lines through it.
They obviously made only one version instead of country-targeted versions like most devices with keyboards.

[EIPI]

That would be the Yen...

[glabifrons]

That would be the Yen...

Ah, thanks. I should have guessed that one. :)
Not much use here in the states... but the pipe symbol is invaluable to anyone familiar with the Unix/Linux command-line. ;)
Even my SideKick2 keyboard has it (as did my SideKick 1 many years ago).
It just amazed me that they left it off, considering their primary market is us geeks.

[tso]

sounds like the keyboard could have benefited from a altgr key ;)
altgr+shift+y seems to produce the talked about symbol: ¥

[johnkzin]

I definitely second this one.

I had a chance on a great deal on the N810, but after holding one I decided to go with the N800 instead.


Personally, I'd prefer to see no direct WiMAX version of the N800 nor N810. Instead, I'd like to see a device like the CenterPoint PHS-300 that has 1 USB-client port for charging an internal battery, configuration, and use as a USB network adaptor, 1 RJ45 port for direct ethernet, and a low power Wifi radio (maybe GPS too). Then different models for:


European GSM/UMTS/HSPA/etc.
USA GSM/UMTS/HSPA/etc. (supporting both AT&T and T-Mobile)
CDMA 1xRTT/EVDO
WiMAX
Perhaps LTE if it's not rolled in to the GSM models


And, for the CDMA and GSM versions, it has a built in SIP server and very light Jabber server, so that you can use a SIP client to make phone calls and a Jabber client to interact with SMS/MMS.

And it would have a small https web server for configuration.

The internal battery should be big enough to last most of a day (6-8 hours), if not all day (12-18ish hours). Dual hot-swappable batteries might be cool. Especially if it has an external USB battery charger you can buy.

I think those would be much better products than an N800 or N810 with built-in WiMAX.


Things I like better about the N800:

Speakers fire towards the user instead of away in the direction of everyone else. :confused:
2 SDHC slots (I have a 16GB card in the internal) :D
Normal/common mini USB port
Directional pad reachable in its normal state!:rolleyes:

Things I didn't like about the N810 keyboard:

No pipe key :eek: (but includes some weird money symbol I don't recognize?)
Flat and smooth, very awkward feel (compare to a SideKick/HipTop keyboard)



I think micrsoSDHC is a much better direction to go than SDHC or miniSD. But it's a difference between "do you want your device to be able to read everything (use full size), or to have its cards readable in everything (use micro)." What makes no sense to me, however, is using miniSD.

As for the speakers, the directionality is not "toward everyone else", it's to the sides. And it's not like you, the user, can't hear it. In fact, you probably get better sterophonic quality out of the side facing speakers than out of the face speakers. Maybe imperceptibly less volume, but the sound will come from a wider angle, I think, and thus give you better stereophonics.

I don't care about mini vs micro USB, honestly. Either way you need a special cable.

I agree about the placement of the Dpad. There should be 1 dpad on the left side of the face, one dpad on the right side of the face, and each one should be selectable to be "button cluster" vs "dpad". You shouldn't have to slide out the keyboard to use the dpad.

You can do the pipe symbol. Hit the "Chr" button, and 2 rows of special symbols pop up on the screen. Down arrow (on the menu, not on the dpad) once. Pipe is almost top middle.

I don't do long complex pipelines from the N810 much, so it's not a big deal to me. But, it would be nice if you could easily remap the keyboard through a control panel app, so that you could, say, swap the Euro, Pound, or Yen keys to things like pipes or curley-brackets or back-quotes. I also find it unusual that the double quote isn't the shift of the single quote (the question mark is both the shift AND fn of the single quote; could have just been the fn and not the shift), just like the way the semi-colon, colon, and pound are done).


I do NOT like the sidekick keyboard, in that it has those hard to press bubble keys. What I want from the N810 keyboard is more of a click feel when you successfully hit a key (sometimes I get no feeling at all from clicking a key), and it should be less overall force than it is now. Basically, the ergonomics of a keypress on the N810 are horrible. But, in terms of force, the sidekick's I've used were WORSE, not better.

A more convex key surface might be ok, but not as convex (to the point of being little bubbles) as the sidekick.


I already have an iGo ultra keyboard (Amazon, $30) and a bluetooth GPS (BT-GPS, Geeks $37) and I find them far more usable.


For lots of typing, yes, I also use my iGo. For quick things, like when I'm sitting on the couch and just want to lookup a movie on IMDB, or answer a quick IM, no. The iGo isn't good for that. Nor would I want to use the full screen keyboard for those (I used to on my N800, and I find the slide-out keyboard to be much better).

As for the GPS... I'd rather not have either (internal nor external).


The keyboard can be used on your lap or desk, has a full set of keys in a touch-type capable spacing, etc.
The Bluetooth GPS can be tossed up on the dashboard (or window) where it will get a signal when the N800 is in the car (or airplane, etc).

While I'm at it... I miss the hard shell of the 770 on both of the new models! (I carry mine in my pocket and the "sock" that everyone hates saves mine from a scratchy death).

I have a Pelican 1040 with foam inserts for carrying my N810. Makes it a little bit more bulky (not pocketable anymore), but I'm fine with that. I just shove it in my maxpedition bag, and away I go.

[iamthewalrus]

What do you lot make of this :


Australia’s first WiMAX operator, Hervey Bay’s Buzz Broadband, has closed its network, with the CEO labeling the technology as a “disaster” that “failed miserably.”

In an astonishing tirade to an international WiMAX conference audience in Bangkok yesterday afternoon, CEO Garth Freeman slammed the technology, saying its non-line of sight performance was “non-existent” beyond just 2 kilometres from the base station, indoor performance decayed at just 400m and that latency rates reached as high as 1000 milliseconds. Poor latency and jitter made it unacceptable for many Internet applications and specifically VoIP, which Buzz has employed as the main selling point to induce people to shed their use of incumbent services.


source (http://www.commsday.com/node/228)

[sachin007]

What do you lot make of this :



source (http://www.commsday.com/node/228)

How about this??

http://www.engadget.com/2008/03/25/comcast-time-warner-sprint-and-clearwire-could-join-forces-on/

All these companies wont be in if wimax is not that good

[johnkzin]

Yeah, it sounds more like the Oz company simply implemented WiMAX poorly, not that WiMAX poor on its own.

[lad]

Comcast, Sprint, Google May Fund WiMax....sounds like it's gonna happen! ;-)

[mullf]

I want me a WiMAX/GPS tablet NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jayayess1190]

If Nokia added a Centrino Atom processor to the N810, and dropped the price, I would trade up from my N800 in an instant. Two problems taken care of with one upgrade, battery life and performance!

[GeneralAntilles]

If Nokia added a Centrino Atom processor to the N810, and dropped the price, I would trade up from my N800 in an instant. Two problems taken care of with one upgrade, battery life and performance!

Ha . . . Hahaha . . . HAHAHAHAHAHA

Fail.

[Benson]

If Nokia added a Centrino Atom processor to the N810, and dropped the price, I would trade up from my N800 in an instant. Two problems taken care of with one upgrade, battery life and performance!

From here, that looks more like improving performance, slaughtering battery life, and breaking compatibility. Centrino Atom (previously Menlow) has ground-breakingly low power-consumption for x86-compatible processors, but not overall.

And going ARM -> x86 in a similar device seems ******ed. It's almost time for a new design at any rate; if Nokia wants to jump on Intel's MID bandwagon, they could do so with a fresh design, instead of basing it off the N810 which is designed to be highly compatible with the N800.

[tso]

If Nokia added a Centrino Atom processor to the N810, and dropped the price, I would trade up from my N800 in an instant. Two problems taken care of with one upgrade, battery life and performance!

meh, cortex A8 (later A9) all the way ;)

what the wattage of the atom at full effect, and whats the same for the cortex ones again?

[chill633]

TexRat, you want something to test? How about this.

1. Association speed. How long does it take to connect to a WiMax link?

2. Signal strength. How well does it work indoors? How about outdoors with big buildings and signal reflections?

3. Seamless handoffs, both slow (walking) and fast (driving at highway speeds). Do media streams drop or stutter? Please let someone else drive while you test. :-)

4. Battery time with WiMax and GPS active at the same time.

5. CPU usage with a WiMax connection established.

That is all I can think of for now. Standard wireless test stuff.

Charles