View Full Version : Saw someone's underused and underappreciated N900 today
dave1010
2011-03-14, 23:08
A client at my work lent us some lost property phones to do some testing with. They reset all devices to factory settings but didn't with the N900 (probably as you have to manually flash the firmware on it). I cleared the personal data and had a look to see how the device had been customised. It hadn't.
It saddened me to think there are Maemo users out there who:
haven't installed Power Kernel and overclocked it
haven't dual booted into NITDroid
haven't installed Easy Debian and ran OpenOffice, the GIMP, etc
haven't played with swappolube or any kernel settings
haven't modded Ovi maps
haven't enabled the Extras repo to see what's available
haven't run a SSH, web or FTP server
haven't installed Windows 95 in DosBox
haven't tried the Community SSU
haven't installed any apps at all!
It reminded me why I bought my N900 in the first place and how important being able to tinker is to a device. I was thinking I may get an Android device later this year but now I know I want something that allows be to "rm -rf /" if I want to.
Really hope Nokia release a worthy successor to the N900. In the mean time, I think it's time for me to install MeeGo.
Is there anything else I'm missing out on trying with my N900?
I took off Power Kernel and Easy Debian.
Didnt install Windows in Dosbox, or web/ftp.
No need to mod ovi maps, I rarely use it, when I do its not really for any "useful" purpose, just "because".
Havnt used NITDroid
Oh well.
Well, some people have decided against buying a N900 exactly because it has the reputation of a linux geek phone. On the contrary to your post, I find it kind of sad that people didn't realize how N900 is a great phone for the average user as well, much much better than Symbian phones because of the fast and good looking OS. And not harder to use in any way, and no linux skills required whatsoever.
Well, used to be anyway, I guess nowadays Android has finally caught up and seems to have a brighter future than the N900. N900 used to be #1 phone for quite some time though, in my opinion.
You don't seem to have nine windows, aren't using the Garnet Palm emulator, haven't tried HiveMind, don't mention Backupmenu, don't mention the Fcam group of programs.
Joseph.skb
2011-03-14, 23:35
@Dave1010, well, my N900 is also "underused", but I won't say "underappreciated". I don't have much understanding on coding stuffs so it's a big risk tinkering with those 9 areas you mentioned because my N900 serves as my primary phone. I'm using whatever is on the download repository/Ovi Store only.
I'm pretty sure there are a lot of users out there who appreciates the N900 without the tinkering. And I know it would be a lot more fun if we knew how to do it.
I was at a fundraiser recently and saw a girl take out her N900 to text someone. I went "wow the 1st person I've seen with the same phone as me, lets compare apps". She had NEVER connected it to the net, not even wifi. PR1.0 and stock apps, used as a phone / SMS only. Shocked didn't cover it...
Mentalist Traceur
2011-03-15, 00:37
No need to be saddened by half of those. Most aren't necessary for full enjoyment of the phone. To this day I haven't seen the need to over-clock, and you're talking to someone who is more than happy to fiddle his N900 to death.
Same with Easy Debian. I'd rather just figure out how to compile Open/Libre Office to run natively on the N900... not that I'm of the skill level to do so, but I'm steadily working my way up. (Currently I've , compiled myself Aircrack-NG from the code on their SVN repositories, and a couple of other things like xdotool and that one change-r&d-mode-flags-from-device program Qwerty wrote.)
No kidding, many are just attracted by its look.
or its great hardware keyboard!
these people are the reason why Apple is making tons of money!
these people are the reason why Apple is making tons of money!
omg! f*ck normality! we should all put mobile OS hacking on the top of our life priorities!
seriously though.. (:) ).. we should be looking at those masses of people as an untapped resource. If we can make a simple UI layer to make them happy, then we can get funding from them to further our projects.
skykooler
2011-03-15, 01:54
Note for any terminal noobs: Typing "rm -rf /" as root (first post) will delete everything, including the OS. If you're wondering whether to try it, don't.
jahknowledgelife
2011-03-15, 02:08
Well, some people have decided against buying a N900 exactly because it has the reputation of a linux geek phone. On the contrary to your post, I find it kind of sad that people didn't realize how N900 is a great phone for the average user as well, much much better than Symbian phones because of the fast and good looking OS. And not harder to use in any way, and no linux skills required whatsoever.
Well, used to be anyway, I guess nowadays Android has finally caught up and seems to have a brighter future than the N900. N900 used to be #1 phone for quite some time though, in my opinion.
Please just point me in the direction of the best book to start with for the basics. I am total lost but am willing to learn.
P.S. I know the advanced users hate step for step basics explaining I just need a foothold.
Thanks
I was at a fundraiser recently and saw a girl take out her N900 to text someone. I went "wow the 1st person I've seen with the same phone as me, lets compare apps". She had NEVER connected it to the net, not even wifi. PR1.0 and stock apps, used as a phone / SMS only. Shocked didn't cover it...
Well well
Am jealous how come I didn't meet someone with a N900:mad:
Feel lucky you got to meet another N900 owner:p
Joseph.skb
2011-03-15, 02:58
omg! f*ck normality! we should all put mobile OS hacking on the top of our life priorities!
seriously though.. (:) ).. we should be looking at those masses of people as an untapped resource. If we can make a simple UI layer to make them happy, then we can get funding from them to further our projects.
Can we start funding a project for 3G video call?
Please just point me in the direction of the best book to start with for the basics. I am total lost but am willing to learn.
P.S. I know the advanced users hate step for step basics explaining I just need a foothold.
Thanks
http://www.aboutdebian.com/linux.htm
http://www.debianadmin.com/basic-linux-commands-with-man-pages.html
:)
haven't installed Power Kernel and overclocked it
haven't modded Ovi maps
haven't tried the Community SSU
still don't need it. plus, CSSU still buggy, but I will look forward to it
haven't dual booted into NITDroid
haven't installed Easy Debian and ran OpenOffice, the GIMP, etc
haven't installed Windows 95 in DosBox
why should I? especially for the last one, why should I bother use it anyway? stock OS is waaaaayyyy better than Win95
Can we start funding a project for 3G video call?
Uhuh.
If the maemo project was commercially successful, Nokia wouldn't have to sell out to Microsoft. They would've fasttracked the maemo6 device instead and there would've been more features build into the OS with the additional funding.
N900 is a special device straight out of the box.
That's why I bought it in the first place.
But most are greedy and want more. I'm the same.
ericsson
2011-03-15, 06:15
Well, the N900 was the logical step after the N8XX. That is true internet in your pocket plus full phone functionality.
I have tried everything the OP posted except debian and windows and the dreaded CSSU. Why in gods name would I want openoffice and windows on this thing? In addition I have installed (wasted time) on numerous MeeGo derivates.
I say stock is just fine. Stock does everything just fine. Although overclocking can be fun (for a day or two) there is no real gain.
NokTokDaddy
2011-03-15, 07:02
I say stock is just fine. Stock does everything just fine. Although overclocking can be fun (for a day or two) there is no real gain.
My recent experience is to the contrary: having re-flashed back to standard for a day with no apps, no swappolube, no overclock and no CSSU I found the device uninspiring, laggy and somewhat restricted for all but the simplest of tasks. Strangely enough, I did begin to appreciate the build spec & quality once again.
I soon began craving functionality and features found in basic Symbian S60 devices, nevermind Android or iOS UI goodness.
Restoring all my apps and performance tweeks also restored my conviction that N900 is still one of the most accomplished, powerful and under-exploited devices available.
A day as 'standard' is about all I could take!
Same here, I have only ever seen one guy with a N900. I went over and asked him how he was finding it... It was stock, he looked at me a bit odd, 'it's just a phone', I finished my pint, and left lol
futtawuh
2011-03-15, 19:58
omg! f*ck normality! we should all put mobile OS hacking on the top of our life priorities!
Thats what I do. Modding and twaeking my phone for atleast 1-3 hours a day. My life is a sad one in some eyes. Work-gym-modding my N900. /repeat. But thats what makes me happeh :)
And I have never met another N900 user. Everyone here use Iphones and have no idea what Linux is. they know Windows and iOS. wich in my eyes is really sad. 2011 helloo?
My best mate owns an Iphone 4, and when he is "bragging" about it I feel like putting a gun to my head. Everything he can do I can do better. :p
Same here, I have only ever seen one guy with a N900. I went over and asked him how he was finding it... It was stock, he looked at me a bit odd, 'it's just a phone', I finished my pint, and left lol
Then I am happy I never met another n900 user, I would have cry a whole week if that happened to me
[DarkGUNMAN]
2011-03-15, 20:30
I met people on both sides of the coin. One was happily modding his to bits just like me, the other was a teenager using it soley as a texting phone.
Please just point me in the direction of the best book to start with for the basics. I am total lost but am willing to learn.
P.S. I know the advanced users hate step for step basics explaining I just need a foothold.
Thanks
PSST! I have a secret! The N900 Bible is hidden on this site! It's called the Wiki and is well worth browsing over and over. There is also a section called Terminal that will give you a foothold on that foothold you're looking for.
wiki.maemo.org
As for books, you need to find ones that specifically suit you. I wouldn't focus on books that specialize in Debian -- just Linux will do. It might be worthwhile to mosey on down to a bookstore (while they still exist) and see what Linux books tickle your fancy. A lot of people started with Running Linux.
bingbings
2011-03-15, 20:37
Well out of the stock this little baby still has the most outstanding browser out on the market (if they'll be able to put it on meego with some 1.2-1.5 GHz dual core and Flash 10.2 I'm sold ).... but which seems not to be enough to be a best seller...most people don't seem to need this kind of mobile internet...
Trying everything that OP mentioned ? Well that's another story...and if any N900 buyer would have some time to spend he should definitely do it....why? ...errr...just for the fun and the talent of this baby called N900, he will appreciate it.....even if I still think ridiculous to use some gimp or open office in easy debian in everyday stuff... But doing it and trying it ?? Definitely YES!
corduroysack
2011-03-15, 20:40
Note for any terminal noobs: Typing "rm -rf /" as root (first post) will delete everything, including the OS. If you're wondering whether to try it, don't.
smsl lol brilliant lol I've never met another n900 user either. on this site i've seen about 4/5 members in the UK
Can we start funding a project for 3G video call?
I do Skype video calls over 3G all the time. Does that not qualify?
I do Skype video calls over 3G all the time. Does that not qualify?
No. In my country, not much people using Skype, let alone for video call (most of them using it for IM only, on non webcamed computer). While 3G video call enabled phone users are everywhere
Copernicus
2011-03-16, 03:11
PSST! I have a secret! The N900 Bible is hidden on this site! It's called the Wiki and is well worth browsing over and over.
You're not kidding, either. :) I spent at least a week browsing around the Maemo.org site and reading posts on the forum before I stumbled across the Wiki. Personally, I'd have put a link to it in big bold text somewhere right on the home page, rather than hiding it in a table of "get help" links halfway down the page of the "community" tab. (At least, that's the only place I've found a link to it so far...)
And yes, it is a wonderful resource. I've gone back to it again and again whenever I've had questions. :)
Well out of the stock this little baby still has the most outstanding browser out on the market (if they'll be able to put it on meego with some 1.2-1.5 GHz dual core and Flash 10.2 I'm sold ).... but which seems not to be enough to be a best seller...most people don't seem to need this kind of mobile internet...
Before they make dual core phones the "new thing", they should work on batteries.
Joseph.skb
2011-03-16, 03:51
No. In my country, not much people using Skype, let alone for video call (most of them using it for IM only, on non webcamed computer). While 3G video call enabled phone users are everywhere
I'm thinking of starting a new thread titled "Why I need 3G video call". I've explained this too many times already, and I still keep seeing comments that Skype is better than 3G video call. :mad:
Unfortunately, the world is not that flat yet, and from where I'm writing from, again, (1) it's more cost effective with 3G video call than Skype with data charges, and (2) because of point 1, I don't have any friends on Skype-video enabled phones. Unless I should all you folks from the Maemo community.
I never tried 3G video calls before, even with my last E65 (not enabled) and I just thought it would be a great app to use, and to complete the N900 with this basic "phone" feature. :(
Well, the N900 was the logical step after the N8XX. That is true internet in your pocket plus full phone functionality.
I have tried everything the OP posted except debian and windows and the dreaded CSSU. Why in gods name would I want openoffice and windows on this thing? In addition I have installed (wasted time) on numerous MeeGo derivates.
I say stock is just fine. Stock does everything just fine. Although overclocking can be fun (for a day or two) there is no real gain.
I find koffice much better option than openoffice through debian on N900
and There is real gain of overclocking and it's known as BATTERY LIFE
Joseph.skb
2011-03-16, 03:54
Before they make dual core phones the "new thing", they should work on batteries.
Agreed! My battery died on me in less than 12 hours recently :confused:
excelar8
2011-03-16, 04:10
and There is real gain of overclocking and it's known as BATTERY LIFE
Maybe this isn't intuitive for me, but logically doesn't overclocking increase cpu power usage hence decrease battery life? how does it increase battery life?
I was at a fundraiser recently and saw a girl take out her N900 to text someone. I went "wow the 1st person I've seen with the same phone as me, lets compare apps". She had NEVER connected it to the net, not even wifi. PR1.0 and stock apps, used as a phone / SMS only. Shocked didn't cover it...
I know a girl who used the N900 only because it had Skype on it... ie. an expensive wifi phone...
I'm thinking of starting a new thread titled "Why I need 3G video call". I've explained this too many times already, and I still keep seeing comments that Skype is better than 3G video call. :mad:
you're not directing this to me right? since I'm with you dude ;)
I don't use Skype video call since no one here using it (not regularly at least), but 3G video call capable users are everywhere :)
Joseph.skb
2011-03-16, 04:43
you're not directing this to me right? since I'm with you dude ;)
Nope, just adding on :)
Maybe this isn't intuitive for me, but logically doesn't overclocking increase cpu power usage hence decrease battery life? how does it increase battery life?
Nokia-N900:~# kernel-config show
current kernel configuration:
current frequency: 600
supported frequencies: 125 250 500 550 600 700 750 805 850 900 950 1000 1100 1150
min. frequency: 125
max. frequency: 600
avoid frequencies: 125
active frequencies: 0:30,90 250:38,180 500:48,360 550:54,400 600:60,430 700:60,430 750:60,430 805:60,430 850:60,500 900:60,500 950:60,500 1000:60,500 1100:72,520 1150:72,520
SmartReflex VDD1=0, VDD2=0
governor ondemand: ignore nice load= 0, up threshold= 95, sampling rate= 300000, powersave bias= 0
this is default profile of N900. As you can see at 600 Mhz its using 60(i don't know what unit to write)
Nokia-N900:~# kernel-config show
current kernel configuration:
current frequency: 600
supported frequencies: 125 250 500 550 600 700 750 805 850 900 950 1000 1100 1150
min. frequency: 250
max. frequency: 600
avoid frequencies: 125
active frequencies: 0:30,90 250:38,180 500:48,360 550:48,400 600:54,430 700:54,430 750:54,430 805:54,430 850:54,500 900:54,500 950:54,500 1000:60,500 1100:72,520 1150:72,520
SmartReflex VDD1=0, VDD2=0
governor ondemand: ignore nice load= 0, up threshold= 75, sampling rate= 150000, powersave bias= 0
now using lv profile it uses 54 at same 600 Mhz even till 950Mhz(maybe till 850Mhz)
Nokia-N900:~# kernel-config show
current kernel configuration:
current frequency: 600
supported frequencies: 125 250 500 550 600 700 750 805 850 900 950 1000 1100 1150
min. frequency: 250
max. frequency: 600
avoid frequencies: 125
active frequencies: 0:25,90 250:25,180 500:33,360 550:38,400 600:38,430 700:45,430 750:45,430 805:48,430 850:48,500 900:54,500 950:54,500 1000:60,500 1100:72,520 1150:72,520
SmartReflex VDD1=0, VDD2=0
governor ondemand: ignore nice load= 1, up threshold= 75, sampling rate= 150000, powersave bias= 0
now with ulv profile it uses even less only 38 at 600Mhz.
thats why at same speed you can get more battery life using overclocking.
Overclocking isn't just increasing ur speed.It's also running cpu with less power usage at same speed.
killerdemon
2011-03-16, 11:29
I know a girl who used the N900 only because it had Skype on it... ie. an expensive wifi phone...
Did anyone try google voice?
Maybe this isn't intuitive for me, but logically doesn't overclocking increase cpu power usage hence decrease battery life? how does it increase battery life?
Please search the forum for that one... basically, the higher clocking doesn't increase power consumption that much (certainly not when running at lower voltages), but overclocking lets the CPU go to power-save mode much faster because the work is done faster. More idle time = less battery use.
I've followed this http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p=858133&postcount=4917 to overclock mine as minimum 1000MHz and maximum 1000 MHz and it's like night and day comparing to before. On top on that, I don't know why but my battery has a much longer lifespan.
Agreed! My battery died on me in less than 12 hours recently :confused:
I was on the train for 1.5 hours today, full charge before I left.
Using Pidgin and about 5 browser windows open, full brightness and 3g, the battery was nearly flat by the time I got to my station.
</3
Please search the forum for that one... basically, the higher clocking doesn't increase power consumption that much (certainly not when running at lower voltages), but overclocking lets the CPU go to power-save mode much faster because the work is done faster. More idle time = less battery use.
forgot to add this part in my post:D
Killahgold
2011-03-16, 14:58
The stuff the OP mentioned in is post is not all that special. Who in the world would want to run Win95? I understand that it was done because it could be done, but it doesn't mean it's useful to the everyday user. Skype is not special until skype allows us to video chat with any platform user. Not just N900 and windows users. Lastly, Nitdroid is not fully usable (yet). These are just some of the points that I decided to pick on.
What makes this phone so special in the community behind it. The fact that we have dedicated developers that do it for the love of the device is pretty sweet. I was really looking to go back to android after coming to this forum. It just felt like all hope was lost when reading a lot of the negative threads about no more support and then confirming it at sites like engadget and giz. But, I honestly couldn't find an android device that had the build quality of this phone. The sliding mechanism is the best I have ever used. Also, the fact that I have a terminal right out the box is bada**. I can install ssh clients to login to servers or ssh servers so I can login to my phone. This phone is awesome and will always be awesome. I finally found a phone that I like and will not get finicky on for a good while. Just my humble 2 cents.
The stuff the OP mentioned in is post is not all that special. Who in the world would want to run Win95? I understand that it was done because it could be done, but it doesn't mean it's useful to the everyday user. Skype is not special until skype allows us to video chat with any platform user. Not just N900 and windows users. Lastly, Nitdroid is not fully usable (yet). These are just some of the points that I decided to pick on.
What makes this phone so special in the community behind it. The fact that we have dedicated developers that do it for the love of the device is pretty sweet. I was really looking to go back to android after coming to this forum. It just felt like all hope was lost when reading a lot of the negative threads about no more support and then confirming it at sites like engadget and giz. But, I honestly couldn't find an android device that had the build quality of this phone. The sliding mechanism is the best I have ever used. Also, the fact that I have a terminal right out the box is bada**. I can install ssh clients to login to servers or ssh servers so I can login to my phone. This phone is awesome and will always be awesome. I finally found a phone that I like and will not get finicky on for a good while. Just my humble 2 cents.
We should make something really awesome.
Note for any terminal noobs: Typing "rm -rf /" as root (first post) will delete everything, including the OS. If you're wondering whether to try it, don't.
There are even people who put that in their signature, no offence, but for those under us that don't understand this marvellous phone nor any *nix for that matter, it is dangerous ...
Anyone has the right to buy something they don't use at the fullest,
1337INT13H
2011-03-25, 18:51
I'm looking to expand my skills to take advantage of linux. I'm not a programmer either but my profession is IT technician - I can use the command interpreter & write scripts & use vbscript message dialogues.
At school close work manager goes we would VPN through hamachi using PPTP. I've been a Microsoft user all the way from Win 3.1/3.10, NT5.0 SP1/2, Windows95 & WinXP ever since...how fun that was. This N900 is just the ticket to get me interested into linux & hopefully with some help from the community here get linux on my dekstop.
illusionbr
2011-03-25, 19:09
I have to choice between the n900 and the motorola defy...
Itīs too late to by a n900 ? my concern its about the nokia support and the android is more "mature" now.
TiagoTiago
2011-03-25, 22:14
Btw, i video skype all the time with my N900, the other day i was showing my new apartment to a friend (i haven't moved yet, so i'm not there often) and my grandma, she has this lowend desktop running WinXp, called me via Skype, and with just a few taps i was giving her a live tour of my apartment from another state.
TiagoTiago
2011-03-25, 22:19
Uhuh.
If the maemo project was commercially successful, Nokia wouldn't have to sell out to Microsoft. They would've fasttracked the maemo6 device instead and there would've been more features build into the OS with the additional funding.
That was not due to Maemo's shortcommings, but due to mismanagements by some people inside Nokia.
JamesBond@ge
2011-03-25, 22:56
they know Windows and iOS. wich in my eyes is really sad. 2011 helloo?
Er yeah.
But Maemo 5 is from 2009.
Helloooo? ;)
Bartcore3
2011-12-15, 08:23
It saddened me to think there are Maemo users out there who:
haven't modded Ovi maps
Modded Ovi Maps? Did i miss something :p
i have a friend. When the N900 came out, he was wondering what phone he should buy: iphone or N900. I talked him into the N900 :)
But he only uses it to text and to call his mom...
Two years later, when i finally got the money to buy one, i started modding from the first moment and i was inlove with it (and i still am)!
It's just sad so many folks with the N900 don't use it full potential...
It's like buying a sportcar just to go to the grocery shop at the corner of the street :(
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