Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

I believe you are very wrong on both counts.

Cellular data links are *very* power-hungry, especially 3G/3G+. My (Nokia) 3G phone chews down its battery more than twice as fast when connected to the Internet than the 770 tethered to it through BT ; I'd say it consumes at least as much as Wifi, if not more, and certainly much more than BT. If it were all done on the tablet it would kill the single battery's life.

Also the cost would go up way more than you think - and it's not only because of the hardware cost of the electronics plus margin. There is a huge overhead involved in going through the regulatory bodies (like the FCC) which have different rules and costs in each and every country. Not to mention that Nokia would have to make different models for different parts of the world, carrier networks being somewhat incompatible across continents.

Another thing is that cell data technology moves fast, and you would be stuck with what's built-in : when I first got my 770 I had an edge phone ; now I have moved on to a 3G-capable one. Later if I can find a cheap second-hand 3G+ phone I can upgrade again (but if I want BT 2.0 I must upgrade the tablet itself to N8x0).

I for one am perfectly happy with Nokia's policy in this matter : if I don't use cellular data to get online with it, I don't have to pay for components I don't need ; and if I do, I can choose exactly how I'll do it.

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Perhaps Nokia can offer a dumb-GSM: a low cost GSM-box that connects via bluetooth *or* microUSB with a very high capacity battery (similar to external GPS units). The GSM-box would have no interface (other than a power switch and perhaps an LED) and would be designed to be used in conjunction with an Internet Tablet, PC, Laptop, or other USB-OTG technology with the correct software. This idea would provide cellular capability and could work equally well with WiMAX or EV-DO (shudder) as separate boxes. Best of all, it wouldn't be tethered to the Internet Tablet, but could be used to provide WAN support for the computer, laptop, or other devices (camera, car, printer, etc).

I would actually prefer AA batteries in such a device. It would lower the price considerably, and there are some rechargeable AA's with tremendous life. Additionally, it would provide a simple way of changing the batteries (or carrying spares) if the device runs out of power. Win-win, as far as I can tell.

If Nokia doesn't do it, I hope another company reads this forum and takes this idea!!!! I can't see such a box costing more than $50, but filling a great need in the market.

The key is that it provides *options*.


}:^)~
YARR!!

The Notorious C.C.

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

i think his comment about "another smartphone" was the point where i dismissed the whole tirade.

still, i guess thats the divorce between the european market (nokia's home turf) and the american. in the former, if you have a phone that can do bluetooth, it can act as a bluetooth modem. in the latter, it seems that anything below a smartphone is so locked down you may be lucky if you get AD2P support, or even bluetooth handsfree at times by the sound of it.

thats why they praise the iphone so much, to them its the smartphone for the common man. to any european, its a glossy feature phone. and one thats at the lower end of the feature list even. sure it got music player and wifi. but where is the java, or any kind of app install support for that matter?

sure, there is now announced a SDK. but i wonder what kind of draconian things apple will require around it.

imo, i can do close to everything the iphone can do on my SE. and its not even running symbian or similar smartphone os.

i say, ignore any article coming out of usa about wireless tech. its so far out of the loop its insane...

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

I guess it already exists!

Here's an external USB GSM modem good for voice/sms/data.
http://www.alphamicro.net/components...~49~id~509.asp

Now if someone can find a USB OTG *or* [better yet] a bluetooth version, then tablet owners can make/receive cellular calls, with the correct software, from their tablets.

I think an external GSM 'modem' is the best way to go for the IT series, simply because WiMAX's reach and comprehensive VoIP will eliminate the *need* for cellular and largely obsolete it. However, it provides the option to those that want the functionality with their devices. Win-win.


}:^)~
YARR!!

A load of Crapt'n

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

I'm intrigued by the BT SAP (SIM Access Profile) support present in N810/OS 2008 - from the Bluetooth Wiki:

Anyone got any idea how this profile is going to be used with the N810 (possibly N800), as to my knowledge the N810 (and certainly the N800) doesn't have a GSM transceiver.

As for the perfect Bluetooth GSM/3G "phone" to partner the NITs, I guess one about the size of the LD-4W GPS module would do the trick (it can fit on a keyring), with a small OLED display and about four buttons (on/off, up, down and select). What more would you need?! :)

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Wow! A device like that would be PERFECT. On a key ring, or clipped to the inside of a jacket/pocket/bag/belt/etc, you'd have GSM access without needing to worry about carrying the additional device. Handy and elegant.

I wonder how long the batteries would last?


}:^)~
YARR!!

Chief Corrupt

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Thinking about it, possibly not long enough - particularly if 3G is involved!

The LD-4W is good for up to 11 hours operating time and 4 days standby as a GPS unit, but I suspect the battery would have to be enlarged in order to provide between one and two days GSM/3G standby usage and 4-5 hours call time. While this might make the device too large for a keyring it would still be plenty small enough to slip into a pocket where you can forget about it.

By the way, the dimensions of the LD-4W are 82.9 X 37 X 7.8 mm and it weighs 31g - an extra 20-30grams and a few more mm's of depth would still ensure it's a pretty diminutive device! By comparison my current phone - SE W950i - weighs in at 112g and 106 x 54 x 15 mm, and I certainly know when I'm carrying it (I'm lucky to get a full days use from it too on 3G!) :)

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Certainly. The lower half of my old LG6070(flip phone) is a similar dimension as the LD-4W, though slightly wider (0.5cm) and twice as thick. My cell also has to house a a keypad, backlight, mic, headphone jack, etc so I wouldn't be surprised if a interface-less GSM could could fit the LD-4W proportions, considering todays technology.

What a terrific alternative to dedicated GSM!


}:^)~
YARR!!

Wanted: Capt'n Corrupt

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Check out the size of the SAMBA 75 - Integrated Quad Band GSM/GPRS/EDGE Engine. The dimensions are: 88.7 x 37.6 x 12.6 mm

Additionally, here's a Motorola chipset: G24 GSM. The dimensions are: 24.4 x 45.2 x 6.0 mm. Not too shabby!


}:^)~
YARR!!

The Gracious Capt'n

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Nice, but where's the 3G(+) model ? :-)
(and the BT variant, of course, for the tablets...)
(which would then need a *battery*... duh :-)

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

... and the version that opens my mail, and ensure's my bacon's crispy (but not burnt), and occupies my girlfriend between the moments that I pleasure her? :D


}:^)~
YARR!!

Capt'n Corrupt III: the revenge

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

I just wish there was a Slingplayer app for my N800.
It works great on my N95 but I'd like to have the bigger screen of the N800.

Re: I?m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

which n95 do you have? I was just look at the 8gig but i think the n810 comes out at the same time i can only buy one ;( i wish i had money like bill gates.

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

I have one of the launch non-US N95s.
Before that it was an N80 Phoenix-flashed to N80ie firmware to get VoIP.

Re: I?m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

wow! talking about VoIP what do you think about this
http://www.theregister.co.uk/2007/10...pe_3_analysis/

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

The ITOS/maemo UI looks fine to many of us. I think, though, that there is a consensus that design-wise apple is shifting consumer expectations.

One of those expectations is smooth animations and transitions. Static icons and dialogues popping-up and disappearing looks old school, slidey zoomyness looks new.

OpenGL can be an enabler for this (though not strictly necessary), but i don't know of an open-source GUI framework that uses it. Is there something like this? A beryl type windowmanager isn't what i'm thinking of.

I think Apple can do this eye-candy easily because their userspace apps aren't tied to an existing UI framework like gtk. Is that right? They just make it up as they go along?

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

I'm not sure about this.

First, I don't believe in NITs in a mainstream product such as cell phones or media players. I firmly believe they will become more popular in the future, but I don't see the "mass market" for a long time to come. (Which is fine and in no way negative.)

OTOH, whats the "obvious consumer appeal" of a desktop PC? What does a 5-minute-reviewer get out of a freshly installed Windows Vista box, given he'd never seen a Windows PC before? Not much, does he? - Ah, this example sounds wrong somehow... why? Because there's no reviewer who doesnt know what a PC is, what people use it for, what expectations are and what to write about in the review. (This wasnt always so.)

My guess is that at some point in the future, reviewers will learn what a tablet is the same way they learned what a PC is. They'll not try to understand what the device is for, instead they'll point out how Intels new tablet is different from Nokias, talk about the quality of the display, amount of RAM or storage.
Nokias current models might be to tablets what Atari 800s and Commodore 64s were to home computers.

Re: I?m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

I saw that. And newsnight or something on TV last night were going on about the "technological revolution" and how you can make FREE calls. They're not free, you're just paying differently. And they're skype-to-skype only. And it's not a technological revolution, it's a business model evolution. Muppets. For some reason the whole story annoyed me :( It took them 10 minutes to basically say that in the near future we will be paying for a mobile data plan (e.g. unlimited data for £x) instead of paying for calls.

</rant>

It's good that three are pushing this tech, but I wish that the reporters were competent. I'm waiting for three to release their "mobile broadband" services on pre-pay.

Re: I?m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

For some reason the whole story annoyed me :( It took them 10 minutes to basically say that in the near future we will be paying for a mobile data plan (e.g. unlimited data for £x) instead of paying for calls.

I felt the same way!
I hate these A-holes reporters if you don't use a device how can you write on it. Andrew Orlowski must own stock in cell phone companies how can you call skype users cheapskates? Makes me wonder what will their say when the wimax version tablet is out users are in public on skype?

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

I may agree with this but then I wonder why he was writing such a limited article instead of playing with the device some more (if he really wanted to write something about it) or just shut up (if he did not want to go deeper with the device possibilities)

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Well, I found the advertising clip originally shipped with the N800 t be very well done. But I also think that not much people (apart from our N800 owners) did see that clip :rolleyes:

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Actually, we do support GSM here and AT&T wireless coverage has been, for me anyway, phenomenal. I drove from Texas to California and only once very briefly suffered total loss (Texas mountains) and only once had intermittant trouble (San Diego hills).

Your other points are well-taken... although Nokia plans to storm the US (again) with a vengeance next year...

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

They have history over there?


:p

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

BTW, regarding the topic of this thread:

http://i.cmpnet.com/infoweek/authors/blog/1053.jpg
No. No way.

Re: I?m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

I think they bought it off ebay :)

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Oooo you guys!

*

I have no comeback.

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Nothing is for free. You will probably find if purchased on a contract that the device will be restricted to preserve revenue for the network carrier, for example walled garden web access, restricted use of VoIP. I'd think if purchased thro' a mobile network, the internet tablet as we know wouldn't be the same, you'd gain a phone, but lose choice.

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Did you catch the dig I sent his way in the podcast? ;)

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Its not about cost. Its about choice. At least for me - I'm not the type of person who sell their dignity for money.

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Mmmh... How much money exactly are we talking about here?

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Less then €50,-.

If you offer more, we can talk.

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

I don't think many mobile phone operators would give out contracts with unlimited data and use of VoIP... at least not at a reasonable price. Which would render the tablet pretty useless IMHO.

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

.... but you could still surf the net on the tablet (and VoIP, and email, and read e-books, etc), so it's not exactly 'useless' is it?


}:^)~
YARR!!

Re: I’m Offended! F**k Mitch Wagner!
 

Sure I totally hate how the iphone would be locked to one carrier. I am all pro openness and all, that doesn't however mean that I cannot be rewarded for signing a contract with a phone company. If there happens to be a phone company out there who will sponsor me with an N900 or whatever if I sign a contract and I believe it to be a sweet deal, then there is no shame in signing that contract, is there? Of course I wouldn't want this to happen, if it means that you cannot buy your IT without any other obligations, but I guess both models can co-exist.