Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I understand what you're saying. In one way, it's a little like the Microsoft cliche that "nothing is worth using until version 3.1". And, in a business sense, there is a case to be made for that. But it's a philosophy that irks me.

And, the other side of that is the Apple way: try to present a 100% finished product (that has minor flaws instead of major flaws) in 1.0. They said "the final iPhone product will be finger friendly", and they didn't say "ok, that'll be version 3.1, not version 1.0, in the mean time we'll release a device whose hardware needs to be finger friendly, but isn't ... or we'll include a stylus just in case we're not 100% finger friendly".

And, by going straight to the final product, you don't give your competitors a chance to match you update for update, so that they're right on your heels as you get to the final product. I mean, look at how some of the new CES MIDs aren't that different in overall capability from the N810 ... and the N810 is just a few months old -- it took the industry 2 years to catch up with the 770, but because they saw the market evolving through the 770, N800, and N810 (and probably reading these kinds of forums to steal ideas), they were able to be ready with an N810 type device at the same time Nokia was.

If the first NIT had been a finished hardware design, from a UI perspective but not from a protocols perspective, then the industry would have been left scrambling a bit, I think. That's kind of what happened with the iPhone. Finished hardware UI on version 1. Software to support that hardware UI on version 1. They'll evolve it some, and the underlying stuff (EDGE vs HSPA) will obviously evolve, but I bet the iPhone's physical UI layout wont change much. It doesn't need to (sure, I'd like to see it have a slide-out keyboard, but I bet there isn't enough push for that for Apple to listen).

So, it IS possible to make that happen. But it's definitely just one of two (or more) schools of thought. So while I understand what you're saying, and see it as a workable/profitable approach, it's just an approach I don't like. And I definitely don't think it's necessary.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I generally agree with what you're saying-- I just don't believe Nokia has much choice where the tablets are concerned at this point. The MIDs are breathing down our neck. And while the iPhone offers some inspiration and motivation, it still isn't a direct competitor. Not to say that will always be the case, though, so by the time we offer something that DOES go head-to-head with the (next gen) iPhone there will be no excuses. It had better be ready.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Since:

• the MID platform in general includes broadband wireless (WiMAX, HSPA, etc.),
• Skype is talking about supporting more MID/UMPCs than just the NIT and PSP,
• (EDIT) and Skype effectively makes a WiMAX NIT into a mobile phone.

I think that the NIT*, iPhone, and MIDs are all going to end up in 1 category by the end of the year.

(* the WiMAX NIT, anyway)

So, I think Nokia has mere months to get ready for competing with the iPhone.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

What I would like to see for the N900:

1. improved battery life (6 to 8 hours of online activity over WiFi/BT or media playback over BT A2DP)

2. improved performance -- if going from 320Mhz to 400Mhz gives this kind of improvement, I'd look forward to going up to 520Mhz

3. native support for A2DP (yes, I know this can be sort of done today, but it requires a couple of arcane commandlines and it still has limitations)

4. support for two SDHC cards, or maybe even 1 x CF and 1 x SDHC. CF prices are plunging on a per-MB basis, and if Nokia starts adding PMP to the positioning statement (thus making it Media Meets Internet), the N900 would fly off the shelves

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I am pretty happy with my n810 and I think it is really close to what I would want. My needs I think are pretty do-able as well. I would add a second camera to the backside so I can take pictures of things and people like I would with a cell phone. Of course it would need to be at least 2-3 mega pixels. The edges and corners should be rounder. It is a bit bothersome to type on it. A Function key on the right side of the key pad would mike it easier to use with the left side keys. I do agree that the resolution needs to get bumped up. Screen size should be a bit bigger not much. The ability to charge extra batteries outside of the device would be nice! Oh yeah... For the tips they could give us the next model for free right :D http://nokian810.wordpress.com

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

What would be real nice is a scroll wheel on the right side similar to a blackberry.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Well here's what I want:

Form:
*The device is exactly the size of N800 display and at the front it's all display and nothing else.
*On the left side there's a speaker and a slot for stylus
*On the right side there's a speaker and pop-up microsd slot thingy that takes 2 cards
*On the bottom there's usb and 3.5mm jack (tv out too)
*On the top there's a pop-up camera ala N800 in the middle and at the right corner a button.. at the left corner there's a scroll wheel
*There's also a slideout keyboard ala N810
*The device is about as thick as the N810

Specs:
*It has about 25% more beef than the N800
*The camera is at least 3MP
*Integrated GPS
*Works as a 3G phone as well
*Gives you at least 30h of mp3 playback when used as a dedicated device (offline mode)
*Accelerometer for display rotation


That's about it. Yes it would be a phone as well..

If this thing was to be a tablet alone I'd like the display to be 7" or maybe even larger..

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I would really like to NOT see a scroll wheel. :-}

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Video/monitor out.
Foolproof & flexible video calling.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Wondering if it would be practical or useful for one of the site admins to perhaps setup a survey.. suppose this is something Nokia should really ought to do.. and probably does with select folks..

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Today's Blackberries have a track ball. I have many coworkers who "grew up" on the wheel, but the track ball is far, far better, especially when translating it into some of the killer apps on the blackberry like Opera Mini.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I had an S40 phone and a 770 a year ago. I switched to ONLY an E65 with wifi and used it for phone, music, games, email, light web, and voip for almost a year and loveed it.

Just got a N810 and instead of it being the end all device for me...I picture it as an extension to my phone now. Anything that my N810 can do that my E65 does that benefits from the extra screen size or keyboard I use the N810 now. For calls and voip which I don't really even need a screen for I use the E65.

Saying that...Let me sync contacts and sms's to the N810 so I can use that to send and read sms's just like I can do with mail.

Autosyncing photo's from my phone into my N810 would rock.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

What i like to do with my 770 is
- internet browsing on my sofa
-> more RAM, processor power (> 500 mhz?), scrolling wheel, and/or buttons on both sides, usefull mail app for IMAP, DOC + XLS - viewer.

- watching movies on the train
-> internal HD (> 15 GB), processor power for full PAL resolution (that we don't need to convert the 700 mb divX vids to 400 x 240), usefull app that plays h.264 (maybe hardware based), flash video, quicktime..., DVB-T receiver (maybe as an upgrade), 1 multi card reader (or fullsize SD only), the screen could be a bit larger.

What i would like to do is
- manage contacts and appointments and sync. with phone/PC

Carl

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I've been thinking again about what I'd like to see in the "next generation NIT", and I thought I'd update it here.

1. I'd actually like to see a distinction between the N8xx series and an N9xx series.
   • I'd like to see the N8xx series continue to be "shirt pocket" sized (same size category as the N800, N810, and iPhone). I'd like to see the following variants (the model numbers are suggestions):
     1. N820 - N800 with revised layout
     2. N830 - N810 with revised layout
     3. N840 - N800 with WiMAX
     4. N850 - N810 with WiMAX
     5. N860 - N800 with GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA and/or LTE
     6. N870 - N810 with GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA and/or LTE
     7. N880 - N800 with 1x/EVDO
     8. N890 - N810 with 1x/EVDO
     (so, N8x0 where x is even for keyboardless, odd for with keyboard)
     While I list those data protocols, I purposefully haven't specified voice capability on those devices. That's optional. Though, SMS/MMS would be nice.
     Note, when I say "N800" and "N810" in that list, I don't mean exactly the same physical layout as the current N800 and N810 products. I mean "keyboardless" or "with keyboard". I'll get to what I would like the physical layout to be.
   • I'd like to see the N9xx series be a MID platform, that is slightly larger than the N8xx series (perhaps as much as 50% larger, but no more than that). It should have A LOT more battery, it should have 3 SD card slots (either micro or full size, not mini; one for shadowed OS, one for internal but removable data, one for external data), a lot more RAM, dual cameras (small user facing chat cam, and a non-user facing photograph cam with better resolution/clarity and a flash), micro-DVI video out, usb client, and perhaps distinct ports for usb host and usb otg. The N9xx would also try to use a chipset like the Qualcomm "every wireless in one" chipset: bluetooth, Wifi, WiMAX, 1x, EVDO, GPRS, EDGE, UMTS, HSPA, and LTE all in one device, with the user picking which ones to activate or not (and including things like LTE as they become available, so perhaps the first N900 doesn't have LTE, but the N910 has all of those plus LTE). If that can't be done, then multiple per-protocol variants (as I specified above for the N8xx series) would be acceptable, but not preferable (but, just to be clear, they should all support bluetooth and wifi, no matter what other protocols the do or don't support).
2. Both the N8xx series and N9xx series should have the following layout (the N900 just being larger). The keyboardless N8xx would be the same, just without the sliding screen and keyboard:
   
   http://www.rudd.cc/~john/NIT/nokia-n...ed-4closed.jpg
   
   http://www.rudd.cc/~john/NIT/nokia-n...fied-4open.jpg
   
   (possibly move the d-pads to be HIGHER up on the side-boards, so that they're more like the N800's d-pad placement, which I think is ergonomically better, but perhaps not as aesthetically pleasing as having them be centered ... definitely do NOT move them to be lower, like the N810's placement.)
   
   No kickstand, USB ports on the bottom edge (so that it's easy to access them while holding/using the device). The dual d-pads are programmable, with one being an 8-way dpad (4 way if the N8xx series is too small to support 8-way), the other having the 3 button cluster items and one or two "soft buttons" (as most cell phones have); the center button on both d-pads would always have the "select" functionality that the current d-pads use for the center. The screen slide/tilt mechanism would work as in the following Nokia patent:
   
   Just the screen sliding mechanism, not the rotating camera, not the side-mounted d-pad.
   
   The tilting screen replaces the need for a kickstand.
   
3. Whether the N8xx series has 1 or 2 card slots, whether they're micro, mini, or full size, doesn't really matter as much to me. Though, I think the ideal would be 3 micro-SD slots (as they're loadable in any SD card slot, no matter which device you're working with; you just need an adaptor), as I said for the N9xx series. The first card would be for storing the OS (which could be loaded into memory at boot time), so that it's easier to upgrade/maintain the OS without disrupting the running OS image, swap out multiple OS versions (stable, bleeding edge, experiment with an upgrade, etc.), have larger OS installs than the basic RAM image allows (via multiple partitions), or upgrade an OS image via an external host's card slot instead of using the tablet itself. The OS card slot would definitely be an internal card. This first card slot would be internal, but as accessible as the N800's internal card slot (behind the battery door, but not behind the battery -- removable while running). The second card would serve the same purpose as the N800's internal card, and the N810's non-accessible card -- static data such as GPS data ... though I would add /home/user to that card ... it should be behind the battery, so that it isn't removable while running, but it should ultimately be removable (so you can upgrade the amount of storage if you want). The third card would be an external card.
4. Both the N8xx series and N9xx series should have usb client ports, used for both making the device available to a host as a mass storage device, and for charging. No more custom charging cables. It should be on the bottom edge so that you can handle the device while it is plugged in to charge. Whether the device is in mass storage AND charging mode, or charging only mode, should be selectable via an on-screen setting.
5. The N9xx series should have a bottom edge USB Host port, so that you can easily plug in a keyboard, mouse, ethernet adaptor, non-OTG data card, etc. It should be capable of providing enough power to It should also have a micro-DVI port, for hooking up a monitor (that port might be on the top edge, or bottom edge; I'm agnostic about that). I'd like the micro-DVI to support DVI-A, but that's optional. If the USB Host port is going to be piggy-backed on the OTG port, then it should be done in a way that is easy/convenient for the user to select behaviors. None of the bottom edge ports (usb client, usb host, usb otg, possibly micro-dvi, possibly the external data card slot) should be hidden behind a kickstand (which I already said should go away).
6. Possibly the N9xx should be x86 based (via the Via chipset? I don't care if its true intel, as long as its low power consumption, and binary compatible with a desktop linux box). It would be fine if the chip runs faster when plugged in than when it's running on battery (it would probably be preferable). There's a trade-off here between the N8xx and N9xx being software compatible vs the N9xx being software compatible with a desktop/laptop ... I lean toward desktop/laptop, but I can see the decision going the other way.
7. The N9xx should have more video ram than what its built-in display needs, so that when using the micro-DVI port, it can use larger monitors for full display. The software (both drivers, and GUI) will need to support that.
8. Speaker placement should be the same as on the N810 (perhaps slightly lower on the sides), but, if voice handset capability is to be supported, then the microphone(s) should be on the opposite corners, facing off of the ends of the device. This lends itself to being held like a handset. The dual microphones aren't for stereo input, but for ambidextrous use. If one needs to be disabled, then let the user pick which orientation is assumed (or use a sensor to detect the device's physical orientation).
9. The N9xx series should be capable of acting as an infrastructure mode wifi access point (so it can lend its WWAN protocols to being a personal-hotspot for other devices). It should also be able to act as an ad-hoc access point, if necessary, and as a bluetooth DUN and bluetooth PAN server (in addition to being a client for all of those protocols). The WWAN enabled N8xx series devices should do as much of that as they can, but it's not as necessary.
10. VERY optional: if it's possible to accommodate the size, and power, after doing all of the above, the N9xx should have a 1.8" SSD "hard drive", possibly in place of the second microSD slot (so, you'd have a swapable OS card, and an external card, but static data for /home/user settings/documents/music/etc., GPS data, etc., would be on the SSD). I really don't expect to see something like this on the N8xx series. If this can be done, then that device should also be able to act as a Bluetooth FTP server.
11. It would be nice to have both series capable of acting as a bluetooth keyboard and mouse for a laptop or desktop device. I know there's a keyboard add-on, but it's not a versatile as I'd like (can't be used with a Mac for example), and I don't know if it'll utilize the N810's physical keyboard. Plus, I'd like to see this supported by the core device, and not as an add-on.

Obviously, and as I indicated in some of my statements, some of those just wouldn't be practical for the smaller N8xx series devices. For the N9xx series, do all of that (the larger size and larger battery should help support it). For the N8xx series, reduce what you can only in as much as you're making size and power accommodations.

That kind of describes what I'd like to see on the hardware side (though, the last 3 list items were really more software than hardware, but I still thought they sort of belong here). I'll post my software desires elsewhere (another post here at a later date, or maybe in a new thread).

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

like generalantilles, i'd really love the OMAP3430 on the tablets because it would allow for some much needed overall responsiveness and get closer to a full desktop replacement.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Wait 'til April and buy a Pandora. It'll run on the 3430 (among other things).

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

thanks karel, you just made me read forum posts for a couple of hours :p
let's hope the device really DOES come out, i'd seriously consider getting one...

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I have to admit I'm a tad sceptic myself, fearing perhaps another Medison Celebrity scam. OTOH, the developers are well-known (and apparently well-loved and respected as well) in the community, so odds are the Pandora will indeed materialize.

Then again, if it doesn't, all it'll have cost me is thwarted anticipation. I can live with that ($DEITY knows I've learned to with Nokia's Itablets).

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I guess I'll add my .02 cents;
*Automatic USB host mode (I guess a firmware revision can already do this)
*PIM and Sync
*Better camera, at least 2mps (I've read somewhere that the cost for a 1.3mp camera for BB phones costs $10)
*Longer battery life
*Bigger swap file
*BT Mouse support
*printing support

I know most of that can be done with scripts/hacks but it would be nice if it came as a default. Other than that, I'm pretty happy with the N800, the $200 average price per tablet is very affordable, I can see students lagging this instead of a laptop to classes... Schools would just have to provide keyboards per classroom seat instead of buying desktops. Nokia should jump on the bandwagon to sell their NITs along with Dell, Mac and (insert other pc makers here) to schools.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

My $0.02

• 2 full size SD slots
• Faster processor
• longer life battery
• put the shift lock key back
• slider keyboard
• larger system flash (at least double)
• hard cover (maybe the screen flipped face down)
• option for higher capacity battery

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Here are my greetings to the Nokia designers, I hope you are reading!

I have used the 770 and the N800 in the past, and now the N810 for about a month. The one feature I have always missed in these devices is phone functionality. I would gladly throw my phone out of the window and carry just one device in my pocket. And I would gladly pay double the price if that is needed!

Anyway, here's my complete list of what I would like to see in the N900 and the OS 2009:

Connectivity:

• GSM call and SMS functionality
• GPRS/EDGE/HSxPA data
• MicroUSB charging in addition to the conventional one
• Replace MiniSD with 2xMicroSD slots
• GSM/CDMA/WIMAX functionality as MicroSD cards (SIM slot could be integrated in the device). This would make it possible for people to choose which connectivity they really want to have.
• Programmable RFID device, and RFID reader

Hardware usability stuff:

• One extra row of keys for number keys (an extra 6 mm of space is needed for this - it may be possible to slide the keyboard out that much more)
• Add Esc, Tab and | (pipe symbol) keys
• Add a couple of user programmable hardware shortcut keys
• The slide-out keyboard of the N810 is very, very good in my opinion. Please don't remove it in the next version, or replace with a poorer option. Better tactile feedback is always good, but the keyboard usability is extremely good as it is already, not including the missing number keys.
• Accelerometer for detecting motion and orientation
• 256 MB RAM (I'm still running out of it sometimes)
• Vibration for alarms and touch screen feedback
• A place for wrist or neck strap
• If possible after everything else, shave a couple of millimetres off in every dimension (But only if - the current size of the N810 is nearly perfect. Do not make it bigger. The N800 is a little bit too big in my opinion.

Operating system:

• Cryptographic services easy to use by applications (eg. for passwords and personal information)
• Unlimited swap size
• Better multitasking (an application must not be able to hang the whole system for several seconds)
• Bash and Coreutils instead of Busybox
• Make the system more "secure by default". Eg. the root password should be scrambled at initial startup.
• Make it possible to encrypt the user's whole home directory

User interface:

• Wide, thumb-operated scrollbars in every application. This could be an option in the control panel. Another possibility is a little bit less recessed screen (and both would be great!)
• The touch detection should be made more reliable (get rid of the falsely detected double taps and undetected taps)
• Add gesture support - instead of keeping the stylus pressed against the touchscreen, the context menu could open by drawing a small circle around the target item. Much quicker and easier.
• Portrait mode with automatic orientation detection using the accelerometer

Applications:

• Add Calendar, Todo and Notes application with standard open synchronization API
• Integrate Gnumeric (already works in almost a usable way)
• Browser tabs
• Firefox-style extensions in the browser (Adblock is what I particularly want - it could easily be used to block unwanted big flash animations which bring the device to near halt)
• Cryptographic integration in the browser - encrypt the saved passwords and form information
• More shortcut keys in every app
• A better e-mail app, regarding IMAP especially
• More supported protocols in the file manager: SSH, CIFS, FTP, WebDAV
• Almost forgot: OGG Vorbis sound support by default!

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I think I know what I _REALLY_ want to see for the next gen NIT:

Modu.

http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/0...ic/1#c10410841

(pay attention to the pics at the end of the gallery, where they have a side-slider qwerty handset)


Imagine this:

A device with the hardware layout I already mentioned, adding a modu module port (maybe slightly bigger than the N810 to fit the modu). Bluetooth and Wifi are on the NIT.

Then there'd be 6 modu style modules:

0) Null: just an empty plastic shell to hold the space. Comes with the NIT.

1) Storage: lots of storage/memory expansion (maybe even a 1.8" SSD, if they can make it fit), some or no battery expansion

2) Endurance: no storage/memory expansion, LOTS of battery

3a) Euro-GSM: GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA in European bands, some storage/memory expansion, some battery expansion

3b) USA-GSM: GSM/GPRS/EDGE/UMTS/HSPA in USA bands, some storage/memory expansion, some battery expansion

4) CDMA: CDMA/1xRTT/EVDO, some storage/memory expansion, some battery expansion

5) WiMAX: WiMAX, some storage/memory expansion, some battery expansion

Adding an LTE version could be new versions of #3, or a #6 of its own.

If you don't want WWAN on your NIT, you can just use one of the non-WWAN modules (Null, Storage, or Endurance). If you want WWAN on your NIT, you buy one of the WWAN modules.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I want to have a true linux on the device from the beginning like debian, ubuntu or gentoo linux.

Then no developper has to waste time in porting apps and users have full control over their device.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

The problem with that is that the GUIs of these "true Linuxes" have been designed to use large screens with a mouse. The point of Maemo is to tailor a GUI for Linux (relatively painlessly it has to be said) that efficiently uses a small touch screen.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I cannot renember a linux which is bounded to a specific gui or you confuse something.

Maemo isnt binary compatible anymore to its parent debian. I do not have anything against a "Maemo Desktop Enviroment" (besides the fact that it is much less configurable than kde for ex.).

I just want to use the linux software of my choice without waiting for someone of the small maemo developper community to port it.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

My list is short becuase the n800 totally rocks as it is.

A2DP
USB Charging
Maybe 1024x600 res, but only depending on the next two wishes
Graphic Acceleration in hardware (drivers)
3D
Bluetooth Mouse profile.
OpenGL
OpenAL


For software features, I'd really like to see:
Autodownloading of RSS Video Streams (get up and watch the CNN feed each day)
Office Suite
Native Support of most codecs. Meaning; instead of the user having to cobble in ogg and mplayer etc.... this should ship with broad codec support.
Media Box should be default media player
Ability to designate handler apps for media. (Mp3 to Canola, AVI to Media Box, etc...)
Syntax highlighting code editor


Can bluetooth support a keyboard, mouse, headphones and a datalink, all at the same time?

I like the pause/answer button on the headphones, BUT the audio quality sucks. Need a way to add better headphones and keep the features.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Can't really fault maemo/Nokia there, can you? Debian is going to ARM eabi too now, big ships just turn slower. We'll have binary compatibility again AFAICT (I don't see that as particularly important myself, but still...).

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

This is absolutely not probable (hint: Nokia is a company).

If you think deeper you perhaps realise that what is good for the community is also good for you.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

First, I'm not sure what we're talking about anyway, as I'm running some sid binaries on my N800 right now -- we have binary compatibility.
Yeah, Nokia is a company. And we all know companies like to waste money hiring their own programmers to do what the OS community is doing anyhow, just so they can... umm... so they can do what?
What do they gain by keeping binary incompatibility (if they had it)? I really don't see anything.

Your whole claim that this is not a "true linux" is ridiculous.
If you mean that all software should be OS licensed, say so.
If you mean that it should come with a distribution managed and distributed by someone independent of Nokia, say so.
If you mean that it should be binary-compatible with some arch of some other distribution subject to some selection criteria (as your succeeding comments imply), say so. (Saying what selection criteria you use would scarce be amiss, too.) Or better still, notice that it is, and say nothing at all.

But when you say "true linux", the only meaning those words bear is that it runs the Linux kernel, which it undeniably does.

Lardman was polite enough to try to guess a rational complaint you could have meant, rather than simply pointing out how ridiculous your assertion was. His guess was apparently wrong, so could you please explain what you're trying to say?

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

1 - either NO cellular network, or at least the ability to COMPLETELY turn it off - I have a cell phone that is smaller and built for this function. I don't want to waste battery life on this.

2 - FULL BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY to all 3 previous OS: 2006, 2007 and 2008. No software will need to be rewritten, thus keeping all the programs we are used to.

3 - option to lock only the screen, not the keys - maybe an OS option, but mandatory, if you ask me.

4 - video capture - no explanation needed.

5 - unless it triples the price, a camera zoom. otherwise, keep the device at a relatively low price <500$

6 - a video chipset (looking on the Dell x51v and HP Hw4700)

7 - maybe more CPU - 624 Mhz processor seems more than enough for mobile devices.

8 - IF there is a screen update to a higher resolution - about 800 Mhz.

9 - extended ability to extend ram to the flash card (1Gb Ram from my flash card would look good)

10 - USB HOST 2.0

11 - Video output - through an adapter cable since there is no place on the device to add a jack.

12 - extended USB capacity :
a) when connected to a desktop - being able to reach the internal memory
b) when connected to a desktop - being able to access the desktop from the internet tablet
c) capacity to connect to the internet via USB - for those of us who are stealing our neighbor's connections ;)

13 - for the audio output - a capacity to boost it beyound 100% (it MAY already exist... but I wasn't able to find it in the past 2 month :(

14 - neat, yet pointless features:
a) multi-touch screen
b) wireless charging
c) dynamic screen orientation
d) infrared
they add to the device's price, make it a bit more elegant, yet are not needed for good functionnality. they should NOT be included in order to keep the price low.

15 - better drivers (ex: bluetooth keyboard does not support the number pad on the right :(

16 - of course: DO NOT MAKE IT LARGER
one of the nicest features is its small size, useful for anytime uses, not like a laptop!

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I'm assuming you're assuming that all future tablets will come with WiMAX? I hope not, too.

This is just silly.

We already have this.

Bad idea for three reasons: cost, size, and the intended use of the camera (webcam).

We already have this (just need drivers).

Screens don't come in megahertz.

We already have this.

We already have this.

More complicated than it sounds.

We already have this.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

You can capture video with the N800.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

hahahahah 800mhz screen... hahahahahahah wow

okay sorry for making fun of you i couldnt resist

anyway yeah - what it needs:
a SIM Card slot - YES make it a phone. (this is going to spark mad contro i know)

howbout a good camera (They're not that hard to do anymore) - my friend's LG Venus camera is excellent - comparable to my old Olympus 3MP.

Howbout some hardware acceleration for 3d rendering (yes, gaming), maybe im being unrealistic but thatd be great...

Howbout an IMAP 3420 or something powerful - i dont want any lag from runnign flash...sohuldnt take up THAT much batttery, should it?

The screen is fine as it is i think, but iguess 1024x640 would be cool, but i think u'd hafta make it bigger (which is a step back, i think). OH make it at least 262k colors - its not that noticeable but on paper it looks a lot better when comparing to a Creative, Archos, or Cowon.

Keep the dual SDHC from the N800 - THOSE ARE GOLD (seriously, MicroSD is bulls*** and was a BAD idea with the N810 - its not like the N810 is too small to fit SD's at all, so why limit it to 8GB? stupid idea on their part). In the N900, howbout triple or quad SDHC? (16 or 32GBx3 or 4 :D)

GPS. Yes, try to make it as non-crappy as possible.

oh and howbout batteries that dont require a freakin pocket knife to take out - and make an external (but subtle) extended-life battery pack that just looks like a thick battery cover, but is actually a really long lasting battery (its been done on other devices)

512MB RAM - yes, on a handheld, i know that thats a lot, but if u want it to remain considered "fast" for the next 3+ years, they better up the ante - at least to 256mb

as far as integrated disk space, i dont care, the 256mb is fine and its not like anybody really uses it, and its not like u cant use the SD, so w/e

howbout a full-sized USB in?

voice recognition (thats currently underway on OS2008 i know but i want it fully integrated and official)

keep the keyboard from N810 - its not that great but its THERE and makes it THAT much more functional
.......................
thats just about it

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Actually, the more I think about the Modu concept, the more I like it.

1 Module for WWAN (as I outlined in a previous post, with WWAN modules, and storage/battery modules)

1 Module for the "brain" (CPU, OS firmware, RAM, maybe the primary user storage on microSDHC, maybe small rechargeable battery)

And then shells that have 1 slot for each of those modules... plus optional extras (display variations, keyboard or not, card slots, extended battery, picture camera, chat camera, PMP features, etc.).

So, you could take your WWAN module and use it various phone shells, or NIT type shells (or laptops, or even PCs). And the same with the CPU module (could be used in a NIT, a laptop, a PC, or just as a thumb-drive type replacement).

As long as they all use the same interfaces, you'd have 3 product lines (wwan modules, cpu modules, shells), instead of a huge matrix of product lines (cpu+wimax+keyboard, cpu+gsm+keyboard, cpu+evdo+keyboard, cpu+wimax-keyboard, cpu+gsm-keyboard, cpu+evdo-keyboard, cpu-wwan-keyboard, cpu-wwan+keyboard, etc.). And when it came time to upgrade, you could just upgrade the pieces that make sense to you. So, if you like the shell you're using, and the wwan, but a new faster CPU comes out, then you can upgrade just the cpu module.


I don't know that Nokia would go down this path, but I think that's a "realistic wish" for the future. (where realistic means "realizable" not "probable")

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Modules suck. I prefer durability and lower price over modularity any day.

Slots add space and cost.

The OMAP3430 allows for 3D acceleration. That's not saying that 3D programs will be great, but 2D games and such will see a performance boost.

As for iPhone-esque functionality, the multi-touch is overrated and the lack of buttons is a pisser.

I'd be fine with an N810 with boosted specs and a better keyboard design.
This is a "true linux". "Binary incompatibilities" are due to different library versions.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Huh? Binary incompatibility was lost because maemo started using eabi. Now Debian eabi is gathering steam, so Debian binaries will again be usable. Like I said, I don't find that particularly interesting myself (I bet the recent OpenEmbedded work is much more useful), but the compatibility will be there.

Can you please explain what you mean in writing? I'm really bad at understanding handwaving (I was particularly lost with the "good of the community" part)

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

For a device of this class, I totally agree. Some things should be separate modules, at least for some devices (e.g. GPS for N800), but BT connection is a good way of dealing with many such things.

Overrated, yes, but it'd still be nice. Buttons FTW, though! Buttons are mandatory.


Perhaps that's what Modulok meant, but if the libraries are binary compatible, just not all installed/available from default repos, I'd consider it a binary compatible system...

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

- symmetrical and no flat keyboard (look at Nokia E61!)
- pad and extra keys should be next to the display
- same size as N810
- rubber surface at the backside so the device isn't slippery (look at HTC-Touch)
- 10hz GPS
- Yaw sensor for trackday recording
- VGA cam for video calls (this is enough, more pixels will be always a toy on this small device)
- 800x480 is nice and enough if I travel around (read below)
- 6xx Mhz or even better a Menlow CPU to be x86 compatible with full video support for every usual videos
- maybe 3D if Nvidia ships their mobile GPUs
- USB-Host
- Keyboard and mouse support in Xorg (USB & Bluetooth)
- Mini DVI with resolutions up to 1280x1024 (including widescreen support)
- 512MB RAM, 2GB for OS
- internal Micro-SDHC and external full SDHC-Card support (swapping cards must be easy)
- of course Wifi, maybe Wimax
- no GSM, UMTS, HSDPA, this is an ITT

This should be possible in the $400 range end of 2008. The device should be act like a micro laptop if I connect a keyboard, mouse and/or external display and act like an ITT if I travel around (built in keyboard, 800x480 display, BT mouse)

So I will be use most of the time this 'N900' and don't need to sync to much with my big PC/laptop, as my bookmarks, documents, scrapbooks, mail, calendar... are already on the device.

With a x86 compatible CPU everyone can install his 'N900-distro' and have a Gnome Desktop for 800x480 resolution and every app we wish to have now (Evolution, TBird, Full Firefox or Webkit based Epiphany, OpenOffice)...

If this device really comes before xmas 2008, it will be blast every other MID, tablet, eee away - I promise!

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

IMHO, x86 compatibility is highly overrated (these days, with open-source software like debian being ported so widely anyway). And you hit a major point there: it's then completely software commoditized -- "everyone can install his 'N900-distro'" -- which is not something that particularly helps Nokia.
3D is available without any nVidia GPUs, if we stay with OMAP. Somewhat larger displays are possible with the 3430, though 1280x1024 output might be a problem (and is not important, anyway). If it has 1024x600 output (should be readily possible, I think), and you use that with a typical dot-pitch display, it should do anything you'd want to with a 600 MHz CPU.

And I don't see your wishlist happening for $400 by year's end. Especially keeping it size of N810, and adding stuff upon stuff upon stuff...

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

What do I really adding stuff upon stuff upon stuff?? :confused:

6xx Mhz is adequate now (look at HP Ipaqs), I only want to go with 10hz GPS, Yaw sensor, more memory and miniDVI because these one are really useful. And takes the N900 a bit into the professional area without touching the price to much.

These chips or external connector won't be that much higher priced as you might think.

I don't need 1024x600 when I travel, it's ok to have 800x480, but I can connect a usual DVI-Monitor. With DVI I can use VGA adpaters too for projectors. But if 1024x600 isn't too expensive, I take 1024x600 ;)

And it's even ok if this device can't do too much 3D but playing full usual video formats (for example from Canon digicams, mjpeg or VDR mpeg2).

And the rest is cosmetic (key/keyboard layout) or nearly built-in (USB Host) or is only a matter of compiling mouse support into Xorg. Even the N800 does have full SDHC :p ;)

So I don't know what you really mean if I adding stuff upon stuff... I don't think so, only faster CPU, better GPS, Yaw sensor, more memory and miniDVI is new. And this isn't possible end of 2008.