Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

The N800 is better than I hoped. Really, on the whole, nicely designed, great balance of speed, size, price, versatility.

For myself, I would have preferred a small keyboard, but I respect the purity of the design.

Here's the thing, though: I think dropping the cover from the 770 was a backward step. A design tweak that would fix that is if there was somewhere to attach a cover or fold-out keyboard to this thing.

Really. I keep looking at it, trying to work out how I could rig up some kind of cover into which I could also attach my folding USB keyboard. There is just no way to attach something to this device. The bottom half is out, if you want to use the stand. The webcam (which I love, or will once Skype support works) comes out on the left, and the other ports are on the right.

If there were only a couple of suitably-located slots into which Nokia or a third party could offer to attach my choice of either a hard cover or a cover-plus-keyboard, I'd be ecstatic.

Even better, there could be a port and attachment at the bottom, which offers powered USB and a physical attachment point. Then, there could be quite a cheap cover-plus-keyboard (it wouldn't need Bluetooth). And what would be excellent about that is we could have a dock to charge and connect the thing.

So: for the N900, a dock/keyboard/cover connector with USB on the bottom of this thing would increase its flexibility and utility immensely.

(In the meantime, I would lay down reasonable money for a third party cover-plus-keyboard of reasonable compactness and utility; anyone?)

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I agree, and in fact mentioned it earlier.

I used to be a product designer. I think for grins I'll start modeling possible accessories... and maybe even work up my own vision for the "N900"...

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Actually there are snap-in capable areas for a hardcover on the N800. There is a 3x2mm area right where the stand pivot points are. There is also the niche used to open the stand at the bottom of the unit. And ofcourse the metal strips at the bottom for magnetic covers. I don't think it would be impossible to manufacture a cover for the device. It just takes a little engineering and some cash :)

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I'd be quite happy with the apparently available-but-not-for-sale Nokia N800 Case which should protect the screen (I assume it clips into the back using a replacement battery cover) as long as I had a shortcut key to rapidly put the N800 into a 770-like standby mode. :)

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

There's some hope yet, it would seem.

My ideal would be a cover that included a small keyboard, ideally one as thumb-typeable as say the Sidekick.

This would take a little engineering, though. It would be necessary that it could fold out of the way when I wanted to just have the tablet, but it would need to form a solid unit when I wanted to type standing up.

OTOH, decent HWR would be a pretty good substitute. I took notes for all my classes for a year in college with a later-model Newton. It was great. Oh, for an application that worked like Notes on the Newton, complete with drawing and gesture recognition.

And yes, I know about Einstein. It's half the reason I bought this thing.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

There were rumours of improved hwr in the N800 but sadly it hasn't made it, so far...

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Snap-on what now? All I see around the stand pivots is smooth black plastic.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Not that I'm going to verify it on my brand new tow ;) , but it could be possible to remove the stand, and use the 2 attachment points to attach some new 'magic cover thing'. Just an idea

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I'm not so sure about a keyboard: This would probably add quite a bit to the dimensions of the device, and quite a few 770-users here say they never missed it. (In fact, I remember reading a post by someone saying that he bought a keyboard for his 770 but never uses it.)
You can always purchase this as an extra device if you really need it; most use cases for a portable internet tablet, though, don't require a keyboard.

Powered host-mode USB and hard cover are different:

You cannot easily turn the current USB-port into a powered host-mode USB-port. If you succeed, you end up with an extra device to carry around to provide the power. This is something that IMHO should be provided by Nokia. They can put a warning in the manual that using host mode USB reduces battery life, if they need to, but I think it wouldn't have any other negative effects (like increased size etc.) for those who don't use it, would it?

Of course, as almost every N800-owner said before, the hard cover needs to return to a N900; I would even pay for it if sold separately as an accessory. The cover advertised for the N800 does not seem to do the same job, as far as I can tell from the one picture available. The genius who invented the 770-cover managed to
1) turn it into an on/off switch (or so it seems, power saving mode being "almost off")
2) design it in a way so it improves the grip and the overall feeling of the 770 when you actively use it
3) make it "always in place" so you will never forget it on the restaurant table in a hurry
4) allows me to put the device to sleep and put on a screen cover with one single move while slipping the 770 into my pocket as the train arrives.

I had expected both powered USB and a hard cover for the N800, but it somehow saves me from spending EUR 400. Nokia, add these features to a N900 (and, please, make the hardware buttons of better quality again), and I promise I'll pre-order it. :D

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I don't get it. What is with people and their desire for a built-in keyboard? The dimensions of the unit would require something like a thumb board, which would be a sad disappointment.

Just break down and buy a bluetooth keyboard, like Nokia's SU-8W. I use the N770 to check e-mail in airports and when I'm on the road, but don't want to drag out the whole laptop. It is very convenient for doing things like that.

If I want to compose a lengthy e-mail, I bring out the SU-8W and type away. It is still tons easier than firing up the laptop, especially in a crowded area. I'd rather see one of the SD slots made into SD I/O long before seeing a built-in keyboard.

I'd also like to see a complete alternative to Nokia's software, like a "FreeN" stack, just for people to tinker.

Charles

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

The Ångström Distribution project seems to have a head start on this :
http://www.angstrom-distribution.org/

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Great effort... Maybe the day will come when the Nokia 770 or N800 will really run an open system. I'm not holding my breath, though :)

BTW: Did anyone try it? They have a file in a directory called images/20070104/nokia770/, but no instructions whatsoever of what to do with it. I don't want to brick my dear 770, but maybe one of those people who told us here that theirs is collocting dust under their beds could give it a try? :D

Link to the Nokia-directory at Ångström

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I would really enjoy a keyboard that is either custom-made for the 770/800 or has fittings for them to snap into. What would be really nice for the n800 is to have the keyboard act as a (large) cover. The keyboard would be larger than the tablet and wider but roughly the same height; it could be snapped together securely to make it durable enough to throw in a book bag/briefcase.

Larry

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

A thumbboard is the one thing I do miss on the Nokia series, coming from the Zaurus SL-6000L. Input speed and accuracy just aren't as good with stylus keyboards. However, the SL-6000 was a bit bigger then the Internet tablet is. I think the later Zaurus models (with the flip-open clamshell) had the right idea...

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I have and use an external bt keyboard.

But for walk-around use, a thumbboard, even one as small as the one in my treo, is a good twice as fast and much less annoying and cramp-inducing as pecking things out on the on-scren keyboard.

A treo type keyboard would surely add only a few mm thickness and trivial cost to this device.

In the meantime, a bt sidekick sized keyboard-and-cover for this thing would rock.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I got so fired up after this thread last night that I seriously started tackling the NXXX. I am factoring in user feedback and think I have some nifty solutions to many of the gripes. I'll post images later.

Now...if only someone at Nokia would take an interest...

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I've been sitting watching ever since the 770 first came out - now the 800 is here it looks like I'll be buying soon, once I find a price cheaper than TigerDirect.CA's $507 here in Canada!

I am a Palm user for many a long year, currently on a T3.

What would make text-input easier and faster is if there were a Nokia N800 version of the FITALY text-input system with its keyboard layout and its tap and its 9 directions for each character slide capabilities. It is an incredibly fast way to input text.

Any other Palm FITALY users who would back me up on this statement?
.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Well, the two things I don't like with my Zaurus is 1) the hard plastic cover, and 2) the thumbboard..
That cover is IMO just in the way, it's much better (again, IMO) to use a PDA-style screen protector (those soft ones you stick on the screen), combined with a protective carrying case - this could be a leather case or something else. And for a touch-typist like me the tiny thumbboards are painfully inconvenient to use, particularly when I need some characters not immediately available (which you need all the time if you're not strictly in US ASCII land). I _much_ prefer to use the screen keyboard with a stylus.

What I would want from a 900 device is
1) Wake-up functionality! Otherwise calendar- and alarm apps can't work. I'm totally with the poster that went about this at length in another thread. An essential, ridiculously simple, but missing, function. [as I understand it this is still the case with the N800 - someone will correct me if I'm wrong]
2) USB host mode. It should be possible to switch into host mode at will.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

You're wrong, at least partially ;-)

OS 2007 has a full-featured alarm framework. Details here:

http://www.maemo.org//platform/docs/...face_bora.html

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I've been having a lot of fun with my N900 proposal design. I've incorporated suggestions regarding speakers, a cover and docking. I can't wait to finish, post and see the resulting flames. :D

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I'd still like to see an after-market accessory which gave a portable docking station, or perhaps one like the OQO Model 2.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Also consider Splashpower-type recharging - actually, that goes for all future Nokia devices and not just the "N900" :) I keep sticking the 2mm power adapter in the headphone socket - I may become better with practice, but with all my other devices needing charging as well (with different adapters - grrrr) I'd much rather just drop them all on a Splashpower plate and be done with it...

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I think the charge port should be in a totally separate location. I know of one guy who told me his N800 wouldn't charge because he put the old larger barrel charger in his headphone port. :D

Oh, and that splashpower idea is cool-- but I think I already have enough ambient EMF in my life.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

You don't have to use Splashpower if you dont' want to - however including a Splashpower module in future devices would be a great idea for those of us who would like to use it and are fed up with the multitude of charging adapters we all own.

I imagine that EMF charging is one of those technologies that needs a while to gather momentum before it becomes unstoppable, a bit like Bluetooth.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I'd really like to see some type of charger stand similar to my old Palm Vx. I prefer dropping it into a cradle than fiddling with a plug (provided it didn't fall it behind the desk again...) I used to use the Palm as a desk clock. Keep the stand from the 800, I like it.

I don't care much for a full-on docking station or port replicator. I have a PC at home and a laptop at work. I want this thing lightweight, functional yet simple, durable and inexpensive. A docking station should be an optional accessory. I guess you could say I want the 900 to be reasonable priced and not venture into UMPC territory.

I really like the new stylus triangle shape. It works much better than my thin Palm stylus ever did.

I don't know about a keyboard either. I think I'd prefer a full size bluetooth that folds down to a compact case to carry along. I've used Fitaly and I agree its faster than the querty keyboard.

I also read somewhere here about an improved HWR that hasn't made it over from the phones yet. I can't seem to find the link, though.

One thing I was really hoping for would be to have a couple buttons on the right side along with a durable 4-way pad on the left to be able to play emulated and other games more easily.

The webcam is neat, but I have no idea what I'd use it for. If it disappears, I wouldn't miss it.

And of course, a decent screen protector and/or durable travel case should be standard issue.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I would love to see this as well! Indeed, I believe that this would attract more users and developers. We only need to look at the success of the GP2X as a successful open Linux portable entertainment system.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Yes, since my posting I have received my N800, and I noticed that :-)
In fact I'm very happy with the unit. I heard a lot of negative stuff about the buttons, but the buttons are great, IMO. There is a boot problem, resolved by removing internal SD card (see other threads), but that's my only bug report so far. Then there's one wish: I want to scroll down a page (e.g. in the browser) using the five-way selector, as with my Tungsten T3. Using the stylus on the scrollbar or on the screen gets old pretty fast.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

What about ability to install an (internet tablet only) EVDO card... They are supposedly coming out with USB ones in the future... Then you would truly have a portable internet device.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

A scroll wheel is a must, something similar to iPOD would be nice where its not mechanical so much, but I'm not so sure that could be easily implemented since you want to minimize the thumb movement as much as possible. Forget any type of built in keyboard, I'm baffled why people are request this on such a small device. I find the on-screen thumb keyboard to be more then acceptable and if I need something more then that then it's easy enough to buy a BT keyboard.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Not an iPod-type scrollwheel, but a Sony jogwheel would be perfect on the N900 for scrolling long web pages and documents up/down.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

You can already use you finger on the screen to scroll. Why more buttons? There are already too many on the device.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

IMO the scroll control is just rendered way, way too small. On many web pages I have accessed I have slipped off with the stylus and clicked some unwanted link by accident way too many times for my liking. It's only exacerbated by using my finger. This is particularly true on pages that are highly customized. I'd love to see some sort of hardware-based page scrolling feature located on the right side of the device.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

That's subjective, that is.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I may have agreed until I started using a device - a Sony Ericcson phone - that has a jogwheel and it's a very, very useful interface device. You can scroll up/down, push in to select and (not on my device but on others) I believe you can move it back and forth for other actions (left/right? zoom in/out?). One input device, many functions - works for me.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

I have a P910 and I can vouch that the 5-way jogdial is a very good thing (eternal shame in the ninth Bolgia of Hell for SE to drop it).

... On the P910's OS, that is. The version of UIQ 2.1 on the PXXO series was designed around that jogwheel. Stick a jogwheel on a N800 and we would be able to hear the user grumbling in outer space.

OTOH, I also use a Newton Messagepad 2100 that has exactly one hardware button, the on/off switch, and really doesn't need another one. Mind you, the Newton OS is just about the best designed pen-based OS you can lay your hands on, so perhaps Nokia (and the developer community) could not do too badly by having an occasional good look at it?

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

As the thread title says, we're discussing proposals for a "N900" - if a jogwheel/jogdial were included in the next hardware iteration I would expect a future IT OS to be aware of it's presence and use it accordingly.

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Never said otherwise.

What's the deal, Karel? You single me out as someone to fight with? :p

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Nah. I'm too lazy to fight. :D

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Rejoice, Karel, you're not alone :

http://cs.gmu.edu/~sean/stuff/n800/

(this guy just speared into the Nokia rear line, through the maemo-dev ML :-)

Re: Proposal for the N900: dock/cover/keyboard/usb port
 

Well, what can I say? Sean Luke r00lz on the Newton scene. I could only wish he's coming over to the N800 side...

BTW, if Einstein ever gets completely done and runs on the N800, you'll never see me on this forum again.:rolleyes: