Re: i keep trying to like this thing
 

The n800 may not be for everyone but most devices are not. I do not think the learning curve on the n800 is that much different than any other small device. When I first received a Sony PSP I had about the same amount of learning curve for it's featues and options. Same for a Palm or Pocket PC PDA. I don't think we can compare the n800 to full OS units like in a UMPC as the OQO.
You can easily download and install extra applications using the Application Manager. Granted there are not as many applications available yet when compard to a Palm, Windows Mobile, or full OS but the 770/n800 is relatively new and there are not that many other units available yet which run a version of Linux. I think for most users of the n800 there are enough applications and utilities available to easily keep you happy with the unit. I know I am. :)

Re: i keep trying to like this thing
 

I think too many people jumped on the bandwagon without knowing quite what they were getting into. I read this forum for the last year and even then waited till the N800 had been out for about two months before pulling the trigger on a purchase. This being my first linux experience I was prepared to do a little learning, just as I did with Symbian and OSX. I have installed over 20 programs but have never typed a single command in xterm, I use the N800 everyday and have had only two serious crashes (both using Abiword).
If you are an advanced linux user I can't see how the N800 is anything but the perfect mobile device. For me I found out that it was so much more than the PDA replacement that I initially bought it for. The Maemo platform just simply outperforms Winmo, Symbian and Palm in key areas for me such as multitasking.
The only thing that I would improve is maybe have a scroll wheel or buttons on the left hand side and maybe .5 to 1 inch larger screen WITHOUT increasing the size of the device.
As you can clearly tell I am a satisfied customer :D

Re: i keep trying to like this thing
 

One of my grouses is the input. Somehow, I wish it would be better (the virtual keyboard and handwriting somehow aren't working as well as I think it should). Double/no presses are common even when I tapped the screen properly. And the handwriting recognition is slow. I think my Newton 100 is better.... My m500 Palm is definitely better.


Luke

Re: i keep trying to like this thing
 

I occasionally have the double press/no press problem, but I don't think it's that major an issue. Just happens every so often while I'm chatting (which I do heavily on the device).

I'm considering buying a bluetooth keyboard for it but they all seem so expensive.

Re: i keep trying to like this thing
 

I found the handwriting entry more or less worthless, does anyone like it? If someonne would make up a substitute alphabet, not cursive but mostly angles I would certainly try it.

I think the few people substantially unhappy with this are mid-level users who know enough to get themselves in trouble but not enough to solve their problems, and of course impatient people who should have bought a phone instead.

Re: i keep trying to like this thing
 

It could be assumed that the people who purchased this device have phones, and from the amount of posts generated in this and other threads, this device has been purchased from complete novices to experienced user/developers. So the demographic runs the gambit, however getting into trouble is not the issue in some cases. For some, the issue is time and the "purely" user functionality preference. Some, most many, etc..... might have the patience to figure things out but not the time. For some, a device that simply works might be what is needed. In this case, for some, the N800 does not fit the bill.

Re: i keep trying to like this thing
 

You represent the patient, savvy customer-- the kind every company loves.

Given the advancement evident between the 770 and N800, one can only assume (safely I believe) that the next iteration WILL be more user-friendly out of the box, and a lot of that is thanks to the constructive, thoughtful input of users such as yourself as opposed to the abject bashing that certainly can help vis-a-vis personal catharsis but that's about it. Problem is, bashers are selfish, impatient people who jump into purchases without the due diligence you exercised. It's a self-fulfilling catastrophe.

You, on the other hand, are appreciated. ;)

Re: i keep trying to like this thing
 

We must keep in mind the device only came a few monthes ago, they still got a heap of bugs to fix. I do wish they made faster more frequent updates though ...

Re: i keep trying to like this thing
 

Not sure if I understood you correctly, but you can define your own "alphabet" in the teach handwriting utility.

Re: i keep trying to like this thing
 

Nokia obviously didn't hire you for their marketing department... every opinion counts and you cannot only listen to the satisfied customers... the unsatisfied customers tell a story also even if you disagree with them. Personally the Nokia N800 is the best electronic device I ever owned, but I use it exclusively at my job and if I didn't have this job it would be useless to me. I can see everyone's point of veiw without putting anyone down for it because I am not locked into thinking my point of veiw is superior to everyone else's. Too bad Karl has me on his ignore list cuz he could be taking notes here too.