So... i have been contemplating getting some form of pda for a while now. Ironically enough the n800 and n810 seemed to jump out at me like a tiger running full speed for the kill. At first I was thinking I'd just get the n800 simple efficient.. Able to handle all the notes I wanted to just jot down at random and the added bonus of being able to use a full net browser on the fly.. Sounded perfect.

Well with the decrease in price of the n810.. I am seriously considering it as I currently do not own a gps. I have gotten a lot of mixed reviews on its gps however, i will be honest. I don't care if it takes 4 minutes or so for it to get working properly as long as it stays working properly for the duration of my trip. Odds are I won't use it unless I am driving over an hour away anyway and then I can go let my car warm up for a few minutes anyway.

my biggest quirk is i don't want to have to pay an extra 120$ for the services.. Is there possibly some other software I could use? I would like turn by turn instructions and real time mapping. (A gps isn't much good to me if it can't handle detours.)

One thing that appeals to me is the open source factor. I would like to get into it.. although i lack experience everyone needs to start somewhere..

Other then that.. i can't explain it .. but, I really just want an n810.. but, I also don't want to shut out other options. Its primary function would be keeping track of my work schedule and other general events (my memory isn't too great lol) sorry for rambling guys... anyway..thx

The gps got better with a-gps. But once it gets a lock... it pretty much sustains it. I have never lost it after it gets a lock.

Yeah the n810 is a wonderful device. You will be surprised at how much it can do with a little patience.

Don't underestimate quick-fix GPS. I thought that I didn't care much, but I have to admit occasionally it would be handy to get a faster fix so I don't have to scroll around a map to find out where I am. Tonight was an example of that... even though I know the area well enough to get to a freeway, I would've preferred at least a good fix so I could find the easiest way. Strangely, I want turn by turn directions but don't really care so much about that.

All in all, it's a great device for me, with the primary use in the car as my mp3 player and map. Plenty of free games, interesting experimental software, and I can use it with my phone in place of a laptop for my light oncall shifts.

The best thing you can do is determine the major tasks you want to accomplish with it and look up which apps you'll be using for it to see if they look good. If you like the idea of open source and Linux, this device should be fun to play with.

For turn by turn instructions, we have maemo mapper if you have a constant internet connection via gprs/edge/3g.
But i use the maps application. There is a thread on itt which hacks the maps so that you can extend the wayfinder license. It used to work well in OS 2008 prior to diablo. But after i updated to diablo i do not get any more voice instructions even though the turn by turn directions are still there.