I'll keep this brief, i've done minimal research on these 2 devices, enough where i know i want one for sure because I believe it will fit my needs, however I don't know which one.

Basically I want a device I can use in bed to read and surf the net to read my feeds. I don't think i'll have much use for it out side but then again I may, i travel to NYC alot and the GPS capabilities may be nice and there is WIFI everywhere and I constantly get lost so i think that may be cool. I haven't read too much on how well the GPS software functions but I am interested.

Right now there are several retailers that have the 770 for a very reduced price,however I don't want to be behind on the latest and greatest in terms of this type of device. I would rather have more capability.

I don't care for the camera or audio functions, it may be nice but i'm not looking for an ipod, hell i don't even use mine, i don't want an iphone, even though i bought one, just to return it.

I am tech savvy enough that I can install things on linux with instructions so thats not a problem, and I would prefer what I am reading as "real linux" to nokia's version on the 770 (correct me if i'm wrong)

So i guess it boils down to great deal vs latest and greatest. Based on my needs what do you guys think?

N800. You will want more features as soon as your initial gizmo thirst is quenched. n800 will deliver.

if camera and stereo speakers are not what you're after, it boils down to:

pro N800: ongoing firmware support by Nokia; faster, more memory.

pro 770: better for mobile use (hard cover that protects screen and triggers powersave mode); better hardware keys make it easier to use

I use a N800 every now and then and have to say that I don't consider the speed difference to be overwhelming (although yes, it is faster). I never *bought* a N800 myself because I simply cannot slip it into my pocket without being afraid that the touch screen gets damaged or some pressure on it prevents powersaving to take effect.

You might as well follow a strategy not based on technical differences:

Buy a cheap 770 now (maybe even a used one) only to see if the internet tablet concept is right for you. If you like it, wait for the successor of the N800 and get the best hardware then.

A very clear analysis. The last paragraph is quite correct. However I ll add that major improvements seem to be on the way and you may feel an urge to have them.

Seb

Argh! I shoul suppose there's some pleasure in you when saying this...

man - still torn lol - reading more reviews obviously pointing me towards the updated n800 but I also have a hard time passing up a great deal. The n770 is about half as much as the 800 right now at some retailer websites, I just don't want to be left in the dust.

Based on your needs, I'd say get a 770.

If I were to do it over again, I'd get the 770...to learn and get familiar with..
for $150 vs. $400...it's a heck of a deal!...
then in a year or two when the next model is out(presumably)...
get the latest and greatest!

--Huck

can the 770 get upgraded to the same OS as the 800?

The n800 has a super hand desk stand.. I love this use it every day either propped on my desk or using it when i hold it in my hand as a kind of hand strap.. With out this i feel that it would be less useful.. i prop it on its stand all the time... then ghave it sit there displaying photos and what not when it charging on my desk.

I do however see where the n770s rugged case may help if your in extrem conditions , however i dropped my new n800 when my ear phone cord caught a chair and it fell 3 feet to concrete and there was no damage except a small scratch in the black paint on that flip out stand.. the n800 is very ruggedly built.. the screen would be my biggest worry but its inset quiet far into the case to prevent damage.