Hey there,

I've been looking at an N900 for a while, but never had enough to buy one.

Now, I finally have enough for one thats been used for a couple weeks on craigslist for $375 Canadian.

Should I go for it?
I'm looking at the N900 because I want a good multimedia phone, with a good web browser and things like Microsoft Word and Email for work and school work, since I'm just a normal student. Should I buy the N900 or is there another phone that would be better for me? Or should I wait until N8 or something?

Thanks!

I'd say wait. Or at least shop around better... I've been finding some (although I admit being in the US) for $320 USD brand new sometimes via Dell Small Business and a coupon; but I'm sure you can beat that price.

√ good multimedia phone (caveat: Personally I think it's good enough but there's some complaints about music player)
√ good web browser (caveat: It's Flash 9.4, not 10.1, don't know when It'll be ready to upgrade)
? Microsoft Word
√ Email

I don't use office apps reguarly, I'm using OpenOffice on Easy Debian and it's not very efficient (read: slow) but I think there's much better apps for it, but I don't know which ones.

If I were you, I wouldn't go for N900. MeeGo devices are soon and even we don't think it's gonna happen, there's a little possibility for N900 to die painfully after MeeGo release. I think you should wait for it.

my room mate was discussing with me on whether to get the latest iphone 4 or n900, he describled the problems he faced on iphone 3GS and (those impending iphone 4 reception issues) which I would not have on my n900. But hey I swear I did not bought him over, but he did explained that he wasn't much of a IT guy and so I told him if he ever bought an n900 I'll teach him the ropes. That's all.

I would definitely go for n900 but I'm not sure about the rest, everyone has different views and choices no doubt. I just love how microb browser works on n900.

Thanks for the input guys,

But wouldn't the Meego devices be like over $1000 really expensive?
Even if the N900 community dies off and there will be little to none new applications or what not, I'll still be able to use the phone and the applications that were already out right?

And so the word processing on the N900 is really bad? Is it still useable? I'm just looking for like simple word processing so I can, say, work on my school work, or an essay assignment on the go, instead of being on my desktop computer all the time.

And also, will a Nokia N900 bought in Hong Kong work in Canada? Because my friend is visiting Hong Kong and might be able to get me a brand new N900. Do you think it will be cheaper if bought in Asia?

Thanks!

I would chuck the Motorola milestone into the mix. You have relatively simple needs and any sort of extension in battery life will be a huge help in this (I know the milestone hasn't got excellent battery life but its much better than the n900).

Also there is a higher chance the n900 will frustrate you.

I don't really think you can do openoffice for real on a 3 1/2 inch screen.

You don't mention Linux nor wanting to hack or use ssh or ... So I'm not sure why the N900 would have any special advantage for you. In Canada, does the carrier subsidize the N900, or other phones? If so, wouldn't it make sense to buy one of the hot multimedia phones your carrier subsidizes? (I think the system of carrier subsidies sucks, but if it works that way in Canada and you're not rolling in money ... )

The other issue for you seems to me to be: Do you really need Word on your phone? If yes, I'd start with what phones support it. Whatever came of Nokia's deal with Microsoft? Do the Symbian phones have a Word-editable application? Or does sadsack Windows Mobile offer that? And if so, don't they likewise offer a phone that does reasonably good web-browsing and multimedia?

Do not buy a n900. If you want a mobile, the n900 is not a mobile. You won't have access to many of the apps that you'd ask to a mobile:

- google maps
- fast and easy interface
- battery
- lots of apps

And if you want a computer, don't buy the n900. Just wait for a meego, let's hope it will be faster, and with a more decent display in terms of precision and "taste". However, the main problem of the n900 (beyond battery and velocity) is that the apps are not though for a mobile interface. You'll need the stylus, and this IS NOT practical when you are walking searching for any place with your mobile.

If you are in a hurry, buy an iphone, 3gs or 4g are both the best available.