retsaw | # 61 | 2010-10-16, 21:45 | Report

The binary blob isn't necessary, there is a read-only kernel driver for exFAT and a read-write FUSE driver for exFAT, though the FUSE drive is beta software, however since Maemo already has FUSE support, and FUSE drivers are userspace (not part of the linux kernel), it should be trivial to get the FUSE driver working on the N900 should we need it.

The "for-pay, closed source, binary blob", is a proprietary driver we don't have the source code for and we need to pay to use it. But as I just mentioned that isn't the only option for exFAT support.

To further clarify, the SDHC spec only supports cards up to 32GB, the SDXC spec supports cards up to 2TB, but it also specifies the filesystem to use to be exFAT. In theory, there should be no problem with them on Linux with current card readers, but the only SDXC cards available are full-size (not MicroSD size like the N900 uses) and quite expensive and I'm not aware of anyone actually confirming this, the only issue should be exFAT support, which is where you might want to format the card to use a different filesystem, but it is likely you'll also have the option of just installing exFAT support.

SkyKnight | # 62 | 2010-10-16, 22:16 | Report

Thanks a lot...

I wanted to ask something else too.. Its not on the topic of OS but regarding hardware....Ive seen big threads on the community that report USB Connector Problem with n900... I thought that was old news and company fixed it..but there are reports in other sites from ppl havin the same problem EVEN IN OCTOBER!!!!!!!!!!

Can anyone assure me on this?????

I asked in the thread in hardware section but noone replied....

ste-phan | # 63 | 2010-10-16, 23:28 | Report

having a sharp eye for these kind of build issues, I have pointed out my mistrust of the usb connector (noticing it sitting kinda lonely in a big hole) to the sales person back in Januari. Like he cared.

Having always pulled and inserted the usb cables straight and gently, l'm now sure I won't likely meet an issue.

I have bought 2 extra second hand N900's which seem to have more easy to pull usb cable fits (due to usage by non nerdy persons?) , and both have still firmly fixed USB ports.
Finally I don't see a problem if you will be the single careful user of the device.

SkyKnight | # 64 | 2010-10-17, 06:40 | Report

Thanks for ur reply... I am worried coz ppl have reported having taken gentle care for their devices and still came out with a broken usb port in weeks after purchase. So, when u say the one u possess doesnt have any prob coz u handle it well, that means nokia fixed it somehow on recent devices right??

Wud u tell me when u bought ur device on? The import date or something? So that i can try to find a piece after that??

ste-phan | # 65 | 2010-10-17, 07:59 | Report

Gentle and USB gentle are 2.
For example I'd prefer no to let my wife handle my N900. Although she claims she is careful- has a habit of moving all kinds of USB plugs in lateral direction to loosen the fit when pulling out.

Don't know about the production dates but I have a Belgian N900 (new Januari), a UK one (2nd hand June) and USA one (2nd hand August ) All of them don't show the problem after weeks of purchase.

One would not want to miss out the most advanced pocket computer annex telephone interface to date just out of precaution would he?
We could go as far as to say that another flaw is the device not being water proof.
I am sure in India people are still handy with a soldering iron if USB repair beyond warranty was needed.

ericsson | # 66 | 2010-10-17, 07:59 | Report

I have had mine since november last year. No problems with USB falling off (knock wood ).

I think it's a design flaw. But if you handle it well and don't loose it on the floor while the USB is connected and it lands on the USB, you will be OK.

etuoyo | # 67 | 2010-10-17, 08:50 | Report

I think the OP has already decided to go for the N900 and people here have done a great job of convincing him that maemo 5 is far better than android. I have never used an android device so can't give an opinion on that. What I can say is I am so used to maemo 5 that it would be difficult for me to switch to something else. Does not mean that something else is not better though and for someone who has not been using maemo 5 you don't have the problem of readjusting.

As good a job posters have made convincing that maemo 5 is better than android I would just like to point out that this is Talk Maemo. You are hardly going to get a balanced view here. If you went to an android forum I am sure they would do just as good a job convincing you that android is a far better option for you. It is like if you go to a bmw forum to ask whether you should get a 5 series or an e class they would all of course say 5 series. However, if you went to a benz forum the answer would be e class.

Would be good if there was a neutral forum to go to to find out which is better for you between maemo 5 and android but do not think there is.

etuoyo | # 68 | 2010-10-17, 09:00 | Report

I do not think the issue has been fixed on recent devices. That is what was thought at first (or rather assumed because Nokia never said they had fixed the issue). However, if you look at the huge usb port issue thread there are recent owners who are now getting this problem. There are also old owners who developed the issue, received a new n900 under warranty and then the new one subsequently developed the issue.

As for it being simple to fix the usb port when it goes faulty let me use my experience as a word of warning for you. I bought my device in the US but live in the UK. When my port stopped working Nokia refused to fix it in the UK. I did not want to send it to the US and be without my N900 for some time (by the way Nokia have said no replacement till 2nd week of November which will be over 2 months after I sent it to them - great customer services eh). I took the N900 to 2 different phone repair shops who were sure they could fix it. They each held the device for 4 days each but had no such luck fixing it. So be aware that not all faulty usb ports are equally faulty. Some have only a minor issue and can be easily fixed. Some are so faulty that they cannot be fixed.

qwazix | # 69 | 2010-10-17, 09:05 | Report

People almost always, when they have made up their mind (even when they don't know it) go and ask questions to support their decision. Choosing who they'd ask is a part of the process. That is not bad for me, in the end we are all humans we must'nt pretend we are logical vulcans.

That said, I bet the OP has asked the same question on an android forum too, and he can filter out pretty easy the fanboy answers as well as the originally enthusiastic ones. Even the enthusiastic people however can give a clue about the device. It has caused intense emotions on both sides, and that means a lot. The fonearena championship for me also means a lot. The N900 beat out much more adored (iphones) more popular (galaxy), more sold (htc's) phones. It's not at all by chance that the most difficult matchup was with the palm pre.
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CamGirlHottie84

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Last edited by qwazix; 2011-08-21 at 10:42.

sting04 | # 70 | 2010-10-17, 09:23 | Report

Another reason to choose N900

Quoted from here

Where in India are you? btw congrats on the success of the CWG.. Proud to be Indian