I have to agree that Flashing is my biggest problem with the N8xx. It shouldn't be a necessary step except when you need to completely erase the system and go back to a pristine system image.

For software upgrades, it shouldn't be necessary at all. You should be able to download packages via application manager. If they're things that are core to the kernel&gui, then it should say that you need to restart after the upgrade (but let you do so at your leisure). If they're applications that don't require a reboot, but that you're currently running, it should say that you need to close the program before you install the upgrade. Otherwise, it should just install the new packages and that's it.

What about LTE?


If I could have my ideals, there'd be a compact flash slot on the top back side of the device, and Nokia would sell modules to put into it. Those modules would be:

0) maybe wifi -- if I have one of the following modules in, then I probably don't need wifi to be active. Mainly I suggest moving wifi to a CF Module to make the space for the modular system; if it would be possible to add the CF slot without removing wifi, that'd be good.
1) WiMAX
2) GPRS/EDGE/HSDPA/HSUPA
3) LTE
4) RTT-1x/EVDO-rev0/EVDO-revA/EVDO-revB

It would basically be your WWAN interface slot. The device comes with the wifi module, and from there you can pick a different WWAN interfac that suits you.

If you don't want to have the wifi module be removable, then other options would be the bluetooth module, or the GPS module (not WWAN, but not on everyone's list of requirements, either). Or the mini-SD card slot -- just have a CF card caddy for full size SD cards.

If you're not concerned about a small/slight bulge on the back of the device, though, you could just add a CF card slot without removing any of the current components. Then you can have both a mini-SD card built in, and add a full size SD card slot via the CF slot. (though, honestly, I think they should just go to micro-SD for the built in slot)

Though, WWAN cf cards that I've seen have a piece that sticks out with a bulge (like the antenna part of a Wifi PCMCIA card). Which brings up two issues:

1) you'd want the "top" of the CF card slot to be the "back of the NIT -- so that the bulge goes away from the user and doesn't get in the way of the N810 screen as it slides up.

2) Looking at the hinge on the latest nokia patent, for the slide'n'tilt screen device that may or may not be a next-gen NIT ... I wonder how that hinge would interact with adding a CF card slot in there. Perhaps if the CF slot was slightly recessed on the back of the NIT. Not sure how that'd mesh with the battery though.

I'd be against having the CF slot on the sides ... that'd make holding the device a little awkward, I think. You'd have to alter your grip when you've got a card inserted. Maybe you could put it on the bottom ... with the current designs, that makes it awkward to interact with the kick-stand and setting the device down. But it should work more cleanly with the slide'n'tilt patent design (since it sits on its back, and not on the bottom edge of the device). Not sure how it interacts with the battery though.


My one major doubt about this plan, though, is that the popularity of CF cards is on the wane. I would want Nokia to make all of these cards, so that they stay on the market for as long as the NIT needs them. It would also ensure that the drivers for the cards were available. That includes having Nokia make the SD card reader.

Biggest problem is not having enough apps. Even worse, not having the choice what app flavor you want.

I was also wondering about this 'effect'. After flashing my N800 to 08 I have noticed that the unit simply won't hold a charge the way it used to. Before, I could lock the screen and keyboard and leave it in my bag for a few hours, then retrieve and use it with several hours of juice on tap. Now, when i go back to get it, after leaving it on the desk for a few hours, it is dead.

This doesn't seem to happen on the N810, and just yesterday I reflashed to the latest firmware (updated since the device was shipped) and the battery life, while shorter than the it was on the N800 is still acceptable.

So, I'm thinking I'll flash my N800 back to 07 but that won't help the slew of N800 owners who are aching for the 'upgrade'

Sounds like you've corrupted your cards. If you're using a USB adaptor, wait a little while after unmounting the memory card before removing it.

I know. Now, if this card is broken again (my third card so far) the N800 goes out of the window.

Ton.

My biggest gripe is the hardware buttons: seriously few buttons, and a very poor d-pad. The d-pad should be usable as a rocker, with only a firm central push able to trip the center button. Right now, the center button sticks out, and your thumb has to "jump" over it.
And right-hand buttons would be nice. (No, not just for games. A diamond arrangement of 4 buttons would function as a second d-pad for, say, scrolling in VNC. Separating scrolling would allow the cursor keys to autorepeat when I'm VNCing into my XP desktop and trying to use an x-term there.
Another complaint is the webcam. Everyone knows that should have been centered over the screen, and still keep the flip-over capability. Oh, well...

The only thing that irks me is the missing xvid codec. It's free and unencumbered, include it!

The biggest problem for me is I am not able to use DUN thru my Blackjack.
Blackjack (and all WM5) devices have PAN support and Nokia N810 has DUN support - so so bluetooth connectivity to 3G network is a bummer.

2nd problem is the crappy camera - hardly, if ever, used it till now.

I agree. The N8x0s should support both PAN and DUN bluetooth profiles.

Yeah, I'd rather do away with the chat cam and just have a back facing picture/video cam, with flash. Both would be nice, but if I had to pick one or the other, it wouldn't be the chat cam.