Hi everyone, since I'm no software wiz, I figured I would wait a little before upgrading to the new OS, to see what issues people found.

So, how's it going--are there any issues with the new OS that would make it tough for a non-techy?

The only thing I didn't like was the loss of my old hacks and applications. However, stuff is getting ported rapidly and it will be back up to where it was in no time.

I personally like the 2006 OS - especially with the built-in swap.

Sounds good then.

Any other comments?

I am very happy with the stability and functionality of the new OS. The browser seems to die loading a few secure pages once in a while but no more frequently than it used to. The new IM/Gtalk stuff is pretty cool. Gizmo is out and works well for SIP VoIP but I look forward to someone coming out with a SIP plugin for the integrated contacts stuff.

New software is coming out for the new OS fast and furious. If there is stuff that you absolutely can't life without, monitor the ApplicationCatalog2006 until all your apps show up and then upgrade. http://maemo.org/maemowiki/ApplicationCatalog2006

A non-techy (or specificially someone used to the way Windows treats software) would have to get used to the new "Application Catalog" (aka software repositories aka repos) stuff but it actually makes it easier to keep stuff up to date once you have all your repositories set up. There is a page on the Wiki listing all the valid ones. You can still install packages the old way though via download to 770 and open via file manager or application installer.

The switch to a full package manager with full access to the filesystem was good but the repos out there is a little like the wild-west right now ... I suspect it will calm down and centralize somewhat once some process becomes established/known as to how to get Nokia's stamp of approval on your software package.

Your big problem might occur if you try to use the old flasher software to update. It will work once but there is an update to the core flasher software that resides on the 770 that renders the old desktop flasher software obsolete. So if things don't flash cleanly for some reason, you might get stuck until you find the new flasher tool. Just make sure that you have the most recent flashing software (which will work in all cases) for your OS before you start and you will be fine. I think Windows handles things through some wizard and there is an updated commandline tool for Linux. Don't know if OS X have new tools yet.

For me, the upgrade made the difference between night and day. Before, I found the tablet somewhat clunky, hard to use, not very reliable. In fact, after the initial flurry of excitement for the new toy, I had basically stopped using it. I figured that I would at least try the 2006 software, though, before I gave up completely. Of course, not having a Windows machine to use, I had to wait for the MacOS flasher, which was a little annoying, but after it came out, I did the upgrade immediately, and suddenly I have a very useful little computer. The excitement is back. I say "do it".

Steve

It seems to be faster. The Application Manager is the biggie with the new system, IMHO.