I couldn't resist the urge to blow more cash on yet another gadget, so I went into my local CompUSA today to check out the N800 in person. I went the other day when it was first leaked on Engadget, but the employees couldn't find their stash of N800's, told me to wait a few days since they did show in stock. So back I went today, really just expecting them to have the boxed units.

Well, they had a demo unit all set up, right next to the 770. First thing I checked was the start-up time between the two...the N800 is *much* faster here, by about 10-15 seconds in my estimation. Device is defnitely much snappier, browser and pages fly onto the screen just like a regular computer, and faster than the 770. Multitasking is much smoother, no doubt helped out by the extra RAM and horsepower. The screens looked almost identical, with the N800 maybe just a touch brighter.

Anyways, I played around with the demo unit for about 10 minutes and I was sold. Nokia definitely fixed some of the shortcomings (RAM, CPU, Flash) of the 770, some of the same shortcomings that had me using mine less and less. I'm not a Linux guru, so I am definitely looking forward to the new "one-click install" feature that will set up the correct repositories for apps automatically. This will make me more likely to install and try more and more apps, where before I only had the basic utlilities on my 770.

I do have a few nitpicky complaints about the N800, though they are definitely outweighed by the new and extended functionality. First, I agree with those complaining about the buttons. Nokia definitely made the common "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" mistake that many companies make. The D-pad and surrounding buttons are passable, only because I use the stylus most of the time, but those top buttons are dreadful. The 770 had perfect buttons and layout, IMHO. They were easy to find just by touch, and had a nice, solid feel. And while the stand is nice, I don't see myself using it much, plus it blocks the SD slot and the USB port. There is one tiny Torx screw holding it at each pivot point, so I more than likely will remove mine unless I work up the courage to customize it with a Dremel...

Now if someone will make a custom-fit leather or silicone case for it, I am set!