I still want one of those even now. OK, with Bluetooth and 3G but I still want one.

I think it's incredibly optimistic (dare I say, naive?) to think that Apple's SDK will enable half the apps that the n800 already has. Things like VPN support, ssh, VoIP, IM, increased codec support, etc. -- these are apps that Apple has omitted on purpose.

It's almost a certainty that Apple's deal with AT&T isn't so blind as to allow Apple to ship a proper IM app and gut AT&T's market for SMS/MMS; let alone ship a VoIP app that would gut AT&T's market for minutes.

It's most likely that iPhone/touch software will go through channels much like console gaming software: the developer will have to be vetted and pay for the SDK, test devices and support; the software will have to be vetted by Apple QA; it will only be sold through Apple channels (read: iTunes).

Remember that nearly every fight Apple had when bringing the iPhone to market was for control. They're not just going to cough that up to a bunch of hobbyists and johnny-come-latelys to run circles around them delivering the software people wished came on the iPhone.

At best, there may be a hobbyist SDK that allows you to self-sign self-compiled apps for use on your own phone - apps that can only be distributed as source and will only run in a sandbox. (See: Microsoft XNA GSE)

I agree with this speculation. The apps will require certification and probably will be installed through iTunes, so expect Apple to retain control over what can be released and by whom. For example, don't expect to see a 3rd party application enabling custom ringtones anytime soon.

And THAT is one solid reason why I say the phone aspect IS relevant.

ok, first off, the comment about being able to install everything under the sun. It can be a double edged sword. I'm the first guy in line to do that with any of the gadgets I buy (which why I only bought the iPhone once it was hacked) but ultimately, what motivates me to buy the item initially will be the reason why I keep it around. I bought numerous PocketPCs and Palms without a real need for a PDA. I bought them to just install and tinker and ultimately, they ended up in the gadget heap.

I bought my 770 because I wanted "on-the go" web browsing with a desktop experience. I installed maemopad to canola, but the reason why I still use my 770 for the last 1+ years is because its still a great little web browser, even with its limitations.

Apple might be only targetting a few functions, but seriously, they do them quite well. This is why the iPod is the #1 selling MP3 player. I'm not saying the iPhone will be as successful, but what it sets out to accomplish, it does pretty well, even with the limitations it has, and it has MANY phone limitations even compared to a dumb phone.

I do concur with a lot of what Milhouse is saying. He's saying it with tough love, because ultimately, we all want to see Nokia succeed, if nothing else to give Apple a run for their money. Competition breeds better products for us consumers and less of a stranglehold of a monopoly by evil corporations.

I mean, seriously, I wonder how much of Nokia's ribbing "open" marketing campaign ended up in a boardroom of Apple on making the decision to finally open up and offer an iPhone/iPod Touch SDK? I wouldn't be surprised if it was discussed.

Oh, and to address Nokia Marketing 101:

I remember when Nokia re-introduced the 770 with the Google search applet & Gtalk client and they called a big press conference. It was the saddest thing ever. I was expecting some excitement and we got a bunch of suits standing at a podium like it they were reading today's lunch menu.

The reason Apple gets into the news so much is they *DO* have such mindshare and hearts in their corner. Jobs is such a great salesman (which makes me wonder how slimy he really is, since I always hated salesmen), that when he gets on stage to demo and introduce something, he makes us completely buy into what he's selling. "Boom" "We really think we have a terrific product" "This is an amazing feature" might just feel like tools from the Reality Distortion Field toolbox, but they work.

Show me Nokia's evangelist on their products? And I do not count message forum postings Nor is Dr. Jaaksi a good one to point to, because I was totally expecting him to be at the 770 re-launch, and he was nowhere to be found. Where are Nokia's "watch the keynote from today's n810 introduction" links on their website?

*sigh*

You're right. Like I said: change will be difficult.

I DON'T FRICKING BELIEVE IT!

TWO YEARS OF COMMUTING INTO LONDON AND I'VE NEVER MET ANYONE WITH ANOTHER ONE - UNTIL TONIGHT!

ARGHHH!!

On the bus back to London Bridge tonight, this old guy with a bushy beard (must be a techie, probably a COBOL guru) sits opposite me and whips out his N800! I leaned over and said he was the first person I'd ever met with another tablet and he confessed he only uses it to read books.

I showed him my official N800 case and he was mucho impressed as he didn't have any protection for his N800 which he keeps in his rucksack. He spent the rest of the journey reading, and stroking his beard thoughtfully.

Anyway, I now cannot say I've never met anyone else with a Nokia Internet Tablet. DAMN! And I didn't spot any iPods tonight either - NITs FTW!

No offence to the Finns, but I reckon if Nokia wheeled out Dr. Stephen Hawking as the presenter at a press conference, he would be more entertaining and capable of displaying more enthusiasm for the product than most of the Nokia suits are ever able to manage. Nokia press conferences with Finnish presenters are frankly cringe worthy.

Take Kimi Raikkonen as a prime example of someone not ideally suited to promoting products. Any product. Even cars. Although I suspect he does it on purpose, the Nokia suits have no excuse.

ROFL