Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Well, the issue isn't QA, but that the guidelines specifically allow arbitrary package sections. See here.

The AM only shows packages in the user segment. Thus, your Section field in the control file should be of the form

Code:

---

Section: user/SECTION

---

where SECTION is arbitrary. SECTION should be a nice capitalised, English word like "Ringtones". There is no support for localising that word yet, unfortunately.

However, there is also a predefined set of sections. If your package fits into one of these sections, you should put it there. This will avoid fragmenting the section names, and the names of these sections will be correctly localised.

X-Fade has been working on a better solution for this, though (discussion here). I put forward a couple of UI mockups in bug #3103 (disscussion here), as well. Point is, there's definitely some movement going on on this point.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

^ Voted (for #3104 also)

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

You're obviously in at least as good a situation to guess as I, but I think the reason had to do with the way the touchscreen has reduced sensitivity at the edges.
The correct solution seems to be an improved calibration tool, but it's uunderstandable that the previous situation was deemed unacceptable (though I don't think this is better).
Agreed, but that's not what we had, so we lost it. :(

I wish we had 5-point calibration, with separate position & pressure.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Nice in theory. I still refuse to believe that it works well or anywhere that easy in reality. While this *might* work out for a couple of programs that are lovingly designed for both ways, with each way of operating well-thought through, the majority of freeware/opensource programs will be either/or, forcing the user in different usage patterns for every app.
The finger/stylus recognition left a lot to be desired in OS2007, and as soon as that doesn't work 110% reliable, all the rest becomes awkward and frankly pointless, as you'll just end up using the stylus alone so that you can avoid having to tap every input field a couple of times until the OS recognizes your "big greasy finger" and displays the appropriate keyboard.
Another example are scrollbars - with a dual approach, you have to waste a lot of space for finger-friendly ones, because the device can hardly guess in advance whether or not you're going to use the stylus...

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

The finger stylus input worked pretty well in os2007. So did the osk and thumb keyboard. I Just cant say in words how irrtating it is to type on the OSK and the full screen board in os2008. even though i love my n800 lot more than many things in life, i get really frustrated when typing and i just want to trash the n800 onthe ground!! I Just cant understand how nokia can regress on things already there.
Coming to the scrollbar....... they should widen the scrollbars and make them transparent which comes up when u place the thumb on the right corner just like the arrow buttons which appear and disappear in the pdf reader.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I'd love to see add-on modules that can clip onto the back and maybe even build on each other. For example, WiMax modem, extended battery, SSD/HDD storage/battery, GPS (remove some of the things like the GPS from inside the unit, and make the unit smaller).

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

This is what I'd like to see added:

1. Far better graphics capabilities (no tearing, include 3D effects and animations)
2. Boost in CPU speed (whatever is needed to enable decent [Skype/Gizmo/whatever else] video chats to a PC).
3. Better resolution camera and decent video recording support.
4. DVB TV receiver (or have a separate version of the IT which includes this)

Most important of all is the software though - Skype video, a compelling media browser/player interface, and better contact/PIM applications are needed for sure.
Oh, and Java support would be nice.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

something like http://www.buglabs.net/products maybe? ;)

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I'm just not that pessimistic. Throw me a challenge, I'll work out 3 or 4 good solid solutions. I've made a career out of solving "the impossible". I would hope that's the sort of folks we have in the tablet hardware and software development.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

While a quick search failed to turn up the post, I recall that some time ago someone posted a suggestion that future tablets should contain a switch in the stylus silo. With the stylus is stored, the tablet works in its default, "fat finger" mode, but then shifts appropriately when the stylus comes out to play. This automatic transition would be in line with other magical, magnetical tricks the tablets perform.

Of course, there are downsides. This magic would only work on those theoretical future tablets that contain the switch. Applications would need to be coded specifically for the platform, with UIs for both modes. Unlikely, while we're still starved enough for software that we're often happy to get rough, un-Hildonized ports. And losing a stylus would cause even more frustration than it does now.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Not only numpty physics, but things like sketching or editing graphics would be difficult to use without a stylus. I haven't seen an international art movement devoted to fingerpainting yet. Also, just for editing, let's say you want to move a few words. The only decent replacement for a stylus would be a mouse. Sure, there are keyboard commands for that, but not everyone wants to learn vi.

Hey, how about a cursor directed by brainwaves! That's reasonable for the N900, isn't it?

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Well, with a sufficiently large font, and with the assumption that you only want to move whole words, fingers can work surprisingly well. If you want to move only some characters in a word, Shift + d-pad can help on a keyboard device, or manually backspacing the offending characters, and retyping them elsewhere.

However, I am rarely amused by programs that interpret a drag from somewhere in the middle of a word to include the whole word; I think in a character-based way when editing, and would rather make 3 attempts every time to select a string than to be completely unable to get some strings I want, even though it actually gets what I want 80% of the time.

Edit: Just a thought re: brainwaves: Why not an accelerometer-controlled cursor? Obviously not on all the time, but give us 4 buttons on the top edge; one enables accelerometer control of cursor, and the other three are mouse buttons 1, 2, and 3.

And since everyone likes kinetics in their scrolls, kinetics in their cursor (think rolling a marble around on the screen) should be cool, too, right? :p

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

/me shudders.

That sounds like about the worst solution to this problem that I can imagine. I frequently use the device with and without the stylus stowed, and it usually has little correlation to the input device (stylus, fingers or other) that I'm using at the moment. Besides, what about those people that lose their styluses?

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

You have 'til june; july at the most.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

The real solution would be a combo screen, with capacitive multi-touch for finger usage, and one of

• Special capacitive-sensable stylus, which could be detected reliably on the basis of contact area
• Active (inductive, right?) stylus, like graphics tablets have

It'd add significantly to the cost, unfortunately, but it also might (I'm way too optimistic, I know...) allow a dual-ended stylus, with the point sending button 1, and the "eraser" end sending button 3. Gives us a nicer right-click solution, and enhances stuff like Xournal dramatically. Probably the odd wierd gaming interface use, too, but I'm always surprised with those.

For those who lose their stylii, well, Nokia would have to start making them available... But the bigger, clunkier, and more complex the stylus, the less likely they lose it.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I hardly ever use the built-in stylus, mainly because it blisters my fingers. Are you suggesting I leave that one out then?

Furthermore, dual-mode UIs is how OpenMoko is going, and I'm not certain that's a good thing. I like the use of the pressure-sensitive screen to determine what's touching the screen and see refining that method as the best way to go.

There's no need to mandate developers code for both UIs: Some applications are made for finger, others for stylus and others for both. If the user doesn't like it, he doesn't install it. I e.g. don't like Canola, the ultimate finger app for the Itablet, so I don't install it.

That's what a true computer should be about: user choice. If you want to have choice taken away from you, get an Apple gizmo.

(And yes, even as a self-proclaimed Newton advocate, I do see the irony)

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I did mention that as a negative.

However, I've never lost a stylus for any device that came with one, going all the way back to my KoalaPad. I can only assume that those who lose their styluses never had Magic Slates as children, and therefore, missed out on learning the importance of always safely storing a stylus in the provided holder.

More seriously, I don't expect that my mentioning of this idea here will lead to Nokia actually implementing it in any future device. I mentioned it only as it provided a method of providing a dual-mode UI without relying upon the touchscreen for stylus/finger differentiation. I don't think your usage pattern is in any danger.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

No, not really. A problem was brought up, and I mentioned an alternative solution I'd seen posted earlier, in another thread.

I'm going to back out of this thread now. It's not my kind of silly.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

i would really like a device that is just one big screen that can be folded in half. the screen would be flexible enough to allow the use of buttons underneath it. in this way, the device itself could be a nearly full-size keyboard. i seem to remember i post about someone testing screen flexibility and including buttons under the screen of a 770. when a keyboard isn't needed, the sweet 8 inch wide screen could be used to watch widescreen movies etc, and when stored, it could be closed like a clamshell.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

ahh, it could also be folded backwards for vertical, one-handed use.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

My impossible challenges lie in another direction currently. ;)

But rest assured I've already knocked a few out of the park.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

THAT'S A REALLY GOOD IDEA!

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

HEY! I recommended that in the maemo scroll bar bug report. :mad: :D

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Then, Texrat, you had a REALLY GOOD IDEA, too!


And just to repeat Sachin007 (who says things just like Texrat):

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

1024 x 600
512MB RAM
Double CPU Speed


Persistance is the key :)

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Sometimes a guy just needs a pat on the back. I'll share the pats with sachin, no prob. :D

And actually our suggestions were slightly different, but close enough to prove once again that Great Minds Think Alike.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

... I tend to agree:

http://tinyurl.com/4xto25 :)

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I like this one, but I'd like not to lose ALL of the face buttons in the process.

I'd like this one, too, but I'm not super optimistic about it. 256MB seems much more likely.

I point you to a fun little quote from here.

The OMAP3440 is based on an 800MHz ARM Cortex-A8 core. Launched in October of 2005, the Cortex-A8 core was positioned as burning similar power to ARM11, while delivering two-to-three times better performance.

The OMAP3430 (the more likely candidate due to power and formfactor issues) is in the 600MHz range, but it's still a huge leap in performance over the OMAP2420. :D

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I just don't want to see Nokia move backwards. This is a pretty long thread and everyone has a different idea of what should be done.

In order to not move backward:
1. DO NOT increase the size of the tablet (from N810). I like the N810's small and thin profile.
2. DO NOT remove the keyboard. For God's sake that was an improvement from the N800 and some people want it gone.

In order to move foward:
3. Increase CPU and RAM. This will almost certainly be done
4. Make major improvements to software... this has been discussed several times. Software is one of the biggest problems.
5. ADD A PIM SUITE. There is just no reason not to. The whole "but this is not a PDA" excuse just doesn't fly. The customer is always right and many customers say they want a PIM.


These are just some general suggestions. One could write a book about possible software improvements in #4, but overall the form factor of the N810 is pretty neat. Speed increase, and an improved keyboard are the main goals for improvement here. In addition the ambient light sensor and camera can be moved to the top center, where one's thumb will not obstruct them. A case with belt clip would also be nice.

EDIT:
Oh, and one more thing. The N900 should have a screen flush with its surface. I hate the way the screens on the tablets are recessed. Also, the dpad should be accessible when the keyboard is closed.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

/me slams mstprgmr over the head with tiny, keyboardful, flush-screen tablet.
SLAM! SLAM! SLAM!

Now I feel better. I'm not even gonna touch the bezel issue again...

The only way to keep the size of the N810 is to shrink the screen. That's bad, so let's not. (No, leaving the d-pad on the slider is not an option; the d-pad is essential and must be brought back out. How do you control music playback with the tablet in your pocket with no d-pad?!?) Also, the N810's combination of thinness and slider required de-pivoting the camera; it should be centered above the screen, but still with 270 degree pivot. Pivot down (pointing straight into tablet) to keep the lens clean and for privacy concerns.

And as for the keyboard, perhaps you're confusing the N900 with the N910? Really, if I can have a tablet cheaper with no keyboard, I will. Because I use it as a laptop replacement, I usually have my BT keyboard anyway, and the on-screen boards are not as bad as some people think. I think there should keep being two models; I'd gladly take the N900, you can take the N910, and we can both be happy.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

The problem is, what you see as moving backward, I see as good ideas. No two people are going to share the same idea for the ideal device (despite Texrat always trying to integrate us into his creepy hive-mind :p). One man's must-have is another man's oh-dear-christ-NO! This is exactly the reason that Nokia needs to diversify the tablet lineup with more varied offerings (I've covered the topic a number of times already in this thread).

A little increase in size (compared to the N810) for halfway-decent storage, perhaps better battery life and more features is a good tradeoff for me. My pockets aren't tiny and I don't have any trouble carrying the N800.

I don't much care for the N810 keyboard (though my experience with it is rather limited) and the whole slider deal with the terrible button placement puts me off, especially with the rest of hardware compromises they had to make to fit that in there. I type just fine on the fullscreen keyboard, and actually prefer it a lot of the time.

I say again, software costs time and money! Personally, I'd rather see that time and money put into more useful things. ;)

I wouldn't be against a small decrease in depth (could give us more room for internal compenents), but flush screens are definitely not my thing. Way too scratchable and breakable (especially considering that our screens are largely made of softer stuff than those Apple offerings).

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

That's really a great idea. Could you give us the bug report number or link? I need to vote on this one.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

If you examine your N810 you will see the screen in the center and two real estate areas surrounding that. The camera, ambient light sensor, and two buttons occupy one of those areas and the other area is not being used. You could use the area not being used to make modifications, or you could set the screen to be off center and have even more space. Increasing the size is not necessary.

Also, the keyboard is a must. Yes you can use a bluetooth keyboard but not everyone has that or wants it. I want to type on the go, and have the slide out keyboard there for use anytime. The N810 is a nice small pocketable device. Increasing the size and adding a bluetooth keyboard to boot destroys that profile.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Sure! It's bug 1252. Again, sachin's great suggestion is a little different than mine so he may want to add his comments there... and VOTE! ;)

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

It seems like there are two main types of people when it comes to size. Some want to see the tablet bigger, the other smaller. The bigger group wants the keyboard removed because they like the onscreen (horrible!) or carry a bluetooth keyboard. The smaller group likes a thumb keyboard because they don't carry around a bunch of crap and want a truly pocketable device.

You seem to be on bigger tablet side of the fence and I on the smaller tablet side. I like just being able to carry my wallet, keys, phone, and N810. That's it. And I can fit them all in my (non baggy or huge) jeans.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I already did vote for that bug and also updated my comments regarding the transparent feature......

Anything else BOSS? :D:D

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

s/N810/N800/ and maybe throw a Leatherman in there from time to time. My jeans are certainly not baggy or huge and everything definitely fits. ;)

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

I will take the larger size if they give me a 5" screen. That size will nail the portable tablet market for nokia. And no way can they go more than the size of the n800. May be then can use the extra space on the right border of the n800 where there is the right speaker and extend the screen to the edge with 2-3 buttons like on the right most corner .... just like the 7710. That way it can be used for many more games.

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

THREE groups: I'm comfortable with the current N810 size.

And I agree with Benson: continue with at least 2 distinct offerings: 1 with keyboard, 1 without. NOTE: that is NOT even remotely official!!!!!!! :p

Re: What woud you realistically like to see in the N900?
 

Could I have smaller and no slide out keyboard, please?