Re: Why is WiMax such a big deal?
 

not so. UMTS can make use of GSM frequencies. its just that you cant operate both on the same ones at the same time...

hell, 3G systems are, iirc, more frequency efficient then older tech, so in theory you do not need as many antennas to cover the same number of subscribers. but as currently used frequencies (at least in europe) have worse penetration then GSM ones, more are needed to get effective coverage in densely populated areas (reinforced concrete is a very effective signal blocker, go fig).

Re: Why is WiMax such a big deal?
 

hmm. I got the NIT because I don't have a cell phone (or cable tv or landline). The pricing structure in North America is insane IMHO. I run my own VoIP PBX and IM server and can support my whole family and close friends with local numbers and cheap long distance for the cost of one cell plan. Plus WiFI is plenty fast enough. I give up the cell capabilities but WiFI is available where I need it, way way cheaper, and much faster. It is just simple data to me. The SIP and WiFI works very nicely on my N800.

But this WiMAX you speak of..... might be interesting if it is even available around here (Canada). However I have serious doubts that it will be as affordable as I want. No idea right now but worth a look.

Best news about a WiMAX is that the 800 & 810 might get really cheap soon. :)

Re: Why is WiMax such a big deal?
 

One more advantage of wimax offered by sprint is that they are quoting that you need not sign a contract...... you can either take monthly or a daily service.

Re: Why is WiMax such a big deal?
 

Canada has one of the best WiMAX deployments available, and it's much, much, much more reasonably priced than normal cellular data plans. WiMAX is the holy grail of data access for Canadians.

Re: Why is WiMax such a big deal?
 

Well, you can replace the phone with a USB dongle, but there's no suggestion by Nokia of anything other than WiMAX for WWAN. USB dongle plans are generally data-only, of course, with no tethering issues. Cradlepoint is also an option, so you don't have another device hanging out the end of your tablet, but either way you have two devices.

Yeah, 3G in-device is technically feasible, but Nokia's not doing it.

If you want a raw network comparison, without regard to device availability, of mobile WiMAX vs. 3G, it boils down to: WiMAX is faster.
But I'm not sure the extra speed is of any practical use in an N810; CPU usage may limit throughput anyhow...

Tso, I realize those aren't tech dependent, but we know what 3G costs and what its coverage is like, because it's already deployed. I was just pointing out that some excitement may be on account of optimistic assumptions that optimists make when they don't have facts.

I guess I interpreted this thread as being more N810W aligned, while some of you are speaking more of WiMAX in general. My remarks should be understood in that context.

Re: Why is WiMax such a big deal?
 

And knowing the rapacious greedy phone companies the only problem is WHERE you take it.
I hope they use lubricant.

Re: Why is WiMax such a big deal?
 

OK now I am actually curious. I checked the Wikipedia description and see that the tech fills the gap between WiFI and Cell. If it can approach cell coverage at a cheap rate I'm going to look at it. I'm happy with my DIY SIP/IM/Email/yada systems so if I can get what WiMAX promises without the constraints of all the service providers I'm having a serious look. I've been hoping for wireless that simply gets me to the net. WiFI works great considering what all the providers have to offer thus far. I'm not loving the WiMAX name however but that is a small bone to pick.

However this goes against what I thought was the best news (dirt cheap WiFI units). I'd still have to wait until the new units come down in price. I'm perfectly happy with the geeky nature of these NITs since I run my own services and find the N800 much more suited to my needs than any closed system I've seen including the fashionable iDevices et al.

Re: Why is WiMax such a big deal?
 

Until I can find two open wifi hotspots in the areas I travel, basic wifi less the max stuff is so close to useless as to be so.

As someone said, lots of cars and no roads...

Fortunately the n800 makes a decent ebook reader :).

Re: Why is WiMax such a big deal?
 

OK, you live in a crappy area for Wifi access. I'm sorry to hear that, but what does that have to do with WiMAX? :\

Re: Why is WiMax such a big deal?
 

It must be a matter of usage needs or where you go but I can find WiFI where I need it more often than not. I use my SIP phone on the N for business and personal and it does a good job. I can thank all the 'consumers' for the frequent availability. I can roam several blocks in the area around my home and office but I'm lucky to have control over the APs. Public space is sometimes a challenge but rarely a major problem. Sometimes I long for cell availability but WiFI is far from useless for me. MaXY just might be the cat's meow but we'll see, until now I had little hope for anything better.

It will come down to who offers the service. The cell/broadband incumbents are so far off from my needs that I no longer even look at the products (perhaps why I didn't know that anyone offered WiMAX here). I'm very happy that Nokia has taken the design stance it has on these NITs. Linux + WiFI with *no* cell function was a good move for the niche market that I am. Brilliant move in fact. I saw a TED.com speech that nailed the problem as I see it and Nokia has shown some promise with these things so far. I just have to find out more about it and see real world reviews (both WiMAX and the nMAX).