Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

The video out feature is already supported by the OMAP hardware. It does not necessitate any additional weight or appreciable cost. AFAIK, if the video out is not made high resolution, there is no other feature that would be compromised because of its presence. There are smaller, cheaper and less computery devices (Tube) that have video out.

Yes, I agree the tablet should remain optimized for pocket use. We already had the debate of maemo specific apps vs. ported desktop apps. Since some people are clamoring for porting desktop apps, the only way everyone can be accomodated is by having a video out so that you can use the same tablet for maemo specific apps on the small screen and ported desktop apps on an external monitor.

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

I have completely stopped carrying my N800 with me except for rare special purposes. I don't need the Internet when I am walking around unless I am lost or something -- then my Centro will take care of me. It's not optimal, but I am usually not lost. When I want to listen to music, my Centro works fine.

Otherwise, when I am out walking or jogging, I am not looking at a screen. I am looking at the world around me.

I use my N800 when I am siting at home because it is fun and convenient. But I just ordered an eee pc and am curious whether it will replace my N800 at home. I don't need something that fits in my pocket.. My Centro fills that role.

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

Has any individual computing device ever accommodated everyone? Is that a workable goal?

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

Of course not. By everyone I mean both types - those that want the current optimization of the tablet for mobile apps to continue and those that want the ability to port and use desktop apps.

And the important specific hypothesis (not an abstract general comment) which remains unaddressed is that video out on the nokia tablet would not necessarily compromise its optimization for mobile apps. If you think it would, then please explain why you think so. Or do you think video out would be worthless to those who want to port and use desktop apps?

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

there really is no reason why both worlds cannot be accommodated.

Think about it: a nice smooth finger friendly front end (which is also stylus friendly) and more indepth applications within.

It just makes sense

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

I think if you've invested in a fancy 'smartphone' like the Centro, you're probably not going to see as much use for an NIT. Sure, the Centro isn't as capable as the tablet, but it's capable enough, and there's a lot of overlap in functionality.

Disclaimer: I do not own a mobile phone of any type. Unless you consider VoIP-from-tablet or IM-on-tablet "having a phone".

EDIT: I use my tablet for tablet-things most of the time (music, video, games, sketching, internet browsing); BUT it is really nice to be able to do laptop things for the times when I need it to. Yes, OpenOffice is ugly on the tablet's screen, but it is nice to have all of that functionality for the times when I really need it.

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

I don't disagree with this ideal. In fact, I'd like to subscribe to your newletter and all that jazz. However, it often appears during...
...that a vocal portion of the pro-desktop-ports contingent isn't interested in Hildonization or any UI tweaking beyond the bare minimum needed to get a new desktop application mostly working. To them, the tablets are just more Linux boxen, if unusually small ones, and Nokia's finger friendly efforts just get in the way.

As building your multi-mode UI would require even more work during a port, I don't see it being universally embraced.

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

I think quite the opposite, it would allow most apps to run by just compiling them, without hildonization. If the app has enough interest it may be adapted to be used in the standard environment.

People say its only the geeks that want these type of environments. However lets not forget, if the geeks go elseware, the mass market will eventually follow.

If the desktop environment was supported instead of being hacks, I think the entire user community would embrace it because its functionality would far exceed the current supported environment.

I as always must thank Nokia/Maemo for doing such a great job on the hardware, and the level of openness the have given us. I just want them to get onboard with a full computer suite, because I don't think it will ever be done right, unless "Nokia/Maemo" does it internally.

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

Well, it's unfortunate that the UI plans (or what little has been announced of them) make you pessimistic - the new UI is going to be a lot better than the current one :) But to the latter point, yes that is also a key part of being an open platform: if you don't like what is offered there, feel free to create and/or install something better.

Re: An 'internet' tablet or a Linux computer?
 

When designing apps - the concept of "workable" always applies to which environment and platform you are designing for.

Just because a spreadsheet is "workable" on a desktop PC, doesnt mean it is "workable" on a tablet - even if you could actually run it.
Just because it can run doesn't neccesarily mean it can "work".

A good app design takes this important distinction of "workable" into factor I believe. Its not what can run, but what can work - both hardware constraints wise and usable design wise.

Again, this is just the way I look at it. I understand that some people here need everything to run on the tablet and somehow work on it too.