Re: Reliability of the N800
 

You don't need to return them due to reboot issues -- most of the time, what you need is to use the Linux flasher to set the device to R&D mode, turn off the lifeguard reset option, and then return the device to normal mode.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

I can understand the "ease" of this but think about what you are asking a paying customer to do. Why should I have to get a Linux flasher, reset a problem with Nokia software. This device, in its current version, will always be a developers toy. Statements as such continue to validate this. This is supposed to be a production device, but as you just illustrated it is not ready.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

We GET it already, sapporo. I'm sure the rant is useful catharsis the first time, but this forum is overflowing with them-- many from the same person(s).

Venting is fun, but a more productive venue for feedback like that lies within the walls of Nokia. Here it's just become bothersome background noise.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Actually you are wrong. Quite wrong in fact. I took your advice and that of sondjata (I think) and gave the N800 another try but with another mindset regarding usage. Once I took it out of Biz Mode and put it in just use it mode, it is quite okay to have around and enjoyable. To the point of usefulness. I know the limitations and try not to exceed them. My only problem is that if the rebooting issue is a reoccurrence, then Nokia needs to fix this so that people do not have to go to extra ordinary measures (extra ordinary to some) to get things up and running again.

I think, you and others have said that Nokia reads these forums, and if so then great. Get the rebooting issue fixed.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

So how am I wrong? All I see is an uninformed technically-challenged pedantic ranter who ignores what he's been told by experienced users here. Who also persists in making the mistake of the neophyte in assuming that issues discovered in a small number of devices represent the population at large.

No wonder so many people here have you on ignore. Add another to that growing list.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Do as you see fit. You have to know what is right for you, but do remember it takes two hands to clap.

What I do not understand is that I took your advice, and that of a few others here and reevaluated the way that I was using the N800, and the expectations that I had on it. Once I took this advice from the experienced users here, I began to actually enjoy the device while understanding what it can and can not do. I then gave credit where credit was due. However to this I get a flaming response back.

Second, I am not technically challenged. Anytime you want to talk terrestrial satellite systems we can. I am/was challenged with this device because, like Milhouse said, I needed to do a bit more research and I did. To this end, my N800 is not the "challenge" it once was and I tend to enjoy it more.

With that being said, I will gladly leave this community to itself and do my best to never post here again. Luckily I have some PM's as well from people here that have agreed with me and have offered help should I need it.

P.S. Good luck in getting the job you want.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Your differences aside, there is only one poster here that's being rude, Texrat.
My modus operandus here will be read-only from now on. I don't want to lower myself to this level of communication.

For what it's worth: I am head of an IT department and as such don't consider myself technically challenged. Reading the comments here I wonder who is the one that's challenged.

Einstein out.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Einstein, think as you will. Before passing judgment on anyone, however, it behooves one to examine the evidence in its entirety-- and that includes posts in this forum you seem to have missed. A little objectivity doesn't hurt either.

I'll ignore your own rude insinuations, hypocritical as they may be. And FYI, I wasn't talking to you anyway, technically or otherwise.

Have a nice day. ;)


EDIT: oh, and I don't speak for the forum, and other than your post above have had no reason whatsoever to give you any sort of grief. So feel free to reply to whomever you like, however you like. Reggie rules the roost, and if he feels led to do so I'm sure he'll give anyone who needs it a virtual slap-- self included.

EDIT 2: I admit to having little tolerance for martyrdom, so mea culpa. I do however publicly apologize to sapporo for letting my irritation with his constant complaints get under my skin, and reacting inappropriately.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

You do highlight a problem -- when I got bitten by this bug myself, I sent my device in for servicing, and the repair center was not aware of this common problem -- they asked Nokia to replace the device, but I found out about the software issue first and asked for the device to be returned unrepaired.

Nokia definitely should ensure that
1) their repair centers know how to diagnose the tablets
2) common problems are highlighted on their support page
3) a live CD should be provided that you can just boot and will automate the repair task

After all, I can't imagine how much they are losing from users returning devices that are fine hardware-wise.

The new firmware is supposed to be less prone to the constant-rebooting issue, though.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

You underscored my point exactly. As I said several times, but will say again for the edification of some here, after looking at the N800 in a different light, I realize it has shortcomings but these are easy to overlook when viewed from a different prospective.

The current rebooting and repair options are unacceptable considering that money that Nokia is asking for this device. I am scheduled to head to Iraq for a few days and had planned to leave my computer behind as I will have access to wifi in Iraq. However, the rebooting issue had given me pause. This is an issue that "pure endusers" should not and probably do not want to deal with. Does this make us technically-challenged? Not in my case, it does how ever make me annoyed.

Anyway, if you can read this, you have a good point. Nokia is spend a bit of dosh on something that is probably easily fixed.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

I guess I don't understand this thread, but just in case I do understand some of it, I will say that for most problems including the reboot problems I had (five of them with the earlier firmware) I never needed access to my Linux system (although I have one) and the worst and most extreme thing I ever had to do to get a working system was reflash using the Nokia software from a Windows computer. So I would feel quite confident in Iraq that I could keep my N800 running just fine.

(It is amazing what disparate problems we can have starting from such a similar environment!)

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

You bring up good points, and I like your suggestions.

As you noted, the rebooting issue isn't solely a hardware problem, given that the vast majority of cases can be fixed via firmware. And as I've noted, this issue isn't as widespread as some posters have made it out, especially the hardcore cases. Thus the need for rational dialog on the subject as opposed to hand-wringing and hyperbole. Posts like yours are very helpful in that regard.

I share your concern about the repair situation. It's in a company's best interest to provide thorough communications and respond effectively to feedback, or else they'll certainly spend an inordinate amount of time on in-house repairs that are unnecessary. Nokia can do much better in that area, and to that extent I'm offering what I can. Unfortunately, I can't provide an official final word; that's for Dr. Jaaksi.

As I told another poster, when I put my consumer hat on I'm willing to let certain shortcomings with the N800 support slide due to the newness of the platform. However, if these issues aren't ironed out by the next gen device, I'm going to be right there with the people I think are going overboard right now. ;)

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Hi geneven,

I guess you were directing this at me considering you mentioned Iraq. The point is, I could not get it running after reflashing, reflashing, reflashing, reflashing, reflashing, and finally reflashing. Six, count'em six reflashings and no joy. Sorry but I do not share your optimism regarding just reflash and go. Needless to say, I will take my Mac with me and have my N800 as an extra device. Once these issues are worked out, and I am pretty confident it will eventually, I will have a bit more faith in the N800 as a quasi-replacement device.

Cheers.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Hey Sapporo, I've bounced around various "places" in Iraq with my N800 and no problems. Some things I will suggest for that environment:

1) Keep that sucker in a ziplock bag when you're not using it (keeps most of the dust out)

2) Put a screen protector on it

3) If military, keep it in your hooch and don't take it outside the wire. It's a distraction you don't need. If not military, then do whatever.

4) Don't put it in your battle-rattle (read: LBV/body armor). It will only get crushed. After seeing an iPod die this way, I don't keep any electronics in my gear.

It's great for reading books and watching videos on long flights though. Right now I'm running through several seasons of "Top Gear".

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

I'll be sure to give this a go next time...hopefully there is no next time though...thanks!!!

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Hello All,

I've had my N800 for about 2 days and it has been restarting randomly quite a bit. I've reflashed twice. On the last flashing the device crashed while I was setting the language from English(UK) to English(US). Should I take the unit back and request a replacement? Or call Nokia? Any suggestions? I really like this device but not if its this unstable.

Thanks for any help...
-dustin

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

You are under warranty for sure. I would not even bother to mess with it (some will suggest you get a Linux CD and go into some R&D mode to possibly fix this issue) unless this is something you like to do and have the time to do it. I had the same thing and took mine back and got a brand new one.

P.S. Have you verified that you are using the latest firmware?

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Thanks for the advice, but this seems like a real issue with the device. The above recommendation basically disables a watch for system faults (such as service crashes due to lack of memory) that restart the machine. This reeks of bad design. The watchdog is only supposed to kick in when something bad happens, not when I'm switching from UK to US keyboard styles on initial setup. Is this common? In the threads on Maemo it looks like the guy had went through two units and both had this problem...

Any thoughts?
-dustin

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

I don't believe in disabling the Watchdog function, and I have never even tried to do so. I don't understand why you all are having such problems; I have been indiscriminately installing every beta whatever I can get my hands on, with no serious problems since I did the firmware upgrade.

I have refrained from going into red dot mode, or whatever you call it, or doing any other obviously risky things. I use my N800 many hours every day and have since January.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

If you haven't already done so, reflash to the newest firmware.

Depending on what you do, you can easily hose your N800 and create a dependency issue.

Start over and make incremental changes--good luck!

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Ok so I've disabled the Lifeguard mode and the device is still randomly locking up...I'm going to set it back to normal and return it to the store tomorrow.

This really sucks, the little I've used the device I love it. Any of you think getting it replaced would resolve the issue?

Thanks for all the help, this is probably one of the fastest and most helpful communities online...

-dustin

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Is the 2007 Edition of the OS stable is that the version I should be using?

The filename is RX-34_2007SE_3.2007.10-7_PR_COMBINED_MR0_ARM

-dustin

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Should do, the problem with your current device does sound unusual and is hopefully a one-off.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Yes, that is the latest version of OS 2007. It's commonly referred to as 3.2007.10-7 round here (this number is also shown in Control Panel->About), which - if you hadn't guessed - stands for 3rd released firmware and a build date of the 10th week in 2007 (mid-March), 7th attempt that week. :)

The original OS 2007 firmware that shipped with devices is 2.2006.51-7 while some early units had 2.2006.51-6.

I'm pretty sure you'll fair better with a replacement unit. :)

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

I've NEVER seen one crash when changing regional settings, regardless of OS version. I'm suspecting a faulty device. Have it replaced.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Ok, I've got the new one in hand, it is currently charging. I'll keep you guys updated on the progress.

-dustin

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

Good deal.

As long as you have that warranty, always use it. Don't bother to try and fix it yourself unless you are so inclined and have the time and patience.

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

There's no harm in asking (or searching) for a fix here - some problems are actually quite easy to fix (though obviously not in this case) and certainly a lot less hassle than a trip back to the store... :)

Re: Reliability of the N800
 

The new unit is working great. Hasn't crashed once. I'm currently typing this on it! I really doubt anything could have been done to salvage the previous unit. Thanks for all the help...