Re: Symbianites/Symbianation
 

This is a very important question for the future of the Maemo platform.

I'm somehow unhappy with it, though.

Here's why:

• You restrict it to current Maemo devices. It's obvious what's missing in current Maemo devices: voice telephony and everything that comes with it (SMS/MMS/video/...). I see no use in stating the obvious in this thread. Why not ask for Maemo in general, with a focus on the new version 5?
• Given the nature of Maemo, there's hardly anything that's not possible software-wise. So whenever somebody names a feature on S60 that he thinks is missing on Maemo, chances are that we know a way to work around that by installing 3rd party apps. I think a comparison should be done within clearly defined boundaries, and "what comes out of the box" would be good starting point IMHO... because this is what counts for the average consumer.

Anyway, here's things I do regularly on my current S60 phone that I think are of some relevance as "gaps" for current or future Maemo releases. I tried not to include things that a do only twice a year or so...

• Voice telephony (several times a week)
• Video telephony over UMTS (not via internet) with other 3G handsets (several times a month)
• SMS (daily)
• MMS (several times a week)
• Sync contacts and calendar with online service (both http://scheduleworld.com and my carriers own SyncML-server) (roughly once a month)
• One thumb usage for each and every function on the device, like being able to surf/chat/mail while I'm holding onto poles or overhead straps in the bus/subway. (I spend ~90mins each working day in this position, my device'd better be good at that.) (daily)
• Run various Java MIDlets (run: several times a week; install new: roughly once a month)
• Bluetooth tethering, being able to work with a BT keyboard (tethering: several times a week; keyboard: several times a month)

Another thing that I want to list extra (because it's not really a question of the operationg system alone... but the OS plays a big part) is the overall robustness of the device. How safe does it feel to carry the device in a pocket with keys and coins? Having to use some sort of extra protection is a no-no for something that should be a phone, so it better pass this test. Current S60 devices up to S60v3 do. S60v5-devices don't, and current Maemo-devices don't, either.

Re: Symbianites/Symbianation
 

My N97 never had a screen protector, and was scratch free. The materials should be similar. I'd still get a protector just in case for the screen, and if you can find one of those NIkon lens shield protectors, put a small piece on the lens to avoid scratches.

Re: Symbianites/Symbianation
 

Good points...

I think at the time that I posted this thread Nokia had yet to confirm the full specs of the N900 and I didn't want the thread to get bogged down or hi-jacked with arguments that could not be supported. I also wanted to get a snap shot if you will, of what might be expected from this new device.

Re: Symbianites/Symbianation
 

Is there a Wiki page on this kind of info at all?

Might be worth while to get a page setup so Maemo can duplicate some of these functions with decent OSS solutions in the future.
Sort of like a rough road map, or at least to highlight the differences in OS so everyone is aware instead of patching info together from forum posts.

And please don't mention how ASR needs to be the first thing on the list :p

Re: Symbianites/Symbianation
 

I don't understand the responses from some of the community in regards to this. Do you deny that there is a use case for portrait mode? One handed operation is key to productivity when one wants to check quick status of calendar, email, etc. and quickly respond to a message or reminder. Learning Linux isn't going to let me be able to manipulate the device any easier in landscape mode. And landscape mode is great for web browsing, gaming, typing email, remote admin, etc. but you can't deny that there's a portrait use case.

I'm an E71/N810 user as well. Being able to pull the device out to check messages, calendar events and to answer calls one handed is part of what makes the device great. Walking around having to use two hands all the time in landscape mode is not efficient or productive for short tasks.

Re: Symbianites/Symbianation
 

I think if there is enough community push it will come in a firmware update, I don't think seeing it constantly in several posts along with heated views will speed this up. Patience is key in this area, I see this as a way to relax the tension that has been created from this topic.

Again me bringing this up doesn't help either ;)

Re: Symbianites/Symbianation
 

Maybe we can make a "RANT: Maemo 5 Lacks Portrait Mode OOTB" thread, so we know which thread to ignore ;)

<shrink mode>I mean, seriously, I think it's okay to acknowledge the issue and to have a proper channel to release the frustration somewhere.. </shrink mode>

Re: Symbianites/Symbianation
 

I don't really care about automatic screen rotation inn every app, but will really want it at least inn sms and email with an OSK

Re: Symbianites/Symbianation
 

first they denied it, and now everyone's talking about it, not just me. surprised? Even I'm sick of it, only because the haters are getting annoyed, and I feel responsible. (Shrinks behind wall...)

Gorgon, we don't all agree, but its in the works. We just have to cross our fingers. We all use the devices differently, so its no surprise anymore.

I don't even want ASR now. Everyone else wants it. I want to be different.

Where's our LASER CATARACT REMOVER?? It'd be great for improving vision while on the train or the bus.

Re: Symbianites/Symbianation
 

I didn't know this was such the hot button when I responded to this post and haven't read the big threads. I got this from the "indifferent" thread and I'll take the discussion elsewhere.