N800 versus N810
 

Just bought a N810 and returned it for a N800. Was thinking about getting the N810 again however thought about this:

1. Is it hard to use N810 GPS inside a car since you must keep it near a window to maintain the GPS signal. I thought it would be better to use a bluetooth GPS module thats always placed at the window. Can someone please comment on this.

2. I love the LARGE virtual thumb keyboard better than the hardware keyboard on the N810. Its easy to open the LARGE thumb keyboard up on the N800 since you only need to press the center button after youre inside the field youre typing into. Can this be done on the N810 without siding out the keyboard and pressing the center button.

Any feedback is appreciated since I do love the look of the N810 however, being a former OQO user, I dont want any keyboards anymore.

Thanks.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

2) Pressing harder in the text field should activate the large keyboard as well.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

If you tap on a text field on the n810 with the keyboard closed it works the same way as on the n800.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

It's impossible to open the thumbkeyboard with the N810 with the "center" button as sliding out the keyboard (to reveal the "center" button) disables the on-screen keyboards.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

1) Not sure if im right but it seems its just the issue of getting an initial gps lock, which is fixed by holding it at a 90˚ angle or something like that. There is a forum somewhere around here that explains it.

that ˚ took me like 5 mins to figure out on Xunbuntu! LOL, cntrl+shift+u then input the unicode. Is it easier to input such characters on NIT's?

Just curious doesn't the non-transreflective screen on the n800 bother you?

Re: N800 versus N810
 

You can afford a lot of accessories for the price difference between n800 and n810. it all comes down to what you prefer, but personally i think nokia made a lot of mistakes with the n810. microusb, crippled memory card support etc

Re: N800 versus N810
 

Not sure if I'll take the n800 back for the N810.

On my N800, when in Notes, tapping the active entry field brings up the THUMB keyboard so the center button is not needed. However when in the web browser I must press the center button to get the THUMB keyboard to open.

The N800 screen will be okay in a car if you are able to move it to a shady part of the car which would potentially disconnect the GPS in a N810.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

I figured I'd reply to this thread, as it's the most recent on this reoccurring topic, instead of starting yet another one.

From day 1 of my plans on boarding the NIT wagon, I've concentrated on getting a N810. Just recently with all the talk about the N810's GPS not being that great, I've done some searching, and here in Canada the best deal I can get the N810 for about $413 (straight from Nokia using the SCENEZINE 15% off code). Otherwise, I can get a N800 for $230, a Holux M-1200 Bluetooth GPS for $70, and a iGo Stowaway BT keyboard for about $45, for a grand total of $345, about $70 less.

Here's the pro's I'm considering to weigh my decision:

N800: cheaper, two full-sized sd slots, FM tuner, GPS can be used by other bluetooth devices (like my phone).

N810: built-in keyboard, trans-reflective screen.

As I see it the biggest thing is the screen, which isn't comething an external add-on can replace. The N810's is supposed to be A LOT better. So I guess the main question I have it, just how much better is it? Especially for outside viewing? Are the colours & clarity any better or worse from one to the other?

Please help me to decide which way to go :). TX

Re: N800 versus N810
 

peterjb31, are you speaking of the thumb keybaord or the pen keyboard. I cant get the thumb keyboard to work in the web browser and in Contacts without the center button.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

grog, I had the N810 and N800 saide by side for 2 days and took them both to the window on a sunny day.
I personally thought the difference was negligible.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

Thanks for the reply. So, I assume that you've decided against getting the N810 again?

Re: N800 versus N810
 

The N810 does not have to be very near the windshield.. but I guess that depends on your definition of "near". Mine is mounted to the windshield on a flexible stalk and works well, although satellite fixing could be faster IMO.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

Yes but its because of the,
1. THUMB keyboard being accessible in all apps by pressing the center button. The THUMB keybaord make the N800 more iphone like.
2. The potential GPS issues in a car.
3. More storage.
4. I want to use my thumb for almost everything when interacting with the device and so far, with the N800, I cant get the THUMB keybaord up in the browser or in contacts without pressing the center key which means I'll have to pull out the keyboard.
5. I dont like spending even 1 penny on manufacturing of a hardware keyboard attached to the device.

Just my opinion.

I'll still need a BT keybaord for heavy, intense typing.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

I guess I have to remember what my primary aspirations are for using a NIT, which is for internet browsing & email. And for that I feel that having the integrated keyboard would help greatly for email on the go. Secondary for me is video & ebooks.

While I think about it, a question for people who read ebooks on their IT's. When you read a book in portrait mode, how do you scroll? Is the direction pad used for that? If so, wouldn't the pad being on the keyboard of the N810 hinder book reading?

TX

Re: N800 versus N810
 

I generally use the - / + rocker for flipping pages on my 810

Re: N800 versus N810
 

I use either the D-pad (hahaaa!! up yours, N810 users!) or tap the screen (Damn! they can do that, no?).

Zoom buttons are not as convenient for me, as I tend to switch hands a lot (No, I don't know why, I just do, m'kay?).

Re: N800 versus N810
 

^
What he said, the plus minus rocker works really well in FB reader. I really use my N810 for on the go IM and email mostly and then media use second. I only have 4gb microsdhc to go along with the 2GB. I have a fully kitted N800 with 8gb in SD slots, bluetooth keyboard, holux GPS. I have to say that I still prefer the N810. I really like the combination of finger, stylus and thumbboard and I find myself a lot more productive with it than I was with the N800 and when I tried out an iPhone (went back after a week). I'll probably try the new iphone after the apps start rolling out but until then N810 is king for me, but I hate the finger only way that the iphone OS operates, sometimes a stylus really is better.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

Thanks for all the feedback, you've all managed to talk me back off the fence - I'll still be getting a N810. Now just waiting for April for the prices to (hopefully) come down.
TX

Re: N800 versus N810
 

oh, hope I am not too late. I have an N800 and an N810. The screen has no difference that I can see in daylight or otherwise. The light sensor on the n810 would be neat IF IT WASN"T ALWAYS COVERED BY MY FINGER! Yeah, that was yelling. The placement of the light sensor on the N810 means that my screen dims whenever I use it because my finger ends up over it as I hold the thing. Major annoyance. I have big hands, your mileage may vary.

The GPS is almost worthless unless you buy the navigation license (a three year license for more money than a standalone GPS would cost in many instances). So that is not the bonus that I thought it would be.

The keyboard is too small for me, and try typing a "3" (hint - you have to (all with your left hand) hold the function key and hit the e). Good luck. Not that 3 makes or breaks my life, but this combo of having ctrl or function on one side while having to hit keys on the same side makes the keyboard not just small with bad feedback, but contortionist too. I can't type anything easily on it. (alright slight hyperbole, I can type qqqqq very easily).

Contrast that with the pretty nice thumbboard (on screen keyboard) that comes up on the n800 (OK, you have to hit the center button to get it to come up after the stylus-type keyboard comes up, but that is pretty easy once you know the trick (the thumbboard *is* kind of available on the n810, but I still, after 3 months, can't get it to come up when I want it to)). Add the fact that you have two full SD slots on the N800, and the fact that you can get a really nice ($30) leather case for the N800 that magnetically latches on, so you can take it off when you want, and the balance is starting to tip.

More and more, I am liking the N800 over the N810. To be fair, the N810 does fit in my pocket better, and it is a little sexier looking. The camera in my N810 seems to be a little better than the one on the N800, but it doesn't swivel, and in non-daylight, they both seem to give the same mediocre picture/video.

If I had to pick one over the other, I'd still be a little hard pressed, but given the difference in price, I would guide you to the N800 over the N810. Plus, if you are a music or talk radio loving person, the N800 has the best FM radio I have ever used. The software has you pick your location, then it *knows* all the stations you can get, so you pick them by name rather than having to scan like I do in my car. Honestly, it is the best radio implementation that I have ever interacted with, hands down.

I hope that I am either: not too late to help, or, so dissuasive that I didn't change you thinking anyway.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

No it's not too late, and thanks for your concern :). I'm waiting to see if the new model that supposed to be released April 1st will make the price of the N810 drop or not. I'm waiting until before the 15th, that's when the SCENEZINE coupon expires, but I won't wait any longer then that. I WANT IT!!!

My hands aren't that big (kinda girl-ish size if you ask me :(), so I don't think I'd have the same issues as you. Your other point about the lack of a FM tuner is really disappointing, but not a show stopper for me. As well, although the GPS is kinda cool, that's far from the main reason I'm getting a IT in the first place, so however well it works, as long as it does work at all. I've also read here that once it does get a lock, it seems to be much better at keeping that lock than a lot of other dedicated units, so that's a plus. And I'm not really clear on this, but there seems to be a question whether it's a hardware or software issue, so it might have the potential of getting fixed in a future software upgrade anyway.

The camera as well I find a concern; without it being able to swivel, how is it of any use other than for a web cam? How could you take pictures with it & see the screen to center it at the same time? Maybe someone can answer that one for me please?

TX

Re: N800 versus N810
 

For all those who cant get the full screen keyboard on finger touch..... here is a secret:

The thing is that you need to make a fast movement with your finger onto the screen. Just like a wood pecker pecks at wood.
If you do that there is every chance that the full screen keyboard will pop out. It is not with how much pressure you can press the screen .... that will never work.

Just test it for yourself. Peck at the google search bar on the desktop and see the result. If you dont get it the first time.... try agiain.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

It's just a web cam, not a 'taking pictures' cam, unfortunately.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

(sigh) I'm back on the fence again :rolleyes:. Not just because of the camera, but if the screen keyboard is really ok for most people, and the fact that if I get a bluetooth keyboard & GPS they can be used with any other bluetooth devices, not just with the NIT. And if the screen isn't really that much better, then the N800 would be much better for me. As well, if & when I upgrade to a newer NIT model, what happens if some new future models go back to no keyboard and/or GPS? Then I'd still be able to use them.

In the mean time I'd get a FM tuner, 2 full-sized SD card slots & a camera that can be used for something more than showing of what I don't really want to show off anyway (my ugly mug, that is :)).

Yes it does sound like I'm ranting just to convince myself, and I am. And if I do decide to get the N800, then I can order it NOW!! No more waiting!! YIPPEE!!

Oh the pain of it all :D. And to think I sold my 4bg sd card because I didn't think I'd be able to use it anymore :(.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

Glad I could add to the pain! :) I don't think you'll be sad if you wait... or get the N800 (at $180 like it has been sometimes)

The wimax version (if it really is that) will overcome a whole bunch of what I've been disappointed about, but that I didn't complain about. Full time connectivity will make the ITT a toy in my pocket *full time*, still not what I hoped when I first jumped on board (a PDA/internet-in-your-pocket/connect to my communications). But it will be many of the things I wanted, and it is really much more enticing to install 3rd party apps that may hose your system when you *might* get the whole kit and kaboodle. Plus, it makes it more worthwhile to routinely back up your whole system, so worrying about installing a new and unproved app becomes a lower hurdle.
Did I just let the cat out of the bag, I don't back up as much as I should? Truly my fault, but it is another set of hoops to jump through, and for a toy, I haven't jumped that high yet.
I hope you get what you want, and it sounds like you are smart enough to wait for that. For me the whole platform is sooo seductive. I had to really exert self control not to get the 770. For the N800 and N810, I just had to bite. I'm happy to hear that there are tech buyers out there that control their salivation more than I.
(Now if I can only learn from you...)

Re: N800 versus N810
 

I am not sure if this is helping or not - but I have used both the N800 and the N810 and I think the keyboard is a BIG plus. 200USD worth? not sure. Sure, you can carry around a BT keyboard - but do you want to? It detracts a whole lot of the convenience. And the N810 IS noticeably smaller and more pocketable. No problem slipping it into my back pocket.

However, the main reason why I like the keyboard is that it doesn't take up screen real estate. Xterm with Thumbboard? Pretty useless... try using any kind of ncurses app. The mini-keyboard gives you better interactivity but you still lose about half the screen. Also, with the hardware keyboard, keyboard shortcuts become reality. CTRL+L => new location in microB. CTRL+W => close window. CTRL+D => bookmark. CTRL+C, copy etc... Not all programs take advantage, but those that do, benefit immensely. Sure, for typing an eMail the thumbboard might work, but most of the time it's just so much easier to just slide out the keyboard to punch a letter or two on the keyboard than to switch screens to the on-screen-keyboards. It just saves so much screen real estate to use the hardware keys.

Also, I find that after a few days, I could type decently with the hardware keyboard. Sure, the top row is a slight bit harder to type on every once in a while, but it's not half as bad as some people make it out to be. Also, if you want to type a "3", just hit "Fn" once with the left hand and then the 3 - the "Fn" sticks for one keypress if you just hit it. You don't HAVE to hold it!

Martin

Re: N800 versus N810
 

Well, for better or worse, til death do us part :), I've made the decision & just cemented a deal deal with pthomson for a N800.

I decided to go with the toys (FM tuner, card slots, camera) instead of the keyboard. I guess it all comes down to the fun :). So in a week I'll finally be a tablet-carrying part of this NIT community.

Thanks for all the help, guys & gals.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

If that was the deciding factor, then I would go N810. I am not sure why some say there's no real difference. I have both devices and when I am outdoors, the difference is dramatic. The N810's screen is better.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

No, that's not the only deciding factor, just one of many. Since I've opted for the N800 I'll have to live with it, albeit indoors I guess :).

Re: N800 versus N810
 

I haven't seen an N810, but a transflective screen usually needs to actually reflect the sunlight. If you just move the two devices into a bright area the readability should diminish almost equally on both. My T3, for example, is only readable outdoors if I angle it so that the sun reflects from it. (In other words, a transflective screen buys you very little on a cloudy, bright day.)

Re: N800 versus N810
 

Why does everyone ignore the FM transmitter in the n810. and the 2gb + microsdhc vs 256 mb + 2 sdhc.

And about the thumboard on the n810, wouldn't you just need to know what command or event brings up the thumboard and just manually trigger it? (We don't need Nokia to do all of this for us...)

BTW android on the n810 looks shiny.

Re: N800 versus N810
 

transmitter? i know it can receive FM radio, but i dont think it can transmit ;)

Re: N800 versus N810
 

Well, it (the N810) can't even receive, as far as I know..

Re: N800 versus N810
 

That would be 256MB + 2GB + 1x mini-SD(HC) vs. 256MB + 2x fullsize SD(HC).

(Both devices have 256MB flash for the root/user etc. filesystems, but the N810 has an additional 2GB flash filesystem which is primarily for the maps. It's meant as a poor man's replacement for the internal SD slot of the N800).

Re: N800 versus N810
 

It is not a fm transmitter..... but a fm reciever. There is a huge difference between the two. The upcoming n78 has a fm transmitter. In fact that would be real cool to have in the internet tablets so that we could wirelessly stream media in our cars and homes!!

Re: N800 versus N810
 

Okay, I found the source of the FM transmitter dementia, the n810 was stated by Linux Devices to have a FM transmitter, but their source from Nokia (I think) was wrong, proven by Thoughtfix at Tablet Blog and by another thread on ITT.

Also there is no FM receiver on the n810.