Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

http://www.mobileburn.com/news.jsp?Id=5986

I just bought this thing. It was good while it lasted.

I'm moving on. Wimax has reached portland but it's not compatible with the n810w tablet. WTF.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Being first to market has it's challenges. Risk/reward.

Frank

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

I just feel sorry for the people who actually bought one...

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Especially at the price!

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Too bad indeed. It had a lot of potential. I like this statement:

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Even Intel doesn't exactly seem thrilled about WiMAX anymore...

http://arstechnica.com/news.ars/post...nvestment.html

Given how Sprint struggles already, I don't see much of a future for WiMAX, especially with LTE being not that far off, and HSPA working well already, pretty much anywhere (are least here in Europe)...

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

So much for picking up a deeply discounted unit just for the color scheme. Shame, that.


EDIT: I don't see it happening, but it would be nifty if the Maemo folks within Nokia could get their hands on the returned N810 WiMAX Edition stock so as to offer the units up as part of a variant of the Developer Device Program. Sure Maemo 5 and OMAP3 are the future, but rock-bottom priced--or perhaps even free--N810 WiMAX Edition tablets would surely be appreciated. I expect the Mer folks could use some test machines, and there are other developers with N800s who have commented they'd like to make more N810-specific tweaks, but don't have the hardware. I think Maemo developers would understand the little WiMAX markings might be nothing more than curiosities soon and not complain.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

WTF, indeed. Sounds like it was a real winner, that WiMAX.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Youch.

Oh, well, Nokia has to do something with them now... maybe they'll show up on woot or something.

Or maybe they'll pull the WiMAX modules out and sell them as N810s with the alternate color-scheme (which I like much better). Or dev treats, as sjgadsby suggests.

This whole thing's a shame; the N810W'd have been so bleeping killer if Xohm would have launched way back when they were announced...

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

a shame this compatibility thing. I didn't thing wimax would have all these issues.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

So what does this mean for the tablets themselves and the Maemo platform?

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

I’m surprised they sold it at all.

As I've said elsewhere on these forums, they should have first delivered a N810 WCDMA Edition (with EDGE and HSPA), since that’s a wireless WAN that actually exists, and has a sizeable customer base. Instead, those numerous and established customers have to wait for the Maemo 5 platform (which will have HSPA support), while the niche customers who have WiMAX were able to get this marketing dud (but I’m sure it wasn’t a technical/engineering dud).

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

It doesn't. It was way too late for Nokia to be launching the N810WE. I'm surprised it got out the door at all with the next generation happening later this year.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

They should've really focused on EDGE/UMTS/HSPA instead. Mobile data plans are booming now (at least in Germany).

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

As I stated in another thread I think NOKIA looked at the big picture and decided to get the hardware out of the marketplace and cut their losses. With the n810 series coming to a close anyway, they knew that by the time WIMAX shakes itself out, however that may end, they would have an antiquated device that still would not be that attractive and they'd still be stuck with inventory sitting itdle in warehouses. So instead of just blowing them out as they are, they bring them back, disable the WIMAX chip, put stock n810 OS on them, put new model stickers or case parts on them, and sell as regular n810's.

I think that this would be smarter for them then just price reduce the n810WEs because then they would have to support the units as WEs and worry about potential chipset / software issues. Make it a n810 standard and call it a day.

I live in DC and have a XOHM USB Modem active now. I would love a deal on a n810WE but doesnt look like their will be any new product "steal deals" which is a bit depressing. Because NOKIA has initiated a recall of the inventory, they will not be offering a reduction / price drop guarantee to their distribution points so they are still looking at a high investment cost to them, the distributer. They would rather send back the devices and get full credit back. With the ability to change devices online that would have been a nice addition to my fleet.

Oh well, the n810 standard continues to tether well with my BB8330 and when someone decides to make a Wireless Broadband Router ( like a Cradlepoint) that supports the ZOHM ZTE TU25USB Modem , I'll be good as well.

I tell you something else, this WIMAX thing should have been a TV Series instead of a Wireless Network. Never a dull moment!!!

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Where it works, it works well. I get download speeds on my Nokia N810 WiMAX Edition that are better than public hotspots, causing me to prefer WiMAX over public WiFi. With the range of WiMAX, I can use my N810W "anywhere" in the Baltimore or DC Metro area. Leaving that area, well, it's the same as owning a standard N810...

I think it's a shame. I look at the N810 WiMAX and see unfulfilled potential. If Sprint were able to rollout WiMAX faster under their Clear brandname, if XOHM weren't so slow (nearly 2 years) in mergers and deployments, if only WiMAX were a year earlier and better deployed, the Nokia N810 WiMAX would have been a truly killer internet tablet.

Buying into WiMAX was like buying into Blu-Ray two years ago, being on the cutting edge brings it own risks, and own rewards. I still hope that Sprint & Clear can recover, but between the US economy in general and their own deployment issues, my expectations are lowering.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

The way things are panning it out, I think a more apt comparison would be buying into DVD-HD 2 years ago, not Blu-Ray :-)

Sure, Sprint and Clearwire could reverse their fortunes, but by the time they do, where will LTE be? And, for a device makers standpoint, the conservative approach would be neither WiMAX nor LTE. It would be EVDO or HSPA.

A WiMAX version of the tablet would have made sense as Nokia's second WWAN tablet, not the first and primary one.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

I was writing from personal experience. I bought the PS3 when it first came out, bought more BR-D movies than was probably wise at the time, and had serious reservations that Microsoft might win the HD-DVD battle. If it weren't for Sony throwing money around to the studios, the tide might have turned.

I think LTE might be slower in coming than once expected. The recession seems to be sparing few businesses when even Intel and Google take hits. I'd like to think that Sprint and Clear could use this to their advantage, but they've been so inept so far that I can't see them doing better in a worse economy.

Guess I'd better enjoy my Nokia N810 WiMAX while I can? :p

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

HD DVD.

And I suppose this depends upon perspective. If you're matching based upon outcomes of respective marketplace battles, then yes, it's looking like WiMAX may be following in HD DVD's footsteps. However, if you look at the technologies involved, then WiMAX may be closer to Blu-ray.

In HD DVD vs. Blu-ray, the physical format of HD DVD optical disks was a reactionary "safe choice" quickly developed to fight Blu-ray. Though Blu-ray promises greater benefits in the long term, replicators didn't like it because the physical format of the disks is significantly different from DVD media. Different enough to force existing DVD replicators to make expensive changes to their manufacturing operations.

At the danger of sounding like Lou Skriba, to me this gives LTE the feeling of HD DVD: maintain control, protect investments, and build on what you have rather than jumping to a promising technology with greater differences, especially since the alternative technology might open the marketplace to new competitors.

The tablets are, or were, research projects. Nokia has used them to take risks and develop new technologies and directions outside of their main product line. The selection of WiMAX made sense in that light.

Nokia wound up sitting on the WiMAX Edition units for too long waiting for Sprint to pull its act together though. And now it appears Nokia's decided the long term payoff potential of WiMAX is no longer worth the risk. Perhaps it's the world economy. Perhaps, if the Maemo 5 device is step 5, they've decided they don't want an unsuccessful N810 WiMAX Edition hanging around as they push Maemo mainstream next year. Perhaps, as a certain ex-Nokia person suggests, Nokia's retreating from the US market.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Not to mention Sony owning a studio. ;)

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

I wish I could pop-out the wimax hardware and replace it with EVDO. Sprint and Verizon use that and it works well.

Or the 3G iPhone stuff for that matter.

I think WiMax works in Finland, so that may have been a reason.

Though I do wish they would just sell them at the N810 price as I prefer the color scheme.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

No mobile WiMax networks in Finland

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Well, yeah, the best plan would have been making it modular. Like, having a PCI-Express-Mini card or something (assuming one could be made to fit inside a NIT). Then you could have any WWAN you wanted, or none at all.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Agreed.

No, it was released for US for a specific network (XOHM) who own a license for a specific WiMAX frequency. Elsewhere, different frequencies are in use although sometimes it might be the same frequency this is something one should look into before buying the device.

There are indeed WiMAX networks in Finland but I don't know about the necessary details such as how wide the covered area is, or which frequency is used. I do know WiMAX is also rolled out to save costs on rolling out DSL or cable in rural areas while providing high speed access.

See Wikipedia: List of deployed WiMAX networks

For sure. I love the colour scheme as well. And a device can better be used than staying unsold.

However, I already own a N810, and the software and hardware would be out of date soon. 770 or N800 owners might like the device. The price of the N810 will go down because of new Maemo-based device. It could function as a (relatively cheap) demo model for upcoming Maemo-based device though. Together with Mer, that'd give a user a relatively usable device which might be a good bang for a buck in 2009/2010.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Come on people! When will you get it? Just as predicted in my post few months ago about the impending exctinction of the Internet Tablet. The N810 is not dead because of WIMAX inavailability, it, along with any kind of future Internet tablets, will die because of its limited functionality. My previous post explained why so I won't repeat it here. The point is, the IT has its limited devout following but that's about it...not for the general mass consumer. It's just simply too expensive for what it does, not user friendly, and too small for real functionality/practicallity, period. You either go with the Iphone/Itouch or a netbook. It will fade away...just like the PDAs.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Ya. The market decides. But the device was never meant for the mass market either.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

I was with you until that statement.

"Smartphone" yes.

"iPhone" no.

If Maemo wants to survive, and/or grow out of its niche, it'll either have to become a phone OS, or diversify to other MID-types, UMPCs, and netbooks. Probably even becoming multi-vendor. And it will have to do it soon, IMO.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Can you provide details or a link as to why? Thanks.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

They were research products; but the selection of Wimax was a manifestation of their interest in a mobile wireless device that could support VoIP while avoiding the cellular ecosystem.



There are a couple other likely reasons for the decision.

1) Insufficient WiMax network buildout to date and in near future
2) Nokia is not a part of the Clear ecosystem.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

If you had any substance to your claims, rather than the inflated opinion of a troll who doesn't Get It, people might be paying you heed.

But by and large we are not. Or do you not Get That, either?

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

and...

3) Problems with WiMax deployments that do not provide the quality or trouble free connection that Nokia expected.

***

If I remember correctly, Nokia didn't get into this (the tablets) to compete with existing devices for market share. They were looking for a way to enter the mobile "computer" market and saw the tablets as a way to expand customer perception of Nokia as more than just a "cell phone" manufacturer.

Perhaps Nokia knows of even more compatibility problems with WiMax in the USA further down the line. Nokia may not have wanted their name associated with a possible failure.

BTW, wasn't Nokia providing the network infrastructure equipment for WiMax in 4 Texas markets?

I thought those markets (Dallas, Fort Worth, San Antonio and Austin) were supposed to be up by Q3, 2008.

H'm mm... I wonder what they learned from that experience? :eek:

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

The only technical problems I am aware of are that the coverage area turned out to not be nearly as large as originally thought. There may be compatibility problems with Clear, I doubt with Wimax per se. But people have overlooked that the Nokia tablet was never WiMax Certified with no explanation why not and despite being one of the first Wimax devices; and now they are off the market. Hmmm.

The 4 TX buildouts were cancelled early and the contracts along with them. You can look at my WiMax related posts for the history of this whole Wimax thing from the first announcement (more than 2 years ago) to the latest Clear JV. And now we are seeing some companies already writing down their Clear investments.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

What's weird is I saw a solid WiMAX connection on the N810WE I was testing in Fort Worth just about a week ago.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Although typically I'm still smarting from my 770 going the way of the dodo; this move really doesn't hurt their original intent as much as the naysayers would lead you to believe.

To release a marginally usable piece of kit that would function in just a few places really doesn't signal the doom of the NIT market in the least. It was just one flavor of the NIT's with keyboards. If you're in that market and have one already, you love it. If you're like me and WiMAX will come here the day before the end of the world happens, then this is a non-factor.

I'm just happy to finally celebrate a full year of a NIT being supported. I had my 770 for only 3 months before the N800 came out. And I've had my N810 now for 14 months (or so).

Just wish I could find one just to tinker with now though...

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

Oops. Double post. Sorry about that.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

I'd said it elsewhere many times: I'll believe in WiMax when I see it. It seems likely that I won't see it, neither will most people. I'm, sadly, justified in my pessimism.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

If anyone is still wanting to get the N810 the XOHM Kiosk at Towson Town Mall still has some to they are out. Stop by Towson Town Center/ 825 Dulaney Valley Rd Towson MD 21204 or call 410 847 -9024.. The units are still $449.99 plus tax.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

I saw it, just neglected to get the obligatory fuzzy picture.

Re: Nokia N810 Wimax End of life status!
 

All XOHM Kiosks currently have the N810 WiMAX edition in stock with limited quantities. If your intrested in purchasing it I would suggest you call the location first before traveling out.

XOHM at Arundel Mills Mall
7000 Arundel Mills Circle
Hanover, MD 21076
410-540-9060
Mon-Sat 10:00am-9:30pm
Sun 11:00am-7:00pm

XOHM at Marley Station
7900 Ritchie Hwy
Glen Burnie, MD 21061
410-424-2424
Mon-Sat 10:00am-9:30pm
Sun 11:00am-6:00pm

XOHM at Columbia Mall
10300 Little Patuxent Parkway
Columbia, MD 21044
410-715-7078
Mon-Thu 10:00am-9:30pm
Fri 10:00am-10:00pm
Sat 9:00am-10:00pm
Sun 11:00am-6:00pm


XOHM Store at Harborplace & The Gallery
200 E Pratt St
Baltimore, MD 21202-6103
410-244-3031
Mon-Sat 10:00am-9:00pm
Sun 12:00pm-6:00pm

XOHM at Mondawmin Mall
2401 Liberty Heights Ave
Baltimore, MD 21215
NO NUMBER LISTED
Mon-Thu 10:00am-9:00pm
Fri-Sat 10:00am-10:00pm
Sun 11:00am-7:00pm


XOHM at Towson Town Center Mall
825 Dulaney Balley Rd
Towson, MD 21204
410-847-9024
Mon-Thu 10:00am-9:30pm
Fri-Sat 10:00am-10:00pm
Sun 11:00am-7:00pm

XOHM at White Marsh Mall
8200 Perry Hall Blvd
Baltimore, MD 21236
19.4 miles
410-933-2052
Mon-Thu 10:00am-9:30pm
Fri-Sat 10:00am-10:00pm
Sun: 1100am-7:00pm


Thank you!