So what did you expect?
 

There are a number of threads appearing now from people who appear profoundly disappointed with a device they either have received or have tried out, (See 'Yes it sucks' and 'Reality Check') which has left me wondering whether people haven't had unrealistic expectations.

So I asked myself what I expect from an n900, and wondered what you expected (or are still expecting).

1) I'm not expecting a fully formed phone. n900's family tree is almost exclusively internet tablets. I don't think n900 ever dreamed it could be a phone when it grew up until some well-meaning careers advisor saw its potential. By then it had missed the chance to get the right subjects in school, so it's playing catch-up a bit. It will be a fully formed phone, but right now it's still learning.

2) I'm not expecting an 'adult' device - as with the phone, n900 is still growing. If I wanted something fully formed, I'd have picked a s60 device, sprung from the rib of nokia fully adult. N900 is still really 'becoming'. When you get your s60 device, you spend a fortnight making it how you want and that's it: done. When you get an n900 it will grow with you and go on developing and becoming. Of course, that means it's not perfect already, but then, neither am I. ;)

3) It's a mobile device. It will not make me slimmer, more beautiful, or attractive to the opposite sex. It will not cause me to win the lottery, marry a millionaire or gain 80 IQ points. Ultimately, n900 will not make me happy - any more than any other shiny new toy will. They may amuse me, connect me to people (who may make me happy) and provide me with a new hobby. But happiness comes from somewhere quite else.

I get the impression that some people are disappointed with n900 because it doesn't live up to unrealistic expectations. People who have seen the exciting yootoobs and just assume that the device will have all these extra features on top of all the ones they already have. Or people who think that they can buy perfection for £499.

So I ask - what did you expect?

(feel free to not take this too seriously...)

Re: So what did you expect?
 

I don't have the n900 yet, but I expect the n900 to do the same things I do on my n800 but better and faster. The phone features come second to me (that's why even though it lasts things like a per contact ringtone I'm still getting it). But things like losing USB host was annoying.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

The phone is fine. As I said it many other posts, it's not perfect and still needs some work and some polish, but I'm happy with it. I'm an early adopter and can handle living on the cutting edge (lack of apps, bugs, etc in version 1.0 software). I didn't have crazy expectations for this phone so I am not disappointed by issues other people have.

There are bugs and I just wish some people here could stop being N900 apologists and realise that the phone is work in progress and it's not perfect. It's really good, but it's not perfect.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

I expect to solve my state's budget problems via sliding out the N900's keyboard with a satisfying "click"-ing sound.

And I will be mad as hell if I am disappointed and create a thread entitled "The N900 is a pimple on the iPhone's rear end".

Re: So what did you expect?
 

I haven't received it yet, and might end up cancelling with all the sales problems, price increases despite having agreed one, delivery problems and credit card problems.

They've given me a creeping sense of reality check: it's just a small computer-phone, not the ultimate fantasy device; the youtube videos highlight the best, not the worst; it's the most open but it's still rather closed, especially many of the bits I'm interested in; it's clearly rather immature.

My expectations are: I expect most of the functionality we've come to expect as "basic phone with Bluetooth + camera + 3G" in much cheaper devices that are several years old. That's so mature in other phones, including from Nokia as well as everyone else, that I expect it to just work reasonably well.

The fancy N900 stuff I expect to be less mature, but to improve greatly over the next year or two.

Scrolling should be smooth (it's not hard even on an 8-bit micro!). It bothers me that people are reporting that it isn't, and that big grey patches appear while the browser takes a while to redraw sections being brought on screen. Complex stuff should be drawn off-screen in advance to avoid this. I used to work in games :)

I'm currently getting the impression that it's not going to meet my expectations, and for five times less money (UKP100) I could get a phone which does everything I described as "basic phone + bluetooth + camera + 3G" moderately well, doesn't do anything else but I've saved the money for a better model to come out next year.

But it's so hard to tell!!

Re: So what did you expect?
 

To me and others I am sure, this is not a big surprise. This community was made up of people who wanted a linux handheld. We had plenty of complaints but mostly said "oh well" its the best option out there.

Do people who want a phone feel the same way? That this is the best option out there? I don't know, there are lots of options, and the majority of people who want a phone, neither care about openness or linux.

They want a solid phone, with solid apps and solid experience. Are they getting this? I don't know. How does it compare to others, I don't know.

I have always had concerns about an N900 being my primary device, currently if my tablet crashes I can still make phone calls.

I have NEVER held or used and N900, so I don't know. I guess all I am saying, is it was expected...

Re: So what did you expect?
 

I Expect something better then the N93i .... shouldn't be too hard, right? :)

Re: So what did you expect?
 

I think I had quite realistic expectations - I knew about most of the shortcomings of the device before I had even received it, so they did not come as a sudden disappointment and I knew what I was paying for. So far the device has performed pretty well. Of course it's not perfect, but I'm quite happy with it.

And honestly I didn't expect the stupidity of the "why hasn't it shipped yet?!?" threads to end just there... :)

Re: So what did you expect?
 

I'm not even going to hook up cell service on it right away. I don't expect it to function primarily as a phone. Even when I do hook up cell service, only going with data...no voice or sms. That's what I have Skype and Google Voice features for. So I have the expectation that this is going to be a great pocket COMPUTER, but a so-so cellular phone. I can use my Blackberry for phone stuff if I really want a reliable cell phone.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

I agree with you penguinbait. I came to this forum (I wonder if I can find my post actually) 2 years ago looking for something that could do media, but also do much more then media if I wanted it too. All the other devices out there at the time didn't let you do that. Which is why I choose the n800 over the iPod Touch.

Now there are more options (well sort of..) such as Android. Though even then between the n900 and Android devices I don't see Android as open enough for me to play around with it yet which is why I went with the n900 rather than say the Droid (well that and Verizon's network... ick lack of voice and data at the same time). And the costs jeez. But anyway, I'm choosing the n900 for the same exact reason why I choose the n800 long ago because it can do so much more if I want it too.

Though I honestly hope that Android improves quickly and solves those issues that have me avoiding the Android platform For example, having to run everything though a bytecode intepretator, lack of storage [though you can expand it over the SD card], true access to the device without having to hack around and install custom firmwares. I'm hoping Maemo will be successful enough to at least cause Google to re-consider some of their choices in Android.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

[Off topic] I keep looking at the forum page and reading "yes it sucks!" "So what did you expect?"

I fear the waiting has finally addled my brain as I giggle every time. [/off topic]

Re: So what did you expect?
 

I think part of my expectations are because I expect to use it as my primary phone as well, and it's important that is very reliable.

If I were buying it as a secondary device - which would be an easy choice if it were a lot cheaper (casual buy) or there was some other compelling reason - then I guess I'd not be too bothered about the phone aspect.

That said, I've had Nokia S60 phones which locked up every few days, and sometimes produced no sound when receiving calls, and sometimes didn't ring on incoming calls. So I can't say that other phones do... phoning :-)... all that well either :-)

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Im expecting something i can develop on and improve for 6 months to make it usable then dump it for M6.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

You can write C++ modules on Android these days. People do it to accelerate games, for example.

Yay to that! I hope the greatest legacy of Maemo is it pushes the whole industry to noticing that a lot of potential paying customers are interested in open devices, directly, or indirectly (as users of software developed openly).

That's probably the thing which most motivates me to take the N900 seriously. I don't really need a little web browser, a PDA or even a posh phone. I really, really want to see the growth of a thriving open source industry in this area... that's a huge motivation for me.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Do you need to use strength to take off the back of your N900?

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Not sure, but what were you expecting.... :p

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Because I actually cannot take off the back of N900 to put my SIM Card and battery :((

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Im sick of having multiple devices to take care of my digital needs; camera, phone, archos, laptop, ipod the list goes on and I'm running out of pockets :D

I want and expect one device to do it all. OK its not going to do everything as well as the individual devices but I don't need a 12,000,000 mega pixel camera :D all I need is a few half decent photos!

I just want to pick up ONE device put it in my pocket and thats it, I have a phone, music, movies, internet, email, open office etc and I think that the N900 is going to deliver.

As RevdKathy said there is also room to grow! Maemo being at the heart of that, which for me is an added bonus!! It was what got me interested in the first place, but the device itself is exactly what I want (hardware wise too).

Really hope it does deliver...................... if it ever get to me! Ordered from MPD so :mad:

Re: So what did you expect?
 

A internet tablet with a phone function bolted on. Simple!

Re: So what did you expect?
 

My expectations are quite low... I know I can't use it as a phone, and I know I will be uncomfortable with the smaller screen so I'll keep using the N8x0s for certain tasks... Basically I want it because it runs GNU/Linux and because I want to give it a chance somehow. (And because I want to make Peter happy ;) ...)

So I could hardly be disappointed.

I'm afraid a lot of customers out there will be, though. They expect each and every detail they've come to take for granted from S60 phones and aren't even aware the N900 can't do it. Nobody expects a €600-device wouldn't be able to assign ringtones to contacts or read the caller's name on incoming calls.

I'm sure we'll see high return rates in the beginning until people understand that this is... different.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

the n900 does read the incoming callers name

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Yep. i expect some good deals on Ebay soon..

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Honestly, from all I read, this is the perfect device for me.

* I need to make basic phone calls, both with cell and Voip.

* I need/want to listen to music.

* I need emails. (I'll live with web-based mobile Gmail for now)

* I need/want to watch SD DivX and xvid files

* I need a good calendar

* I need a program like Evernote

* I want a good mapping program and can wait for Sygic

The only thing I've read which is disheartening is the sad state of the email client. Hopefully, that gets updated somewhere along the line.

As you can see, I have simple needs and can't wait to hold the N900 in my greedy hands. Essentially, I want a device to replace my Cowon S9 and Blackberry.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

I always wanted a 810, but there was no phone functionality.

Now there is the N900 with phoning and best hardware perfect cam querty and maemo 5.

What do I want more? Nothing, It will be my perfect device!

Edit: I think the software is wonderful, especially organizer functions, camera, media and emulators are most important for my needs.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

I had only 1 expectation: smooth scrolling.and transitions. Doesn't look like it's happening anytime soon.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

it doesnt speak out the incoming callers name, there is no option for that currently..

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Really? Like my E71??? :D

Re: So what did you expect?
 

It's funny...

As a key player in the original advancement of these products (I was on the N800 launch team) I'm biased-- BUT, toward the "slate" form factor. I expressed disappointment early on with the N900 screen size. That was a dealbreaker (and still is) for some of my uses (car GPS for instance).

And yet... the N900 surprised me. I'm more of a slider phone guy and even at that my favorite all-time phone has been the E71 slim qwerty device. I did not expect to actually enjoy a touchscreen phone because I'm very tactile when it comes to communication devices.

And yet... I have thoroughly enjoyed this thing the past few weeks. Yes, it has some annoying quirks (like the jumbled up call log details) but for phone use I have not seen a single showstopper-- and I expected to.

So consider me reconsidered. I'd still make some hardware changes (like put the d-pad back on the front) but this is a damn nice device. And I say that despite being someone whose job Nokia management eliminated. :rolleyes:

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Odd... it's happening right now on mine...

But then, I'm only a little crazy.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

ive actually been looking for a new netbook. and the n900 kind of sells me for what I want in a netbook, plus it's smaller than most netbooks and its a phone.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Can someone confirm if it shows the callers name, surely it does?

Re: So what did you expect?
 

What I expect from the N900 is not much...
I want to be able to make basic phone/voip calls with my carrier, skype, and voipbuster.
I expect the speakers are an equivalent of the N95 8GBs, those are really good.
The headphone volume shouldn't be as quiet as recent Nokia devices (N95 8GB's was pretty bad with some headphones)
An Internet radio app that plays AAC+ streams with no problems (Can't do that currently)
Toy value: I want to prod around the system to have something to do :p
And all this with a battery that last at least one day!
...I don't want much, do I? :)

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Only if it knows it. As long as it's someone in your contacts list, it will display name (remember that add where Mum calls?)

I would imagine it doesn't answer itself, ask who's calling and put them on hold while it checks you want to take the call if it's someone not listed, though.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Cool, would have been pretty sad if it at least didn't display names in memory.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Yes it does. Just checked :P

What i expected:

- A quick phone with good responsive touchscreen
- Nokia based hardware
- Great browser
- Great messaging device
- Battery lasting one day
- Ok keyboard
- A phone option

It's not the order of importance but calling is low on the list.

The keyboard has a learning curve as well as the OS
. I used an touch pro 2 witch had an uber keyboard. But the OS is very easy so I'm loving it.

The browser is great, it's fast and touchscreen works good.

The device will be great when msn works (aMsn doesn't work) and i want a nokia desk charger to have a nice charge station every night.

I'm loving it and it will only get better with more software (a working ovi store) a new screenprotector (messed mine up) and after a lot more play time.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

The first time I saw a 770 some 3 and a half years ago I knew that one day Nokia will make a phone like that, and it will be the greatest device ever made. My expectations haven't changed over time.

Re: So what did you expect?
 

there seems to be a missunderstanding here..

of course it SHOWS the callers name, but what it doesnt do (unlike symbian 60) is speak the callers name out, which is a shame. hope there will be an app for that!

Re: So what did you expect?
 

I expect a well-built physical device and reliable cellular radio -- just like other Nokia products I've owned.

I expect an easy-to-use interface that my non-technical family can operate, and which is free of bugs.

I expect an open platform that will enable me to introduce bugs. :)

I require, but don't immediately expect, push email. (That's the only thing that has kept me from pre-ordering; I have BIS on my 9300, and I'm a slave to it.)

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Better than what I expected.

+ Build quality
+ speed
+ stability
+ browser
+ camera quality

= available apps
= battery life

- exchange features
- dialer

Re: So what did you expect?
 

Before I bought the N900 I expected 95% web access with alot of streaming and that's what i do primarily is stream content off the web. I don't usually download things, I like to search and read. So now that I've finally gotten this phone/internet tablet. It's exactly doing what i've wanted it to do. It's simply amazes me. I understand though why the phone is a secondary option to this device.

For me, I'm happy would just like a firmware update for flash 10.1 to come in the new year and everything else will fall in line for me.