Doom & Gloom!
 

Hi all,

This is my first post on the forum having just ordered my N900 yesterday. Was supposed to be here today but there was a problem with the courier so hopefully i will have it tomorrow - no doubt it will arrive while i'm out and i'll have to wait till after new year!).

I ordered based on some reviews i've read, some were good, some not so good. Then tonight, instead of playing with my N900 i did a bit more research. Having found this site i am now concerned i have made a mistake! :eek: it's all doom and gloom! :rolleyes: Even knowing this is a new device i was expecting there to be glitches but it seems never ending.

I realise that you tend to find mainly problems online if you look for phones, cars, gadgets,TV's (anything really!) etc etc but really...

is there anything good to say about the N900??? :confused:

come on guys... REASSURE ME!!!! :)

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

This is without a doubt the very best phone/mini computer I have ever owned. Most posts on any forums are going to be people complaining - the people with devices working well etc arent likely to post "YAY ITS AWESOME" posts.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

"yay its awesome!!!111!"

Dangit it won't let me do all caps. :P

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

You can't find anything good? Are you specificaly searching for bad things or..? I suggest you do some more research then.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Yay its awesome!

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

maybe i'm just picking the wrong threads?

Glad to hear there are folks enjoying the device... cannae wait to get it. Been using WinMo for too long now! Almost bought an android but then i found the N900.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Look, what it comes down to is this: does this device meet your needs?
Did you want a smartphone or a portable Linux computer with telephony attached to it? If the former you will be disappointed. An N97 will work better for you. However, if it is the latter, you will be quite content.

Choice is yours ;)

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

just dont mess around as root and you should be fine. i dont have the reboot problem or most of the other problems people are talking about. keep your desktop widgets minimal and email updates at longer periods and your battery will last longer.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

What is your computing background and why did you choose this device?

I'm very geeky and I've only had it for a week, but this is the best gadget I've ever owned. And I have a storage unit worth of 'em.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

The good:

It's serious when it says 'always on'. Compared with the palaver involved in accessing anything online with, say, symbian, n900 does it naturally. Open a twitter app, chat over skype, collect regular email, listen to web-radio - the n900 does it naturally. Upload a photo (pixelpipe), post to your blog (mastory) watch youtube... it's all there.

And, as you'd expect, it has a kick-*** browser integrated with all that.

The media player will happily play your music (though admittedly the playlist creation sucks donkey testes), and you can watch videos on a gorgeous screen resolution.

There's a bunch of useful little apps for all sorts of things - though as yet the set is by no means complete. One thing is you will never be bored with n900 as it will go on improving over time - like a violin or a good marriage.

I confess I have not worked at making the GPS work. Where I live I can find my way about (and I'm the old fashioned type when it comes to maps). And I don't use MMS so their absence doesn't bother me in the slightest - whereas being able to nick the WPA code from my sister's network so I can email or pixelpipe any photos I take there is wonderful. And my RevdKathyMail is a standard op3, so the lack of MfE really hasnt worried me much at all.

So, yes, there are still some things lacking about this device. But if you are prepared to be patient, and work with the device instead of expecting it to nanny you, you will love it. As I do.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

It is an early device on a new platform and it is far better than my N95 was at launch. Most of the posts complaining are about wanting functionality NOW!! The device has so much potential that everyone wants everything at once, that is a good thing.

So see the negatives as frustrations rather than the device being at fault. For me it has almost replace my laptop, which i did not expect. I also have no complaints about it as a phone, but this is an area that could be improved, but I still would not go back.

In a years time who knows, but It deserves to be there up front alongside the best of the Androids and iPhones.

If you don't like you can always sell it on :)

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

i am hoping for a bit of both. ;)

My use is easily far more internet than calls/texts. So long as the browser is good and it makes calls and texts, i can work from there.

I have been using Ubuntu as my main OS for over a year now. Only use Windows for something i can't do on Linux - sync my winmo phone - but google does that for me now anyway.

I choose these types of devices as i like playing around - not on development, i am clueless with that side of things! I have enjoyed my time using linux as you get to 'fix it' - a bit like owning an old car and servicing it yourself or getting out the haynes manual out when i breaks down. Some folks like to tinker, others just want things to work.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

I'm disappointed with my N900 in many ways, but I'm also happy with it and don't plan to get rid of it.

I was also very dissatisfied with my N95 at first and eventually things were fixed by firmware updates and by community (abundance of software, google apps, opera, and so on, hacking platform security, python, rompatcher etc)

Now a couple years later I compare the N900 to N95 as the benchmark. So I expect I'll fall in love with my N900 soon enough. :)

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

There are some things I miss from my 5800, but none of them compare to the extra capabilities of the N900. Unless you're really, really into S60, I'd say the compromises are well worth it.

For the slightly above average user, the N900 is great. For Linux users, the N900 will replace your fleshlight.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Not had a single problem,

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

The browser is second to none. Although I wish there was a working stripped down browser to use in edge areas.

The contacts are arranged great. I like the treaded conversations and ways the device brings everything together in this arena. (IM's, Skype,Numbers ect)

I was like you when my N900 was sitting in the box. Then it got better when I started using it, then it got worse again.

It has taken me a week or so to get accustomed to the device and I now really like it. However I have a few BIG gripes about it still.

Email - The client does not work with large accounts. When I launch email and select my inbox, it takes forever to show messages and ultimately crashes. I hope this is addressed in the next firmware release.

No MMS - Seriously, was Nokia not watching the iPhone and the MAJOR complaints it had without MMS.

Ovi Maps and GPS = ******ed. The application takes forever to load and GPS locks are not guaranteed. My finding are that you must have an active sim card for the GPS to get a lock within Ovi Craps. Although, the GPS can geotag pictures without delay. - Again, what were the thinking. Its not like Nokia is short on cash.

My fear is that Nokia will not continue to support the N900 as they are working hard on Maemo 6. If we only see two firmware update/releases, this will be a disappointment. I am accustomed to Palm's & Apples frequent updates. From what I have gathered about Nokia, they are notorious for putting something out and forgetting about the users.

This bugs me most.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Just read the specs of the N900 & see if they suit your needs.

This isn't a device meant for the "normal" customer (at the moment).

It's an intelligent gadget if you know how to use it but it's still a baby-platfrom (even if there's already been previous maemo versions, maemo 5 is completely different, offering new stuff to the customer but it's still not friendly to ANY person)

I know it's not for me - maybe the next version!

Once "Maemo" is friendly to the era we're living in - I'll be in!

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

the phone is good

and it has even greater potential

it is just more likely for people with bad experiences to be more vocal

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Here is the problem with internet these days: it's always the 1% of unhappy/unsatisfied users who are most vocal. The other 99% who are happy with their device don't post: "it works great!". It'd be a boring forum. It's the complainers that make the noise, the 1 or 2 percent. It's like that with every public forum.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

The other problem are the fanboys who try to justify their large purchase by ignoring any real negatives.

I would sum up the N900 as follows:
If you don't appreciate having a computer in your pocket, its not worth $500 unless you can get it real cheap (under $400 for extreme sales/coupons/cashbacks)

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Then rest assured you have made the right choice... I use it for the same things. I don't do root, devel etc. and Linux is a City in a far away country... :P
The n900 has a really good browser and when you get to know it it is sooo sweet surfin' the net... and the texting is awsome I think... but I tend to write longer texts than I used to as the keyboard is really nice to text on.

and I have no problem doin' it all at once... F.ex yesterday buying DVD's for my sister... I was in the store, checking the excel with her wishes and owned DVDs she mailed me. while going online searching for reviews of different movies all the while listening to music and texting some buddies... all felt very smooth and easy... Not like my old Winmo which would start acting up if I did too many things at once :)

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

What kind of user are you? If you're a particular type - adventurous, fed up with what's out there, need a good powerful browser on top of a powerful OS and chipset and above all wanted a fully integrated IM to phone experience... you'll find the N900 is great.

It's built well, works well, and has a good camera. Now it's all about learning the different workflow that Maemo 5 brings to the table.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

I would ask you this: Do you ever download and install cutting edge or bleeding edge software? Do you like being an early adopter? If you answer yes to these question then this is most definately the phone for you. If you answered "Huh?" to these questions then I'd suggest a platform and phone that is more mature.

I've been extremely happy with my n900. It may not have as have as many apps as other devices but if you have patience the apps will come.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

i guess my biggest concerns are the GPS and the FM transmitter.

I was really hoping the transmitter would save me getting an in car connection kit but there is a huge thread about how bad it can be - mixed experiences! think the answer is really suck it and see.

And the GPS seems to be a bit hopeless just now. Hopefully this can be fixed with software updates. Anyone know which GPS chip is used in the N900?

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

If you mean do i like buggy software that struggles to do the basics of its intended use then the answer is no. But i am happy to wait for apps to become stable.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

I can't comment on the GPS - as I say, I don't use it. Though from all I've read the problems seem to divide between people who find it hard to get a fix without a-gps (which is a hardware problem) and people who have no problem with the fix but find the software/maps/lack of turn-by-turn/voice instruction to be an issue. The latter can most certainly be solved with software improvements over time.

As for the FM transmitter, it seems that local legislation about transmitter strength and availablity of empty frequencies affect people's experience. My own experience has been faultless - I listened to Christmas music in the car with the device tossed carelessly on the passenger seat. That's something you will have to try for yourself. I can recommend the widget to control it, though.

Good luck with your testing.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

I just had some experience with the GPS. I can't say that I was pleased with that experience. But when it works, it's great.

Otherwise, if you need nearly instant and it's been a while since your last "fix"... you might find yourself losing your patience.

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

the instant aspect isn't a concern and i am happy to use aGPS if it helps to get a fix. I still have me HTC Kaiser as a backup SatNav. I've put up with the poor GPS in that for a long time now! :)

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

You want to say: Dont use the N900 and you will avoid most problems?
No thanX^^

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Ultimately it comes down to wether you like linux with it's philosophy, it's highlights and flaws, or not.

My personal vote: Yay, it's so f*ckin' awesome I wish I could marry it!

But then I've been a linux kinda guy for years now...

Does everything work right out of the box? No! A lot of things would benefit from improvements, a few things are downright unusable. But then I have never heard of a linux system (or any other OS for that matter) where EVERYTHING was working spectacularly.
And with the community here I'm confident that all these little glitches will go away very quickly. Even though many people don't even have their device yet there's hundreds of Apps in development right now! There have even been reports of people successfully booting their very own personalized kernel on the device....

What I feel good about is that with almost everything on this phone being open source if there's something I don't like, then it can be changed! If bad comes to worse and Nokia decides it's not worth the trouble, then there's the community, and if all else fails I can brush up on my QT and program it myself!
No need to ask anyone for permission or to steal whitepapers or technical blueprints (or buy them for thousands of dollars), all the source code you need is right there!
It might take some time, but in the end I am absolutely certain that if I want a feature bad enough then it WILL be implemented!

There's no one threatening to throw me in jail for manipulating the operating system (on a device I paid for!) or to deactivate my device and void my dataplan contract because I run 3rd party software on it.
Of course I shouldn't complain to Nokia if I used some dirty homebrew hack of mine that turned out to fry the cpu, but that's ok with me. And the N900 is a wonderful playground for that!


Apart from the FOSS-idea which is a definite bonus for me the hardware is really good! We all know the specs, it's got a fast processor, enough ram, video acceleration, a high-res touchscreen, UMTS, WLAN, bluetooth, standard connectors with cables you can buy at any radioshack for a low price, it's got a wonderful UI and about a million other totally cool things I've not discovered yet. Hey, it even has a radio transmitter builtin! Wanna have your music in that rental car you just picked up at the airport? Just put the phone on the dashboard, push one button, cranc up the car's stereo and there you have it! It doesn't get much sweeter than that!

Using it just makes me happy! It feels completely intuitive, very responsive, fast, and many things that seemed ridiculous to do with a phone a few weeks ago are now suddenly a matter of installing a package or two.

(ever considered turning your mobile phone into a full-blown public access point, complete with VoIP-server, voicemail, WLAN encryption, packet priorization and everything for that spontaneous Counter Strike party over at the hotel? apt-get install hostapd asterisk. done. Try doing that with an iPhone!)

Edit: just saw these two concerns above:
From personal experience:

GPS: without network assistance a bit slow to get a fix. As with any "standard" GPS it is vital to remain stationary until you have the first fix! If you move while the receiver is still searching it will try to interpolate ONE position from ever-changing GPS-data, which is bound to fail.
Once you do have a fix it is very precise and the reception is quite good, too! I can get a satellite fix in the middle of my bedroom, with 2 floors on top and the curtains drawn!
With network assistance (aGPS) it's quite fast and has never let me down yet!

Radio Transmitter: I live in a large city, where free FM frequencies are quite rare, so I have to search a bit. The builtin transmitter doesn't have enough power to "hijack" the local radio stations, but if you find a more or less free frequency the quality is outstanding. I use it every day in my car!

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Bastler,

Everything you've said sounds about right to me, thats the kind of thing i was expecting. But reading through the threads on the forum you'd think there was no aspect of the device working... including the basics! There doesn't seem to be any feature not getting a good bashing.

My N900 was atempted to be delivered this morning during the 40 minutes there was noone in... typical!!! I guess i'll be waiting till Monday now. Stupid New Year! :( ;)

Looking forward to having a play around.

All the best for the New Year folks.

New Year, new Phone! :)

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Don't let that bother you! Just remember, the majority of users on this forum are tech nerds who would gladly sell their firstborn child for a new gadget but also expect that kind of perfection in their devices!

Here, saying a feature works 99.995% of the time is not considered praise, but a challenge to identify and eliminate the one-in-a-million environmental condition that causes the function to crash... Also as stated above, why bother ranting about features that work just as expected? ;)

The longer I use my new N900 the more I love it. Sure there are still a few glitches here and there and I admit the media player not supporting the "Part-of-Set" (CD-Number) tag is somewhat of an annoyance since all my musig is tagged that way. But hey, no device is perfect and a fix was already promised.
Yes, you have to watch the battery a bit, but that too is not really surprising and pretty predictable, too, so it's not really a problem for me.
If you use the device like an old-fashioned telephone, the battery lasts like a telephone's battery would (eg a week or so).
If on the other hand you use it as a WiFi-enabled game console under heavy load.. well... the battery acts accordingly.

If I'm honest with myself I haven't found any real show-stoppers yet.

Happy New Year

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Feel free to check out my ongoing review. I haven't really encountered that many problems yet.

http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=38498

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Think of this platform as a self-help emergency room in a big city full of mostly healthy citizens.. You could get a wrong idea about health statistics of the human species there!

Re: Doom & Gloom!
 

Well, i picked up my N900 this morning and all i can say is WOW! This is one seriously good bit of kit.

Anybody having doubts should erase them! Have been playing around with it for a few hours now and am nothing but impressed. It just does what you went you want and the screen is just superb. so responsive. coming from Win Mo 5 through to 6.5 i am used to lag/hangs and what seems like constant resets when trying to do too much (i.e. 3 things).

Tried the FM transmitter in the my car - love the Nokia RDS thingy - and it works flawlessly. Decent sound quality but far from the best, will play around with frequencies to see if i can improve it. I had it set at 88.1, when i switched off the transmitter i could here an audible but distorted signal from Radio 2 so it was good enough to overcome that.

'nough sed. time to play again. ;)