Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Hey everyone,
I'm new here and wanted to purchase the N900, however I thought I'd ask the members of the community a few question before I do so:

1. Does the internet browser have Flash? Is it the full web or just a hindered, crippled mobile one?

2. About apps, is there a ZIP/RAR unpacker? An RSS reader I can keep on the homescreen? A BitTorrent client (i.e. not a remote control software, an actual client)? An office suite?

3. Has the famed PR1.2 firmware been released yet? Does it have portrait mode functionality? I'd really like that.

4. Does the FM transmitter function as an audio device? Can I, for instance, use the FM transmitter with audio in the web browser (YouTube, for instance) or with a video player?

5. Can I use a Bluetooth keyboard (it should have the HID profile)? Or is it possible to hook a keyboard up via USB host?

6. How's the codec support for the video player? Can it play MKVs? XviD? DivX? Is it possible to install additional codecs?

7. I'm migrating from a Nokia E90. Is the hardware keyboard easy to adjust to?

8. Does it have Google Maps? Or will I have to stick with Ovi Maps?

9. How is daily usage? Can it actually function as a reliable phone? :D

Thanks a million to anyone who can answer these questions with a satisfying answer. :)

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

There's flash but no 10.1

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

I don't understand. :confused: Does that mean there's just no hardware acceleration or does that mean it's just Flash Lite?

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

@Question nine, I'd say no. If you call alot, I don't really think this device would suit you IMO.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

1. It's Flash 9.4, full flash. Just not 10.X, which nothing else has yet except one Android phone and those willing to get the Beta desktop version.

2. ZIP/RAR, RSS, BitTorrent client = Yes
Office suite = kind of, there are a few options, all are kind of slow.

3. Yes. For about 40% of the system apps yes, but don't expect it. It's a landscape based device with a landscape physical keyboard. It's primary focus is landscape, and always will be.

4. Yes, Yes, Yes.

5. Kind of, via BT, it takes some work to get it just right though. As for USB, it's close, but not quite there yet.

6. MKVs = Kind of (with MPlayer) XviD/Divx = yes. You can install an additional codec pack, but this is ARM, not Intel. You won't find codec packs just laying about to install like for Windows.


8. No, but you can use the Google site like a normal laptop/browser. There are other options too: Mappero(free) & Sygic (paid).

9. I use it several times a day as a phone, lots of SMS & IM, and have never missed a single call/SMS/IM. It's rock solid when it comes to use as a standard phone, unless you're running something that breaks your phone (beta stuff or high intensity stuff, like NES emulators, etc).

As for if it's the right phone for you? Look at the forums. There are top-sticky threads that go over some of the problems (some real, some imagined, some fixed with PR1.2, and some fixable with free apps from the community). You're dropping a good amount of cash on a device you'll probably use a few years. Take the time, do the homework.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

It is full flash, version 9.4. No hardware acceleration. IMHO still the best mobile browsing experience around though.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

1. It has flash 9, the full desktop versin, but will never see flash 10.
2. It uses the debian package manager, so it's even better than that. There is an rss widget. I don't like it. The bittorrent client is transmission (good), and there is an office suite if you feel like using experimental software or running the full version of openoffice which is slow and will drain your battery like nobody's business.
3. pr1.2 is out, but if you are looking for full portrait mode look elsewhere. It works in the phone app, and in the browser, but there is no way of typing in portrait, making it useless for any sort of interaction. There is a community effort to fix this.
4. Yes.
5. don't know about this one, maybe.
6. plays pretty much anything, but I personally re-encode everything to h.264, or mp3 to avoid performance issues.
7. Never used the e90, but the keyboard is fantastic.
8. No google maps, Ovi maps is there but does not have any sort of navigation. There are paid solutions.
9. It is reliable as long as you don't install any development software, at which point your mileage may vary.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

I would have to disagree with this. I use it as my primary phone and it is perfectly reliable. However, it does not include some features like separate ring tones, calling, groups, profiles etc. BUT... the beauty of this phone is pretty much all of that can be accomplished through free apps produced by the community.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Flash 9 something.

Browser is based on Firefox, and doesn't ask for mobile pages.

Yes.

There is an RSS widget.

Transmission is available.

Not sure, I don't think so.

It has, and it "includes" it as a silly gimmick. Not really usable.

Yes.

I believe this is working, not sure.

Once USB host mode is working, which may be Real Soon.

The built in media player is extremely picky. I haven't been able to get it to play any mp4 files I've thrown at it, even after recompressing them with handbrake. Mplayer is available, though you don't get hardware acceleration.

Ovi Maps thus far.

Works fine for me. If you hammer it with web usage you'll kill it right quick, but the same goes for pretty much any mobile device.

Hope that helps. Check the stickies to see if they answer any other questions.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

......Source?

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=37922

it's been discussed ad-nauseum in this thread, but while there is no official word, there is insider information that there will be no flash 10 for the n900.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

1. It has up to flash 9, full web
2. Yes to all
3. 2.1 is released; portrait mode only in some parts, not all.
4. Not sure, but I believe all audio is directed to transmitter
5. Yes to Bluetooth, not sure about usb
6. Default video player has trouble with some codecs even with codec pack. mplayer should take care of the rest
7. I think it's easily adaptable. Tricky doing shortcuts though.
8. Google Maps thru web. Ovi Maps on n900 is a shittier version of the Symbian one. But there are several other navigation apps available too.
9. Battery can last up to 2 days depending on usage and configuration. Phone functions pretty good though it might be some what laggy switching to phone mode.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Full flash just not the recently released flash 10.1

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

What application specifically? Does it implement this functionality into the file manager or do I have to use a CLI?

What does that mean? We can't use portrait mode effectively? I mean I want to use this as an everyday phone as well as something I can tweak and toy around with.


Mplayer has a GUI interface? Or does it work through command line?

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

phone app is good in portait mode, other apps, not so much

mplayer gui is called sib, works quite well for most any file I have thrown at it

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

There's Docs To Go Trial (read-only) on the phone. Buy it for $5-6. The Premium version (with editing) has been announced and should be out just about any time for $25-30. Works very well. Also can install Abiword. Open Office is available with Easy Debian, but of course it has limited usability on a 3.5" screen.

Ovi Maps on the phone. Has navigation, but not turn-by-turn or voice-guided. Google maps via browser or I think there an app in the App Manager that gives some integration, not sure just what. I use Ovi Maps a lot, no problem.

I use mine heavily as a phone, 10-20 calls a day, no problem. Google Voice integration is available via Dial Central or The One Ring.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

1. Does the internet browser have Flash? Is it the full web or just a hindered, crippled mobile one?

It has full-web flash support, but currently lacks flash 10.1 support. Most sites don't require this, but some already require this version, and others will follow.

2. About apps, is there a ZIP/RAR unpacker? An RSS reader I can keep on the homescreen? A BitTorrent client (i.e. not a remote control software, an actual client)? An office suite?

Yes, there is a zip and rar unpacker that simply integrates in the file-manager. There is a fully functional BitTorrent client in the form of QTrapids. An RSS-widget is available. I'm not sure if there is an office suite right now.

3. Has the famed PR1.2 firmware been released yet? Does it have portrait mode functionality? I'd really like that.

It has been released, and doesn't have system wide portrait support. Key apps like the phone-app and the browser support this.

4. Does the FM transmitter function as an audio device? Can I, for instance, use the FM transmitter with audio in the web browser (YouTube, for instance) or with a video player?

Yes, every sound that can be outputted through the speakers or headset can also be outputted through the FM-Transmitter. Great to show people some clips in their car.

5. Can I use a Bluetooth keyboard (it should have the HID profile)? Or is it possible to hook a keyboard up via USB host?

Some bluetooth keyboards can be connected. I don't know the status of the USB-Host project.

6. How's the codec support for the video player? Can it play MKVs? XviD? DivX? Is it possible to install additional codecs?

Divx, Mp4,... are perfectly supported by default. There is an extra codec pack that supports even more. Mplayer is available with different front-ends. MKV can be supported through a plugin, but only with certain codecs. I've thrown a lot of formats on it, and haven't had many files that don't play.There is however a resolution limit. 720p files simply won't open.

7. I'm migrating from a Nokia E90. Is the hardware keyboard easy to adjust to?

No experience. I migrated From a SE Xperia X1, and find this keyboard to be better actually, even while the xperia had space between the keys. Since PR1.2 it has become even better because a long press now gives you the blue value on the key (Numbers, symbols,...)

8. Does it have Google Maps? Or will I have to stick with Ovi Maps?

No google maps available (Browser only)

9. How is daily usage? Can it actually function as a reliable phone? :D

Yes, this is what amazes me the most! With my Xperia and P1i I had constant problem making and receiving calls, sending text messages,... they would crash or shut down unexpectedly, leaving you unreacheable for some time. Sending an sms would sometimes take me 2 minutes,...
None of this with the n900, I haven't experienced crashes, slowdowns, problems with the standard-phone stuff,... sending an sms or making a call takes just as long as it would have done on my old Nokia 3310. All this is while i'm quite a heavy user, installing non-safe apps, leaving the phone online constantly, having torrent downloads in the background, and playing an mp3 through all that. You're always reacheable.

Your only problem miight be the battery life. If you use your phone to it's full extent, it will only last 10-15h. This phone must be recharged at least every night. Be prpeared to carry some backup power if this isn't possible.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

I also had the Nokia E90 before... and believe me ... the N900 is a great upgrade.

What I miss about my old E90..
.
- Better querty keyboard on the E90 and I still miss the numeric one.
- Quick shortcuts were very usefull
- The E90 has a better Battery Life
- Nothing else...

I gave it to my girlfriend and she loves it.

Main things you probably will love on the N900

- UI Speed
- The browser is a HUGE improvement, best in class.
- Customization
- Integrated messenger
- Divx with subtitles support (multiple codecs)
- Video and photos with great quality
- And much more....

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

CLI mostly. The unrar utility isn't listed in the application manager.

Maemo was designed from the ground up to operate in landscape view.

Portrait mode for the phone works quite well, along with the contacts UI, though for anything but the phone app you have to activate it by hitting Ctrl+Shift+R.

The portrait mode stuff like the media player is just broken.

KMplayer and SiB both provide GUIs for Mplayer on the N900.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Thanks guys for the replies, when I buy the phone I'll come here to get started again. :)
Oh just a few more things, how's the A/V out (I presume the cable comes with the phone)? Can I output to a TV with no issues at all? Video playback is fine?

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

1. yes it does support flash. Not sure about which versions but almost all websites I have gone to work fine except for some clips in BBC world.
2. NOt aware of a RSS widget app but there are a few RSS readers that are integrated well
3. yes, you can activate the portrait mode with the PR1.2 rel but you may be surprised to find that because N900 renders the FULL website just like in PCs, its actually much more pleasing to use it in landscape mode for almost eveything in the web
4. yes, you can play music and internet radio via FM xmitter but not videos and Youtube content. Not sure if there is an app to enable FM xmitter in these two video modes though.
5. Dont know about the USB bluetooth support for keyboard but I dont see why you couldnt use bluetooth keyboard
6. dont know which v-codecs but I have been able to watch content from old samsung clips, nokia 3gpps, wav, and have not yet loaded a video that cannot be played back
7. unless you have big fingers its very nice to use with a solid feel. Doing a control, shift and third key is the only thing I find difficult to do
8. yes, there are google maps but I find the OVI maps that can be downloaded much easier to use mainly due to the integration
9. Excellent 3G/GSM voice quality with 1.5 days with average 3G use. Skype voice quality is amazing, as well as excellent skype video calls now between N900-N900 and N900-windows PCs BOTH over WiFi as well as 3G!

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Yes you can, remember that it is only composite quality. But for stuff like Xvid tv-series and emulator gaming, it is simply the best thing since sliced bread.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Comes with cable and outputs stereo audio too. I've tried on over a dozen TV's and it works great on all of them.
I love this feature. I watch youtube on the projector.:D

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

AV is not HD, but quality is very good.
After you connect to a TV or projector, you will see your desktop exactly how you see it on the phone...

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

This is not true. At any time, so also while watching a youtube video in an app, or through the site, playing a game, doing anything , you can go to the settings, and under FM-transmitter, you can just turn on FM-transmitter, and all the sounds get played through your stereo.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

It's great to give talk about N900 from N900!

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

hackmod,,can you please tell me,,how to create a new thread in this talk of maemo,,,plzz tks

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

I understand that it's composite and as such I'm not expecting much.
btw I record some TV series and encode them into XviD (w/ an AVI container), can I play those on the N900?
As far as I have made out from this thread, I seem to be getting a very good response from N900 users out there about the phones plus points. Might as well buy one tomorrow, so excited. :D

btw does it have a flashlight that can use the video light?
how is the sync support for the Ovi Store?
If I use PR1.2 can I also use an overclocked kernel? (I just want a minor speed boost, around 100-200MHz would be okay)

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Hack can you please help me out

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Sure, just go into whatever forum section (or sub-forum) you like, and then click the new thread button (usually in orange) at the top of the page. :)

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

tks bro,,,

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

There is an app called flashlight that does just that. Not really sure what you are asking about the Ovi store. Overclocking is very easy (there is a massive thread here and a wiki dedicated to it) and there is an easily downloadable kernel and settings app.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Absolutely you can. Just download and install Titan's custom kernel using the App Manager (Enhanced Kernel for Power Users) and specifiy the settings you want to use. Very easy. Search the forum for lotsa info.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Thanks, I'ma overclock soon. :D
One thing though, I skipped out on an HD2 mostly because of it's reliability issues (some said there were none, but don't want to take the risk) but mainly because it was running an OS soon to be killed off for the next big thing. Will the N900 ever get updates at least a year from now, or even get MeeGo? Or will it be left for the community to support?

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

There already is an official released of MeeGo for the N900, but it's CLI-interface only, no GUI UI. A second release of MeeGo fo the N900 is due soon with a basic GUI UI. However, these are limited-functionality developer releases, not suitable or intended for end users. A community-supported full meeGo for the N900 is a strong possibility though at some point.

In terms of the actual usefulness of the N900, it really doesn't matter much whether or not it ever gets MeeGo. The PR1.2 update included adding compatibility with Qt 4.5 which is the cross-platform toolkit that will be used for not only app development for MeeGo, but also Symbian and others. In a nutshell, Qt 4.5 on Maemo 5 means that MeeGo apps will easily run on Maemo. And Qt being open-source and cross-platform means there should be plenty of apps coming. So Maemo 5 should have a long lifetime, likely well after official support from Nokia ends.

IOW, if the N900 appeals to you and suits your needs, get one and enjoy it.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

I know a couple of HD2 users and they love it but they are new smartphone users. I'd consider it if I hadn't already decided on the N900 because the community at xda-dev is awesome. They are the main reason I bought a G1. But Maemo folks are awesome, too. And around my area, if you need a subsidized phone, HTC phones are the way to go.

As for your other point - any device running off embedded Linux will never be obsolete. You might find something shinier or smaller but when you are on to the next phone, the N900 could be your nanny cam, Chumby alarm clock replacement, ad-hoc video player, remote control or any of a dozen things you could use the BT, IR, Wifi, TV-out for. I have no doubt that it will be useful for years to come.

But I am loathe to part with my N79 because of the battery life. Hate the Symbian signed garbage but the camera is decent and the battery lasts for days.

Terry

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Hey thanks for the reassurance. :)
And btw my first phone choice actually was the HD2. I went over to XDA-dev and saw the awesome mods and everything. However, I also saw reports of audio/video sync issues, a widespread SMS notification bug, a camera bug, numerous stability issues, etc.. The first one I especially can not live with. Couple this with the fact that the screen is prone to breakage and that WM is designed purely to be used with a stylus (no matter how good HTC Sense is) and you have a person that will get frustrated and tired within a few months of usage.
I think maemo will suit me better because of the open nature and the fact that Nokia actively supports the community, as opposed to HTC that cautions people that they'll void their warranty the minute they even breath on XDA. :eek:
Though seriously, the sheer feature list and app compatibility of the N900 is what I'm going for. The web browsing also helps since I now can only live with one device instead of a separate netbook, PMP and smartphone. :)

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

I can't answer regarding the screen factor but most of the software issues will eventually get fixed, either in custom roms or by OS updates. And HTC is usually very supportive of the xda-devs, no matter what they have to say to make the lawyers happy. :-) But having to live with bugs until this stuff gets fixed is annoying as any early adopter will testify - even the N900 ones.

I think my main issues with the N900 boil down to the bulk and the battery life. I love it anyway, even if it has to go in my purse rather the jeans pocket. Let's just hope someday there is major innovation in battery technology.

Terry

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

Don't buy this phone, it is not a phone. I think you will be well suited for an Android phone... Nokia does NOT care about the N900. Go read up on all our complains.

Re: Some questions before I buy the N900
 

While I can't sit here and say that only positive things can/should be said about the n900, saying this without providing any specific examples is not constructive.

Troll elsewhere.