HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Hello! I just registered and I'm not sure if it will be a temporary thing because I don't own any maemo device... yet.

I found a N800 tablet online for 20 US$. I talked to the seller several times and, apparently, it's in great working condition, but lacks an Operating System.

From the photos, I assume the owner tried to install something like Nitdroid and it didn't work out that well...

http://images02.olx.pt/ui/24/04/81/F...g?x=1389356607

My questions are:
1. Even if the user tried to install Nitdroid and it failed, is there any way for me to install another OS and make it work?
2. If so, how could I do it?
3. Is it worth buying a N800 nowadays, given its low price?

What are your thoughts about this?

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

1. AFAIK (based on N900 and N9 experiences) flashing is trivial.
2. Wiki. Id est: http://wiki.maemo.org/index.php?titl...re&oldid=17120
3. Considering the price and the legacy of the device: I'd be interested.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Flashing is easy-peasy....once you've got the right info and a couple tiny downloads...take you less than 2 min. ....Tweaking it into your own customized monster...however long your interest and curiosity lasts.
.there are informative step-by-step posts in the n800 and os2008 subforums...any questions or help...just post them there...it saves the moderators time and makes it easier for people hunting for the same answers.
Next to my n900 I use my n800's daily...in my studio..wherever.
Good deal at $20 ....one of the best devices ever made. The things you can do with it are only eclipsed by the n900...and there are still a couple that the n800 can do that the n900 can't.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Tell me. I've bumped into a couple of 'em and all I need to get one is a good excuse! Share. :D

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Having two SD cards comes to mind.
And a better keyboard.

Not sure about anything else, I don't have one.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

What exactly? just wondering as i never had a n800.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

So, even if the phone doesn't boot, it's still possible to flash it?

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

OK. To BRIEFLY answer queries here...
A- "flashing" essentially erases whatever was on the device and installs a fresh operating system in it's place.
B- Old , out of date, and cheap are relative terms.
It is important to change the mindset...STOP thinking in APPLE or MICROSOFT age. STOP thinking that unless it has 4 cores and exploding graphics it must be useless.
For those that don't know. The maemo os is a linux platform. Lean and mean...even though it seems you have little to no storage or space for installing apps or programs ...you'll be surprised. As well...newer devices software (if compatible enough) can be "ported" downstream to older devices...making them more current, flexible and beastly in ability...likewise "porting" software upstream to newer devices is a benefit. As well the community runs the maemo line now...hence users finally have control over their own devices...there is no planned obsolescence here. We maintain and run and enhance and write and work on fixes and help each other as best we can. We all are the support centre.
So the n800 may be a decade old but it's usefulness isn't bound by the turbulence of time. The greatest issue that faces the device would be the increasing mounting change by browsers ...and THEIR unwillingness to have a space for devices that don't sport the latest and greatest. That is an irritation but there are still many browsers that determinedly perform wonderfully on the devices.
C- It isn't a phone. It's an internet tablet. you can walk into any wifi area ...make calls with skype (I have a north america unlimited call homephone/cellphone/computer free for $30 a yr.) ...or gtalk ...or gvideo talk. Not too shabby. Not that I endorse it... :D you can use "pen tools" on this device verrry nicely. So essentially you have wifi wherever you go....to say the least. There is no phone contract or service provider you are chained to.
D- there is a subsection in the downloads bar at the site top...click on that then click on OS2008...there are quite a few programs with subsequent write-ups with them and screen shots....That can give you some small idea of what the n800 can do.
Their are a ton of posts in the n800 forum and the OS2008 forum discussing what the device can do...use the search inside the subforum...it will narrow your results....Read..read ....read...the n770/n800/n810/n900/ and the soon to be Neo900 are hacker's delight. If you want a device to think for you ..for you to have little say in what you wish...android and apple and windows will happily oblige and your privacy/security are the least sacrifice.

Hopefully a Moderator will take this whole thread and put it in the n800 subforum...in case that doesn't happen.. ...let's get you into the subforum where this conversation should be.
Please post any questions inside the n800 subforum...this thread here is going to very easily get buried quickly...and that won't help you...nor anyone else looking for the same answers inside the n800 forum. Post any questions there ...I and other n800 diehards will see you and help as much as we can... I'll fill you in...and others I'm sure will chime in as well if I miss anything.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Thanks, that helps a lot, actually!
I already did that and I must say I like the N800 even more xD

This is exactly what I DON'T want: Those fixed android and iOS schemes with little personalization and little options. They make all phones look the same. The only reason I could see to buy either one is Instagram, which I would gladly try to get into the N800 if I get one...

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Not sure about instagram...never bothered with it on n800.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

The n800 has no keyboard at all.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Perhaps he is thinking of the onscreen keyboard...or perhaps the n810 which does have the physic keyboard.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Wonder how henrik541 did with that n800 of his....
hmm if yer readin this man..did you get that $20 n800?
and how did things turn out for you?
Get the sucker up and running yet?

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Hello!
Unfortunately, I didn't buy it yet...
I'm not a quitter, though!

From what I talked to the owner, I believe he said the only problem with this n800 is the fact that it lacks an operative system. Besides that, it comes with a charger and data cable, but the only battery he has is not working (won't hold up the charge), so the only way it stays on is if it's connected to the eletricity.

That said, I also need to buy a new battery, since I can't flash the device while it's charging (is this right?)

Anyway, the only thing holding me back is that I'm affraid I'm spending about 20$-25$ in something that will not work afterall...

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Hey man ...good to hear from you :D

Hmm.
ya you don't want to try flashing while charging.
You just want the battery full.(even a couple hours charge on it is better than nothing and will get the job done)
And unplugged from a charger.
My best guess is the guy tried to flash the firmware with a low batt. or next to no charge at all.
Ask exactly what shows on powerup ...I am curious. I doubt it is bricked....just ...blank.
If you get a fresh one or two batts. (I suggest a few backups) ...fairly cheap...and a charger or two...also suggested..fairly cheap ...esp an external charger! ...

Well with the info so far....if it were me..I'd just externally charge a fresher...newer batt 1st . then put it in and go through the process of flashing....I wouldn't even bother powering it on to see what was up with it. Flashing is the cure-all ..the panacea for the hurt in n8x0. :)
When I 1st started with these devices I swear in compare with now...I was as ignorant as a baboon...I would have been using the thing to open walnuts with..that is how unknowing I was :D
I swear I tried everything you shouldn't attempt with a n8x0 and the things just kept bouncing back.
20-25$ is a steal. Right now on ebay..the cheapest is in the 40$ price range ...(and that is the cheapest I could find)..without adding the shipping cost!...they've gone up. lately.

After buying the 20-25$ deal and extra batts and extra chargers...all the goodies...maybe even enough left over for a leather case too ...you've paid for "just" a n800 device on ebay. at 40+$ plus shipping
which may or may not come with extra batts.(not usually)..if you are lucky it comes with the same deal..used batt (of unknown charge) and a used charger and used cable.
But I do understand the trepidation of investing money in a device that you are
A- unfamiliar with and
B- needs a couple more things which increases your costs
C- Has issues ..or lack of them (:D) with no operating system.

If it were me for the price I'd get it..but I think they are well nigh indestructible and flashing a breeze.

Hell I have 1 n800 for constant use...one for messing with alt os's and stuff...and one as a backup incase anything horrible(never happened yet in 7-8 years) to the first two. Same goes for my n810's.

But i do understand your hesitation in buying it.
Keep me posted what you eventually do...
If you get this one or another diff. one... I'll help however I can. :)

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

And do you know where I can find a cheap (like, really cheap) battery for it?

And thanks for the help, btw :D

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Hey no probs man:D

I would heartily recommend a uni charger like one of these...just make sure the output is good for your devices...that way you can use it for other batt types as well. This one is just an example for an external...I'm sure there are better than this out there...but they are pretty cheap.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/QZO-New-Unive...item23379804d0

even better...

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Nokia-BP-5L-B...item20c0f25b65

This model of charger (below)..note it's model no. and physic characteristics..(there are knockoffs that almost look but may not output properly...make sure of your model no.'s) ...is the one I highly suggest. the price for this particular for sale item is high...but I'm sure you can find exactly the same cheaper...

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/NEW-OEM-NOKIA...item20e40b2f63

I got 5 of them for 20$ a year or two ago.

same with the cables...actually the cables are pretty universal..usb to usb mini..

Batts...hmm...original is better...
here is one...
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/BP-5L-Battery...item3a8c9dddc4

some companies refresh old batts ...they may not be back up to 100% but they usually get them back to between 75 and usually 95 % (not bad for an old batt.)

and ..I know that he is around somewhere...I can't find it now but I bought 5 n800 bpl5 knockoffs from germany...they weren't old originals ...so hence I call them knockoffs...if you can find THAT guy...those batts worked very well ...think I paid 20$ for all 5

If I find that fellow I'll let you know...those alt batts of his were the best non-oem I've used.

Hmm...keep it simple for your sd cards too. 8 or 16gb for internal at a class 4 should have no issues...you can put a 32gb class 4 in but...I myself like things a little cleaner in regards to having os's and progs specifically on internal and audio,books,film etc on an external or multiple external sd cards for easy swap in/out. so I've settled into a habit of 16gb internal and 3 32gb sd cards for external use. I've had good luck with 64gb sd cards and have been puttering away for a while now with making 128gb cards work properly on the n800...

Can't think of anything else at the mo. If I do I'll post .

Hmm ..actually what country are you in ?...

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

I'm almost sure the seller said it comes with cable and charger, so I'm not planning to buy one, at least for now. ;)

Do you know where I can find these refreshed batteries? :eek:

I'm from Portugal. Beautiful country, but it kind of makes my love for gadgets a bit more difficult everydat... :(

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Lucky you :D
Bingo! Found him!!!
Better than alt. batteries...better than refurbs...originals at a grand price...
If I remember right this is also the guy I bought alt batts. from ...and he ships worldwide.

http://www.ebay.ca/itm/Original-Akku...torefresh=true

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Did you buy exactly those ones, from that link and that buyer?
Were the batteries in good condition and working well?
Are they really originals?
How was the purchase?

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

1-Exactly those ones - no ....that buyer - yes

2- the batts. were brand new and worked are working fine still...I use em all the time..daily...and still have 3 of them still in the plastic unused as backups.

3- These ones showing in the auction a few posts above are (from all appearances ) originals. The ones I bought 2-3 yrs ago from him were alternative bp5l batteries.

4- A- Back then?..fine :D ...took a while from germany to get to Canada...but I got 'em.

B- Right now?... fine :D ...just offered and he counter offered and I'll accept...right...now...for 2 . :D

Thanks man...the whole "Help me...to help you..." ended up with helping me too :D

I prob never would have looked for him for a few more years...there was no real pressing need...
I wondered for awhile what happened to the guy...been content with the back up batts I got...but the price ain't bad.
even if they have only 1/2 the charge ...at say 3-4 hours...not a biggie...I know a local business that rejuvs them here...so for the extra couple bucks...it's worth it..they'll be next to brand new then...that's saying of course that they have a poor max charge when I get 'em.
Worth the insignificant sum as a risk...considering the gain.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Well, you're not the one who should be thanking, thanks to you I'm now like five steps closer to finally buy this device!!

I don't really mind not being up to 100%, at least for now, my biggest fear is that the batteries might, somehow, explode inside the tablet or something... Is that even possible?

And how do I contact that seller? I can't sign in to ebay canada but i do have an account at ebay.com and ebay.co.uk

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Glad to "let me..help you..to help me...to help you... to help me....."
ad infinitum :D
works for me.
I would suggest just going on the ebay applicable for your region...before you do...copy and paste the title of his ad....change the settings to worldwide and looky-loo ...considering he ships worldwide...he'll pop up with the right input info. So I don't think you need to use ebay.ca nor ebay whatever just use whatever ebay is meant for your geo- region.

Blow- up?!?
Real bad knockoffs possibly...I've never had a prob with any batt. personally..mind you I keep away from supposed high capacity alternatives and real obvious knockoffs.
And Hey... the n800 ain't a pinto man! (the car that is....small minor defect.....had a habit of blowin up reaaallllll gud) :D

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Thanks, I'll try that now.

I don't even know if it is possible, just playing it safe.

Well funny enough, I was looking for some stuff about the N800 and there is this guy who is selling N800's for 30$ and N810's for 50$.

I'm still trying to figure out if it's just a scam or if it's a real deal, but anyway, which would you recommend and why?

Would I be able to use any of these to go to instagram, or to read ebooks, or to videocall someone?

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

1- what venue is he selling them in? if it is trustworthy sale venue that you know...(ie like ebay) I would imagine he's the real deal. Not to mention ..if a scammer or thug wanted someone's money nowadays...he'd be trying to sell you a genuine "ipone" :D
He'd hardly be trying to ensare with a couple n8x0 devices. :D
Rest at ease there.

2- good price...If you had the money one of each is my suggestion...esp if it comes with batt . and all the gear.
Frankly ...even if it was just the device and stylus ...nothing else...it's still a great deal. If it were me...and he has a whack of them...I'd be buying at least 2 of each...that way you wouldn't feel nervous about bricking one...mind you....having a bunch is just a placebo to calm you...fact of the matter is...as long as you always read about what you want to fiddle with....and if it is some obscure thing or alt os that clearly states you could brick your device ...then don't be tempted to do that thing...pretty simple.
Frankly I have never bricked any of mine ...ever.....not saying it isn't possible...just always follow good advice and proper instructions and you'll not go wrong.

3- Instagram?...never played with it...not sure about whether it will work.
Ebooks?...oh yeah....quite a few ebook readers.fbreader is my fav....there is even a text to voice prog. so it can read them to you...
Video call? ...Skype was going to go down that road with the n8x0 but it never happened...so Skype has only voice and text.
Gtalk has it though...it works great between n8x0 devices ...I used it for a long time ...I believe it will work n8x0 to other devices ...haven't fiddled with it for a long time.

4- Most importantly ....you must not look at it as simply a gadget...or another internet tablet..or some kind of phone alternative...it is really a full computer...hell you can run a few distros on it..The stuff you can do is pretty cool. It is only limiting by your curiosity and intention.

To poorly coin the phrase and quote... the NIT (Nokia Internet Tablet)..."...Is the beautiful mistake the Gods made ...that man got his hands onto..." :D

REMEM. too ....the most dramatic reason why the device line of the n8x0 has little movement currently in devel or even in the forums is not because the device isn't good anymore...nor that people can't devel anything further...there is still alot of devel that could be done...vast amounts of new stuff...the fact is...many ...if not most in the community...moved on to the next platform available the moment it came out...n770-> n8x0->n900->whatever wanting more of whatever they were looking for...so it isn't like it just hit a brick wall because it is an old device or people couldn't do new stuff with it.....there is still alot of undiscovered country there in the n8x0 ...you could come up with the next great prog that brings more people back...perhaps a good backport...or a prog that people want on their n900's ...so really... movement in the n8x0 sections here is really about numbers...of users.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

What browsers are available in n810 hows the perfomance in streaming any html5 ones ? Updates ?distros available ? Android ?

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Hadn't thought about that, actually. Makes sense. I'm probably the only person in this country who's looking for one of these. He's selling in a portuguese website, but it's not verified, I mean, anyone can sell anything there.

I would definitely buy both if I had the money, but I can't even buy one without feeling bad for spending my money, so I'll have to take it slow...

I'm not sure of what I can do with a n8x0 yet, but I can't wait. I

That's deep, man!! :D I will talk a bit more with both sellers to see how it goes and will keep you up tp date! Thanks, once again!!

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Hmmm..then try to meet him and get him to power them on in front of you...the start up...sound good...screen looks good ...wifi connects.... etc...get em.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Android ...ya..never found the desire to piss around with it though.
Replicant is the only one I would...I've thought about mucking with nitdroid but haven't had the time yet.
Lotta browser options...each have their plus and minus....some of them haven't been kept up in regards to the n8x0 ...but that is the webmonkeys who are constantly changing the dynamics of the browsers and care little for our (in global size compared to say iphone or android phone users) number of users...or they would be gearing their work to be compat with the n8x0 device line still. So for some browsers ...they may not show some more current content...or may not show bits properly. It is the ever changing social monster that constantly wants something new shiny and different. ...rather than being a n8x0 problem.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Distros? Really nokiabot! Come on man! :D
Look up what you can run and the people who have and their experiences is my best suggestion...some distros work very well...others passably ...others need work...it comes back to interested parties wanting to work on devel...puttering about and pissing around with stuff.

The current prices of the device make it a great investment to the hobbyist or curiosity driven hacker....It doesn't cost 100$'s or 1000's....it's pretty damn cheap...any cheaper and they would come in cereal boxes...and there are lots of them still on the used market.

Think of it like this...the scientists left the lab to work in a bigger lab with diff equipment....so this n8x0 laboratory is collecting dust...all the stuff you need is here...all the trial and error...all the programs...all the user experiences...just waiting for the next bunch of inquisitive scientists to come in and turn the lights on and get back to cool sh$t. :D

Unless there are any more questions...I'm heading back to my little section of the lab... :D..best suggestion grab a couple ...1 of each...turn some lights on in the old lab...clear the dust off one of the virtual workbenches ....and start puttering ..creating ...discovering.

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Sooo... what's a distro? English is not even my mother language, so all those specific terms make me feel like I'm reading a whole new language...

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

An alternate operating system.....or fake it with a desktop enviroment that behaves like the distro....you can run Debian...Mer (works best on the n810)...KDE...Palm os...a bunch of Android alternatives...Mac...Win ce too if memory serves...Arch on the n800...Backtrack/kali linux...I'm probably missing a some...It is fun to putter with them...great to experiment or if you are bored with what you got currently on your device. You can Multiboot to your hearts content.
For myself ...in the end...I always come back to Maemo....I have a big soft spot for it :D

anyway...you get the idea...Computer Operating Systems...Os's...distributions.... distros...

The n800 tho having no physic keyboard (a virtual on screen one instead...tho you can hook up bt keyboards or usb...and considering it has a separate power port ...not like the n900 where usb and power are integrated...it does simplify the process) does have 2 sd card slots...meaning you have much more flexibilty concerning multibooting ...you can put maemo on the internal card with chroot or full alt os's or you can easily separate them to have os's on both internal and external cards.....A GREAT feature.
More flexible in that regard than the n810....but the n810has it's own great pluses ....just in a different way....even though both n800 and n810 run the same operating system.

Now I'm also not going to sugar-coat it and say it is as good as a quad core smartphone......but the more complexity to the system...the more taxing it is...the more likely it will breakdown...my n8x0 have been running fine daily since 2007-2008. Pretty durable suckers.
IMO it isn't about how slick or current something is...it's about durability...the diversity of what can be done with device...longevity of software...how open the software is and if I the user can develop on it or for it....ALL that means the world to me. Then you have a device that is timeless...that you aren't forced into the next model the company puts out because ...all support, programs , everything has been dropped for the device you like , JUST got used to, and now your screwwed and have to buy a whole new device...learn a whole new operating system and live with someone else's idea of what YOU need. Hence the n8x0 and n900 device line and sooooon the neo900 are the devices for me.

Anyway ...I gotta go putter :D
I'll be back in a few hours if there is anything question-wise I can (in my poor pool of knowledge) answer....I'll do so then ...

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Can the debian image be updated ? What more available ? What about app selection ? What do you do with the device ?

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Can the debian image be updated ? What more available ? What about app selection ? What do you do with the device ?

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

Alot of n900 progs were backported...quite a few of the n8x0 progs were redesigned for the n900...so you will see alot of familiar stuff
What do I do with my device personally? I may take the time tonite and do a very long post of what I personally do with my n8x0's.
Big list there..
Anyway....For the cost of my $30 consultation fee you (:D) may as well buy a device and play and find out nokiabot :D
Back later....love to talk ...really ...when have you known me not to enjoy good conversation? :D
but..I gotta get back to workin on sumthin...
Later- Gater

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

It seens endsormeans gonna blast in his next post :D I swear its the typing you coudnt talk that much as your vocal cords might get ripped off like a torn guitar :D

Re: HELP Buying a N800 and fixing it...
 

I like to eat chocolate too ............... word up!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZjAantupsA

just for you
nokiabot :D