If I'm a novice user, did I buy the wrong phone with th N900?
 

I Had the G1 running Android for two years and then I switched to the N900. Was happy before, now I think I am just out of my league and without a support system. Knew how to use all apps on my old phone (the ones I wanted).

Now I cant get Google email settings right so no email on my phone and other basic issues as well.

I have looked into Nitdroid and the unbelievable effort given by its developers, but think my questions would make em crazy. looks like it would get me back to the android feel, but I think maybe I should have just gone EVO or something for us users.

Any advice or am I in the wrong joint to ask such a question?

Re: If I'm a novice user, did I buy the wrong phone with th N900?
 

Usually, we change phones because we are unhappy with what we have. "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

Re: If I'm a novice user, did I buy the wrong phone with th N900?
 

What part are you struggling with? Had no problems setting up GMail here.

Advice: Ask specific questions about specific problems and people will try to help you. You've managed to mention one specific problem, but only alluded to other simple things you are having difficulties with.

The more focused your posts the better chance of getting sensible feedback and not encouraging a long comparison / complaint thread. Asking if you've bought the right phone is ultimately pointless on any forum.

Re: If I'm a novice user, did I buy the wrong phone with th N900?
 

I'd say that the N900 is a challenge to tame for novice users. Its worth the time and effort, as it really is an amazing device. You have excellent support for the n900 here as most people are willing to help. There are some incredibly smart people here. Just ask for some help and dont be afraid to take some chances and I'm sure that you will be pleasantly surprised.

Re: If I'm a novice user, did I buy the wrong phone with th N900?
 

Just a curve to learn different apps. I have recently moved to an N900 from a symbian phone, and an N810, and have also used an Android device. You'll get used to it.

I use the built in email client with gmail very sucessfully, checking for mail every 5 minutes. You'll need to set your account up as an imap account. you'll be able to get the settings from your settings page on gmail. Search these forums for "Modest fixes" as there is a patched version of the email client (called modest) which is much better.

Give Maemo a good go. It is a great OS, and I feel it is as good or better than Android in lots of ways

See above for advice. No you are in exactly the right place to ask about N900 and Maemo related topics. Keep positive, and ask any questions you have.

Oh, and welcome to the community!

Re: If I'm a novice user, did I buy the wrong phone with th N900?
 

Yes, you made the wrong choice. I could tell you why, but I would basically be regurgitating your original post. You answered your own question.

The person, the software and the hardware all have to fit together. You, the n900 and Nitdroid couldn't be further from that notion.

Re: If I'm a novice user, did I buy the wrong phone with th N900?
 

If you had had an Android device, what exactly makes you a novice? Any non-Android phone would be different. If you make the effort to learn, you'll get the hang of the N900. One nice thing about the N900 is this community. Ask good questions, and you'll get good help.

Re: If I'm a novice user, did I buy the wrong phone with th N900?
 

if you want to learn something about linux and co you are right.but if you are too lazy for that you are wrong.
if i bought the n900 5 months ago i was a linux newbie.it was my first time with terminal.
but with help from the community,google and our great wiki im usin xterminal now like a pro

Re: If I'm a novice user, did I buy the wrong phone with th N900?
 

no, u didn't go wrong at all, i got this phone 4 months ago, i didn't even know what linux or xterminal are ! (i'm just 16) .
now i use x-terminal like a pro, i have my device overclocked @900mhz, i have everything "custom", reflashing can't get easier, i don't feel unsupported at all, i have the huge and awesome maemo org community here backing me up in everything, thanks guys, best community on the web, i mean if your having a problem, or you miss an app, or what ever, just post it here, and trust you get alot more support than the one you might get from nokia or google or.....
this device can do it all, nothing this device can't do (please guys, no one say 'cook my dinner...' becasue it can !! ).
thew os can't be more simpler, you can have up to 9 homescreens.....
dude give it some time, read some topics here, and u'll be good to go.

Re: If I'm a novice user, did I buy the wrong phone with th N900?
 

Do you have any linux experience? Do you really need such a powerful phone that lacks some basic functions? Would you like an easier to use app store? My guess is you most likely bought the wrong phone.