I think being a new smartphone buyer, you should take a second and listen. You SOUND like a new smartphone user, and I don't mean that as a slight. You just don't know what may be important to you later down the line yet. That's fine. But these guys are giving you some good food for thought. Just listen and research for yourself, because the features mentioned are really important once you use any smart device awhile.

For instance, what happens when you need to use your device in freezing weather and you need gloves? What if you're working in the shop and have an accident with a saw and sever your fingers? How can you use the phone? Maybe if you use a pen in your mouth to tap the screen like a finger... NOPE! Capacitive REQUIRES a finger. Not a nail, pencil, toothpick, car key, nothing! So dirty fingers mean dirtier screens. Is that what you want? Doubt it. And what about handwriting recognition? The guys using capacitive don't have good handwriting software, which is why they don't need a resistive screen. Nokia allows you to write with accuracy, at least on the N97. And what about when you sneeze and sling a huge line of snot across your screen? (happened to me, seriously. Gross, I know) Wipe the capacitive screen, and it actually activates stuff, but a light wipe on a resistive screen won't.

The required pressure is minimal, but its a better solution when done right, and Nokia has, from all accounts except the Engadget Show. Many reviewers had to ask if it were capacitive or resistive, because it wasn't obvious from performance. Its not because we're used to using fingernails, its just good to keep your screen from being always smudged with oils, and the ability to use anything beats being forced to use your finger only. Agility beats a pigeon hole anyday. One works with fingers and the other works with fingers or anything else you like. Which sounds better?



Not so fast! We don't cling to it. Most like the finger solution. But the versatility and handwriting recognition is the main reason we like resistive. Why give up options for something that won't give many improvements, and will only exclude many people and the Asian markets from using it? Ask the Chinese how many like the iPhone. Its not feasible for most of them without resistive for handwriting recognition. The N900 is a far more powerful and capable solution, and nothing like the iPhone, Pre, or N97 for that matter. You have to look at the purpose of the device. The N900 is a desktop replacement device, not just a smartphone.

Well, if your device must make a fashion statement, I think you should just look at photos and make a choice. But you should expect to run into roadblocks and issues that you compromised on in order to look cute. I can name a list, but if its not important, haven't you already made your choice? Or is the N900 as sexy to you as it is to me? Once you learn more about technology, the physical prowess of a device is just as fashionable as the cute devices.

[quote}There are plenty of other great things about this device that make me want it. I'm just saying the screen, or the 'ability' to use a stylus, fingernail, mitten, etc. isn't one of them.[/QUOTE]

Well that's fair. If a responsive screen is one of them, regardless what type it is, I don't think you have much to worry about. The display on the Engadget Show showing an unresponsive screen was contrived, and not normal. He had to TRY to not activate the screen, and watching the other 20 million N900 hands on videos should prove my point.

Good luck with your final choice.