Hmmm. Let me make sure we're on the same page here. When we say digital compass, we mean that if you're in a map application, for example Ovi maps, and you are standing still, there is a pointer that not only shows where you are on the map, but also which direction you are facing. The direction is provided by a piece of hardware ( a magnetometer), which the n900 does not have. As a result, when you are using a mapping application, it will not be able to show which direction you are facing when you are standing.