- Screen
Not especially bothered about the touchscreen technology, as long as it works. N8x0 seems to e the sweetsport for me. We also have 3.5 and 3.2 touchscreen devices at home, and I always reach for the N810, but it is also still small enough to be pocketable. The screen also needs to be transflective, or some other tech to make it readable in decent daylight, full on sunshine is asking a lot, but so many devices are not readable in normal daylight.


- OS
Apps are more important. equally so though is the knowledge that the device will be supported offically for bug fixes for a decent amount of time. broad app compatibity between versions of what is essentially the same OS is something else which is important, imagine a new version of android, iOS, or ubuntu even, and have no app compatibility.

- Software Features/applications
Main uses for me are music playback & internet radio, email, twitter, chat, and general personal use, and Maps and navigation, combined with sports tracking.

- Hardware features
After using an N810 for almost a year, a decent physical keyboard is a must. A decent camera would be a must on a new device. Don't need a front facing camera as I have never used the one I have. A couple of MicroSD slots would be an improvement over a single slot. I would forgo built in mass storage for a cheaper device with multiple card slots (N800 style). GPS is a must as well for the Maps and navigation.

- Price/Manufacturer
Price is always an issue (I'm married!). cheaper the better. Phone type device over here in the UK tend to available free with mobile contracts, and the norm is becoming 2 years. A device needs to try and be relevant, with bugfix support (at least) from the manufacture for that time. The N900 has only been out a little over 8 months, and the OS is rendered obsolete with no offical upgrade to the next one. Things like that do not make one want to commit to a 2 year contract for one!

Summary, and my perfect device (using current tech)

N810 form factor (4.3 screen, slider, physical keyboard),
2 microsd slots instead of the 2gb internal memory, and the minisd slot
More memory for the OS (512mb perhaps)
Add a decent Camera module - 5 8 mp
FM receiver
Headset remote control (like the nokia AD-54 remote)
TV out - optional
FM transmitter - optional
A dock connector, to utilize all the stuff with ipod dock connectors would be great

To me the right device is what ever lets me do what I want with the least amount of effort and pain. Currently for me, the closest is the N810.

The above hardware with Maemo5 or Meego, would be it for me.