I was thinking, since on my n95's battery last significantly longer in 2g mode, what if the n900 would default to 2g when there is no browser, internet radio or other network intensive application open? In standby mode there are only the wigdets, but they transfer so small amount of data so the lower speed is not issue. When the user requires a fast connection and opens, for example, the browser, n900 would then automagically switch to faster 3g connection. I thought this could improve the battery live greatly.

Here's a quote from a finnish forum confirming that the 2g standby time is a lot longer than when using 3g

So, I think this would be a pretty neat "official" feature, but if not, someone with programming skills could create a daemon or something to do the job.

Yep, an app that keeps the default data connection you select (2g/3g/wifi if available) that switches to a 'data connection' (most likely 3g/wifi) when specified applications are open (eg internet browser, spotify, internet radio etc).

Surely this would be relatively easy to programme, amd would do wonders for battery life.

It would also be nifty for people who live in areas with patchy signal: no need to remember to turn off 3g in case I drive through or into a dead spot.

+1
I love this idea, especially as I live in a pretty weak 3g area!

No receiving of MMS or 3G video phone calls if you have a system like this. Won't be an issue with N900 for now at least, though I love the idea though, i've been hoping for something like this to extend battery life.

@revdkathy, @steve4130 do you really need to manually switch between 2g and 3g modes, i would assume all phones know how to down to 2g if 3g is unavailable.

xmacec: As I understand it, its still trying to find a 3G signal while you are on a 2G only network unless you force the phone to only 2G.

Perhaps someone should post this to the brainstorm?

You can force the device to use only 2G in the device settings. Maybe somebody will create a widget for placing this switch directly onto the home screen or the status box for quick access.

Yes, but then when you want to do some web browsing, you are limited to EDGE speeds.

Receiving MMS doesn't require 3G.

And yes, this thread exists because if the phone cannot find 3G when set to dual mode, it will try to find one ever so often, that eats battery. Please, read this thread trough once more. Every 3G enabled phone has an force 2G -only mode AFAIK. The Nokias anyway.