If i could replace the battery cover and continue i would probably keep my N800, even tho i found a temp fix mine is being collected for exchange on 02/01/2008

Sorry but i cannot live with this 3 min issue when most other users are not affected.

Granted i may get another lemon but its a risk i shall take....

How did you get them to take it for exchange in February? Isn't that after the 30 day warranty?

Do you have to mail it to Nokia or Circuit City?

I really don't mind the 3 minute thing as long as this doesn't cause the battery or some other hardware to crap out. =(

After using the N800 for the past few days, and being active on these forums, I realize how little I understand about Linux. I downloaded some Pidgin buddy Icons and sounds, and when I went to apply the packs, it had me look for which folder they were saved in and I cannot find it...

In windows I can find everything in program files..I wish I knew the equivalent to Linux. I'm downloading applications and having no idea where they are located on the memory lol.

Iam using the UK date format iam used to ie day/month/year, its going back this wednesday.

Glad some of you are having success with the 3 minute trick.

I can tell you thought that it's not a universal solution. I waited *hours* between power-on attempts and it didn't consistently work (and yes, I was holding down the power button).

I never did figure out a consistent fix so I've sent it back to Nokia.

There is certain circumstances where you must remove the battery for 3 mins then reinsert the battery press the power button then wait 3 mins to turn on.

I just realized that what I'm doing is not holding the power button until the LED is lit, but holding it until the white splash screen comes on.

I noted problems if for example you booted up the N800 then inserted the charger, charged a while, then removed the charger (while still on) played around for a while then powerd off, in this instance i would have to pull the battery for 3 mins ( no matter how long it sat idle) then hold/press the power button and from then on the 3 min countdown started...

Still a major pain in th butt, i aint putting up with that. Mine is now away for replacment. So for now back the the trusty 770....

The same works for me. Does anyone know if the N800 has a sensor to check if the back cover is closed?

Yes, N800s use a magnetic switch to check for the cover.

Thanks for the prompt reply!
Is it possible that this specific problem is caused by an intermittently faulty switch?
The N800 thinks the cover is open and it does not power on. The action of removing and reinstalling the cover temporarily fixes the switch and the N800 powers on again… until the switch get stuck again.
This, of course, applies only to the people who the action of removing and reinstalling the cover fixes the problem.