USB host mode is really important for me as I wan't to upload images taken with my DSLR camera while on the move.

As you might know most if not all of hobbyist/pro range DSLR cameras use Compact Flash cards and the only sane way to copy images to a computer (or similar device) is through USB. (or a CF card reader that plugs into USB/IDE/SATA bus).

IMHO "mobile computer" needs to have an USB host mode. People have lots of USB devices and being able to use them with their "mobile computer" as with any other computer is a must.

I'm looking for a device which would combine my cellphone and portable computer so I wouldn't have to lug both with me. N900 sounds almost like it. It has everything in it and runs on open source OS...everything except USB host mode.

From what i've read here i got an impression that the next maemo device after N900 will have the USB host. I think i'll pass this one and wait for it.

That impression is unfounded... nobody knows anything.


On a separate note, welcome to the forum!

I don't know about performance but you could put a micro sdhc card in a CF adapter (exple : http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000YZGCIU ) to use it in your camera. (the N900 then has a micro sdhc slot).

USB OTG is not the same as USB Host. USB OTG is an embedded spec that enables devices to have knowledge about certain other devices built into them. That way you can plug a camera directly into a printer and have them talk...without needing to have a PC in-between.

Even basic USB supports host (A-device) or peripheral (B-device) mode. It's a software issue. I don't understand why this basic functionality would be crippled...unless they only had time to fully test the B-mode software, and do not have A-mode coded yet. Maybe A-mode sucked to much power so they left it uncoded.

Can Quim speak to this?

Nokia specifically said that the N900 does not have USB host due to time constraints[1]. It makes sense to understand that Nokia think that USB host mode should be in a "mobile computer", and that if the next device will not be rushed to market, it will have this functionality.



[1] http://lists.maemo.org/pipermail/mae...er/020828.html

This problem of both charging and providing power on the same pins can be solved. Even if not, it can be worked around.

Technically, sure, it can be worked around and/or solved. However, for Nokia to obtain USB certification, they couldn't do both.

---

And one other thing, to whoever suggested putting an SD card inside a CF to SD converter: DSLR cameras use CF for a number of reasons, but primarily speed. I do not think this advantage carries over to using SD cards inside CF to SD converters. Moreover, some card types (xD, thanks Fuji!) have no equivalent converters, so those of use who use them are screwed in this respect.

I suppose that this usage case, while common, is not going to be a dealbreaker for many people.
What I absolutely cannot understand, as a use case, is wanting to use the N**0 with a DVD drive. Sure, it's fun in a geeky sort of way (and I'm sure many of us who had the original 770 connected it to a vast array of peripherals), but no one seriously expects Nokia (or any sane company, for the matter) to cater for the bizarre eventuality of someone saying that they do not want to rip their CDs or DVDs but want to lug around the drive and connect it to their phone. It might be interesting as a side project, and it may even give some useful by product, but calling it a dealbreaker is... well... stupid.

Just my 2p.

</rant> ... <lurk>

@convulted - I think the 'dealbreaker' aspect of this is that you can't connect a USB thumbdrive or keyboard...far more reasonable use cases.

I understand that, and can (almost) see why people would want to give up on the device because of that shortcoming, but I guess what I wanted to convey was:

1. >99% of users will not be affected by this issue...
2. ... except in a few instances where workarounds can be found
3. For some people, there is no alternative to using USB while on the go (!= OTG; no pun intended)...
4. ... and for those people: shouting at Nokia until you're blue in the face will do you no good. It is the USB guys you have to be shouting at. However, ...
5. ... if your use case is as silly as wanting to connect a DVD/CD drive because you do not want to rip movies/songs, then you need to take a deep breath, count to 10 and decide to grow up. Just my opinion, of course.

Shouting at the 'USB people' simply isn't a sincere or credible option. Regular joes aren't part of the engineering scene. The only interface the public realistically has is with the actual consumer-goods producers - the Nokias of this world.

It is up to Nokia et al to sort this out. Raising hell is the best way to bring our demands to their attention....we are their raison d'etre.