people have discussed docking stations for the N800 (someone here posted pics of their home brew one which I thought pretty impressive).

I was wondering whether it'd be possible to make a clamshell using an N800 and a nano keyboard. (http://www2.multithread.co.uk/mtcsho...-_USB_main.jpg)

Take the back off both devices, and make a hinged backplate to which the N and the KB are attached, something like this:
http://www.internettablettalk.com/fo...1&d=1182894145

the backplate would of course need to have some sculpting on it to get a good fit for both items. there would be space by the hinge to allow for usb cable, possibly even a tiny USB hub. there would have to be some sort of spacer ring round the N800 so that when the case was closed the keyboard wouldn't touch the screen.

of course, you could leave the backs on the devices but that would make them quite bulky and add weight; I suppose a halfway house would be to only mutilate the keyboard and leave the N800 stuck or strapped on?

if it were done professionally and a kit sold which was basically keyboard plus hinge thing, and all you did was attach your N800, would anyone buy it?

Given how many people come here whining about keyboards, I should think there is a humongous market for it.

Personally: Nèh... It would make it too bulky and/or quite unfit for the three main tasks I use it for: ebookreading, movie watching and music listening.

Of course, if we had a proper word processor and database manager, a built-in keyboard would make a whole lot more sense, wouldn't it?

Nokia does have a clamshell n800. It's called a communicator, or now they call it the E90. I use to have a communicator, it was a lot easier using the keyboard, but the screen was too short, it was wide...but short. Now a slider would be nice, and probably room for more screen.

if they did a linux version of the E90, then I think a lot of linux fans would be happy.

Naa, I want a phone that works. Not one who's apps are almost at an alpha stage, with only one developer that may or may not release an update.

n800 + real keyboard = lots of options as far as applications.

I have a Nano keyboard, and have tried various MacGyver-esque permutations : inside a modified ring binder, inside a modified CD sleeve case, and whatnot. As Karel pointed out, none of those semi-permanent arrangements worked out, because they were too bulky and too laptop-like, not mobile tablets anymore. And not fluid enough to swap in and out of, because of cables and batteries etc.

Actually I do know what would be the ideal solution (for me). There just isn't anyone to build it anymore.

What I would like is the keyboard part of a Psion 5mx (the 1997 mother of all clamshells, still unequaled, just like the Newton in its class), with just an AAA cell and a BT interface. The screen would be replaced by a hollow cover, that would act as a snug holder for the tablet when open - but keeping, of course, the bit of genius of the (patented) slider hinge.

In short, something like the current BT keyboards, only done right. Past Psion5 users will know what I mean :-)

Nokia already has the Symbian (ex-EPOC32) license ; maybe they could license that keyboard design too...

persoanlly , my dream would be a new device from nokia , that.....

1. looks almost exactly like the n800 except for having 4 buttons on right hand side for game or anything else assigned

2. make it just a tad thicker and have a sliding keyboard

ex 5mx user here, and I was just thinking what a great idea it would be to have some kind of clamshell idea with keyboard... plus, imagine a 5mx running maemo...

hmm, take a 5MX, rip out the inner, rewire the keyboard using the electronics from a usb keyboard, built in the electronics of an N800, and you end up with, well, a Frankenstein monster of a machine!!!