After seeing some prototype artwork at Gizmodo, I thought the same concept could be easily applied to the N900.

The idea is extremely simple, but extremely powerful. The unit has standardized holes/clips/slots that external add-on hardware could be attached to. These attachments would have their own power supplies (if necessary), and would interface directly with the device (via downloadable applications) to extend the functions of the tablet and add personal customization.

Here are some suggestions for add-ons:
1) HQ point-and-shoot/video camera complete w/ flash and tri-pod mount-ability
2) external wireless network adapter for various wireless networks
3) video-out attachment (vga, dvi, component) for external screen viewing
4) extended life battery pack (2 to 3 times longer life)
5) memory expansion add-on with 4 full-size SD and full-size usb port (usb flash)
6) bar code reader (for warehouses, organization freaks)
7) game-pad controller w/ programmable buttons
8) infrared "remote" attachment w/ laser pointer (good for presentations)
9) 2x N900 attachment connecting two units nintendo-DS style (1337? )
10) robotics connector for automated/remote controlled home-brew bots
11) docking-bay attachment, for full-sized keyboard/screen/mouse functionality
12) greatly simplified external car/wall/desk mounts that use the new connectors
13) FM transmitter for wireless in-car listening
14) hard case attachment, that folds over to conceal and protect the device (ships with the unit)
15) storage attachment, for small physical items
16) inductive charging attachment for induction charging mats

I would totally rock the camera on my N900. I'd probably keep the gamepad close by as well...

Of these, which types of add-ons would you use? What would you like to see that hasn't been listed?


}:^)~
YARR!

Capt'n Corrupt

Check this out:






How about this for the next I.Tablet ? Or perhaps similar design but without buttons (or as much as N810) on the face, make screen-part slimmer ( N95) and thicker at the keyboard-part.

Here are some more ideas for N900 add-on devices.

1) Computer 'book' cover. A leather bound holder the size of a large novel, that can mount an N810, external keyboard (like a mini laptop), and have storage for headphones, bluetooth headset, etc.
2) Wireless powercast battery attachment for effortless automatic in-home/in-car/in-cafe/in-office/ etc charging.
3) GSM/3G attachment for accessing cellular networks
4) 'survival' attachment, with solar panel, water-proof case, and light, etc, for off-road adventure.
5) scanner attachment, for scanning papers. The software would automatically stitch the resultant images together.
6) Walky-Talky attachment, for direct radio communication.


I hope Nokia is listening! It would *only* require cleverly positioned clips/slots/holes on the N900 to make this possible!


}:^)~
YARR!

Capt'n Corrupt

With an inspiration from Deeda.com, I'd like to see an external device comparable to their UWI.

1) wirelessly pairs with the NIT

2) has connectors for external display in many different formats:

* RCA RGB
* RCA composite
* RCA stereo audio
* DVI (with DVI-A)
* HDMI
* Digital Audio

3) include logic for display to NTSC, HD, and possibly PAL/SECAM (or maybe it needs to have a US version and a European version).

4) possibly a low power FM stereo output

(I think Deeda also mentions a car device which takes audio from the Deeda and just does the FM stereo output, so you can listen on your car radio; so add that as a second device suggestion -- one device for home-theatre/desktop display&audio, and one device for car audio)

Then you can use any TV or monitor (or stereo) as an output for your NIT either as a workstation or as a media player.

(this isn't exactly what I want to see on the N900, as it ends up describing more of a companion product, just like my last post did)

Rather than an attachment, I'd like to see something I can leave in my wallet/pocket/backpack/bookbag/briefcase. Something the size of a small cell phone; has its own internal battery with a decent life; a microUSB client port for configuration, wired tethering, and charging; microSD card for storing and transferring config files and wifi keys, and comes in 3 flavors:

a) GSM and GPRS/EDGE/HSDPA/HSUPA/HSOPA/LTE

b) CDMA and 1xRTT/EVDO rev 0/A/B

c) WiMAX/WiBRO


It should support as many of the following local network connection options to the NIT as possible:

1) Bluetooth DUN*
2) Bluetooth PAN**
3) act as a Wifi Access Point with decent security/privacy options
4) SIP server for utilizing any GSM or CDMA voice service that the device has (and can be disabled if the device is being used with a data only plan, or the user just doesn't want to accidentally use voice minutes)

(* unlike my Nokia 2865i, I shouldn't have to always re-approve the bluetooth session: once I've paired them, the device should always accept the NIT, so that I can literally leave the device in my pocket without having to always click "accept" when starting a data session)

(** which the NIT REALLY ought to support, if not in a software upgrade for the N800/N810, then definitely in whatever device comes next)

This accessory could also be sold to non-NIT customers (other PDAs, wifi enabled PMPs, laptops, etc.), and pre-N900 NIT customers.

Call it the Nokia Personal Wireless Gateway (PWG) or Personal Wireless Router (PWR).

I would NOT put in any other bluetooth support (except maybe FTP for handling config files) -- it shouldn't directly connect to bluetooth headsets/handsets ... that should be left to a SIP client on the NIT (or other client device). I also wouldn't put any kind of physical UI on it. You configure/manage it via USB, SD card, and/or HTTPS (once networked to it), and you otherwise never touch it directly ... except to plug it in for charging, maybe.

The only user interface button type stuff I'd put on the device are: status lights for power/charging/low-battery, WWAN connection, USB connection, client connection or data-xmit, and a power button.

When I said "small cell phone", it MUST be no bigger than a cradlepoint mobile router. But, I'd hope for a more candybar shape than the cradepoint (for pocket convenience :-) ).

Last, make sure the GSM version is supported by T-Mobile USA ... and try to convince MetroPCS to support the CDMA version :-)

Great post! And thanks for the Deeda reference. This is precisely what I'm talking about regarding a mountable physical devices, although the form and the mounts can be different (they should be very, very sturdy). Best yet, there are visualizations on the site that lets one see what some of these devices might look like (gamepad/ keyboards).

For those that don't know, check it out here: http://www.deeda.com/deeda-devices.html

The mountable paradigm is so strong because it gives users choice, but doesn't force things on them.

I remember looking at the Deeda Pi with longing eyes before. I'll keep my eye on this device and it's progress. Certainly, its form factor, vision, and openness, make it (IMO) the strongest N-Series Internet Tablet competitor I've seen so far. Hopefully it's not vaporware.

I think the idea of video out can play a much more important role in the future. Right now, the N810, though capable, is stunted by a relatively slow processor and memory. This will inevitably change as hardware becomes more sophisticated. At a certain point, one should be able to literally use the N900 in the place of a portable computer (without being constrained to a tiny screen) if it can use a comfortable keyboard, a mouse or other pointing device, and a larger screen (with a higher resolution). This can only happen, however, if there is some type of built in video-out (NAY!), or external dock (YAY!).

I also appreciate your vision for interfaceless-wireless-networking device. It's a great idea and would be a good accessory for the current line of tablets, and future tablets, by giving the user choice of which network they can have access to. This is especially useful due to the growing number of wireless 'standards' out there. Eventually, one or two will become dominant, but that shouldn't prevent NIT users from getting on them now!

Personally, I would still like a mountable variant of such a device. This is just personal taste, but I like the idea of having everything in one convenient package high-speed, low power package.

Both versions of the 'network companion' (mountable and wireless) would easily cover most users preferences, without forcing them in a particular direction.


}:^)~
YARR!

Capt'n Corrupt

Hmmm... reminds me of the iPhone and iPod Touch.

Do I smell Laws.... oh, nevermind.

Regards,

Omega

Heh heh heh.

It's quite sad that the iPhone can be pawned off as a revolutionary invention. Apple was not the first to release phones and certainly not the first to release phones with touch screens, but somewhere down the line, the population got brainwashed into thinking that the iPhone is a revolutionary device.

It's stylish, has a slick interface, has multi-touch, is popular, and is arguably a very good device. A revolutionary invention, however, it is not.

By the same token, I wouldn't consider the N810 a revolutionary invention either. It quite predictably evolved from other mobiles that have come before it. It just happens to do what it does (IMO) better than all the rest.

Of course, design-patent infringement is another story....


}:^)~
YARR!

Capt'n Corrupt

Aye Aye Capt'n... I was referring to the Deeda thingie, not the IT's.

...but, point taken.

Omega

Oh, I know! Forgive my lack of clarity, as it was a general rant and not directed at you directly. My post should have prefaced it with "As an aside" or something similar, to indicate the superlative degree of it's generalness.

Fair travels, sir!


}:^)~
YARR!

Capt'n Corrupt