I am a fanboy

The pathetic side to this is what am a fanboy of, Nokia phones. Sansa Media Players and Linux....

So I went out and got a Nokia N900. If you want a real review, check Ira Abramov or Ram On Agmon. Here are a few of my takes:

• As an ex Psion and E61 user, I am used and like hardware keyboards, and the N900 has an excellent one. The software keyboard took me some getting used to.
• As an ex Palm user, I am happy with a resistive screen and the option for a stylus
• This is essentially and primarily a MID, and not a phone, so a few feature are noticeable:
  • Many functions and applications are available only in landscape mode.
  • No dedicated phone keys and access to the phone functions might require a few key presses
  • The arrangement of the earphone and mini usb locations see strange.
• As this device is not imported to Israel via the official channels (Eurocom), there are no OVI maps or turn-by-turn navigation. (UPDATE: Mappero seems a nice alternative)
• Aside from the OVI store, the Meamo repositories hold an extensive collection of applications.
• E-Series users will find battery life disappointing.

I Don't think this is what Nokia is planning for the future. The N8 seems to be more of their view of the future for their smartphones. I do think this a very useful and powerful device for the technical user who does not want to be tied down to the Apple, Android, RIM or OVI ecosystems. While I can see why Israel cellular companies were reluctant to introduce this phone to the mass market, I think Eurocom and Nokia were wrong not to import this device SIM free.

Some words or advice:

• Before anything else, update to the latest software (currently 1.2)
• Learn your power usage patterns (I get 8-10 hours of usage, but I also use bluetooth and music a lot)
• Check forums for bluetooth compatibility.
• Make sure you secure it. There is no remote bricking, and you will carry a lot of data on it.

Last but not least: Don't spend your day on an ssh console from it to your 19" or 21" desktop giggling to yourself, that's just so wrong....