Review: Nokia N800 Internet Tablet – Part 2
Posted by Jon Lee in Linux, Reviews, tags: eBooks, GPS, internet tablet, maemo, nokia n800, portable, review, tablet
In the first part of the review, I discussed the general functionality of the Internet Tablet. Where the N800 really shines is its large and dedicated community that contributes third party software.
Nokia is often praised for making their device completely open source (often contrasted with the Apple iPhone). Since the Maemo operating system is based off of GNU/Debian Linux, it is rather simple to develop applications for. And many people have done just that, bringing tons of different software to the device.
In this second part of the review I will talk about some of software I have chosen to install. Keeping in mind that the Python runtime can be installed, it is very easy to develop programs for the N800. In fact, many of the applications described below are developed in Python (hence the “py” name).
FBReader
FBReader is a multi-platform eBook reader that has support for many formats including HTML, CHM, RTF, OpenReader, and plain text. Its pretty straight forward and works without a hitch. It does not support finger scrolling though so that’s kind of annoying but isn’t a deal breaker by any means. Support for both horizontal and vertical viewing is nifty but holding the device vertically feels awkward. Coupled with the default built-in PDF reader, you can turn the N800 into your own portable library.
Pidgin
Pidgin on Maemo is a port of the popular multi-platform IM program that supports all popular chat protocols including MSN, AIM, Yahoo!, ICQ, GTalk and Jabber to name a few. (Formerly known as GAIM).
Skype
I’m sure everyone knows what Skype is but with support on the N800, you can now make both voice and video calls (with the built in VGA camera) anywhere you have a Wi-fi connection!
Canola 2
Canola is an all-around media player for pictures, music and videos developed specifically for the Nokia Internet Tablet series. Because of this, the interface is entirely streamlined for finger use. The GUI is very nice and Apple-y for lack of a better term, definitely worth a download to turn your. Media streaming is also supported and coupled with the free TVersity, you can stream music and videos directly from your computer!
Other Media Players
mplayer – A very plain but very speedy media player that can play almost every format available. Other media players may need this installed to function properly.
UKMP – A nice interface with “Coverflow-like” browsing.
Media streamer – An alternative to Canola to view streamed media from an UPnP media server (i.e. your PC via TVersity).
Maemo Mapper
The default GPS mapping program appropriately named Map is nice but not does not provide driving directions. Maemo mapper is a free alternative that pulls its map data from online sources (i.e. Google Maps) and supports GPS driving directions. You can opt to save the data to your memory card so you can access map data on the road as well.
Games Games Games
There are many games available for the N800. Some of my favorite include:
- Bomberman
- Doom
- Bejeweled
- Civilization
In the next part of the review, I will be discussing using the N800 Internet Tablet as a portable web development platform!
Click here to read part 3 of the review covering web development on the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet!
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wow. looks awesome. Do you actually use it much though?
I too wonder. I use a mobile phone to make and receive phone calls, sms messages and as an alarm clock, or reminder service. Now I occasionally use it as a camera too. Anything else seems to be so needless.
I carry it around with me in my coat pocket everywhere. Whenever I get a spare moment I bust it out to check e-mail. I also use it to read and watch videos in bed or in transit. So yes, I would say I use it quite a bit
I can see myself using an internet tablet for checking emails or doing some casual surfing but I doubt that any actual work (aside from answering emails) can be done in a productive manner. When you’re on the road and don’t have your laptop nearby this one can indeed be an option for checking your email if you are expecting important news.
Alan Johnson
and it even has a skype function. now i really want this phone. I was planning on buying samsung the ultra i600 but now i changed my mind because of your looooooong detailed review.
btw, did u notice your pr? it is now pr4
http://digpagerank.com/index.php?url=www.jonlee.ca&dc=18
I love my N800 and wouldn’t trade it for anything else
Haha, again, it’s not a phone! Just a PDA/PMP/Internet Tablet.
And yeah, I noticed my PR dropped to 4. Oh well!
I like Nokia too. Nice review and thanks for the information.
Wow Nokia N800. Recent features are attractive such as pidgin, skype. canola 2 also having the compatible option of other players. I will buy it. Thanks for the article.
I’m sure this post will create buzz for your blog.it’s a nice phone.i think i should buy this phone .
Jon’s has done an excellent job with his review. If anyone would like to see a screencast demo of the Nokia N800, follow the link to my blog. I purchased a Nokia this Christmas and just created an online demo with plenty of screenshots of the applications.
from your post nokia n800 make me crazy,because as you say it’s have so many function that made my worke easy.i can purchase as soon as possible.thenk you.
You made me want a Nokia N800 so bad. I guess that means you gave out a good review..
Looks like an awesome phone. Your review makes it easy for potential buyers to really see how it works.
Thank you for your review! It helped me a lot making my decision. I was not sure in the beginning, but the more I read your review, it was more easy for me.
Thank you a lot!
Skype for the N800/N810 does not support video. Skype saids so, I tested and say so too! Gizmo now that’s another ballgame…
Your review is going great !!
It’s nice to connect to internet when I’m mobile. But am not comfort enough to this n800 display. still prefer my 14inch notebook display..
With the cost of the N800 dropping, I think now is a better time than any to pick one up. I think its much more handy (and convenient) than a EEE pc (or micro PC), and now more cost effective.
what a review, very good job man, N800 indeed a cool gadget. Sadly it didn’t support video for Skype. but what the hell, the rest is awesome
is there any product similar to N800?
Oou, thanks for this review, I just was going to buy Nokia N800
There’s a lot of great open source software out there, but will there ever be a time where Microsoft has equal competitors? Because it seems as though many people are quite comfortable with Windows, as much as they pay for things that they’re not supposed to and it crashing so much. I know I went a bit off the above topic, but with you mentioning the Maemo software brought this question into mind. Maybe you could post an article on great Windows competitors out there that you’d recommend. Thanx for the post.
Just received my first Nokia and I love it. Great review and thanks for showing us some great features.