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Exploring the technical details of Nokia's N810 Linux-based OS

arstechnica.com — An overview of the underlying technologies in the Linux-based Maemo 4.0 operating system used on Nokia's upcoming N810 Internet Tablet device.

Who dugg this? Made popular Oct 23, 2007

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  • inactive, on 10/24/2007, -9/+18Thank god you're here to tell us about that.
  • TheZorch, on 10/27/2007, -0/+9The "monolithic" kernel used in Linux is best for embedded devices since they tend to be smaller than the hybrid, multi layered kernels of Microsoft's mobile operating system, thus the devices is able to use more memory for apps and uses up less CPU resources. That's why embedded Linux is becoming very popular these days.
  • swoopdog, on 10/27/2007, -0/+5well I got my N770 about 2 months ago and it only cost me 130.00

    thanks to everyone who buy new products I love the reduced price options on items that no one buys..
  • swaxhog, on 10/27/2007, -0/+4I got my N800 about 2 months ago. Pretty cool device with a great wireless connection. The sliding keyboard is enticing but I use it mostly with the stylus so I think I can get by without 'upgrading'. I would assume that OS2008 will be available on the N800 as well so all the improved tools like the Flash player will work.
  • bowe, on 10/26/2007, -0/+4yes still available, and there are also other keyboards that can be downloaded mimicking the iphone with predictive input.
  • ldog, on 10/27/2007, -0/+3I wouldn't really call youtube an ajax based site. The only thing ajax about it is the paging of comments, which are typically garbage anyway.
  • njhardc0re, on 10/27/2007, -3/+6The only advantage of the new model is that it has the keyboard built in, as well as GPS. I own the N800 and bought a bluetoof keyboard which works fine and already have a GPS! The great part about Nokia is that they will release the new OS for the N800 too!
  • ilovenicotine, on 10/25/2007, -0/+3These things are still too big to carry around in your pocket all the time. But my phone's screen is still a little too small for web browsing. It's something I take with me here and there. The n810 is a great improvement on my n770. The iPhone doesn't have a keyboard, GPS, 3G, play flash, wmv, avi, mpg's nor is it open. I have to pay $1 more to make a song shorter?!?! The n810 thing is great for trains, buses, meetings, waiting, boredom and I can do whatever I please with it. It's free.
  • Hindu_Wardrobe, on 10/27/2007, -0/+3Let me know if this is a "duh" question, but does anyone know if the touch-keyboard is still available on this thing? I don't see why it wouldn't, but I'm curious.
  • inactive, on 10/24/2007, -1/+4The fact that Nokia still uses proprietary modules is a major negative for me. I like to be able to update the device myself, even after Nokia decides to drop support (which they seem to do after about 2 years). This seems to have limited developer support for the platform. I trialled the N800 for a month, but the limited number of software packages was a problem.

    I'm still using a Sharp Zaurus since 2001 for that reason. The only module that was proprietary was the SD slot, and that's been reverse engineered. Sharp dropped support for this unit (SL-5500) long ago, but I can keep it current.

    I want to switch to a newer Linux-based platform, but I'm not willing to lose the freedom to use the device as I see fit. Nokia has a disconnect with Linux users in this area - they still have the "we know what's best for you" attitude. If they open the code, I'll buy the device. Maybe the OpenMoko will turn into the better choice (if they add a keyboard).
  • GeneralAntilles, on 10/26/2007, -0/+3It is.
  • josefresco, on 10/23/2007, -0/+2video demo here: http://www.josiahcole.com/2007/10/23/video-demo-of ...
  • ldog, on 10/24/2007, -0/+2As well as a Java VM that can take advantage of the Jazelle extensions that have been lying dormant in the ARM CPU even since the 770. If Nokia is going to pick those vendors for their products, they should be able to take full advantage of the hardware.
  • blackax, on 10/23/2007, -0/+2But if you have a bluetooth handset then you can make and receive call form the n810, oh and you can also send sms and mms (text messages) from it as well
  • LittleDas, on 10/24/2007, -0/+2if only they could get driver support for the GPU...
    *sigh*
  • chad78, on 10/27/2007, -0/+2The N810 also has a faster processor, (or I've read that it may be the same processor, just overclocked), and it's smaller. To fit a keyboard and GPS in a smaller package (with the same size screen) is pretty impressive.
  • Jpeg2600, on 10/24/2007, -0/+2I like the new keyboard, that's what i was waiting for to buy one of those

    I can now spend a ***** of money in happiness.
  • bowe, on 10/23/2007, -0/+1This thing is awesome and I'm planning on getting one as soon as they add Wimax or Cellular support and I add a pocketful of cash. Looking at some of the apps available really got me interested. GPS Maps + Carman + Canola or UKMP will make for an awesome in car setup. Also the UPNP streaming is great, especially since I use netflix downloads. I can just use the N810 as a remote, select movies and then stream to the TV.
  • qole, on 10/27/2007, -0/+1The N810 is an N800 with a keyboard and GPS. The N800 is actually better in some ways... two SD slots instead of one, a camera that can rotate... And right now, the N800 is selling for less than $250 in a lot of online stores.
  • qole, on 10/24/2007, -0/+1same processor, clocked slightly faster (400 vs 330 mhz).
  • bruce89, on 10/27/2007, -0/+1No routing unless you pay for it.

    There's always OpenStreetMap of course.
  • ldog, on 10/24/2007, -0/+1Cut them some slack, they seem to be replacing proprietary bits when they can. IT OS 2006 & 2007 had opera, whereas 2008 seems to include a firefox derivative. If they didn't include proprietary codecs for media other people would complain about that. And they dropped the 770's rs-mmc in favor of SD and now mini-SD.
  • ilovenicotine, on 10/24/2007, -1/+2'Cause we all know how fast the iPhone is with it's EDGE network and all the sweet things it does like GPS, and "has a keyboard". But it tilts when you tilt it! Wow!
    It's cheaper than a tablet and a handset because it does less than a tablet and a handset. Common sense.
  • bruce89, on 10/27/2007, -0/+1It would be better if they used WebKit instead of Gecko, then it might run reasonably well.
  • mixplate, on 10/26/2007, -0/+1its still slow for 479 bucks. for that price range, i expect to see clean and quick rendering of ajax based sites like google maps, docs, and youtube. videos of youtube and google map rendering can be found on thoughtfix blog.
  • jsight, on 10/26/2007, -1/+2I'm sure he meant the maps. I haven't seen much detail on how good the mapping is either. It would be nice to know how much updates will cost, and how good the routing software is (voice prompting?).
  • JQP123, on 10/27/2007, -2/+3If you need a subscription, you're being ripped off; GPS signals are freely available to all users.
  • directrix13, on 10/23/2007, -0/+0(which they won't)
  • schestowitz, on 10/27/2007, -15/+15This article does not appear to mention the platform's roots in good solid Debian.
  • ldog, on 10/27/2007, -1/+1I wouldn't really call youtube an ajax based site. The only thing ajax about it is the paging of comments, which are typically garbage anyway.
  • JQP123, on 10/24/2007, -1/+1"...all the sweet things it does like GPS"

    GPS or voice --- if they had to choose, which do you think most people would prefer? For a hint, look at iPhone sales and compare to this device once it becomes available.
  • directrix13, on 10/26/2007, -3/+2Man and I just got an N800 :-P.
  • fluoro, on 10/27/2007, -3/+1Do you have to have any sort of subscription service for the GPS to work, or does it "just work" out of the box?
  • ilovenicotine, on 10/27/2007, -3/+1yeah, a $500 remote that has no remote software, good plan.
  • JQP123, on 10/24/2007, -3/+1"But if you have a bluetooth handset..."

    But if you have an iPhone you can make and receive calls, send sms and do most of what the N810 does AND you can do it for less $ than N810 + handset AND you only have to carry one device, not two. Sorry, I generally like Nokia but in the current market, $479 for this sort of limited device is a no-go.
  • JQP123, on 10/24/2007, -9/+4Ping Nokia! Convergence, one device --- this is where the market is. See "iPhone" for example. Sorry but $479 for a device that can't even make a phone call is a no-go for me and I suspect the same applies to the vast majority of consumers as well.

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