After using a variety of small internet communication/computing devices, (n800, n810, netbook-eee PC on Xandros, Ubuntu and now XP, plus and Ipod Touch), I've come to some conclusions that might be worth sharing. 1. None of these devices is a truly one size fits all solution for small computing/communication needs. They've all got strengths and weaknesses. 2. For 'serious' portable use, an XP netbook is great. Good browsing, media player, typing, etc. It's limits are with casual use -- you can't carry it in your pocket and you've got to be sitting up in bed to use it. 3. There is a definite market niche for a n810/Ipod touch like item. The open source of the n8xx series is generally very good. However, for much of the Maemo 'freeware' that one can get, there's usually an equal or better inexpensive Ipod Apple App. There's some Ipod ap's that you can't get on the n8xx. 4. If I were designing the next generation of internet tablet devices, I'd attempt to create a 'standard' plug and play interface for the interior hardware. In other words, when a faster chip/board comes out, perhaps with new features (like cell phone chip, or motion sensor), users could just pop the old hardware out, plug the upgrade in, boot up, install some new drivers and move on with the rest of my device intact. Then one would offer this open standard for anyone to make plug and play tablet hardware for. The reality to all of these devices is it's the software and user interface that makes them work, or not work. The current limitations are primarily hardware oriented. It takes a lot of investment to develop new units of both hardware and software. Hence the suggestion to share the load by adopting some common standards which might speed up development of the entire genre. Just a few thoughts... _______________________________________________ maemo-users mailing list maemo-users@xxxxxxxxx https://lists.maemo.org/mailman/listinfo/maemo-users
