406 Not Acceptable

The N900 received an update from v2.2009.51.1 to V3.2010.02-08 on the 16th of this month; however, thi update is still not available to owners in the UK. The firmware update is not available via the N900’s application manager nor via Nokia Software Updater.

The N900 software page on Maemo.org only shows PR1.1.1 for the US, the middle east, and ‘global’. The site only offers PR1.1 for UK devices.

Previously, Nokia could hide behind the network operators who like to fill devices with bloatware; which meant the firmware needed extra testing. Often it was down to the operator to release the update, so Nokia were not to blame. However, the N900 was sold without network branding and typically direct from Nokia. So why has this update taken so long to reach the UK? And why is their a Vodaphone only variant for some users?

After waiting for what seemed like an eternaty, I recieved by Nokia N900 in the post on tuesday. I was using a G1 beforehand, and the N900 does a good job of killing my interest in Android!

First, let me start with something that has been worrying many people eyeing the N900: the size. From previews, the size and weight were frowned apon. To be honest, neither is an issue. The N900 is pretty much the same size as the G1. In fact I use my G1’s carry case for my N900! Whilst a collegue noticed the weight of the device when looking at it, I don’t really notice any difference in comarison to my G1.

Next up is the touchscreen, it’s resistive, but a very good one. I would say the N900 sets the benchmark for all other resistive screens to be measured against. Coming from a G1 I did notice you either have to push a little more or tilt your finger to use the tip or the edge — rather than the pad. Once you have the technique down it becomes second nature and is just as good as a capactive screen. To be honest, i used the same technique when trying to select small links on my G1. The resistive screen demonstrates superior prescision and is far better at dealing with small links/menus. Another, although rarely used in my case, benefit is the stylus; which helps when using debian applications.

I don’t think the keyboard is an improvement on the G1’s. The keys feel too close and the lack of rows does slow me down; although, the predictive text implementation is outstanding.

Maemo itself, feels much more like a real linux distro than android ever did. That’s probably because it is one! Already real linux applications are being ported, many of which will never see light on Android unless there are substantial changes to the platform.

This post is already getting wordy! I’ll post some more impressions later.