Nokia N900

Hi, everyone. New to this site.
I had a question I'd like to throw out. Would anybody consider the Nokia N900 a good choice? And explain why?

My background: I've been with t-mobile over 4 years, mostly using a BlackBerry, 7105 first, then to a Pearl 8100, (had bad time with those, 4 bad ones in a row), throw in a T-Mobile Dash for 1 day, and a basic flip phone for  9 months to keep cell costs down, an upgrade to get a BlackBerry again, a 8320 Curve, then finally to 8900.

Don't get me wrong, I'm happy with BlackBerry, mostly. Like others, I think the browser could be much better. I'm entering a phase now where I may want a touchscreen; Tmo doesn't offer the Storm. Also, I'd like to get more involved in personalizing my phone beyond ringtones, wallpaper, etc. (but not so far as, say, actually programming, though) I would like to consider other devices like the N900 or a Nexus One. The N900, for example, will hook up to 3G on Tmo USA.

So, feel free to give suggestions on a new or newer device model. Anyone have a N900 or Nexus One, let me know your take on it, good, bad, or otherwise.
Thanks

Tmousa will likely NOT sell those phones directly.. A phone that will be sold thru Tmousa that is really nice is the HTC HD2.. another one that is rumored is the HTC Touch Diamond 3.. check my thread out for more phones that are releasing in 2010 --> http://forums.tmonews.com/index.php?topic=12695.0
that should help u out with your decision

Ok, thanks. I will follow up on the HD2, which I just read will be added to T-Mo in March or so. Right now, I can afford to keep options open. So, I'll get all the info I can on several good choices, then make the switch. Given that it's soon to be tax refund time, I may be able to get the HD2 or even an unlocked device. Time will tell. 

Ok, thanks. I will follow up on the HD2, which I just read will be added to T-Mo in March or so. Right now, I can afford to keep options open. So, I'll get all the info I can on several good choices, then make the switch. Given that it's soon to be tax refund time, I may be able to get the HD2 or even an unlocked device. Time will tell.  

n/p.. and make sure that unlocked device is AWS capable (1700/2100 MHz for Tmousa 3G)

I have a N900 and it's a fantastic phone, completely open source with no limitations.
I also had the Touch Pro2 also a fantastic device and probably the best physical keyboard ever put on a
phone.

I just wanted to add most unlocked phones sold right now do not support (1700/2100 MHz for Tmousa 3G)

Loud and clear copy on making certain of correct operating bands.
That's one reason the N900 kinda stood out, 3G capable on T-Mo. For now, I will wait till I read feedback like this on the N900 AND later, on these new HTC's that are supposed to come to T-Mo. Will the HTC HD2 and the Diamond3, run on the faster, upgraded 3G T-Mo is to bringing out?  And how can we find out?

Loud and clear copy on making certain of correct operating bands.
That's one reason the N900 kinda stood out, 3G capable on T-Mo. For now, I will wait till I read feedback like this on the N900 AND later, on these new HTC's that are supposed to come to T-Mo. Will the HTC HD2 and the Diamond3, run on the faster, upgraded 3G T-Mo is to bringing out?  And how can we find out?

u can find out LOTS of info on phone specs on http://gsmarena.com

Copy and thanks. This is what I wanted, a forum that nets fast results.  Already, I like what I'm reading about the upcoming HTC HD2. Hopefully, with windows mobile 7 in T-Mo version. That's the thing, we either have too few choices or it switches to having too many. (if that exists) 

I've had  aN900 for a couple of months now.  Replaced my well-worn G1.  It is, simply put, the most impressive piece of technology I've ever owned.  Has a very comprehensive hardware feature set and Maemo is the most powerful mobile OS on the planet.  Maemo is very good already and the potential of Maemo is practically unlimited. 

I use the N900 heavily as a phone, for tracking several email accounts, accessing company webportals, remote desktop access, general surfing and foolin' around, etc etc.  It's almost totally replaced my G1 and laptop.  The multitasking and webrowsers are particularly impressive.  Choose either the standard MicroB browser or install Firefox and some favorite extensions - either one is unbeatable.  VOIP phone calling like Skype is fully integrated, much better than any other phone.  Nice camera.  Great screen, amazing video capability.  I could go on and on.  And root access is easily enabled - no jailbreaking required. 

That said, it's definitely not for everyone.  It doesn't include every imaginable feature yet.  There's not a lot of games available.  If corporate email is a must, nothing works better than a Blackberry, that's their specialty.  If you want thousands of worthless apps, get an iPhone.  If you want complete integration with Google services, get something Android.

Do some research before deciding.  I made sure the N900 would meet my needs before ordering.  It does, and I wouldn't trade it for anything, no regrets at all.  I'm so glad to get away from Android, and WinMo, well...it's friggin' WinMo, 'nuff said.  An iPhone would be like catching a disease.  But if you want the first true pocket computer with a real desktop-type OS that happens to make phone calls, not just a smartphone with a mobile phone OS that does some computer stuff, there is nothing quite like the N900.

Great stuff. Thanks. I think what I'll do now is wait till new HTC devices hit T-Mobile, just to have HD2 and Diamond3 as options. not sure if I'd like WinMo, although the rumor is they may have wm7.

So, I'll keep my eyes and ears open for info on the ones that (so far) have stayed on my wish list. These are the N900, the HD2 and the Nexus One. I've had BlackBerrys off and on for the whole time I've been on tmo. Don't get me wrong, I like their devices, but I'd like to move on to better and stronger performance in my internet experience. Add in more flexibility in adding apps, etc.

The N900 gets points for the strong internet ability. The Nexus one for the strong Google connection, I use several Google apps now on the desktop and BlackBerry. The HD2 (all 3 have the big touch screen) has very good specs too. T-Mo subsidy comes to mind, better device for less dollar doesn't hurt, but it's not the only deciding factor. I must choose for the same reasons I chose the different BB devices. An upgrade overall in performance, etc. Now, throw in 3 seperate OS styles, designs and strengths in differing areas. I will research for a little while, then when I decide, I will make sure I won't reget what I buy.  

As others have stated, the N900 is not for everyone, and in many instances should be considered a Beta product. I could go on, but it would be more of the same, HD2 is likely your best choice if you want a smooth transition. N900 is the choice if you don't mind a mild learning curve.

Good info. Thanks. Any and all info I gather is greatly appreciated. I will make sure that I have no regrets, or should I say, as few as possible, on whatever I choose.  And, yes, HD2 does seem maybe the better choice over N900 for me. If Win Mo 7 is that much better...Well, we'll see how it goes. Later, all, for now. 

I got the phone 2 week ago and loved but but I letted it go and sold it mainly because the size is a little hard to get used  and there is also the concern with the weak usb port and heard many story of people pulling the whole port out when removign the cable and Nokia refuse to fix some of them. 

It feel like N900 is really a excellent phone but it is beta quality hardware design. 

I got the phone 2 week ago and loved but but I letted it go and sold it mainly because the size is a little hard to get used  and there is also the concern with the weak usb port and heard many story of people pulling the whole port out when removign the cable and Nokia refuse to fix some of them. 

It feel like N900 is really a excellent phone but it is beta quality hardware design. 

Thanks for your input. I'll keep ears open to fixes on usb port, hopefully Nokia will address any past and present weaknesses in this area. IMO, I don't think the physically larger size will be a negative for me. I'm actually looking for something larger than my BB 8900. It seems too small in my hand. 

N900 is definitely a good choice if you like browsing the web on the go, and like tinkering with apps/the os. As strictly a phone, it is pretty lacking, theres a few unnecessary steps involved in placing a phone call (IMO due to the lack of hardware buttons for call/end). Out the box there is no MMS, so you have to tinker with it to get it running, which I have.

As far as the microUSB port, I haven't had any issues yet. I've had mine since December, took to on vacation to Mexico and back with no issues. Also people have a habit of tripping on the charger cord while it is plugged in, causes my phone to drop and/or having the usb plug to be violently pulled out. So far I've had no issues. Hope this helps.

Nothing as good as Nokia N900. Though I don't have it,my friends who have it tell about the comparative edge it has and what's more,it is Nokia. So no worries with this one.

N900 is definitely a good choice if you like browsing the web on the go, and like tinkering with apps/the os. As strictly a phone, it is pretty lacking, theres a few unnecessary steps involved in placing a phone call (IMO due to the lack of hardware buttons for call/end). Out the box there is no MMS, so you have to tinker with it to get it running, which I have.

As far as the microUSB port, I haven't had any issues yet. I've had mine since December, took to on vacation to Mexico and back with no issues. Also people have a habit of tripping on the charger cord while it is plugged in, causes my phone to drop and/or having the usb plug to be violently pulled out. So far I've had no issues. Hope this helps.

Actually, your description is what I'm looking for. I like changing apps and the OS for something better. My current, a BB 8900, obviously, is limited on what you can do that way. MMS is no issue, ie deal breaker. I'd use e-mail more anyway. Web browsing is a big reason I looked at the N900 in the first place. Nokia has been good for me, too. At about 10 years ago, when I first got cell service, it was my first choice in a cell phone.

Thanks, MaChiBLue and neetusharma for reply.

N900 is definitely a good choice if you like browsing the web on the go, and like tinkering with apps/the os. As strictly a phone, it is pretty lacking, theres a few unnecessary steps involved in placing a phone call (IMO due to the lack of hardware buttons for call/end). Out the box there is no MMS, so you have to tinker with it to get it running, which I have.

As far as the microUSB port, I haven't had any issues yet. I've had mine since December, took to on vacation to Mexico and back with no issues. Also people have a habit of tripping on the charger cord while it is plugged in, causes my phone to drop and/or having the usb plug to be violently pulled out. So far I've had no issues. Hope this helps.

Actually, your description is what I'm looking for. I like changing apps and the OS for something better. My current, a BB 8900, obviously, is limited on what you can do that way. MMS is no issue, ie deal breaker. I'd use e-mail more anyway. Web browsing is a big reason I looked at the N900 in the first place. Nokia has been good for me, too. At about 10 years ago, when I first got cell service, it was my first choice in a cell phone.

Thanks, MaChiBLue and neetusharma for reply.

Nice to see that I helped..as far as apps go, many of the reviews of the N900 say there is a limited number of apps available, which is true in a sense. The apps on Ovi Store are indeed few and limited in scope, but you can easily access more apps via the App Manager. Here you can see all of the apps found on maemo. org. If you're feeling adventurous you can head over to maemo. org and browse the approved apps (that are out of testing) or you can browse apps that are still in testing, both alpha and beta stages. There are literally hundreds of apps accessible via the App Manager. 

I just tried out the hd2 and found the n900 to be a far superior device.
I think you should move to the n900 if you are looking for a great screen, nice keyboard and a great browser. It has a fully customizable homescreen with many widgets in the maemo.org catalog. It has tons of memory and room to improve with the sd card. 

I would warn you though it is mostly a two hand phone. If you are used to and really enjoy one handed usage of a cell phone I wouldnt recommend this phone.

My bad, I should have posted on here earlier. 

I decided a few weeks before HD2 came out that it was the one to buy. Features, pricing and other intangibles had a way of making the decision. I was the first one to purchase the HD2 in Hagerstown, MD. I've only had 1 issue so far, namely data connection cutting in and out. I changed a setting on the phone and made sure Wi-Fi was off when mobile, no more issue. I'm coming into a WinMo phone from a BB 8900 and other BB phones, so it's going to take me a while to be used to touch screen and all the settings being kinda scattered all over. No problem for me, I like exploring devices like this, it helps me get to know what I've got.

Thanks all for advice, etc. I've made the choice, good, bad, ugly that the HD2 is my phone of choice for at least the next year. And the good news,I saved money when I switched to Geico! lol Actually, with differing stories abounding, my upgrade pricing for the HD2 was $199.99 after bumping account to 2 yrs, changing the BB internet to unlimited smartphone and unlimited messaging for $34.99 and the $18 upgrade fee.

Anyway, you'll see my posts over on the HTC HD2 categories.