[ahmadka]

Hi guys !! Well I am in this confusion that which mobile should I get ? N97 or N900 ? I know many may say that I should get the N900, but I see it a little differently .. I have listed some of the main Pros and Cons I found for each set below. Please have a look, and then share your opinion about this ...

I specially value the opinion from existing N97 users, since they have experience with one of the sets being discussed here

Option 1: Get N900 ($582)

Pros:

-- A FAST mobile! Multi-tasking and whatnot !!..
-- A newer phone .. the latest from Nokia (i.e. you are not buying an 'old' phone )
-- Newer GUI .. moving on from the aging Symbian ...

Cons:
-- I would have to switch from AT&T to T-Mobile to keep my existing number and use 3G
-- More expensive: N900: $582, N97: $437 (after several discount codes I have )

-- I dont particularly like the multi-desktop concept .. I like the widget jam-packet homescreen of the N97 more ..
-- I think the phone can only be operated in landscape mode, and not portrait mode like normal phones ..
-- Probably not many 3rd party applications would be available for this set for some time, since its a new platform in the mobile world ..

Option 2: Get N97 ($437):

Pros:

-- Keep my existing AT&T number and be able to use 3G
-- I love the homescreen of this set. Personally, looks wise, I think the N97 beats the N900 ..
-- Lots of 3rd party apps to try out
-- Cheap ! Only $437 !!

Cons:

-- Uses the same old 'static' looking Symbian OS
-- Has 'mobile' type processing speeds .. may not be as fast as the N900


It boils down to this for me: I like the N900, really, but the concept of having multiple desktops is just taking it a bit too far imo. I have seen the multiple desktop concept on some samsung phones, and I didn't really like it that much; you have to look around where you placed some widget or shortcut, etc... If only the homescreen of the N900 could be like that of the N97's (just one homescreen with all the cool widgets on it), then the N900 would have been my definite choice. Putting widgets all over the place in an unorganised manner is not really very appealing to me. N97 looks good externally, but the OS itself looks very dry and boring now. I mean, its menus and calendar views look 'old' and very dry ... This is my only issue with the N97. I have an N73 right now, and although its a very capable phone, its has its issues due to being a symbian phone (gets slow, and has really boring unanimated menus, etc...)

So guys, which set should I get .. ??

Message Edited by ahmadka on 03-Oct-2009 03:41 AM

[MisterSim]

Hi Ahmadka

In response to your query about which phone to get - either the N97 or N900, here are a couple of things you might want to bear in mind:

1)  Do you send a lot of MMS messages with your current phone?  If so, and if its a feature that you really value, its worth pointing out that the N900 does not have MMS functionality (at least not from release - there may be a software update that gives MMS functionality in the future).  The N97, however, does have full MMS support

2)  Nokia seem to want to market the N900 as a niché device.  The N900 is first an internet tablet with phone functionality added as a second (IMO anyway).  BTW, the N900 does support portrait mode for using the phone, though the home screens/desktops seem to be activated only in landscape.  I'm pretty confident that as Maemo is an open-sourced OS, that in the future,more applications for the N900 will support portrait layout

3)  I used to own a N97 handset & I had many issues with it.  In fact, I'm not the only one - the forums are awash with complaints regarding how poorly the handset performs - for example, slow general response speeds when using applications (due to sluggish processor power); the device itself 'bricking' requiring you to hard re-set the phone [happened to me on several occasions]; poor performance of the 'widgets' - either not booting properly, or crashing altogether; camera lens scratches (due to the poor design of the plastic lens cover); poor signal reception/calls being dropped due to signal fluctations [happened to me a lot & I'm in a good signal reception area].  There is alot more I could say, but I'll leave you to check the forums if you so wish.

4)  If you really are interested about the N900 and whether its for you, check out the preview of the device from 'My Symbian'. The preview was created using a prototype of the N900.  A link to the site is below:

http://my-symbian.com/other/preview_n900.php

Hope you find some of what I've written useful.

Message Edited by MisterSim on 03-Oct-2009 12:45 PM

Message Edited by MisterSim on 03-Oct-2009 12:47 PM

Message Edited by MisterSim on 03-Oct-2009 12:48 PM

[ahmadka]

Thanx for your feedback MisterSim ... your points really helped me out ... Well I am not much of an MMS user .. in fact, I have never really known anyone so far who communicates with my through MMS, so the N900 not having MMS is not much of an issue for me (at least not at this point anyway ) ...

The portrait/landscape is an issue i would say .. Maybe in the future more apps would be launched with portrait support ... also, is it possible for third party devs to modify the Meamo OS in N900 to completely support Portrait mode, and so also implicitly provide portrait mode for installed apps ? I am asking this since Meamo is Linux, which is 'open' .. so, are modifications to Meamo possible and legal ?

secondly, is it possible to organise the widgets in some fashion on the N900 ? For example, arrange all on-screen widgets in cascade or tile fashion, or something ?

I read the preview, and it was very helpful indeed .. thanx for that

[MisterSim]

No worries Ahmadka.

Check out the link below re Maemo 5 (the OS for the N900) @ wikipedia. 

It tells you a bit more about Maemo 5:  the possibilities with third party applications & a little bit about how the destop would work on the handset (e.g. moving stuff around such as widgets):

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maemo_5

Also, check out the link below to see a copy of the N900 user manual (whether its the final retail version is unknown).  It should give you more information on what options are available for personalising the phone.  The user guide is a pdf document, so you'll need Adobe (or another pdf reader to use):

http://www.nokiausa.com/get-support-and-software/product-support/n900-rover/guides

I'm not able to answer your questions about whether it would be possible to modify the device's OS so that all applications could be displayed in portrait layout. 

Certain modifications to the Maemo OS would be illegal (I'd guess), as Maemo is owned & copyrighted by Nokia.  However, as you know, Maemo is based on Debian Linux and consequently its possible for non-Nokia authored applications to be installed on Maemo based devices (this could allow for a third party app to display everything on the device in a portrait layout (?) but don't quote me on that).  Anyway, the N900 is primarily an internet tablet. It seems like you're wanting the device to act more like a regular handset (such as apple's iphone), which kinda isn't what Nokia will thinking off when they developed the N900.

Hope the above helps. Hope I didn't sound preachy.

[phatdumi]

A hands on approach would be an ideal situation. Once the N900 is released get down to the stores have a play about with it then compare feature for feature with the N97 for yourself.

The N97 spec suggests a powerful phone but my personal experience with it has not been good at all, so relying on specs alone is a no no for me. 

 Maemo 5 is relatively new on the market so expect a few teething problems but I suspect Nokia will be more responsive with the N900 than they are with the N97.  

[ahmadka]

I know Symbian is not the greatest OS (I have a very slow N73, so I know what Symbian slow means ), but I have grown accustomed to it over the past 2 years ... N97 has a pretty strong 3rd party software lineup right now .. I don't know if it will be the same for the N900 ..

In summary I just have one main issue against the N900. I cant deal with all the others things, but this bugs me the most: The N97's homescreen appeals to me much more than the multi-desktop concept of the N900. Having widgets placed randomly all over the place is just inefficient use of the viewable area. N900 should have provided a method to maybe tile all the widgets up, or arrange them in some other, like in the N97's case, so that when you look at the screen, you get all the information you want in one view, and not have to scroll here and there to find the information you need. So I just need to know one thing ... even if there's a slight possibility that N900 may at some point adopt a homescreen similar to that of the N97 (1 widget-arranged homescreen), then I will go with the N900 ... its just that in its current form, the homescreen of the N900 doesn't look as appealing as that of the N97, simply because there's not enough information being placed on each of the homescreens ... widgets are too far away from its other, giving a look of 'emptiness' ... I hope you guys understand what I mean

Also, is there any specific N900 based site where I can maybe ask the dev's some of these questions ... ?

Lastly, I would like to try out the N97 and N900 before I purchase either .. As far as I know, only Nokia flagship stores let you try them out .. problem is there are only 2 Nokia flagship stores in the US, and both of them are very far away from me .. are there any other stores where I can maybe try them out .. ?

[drhowells]

This might sound really stupid, but if you don't like using multiple screens, why don't you just keep all of the widgets and shortcuts on one screen?

[crashdamage]

@ahmadka:

1. The N900 will not stay a 'niche' device. It is the future of Nokia smartphones (aka 'mobile computers').  The Maemo OS is the replacement for Symbian in Nokia's top smartphones going forward.  Symbian will still be around for a long time, but mainly for mid-to-low range devices.  Maemo is the new top dog.

2. Maemo is not just a mobile OS.  It is a full, root-enabled, open Linux distro, based on Debian like Unbuntu, Linux Mint, etc. etc.  It just has a UI intended for pocket-sized mobile devices rather than desktop or notebook use.  So it is very open to 3rd-party development and modification, like most Linux distros. 

3. There will be a good amount of Maemo software available from the start and much more available soon.  Maemo has already had a lot of development done, apps written etc. for earlier versions used on the 770, 800 and 810 internet tablets.  Some apps from the earlier versions of Maemo will run as is on the N900 with Maemo 5, other need some minor tweaking and work is ongoing for those. Also, Nokia is making it easy to port existing Symbian apps to Maemo.  So if not right away, then shortly the software situation for Maemo will be very strong.

4. Portrait support is pretty much limited right now to the phone (dialer) app.  Most software is designed to be used in landscape anyway and personally that's how I'd want to use it for most anything but phone calls.  But there is work going on to adapt apps to work in both modes.  This is not nearly as easy as it sounds however, as it often means writing (and including in the app) 2 entirely separate UIs.  In short, more widespread support for portrait use is coming, but it will not happen all at once or overnight.  It will be more slowly, sorta app-by-app.

5. Finally, about you #1 concern...I've used multiple desktops in Linux for many years and on Android phones.  It was different at first, but once you get used to it it's like the best thing you never knew you missed.  I don't know how I'd get along without multiple desktops on a phone now, it would just feel so limiting.  Believe me, once you get the hang of it, you'll never look back. IOW, multiple desktops and true multitasking are, to me, 2 of the very best features of the N900/Maemo. 

Also, by 'widgets' I'm not sure if you mean icons (shortcuts) or actual widgets, which are not the same thing.  But keep in mind that real widgets use system resources and if you use too many will slow the phone down.  I don't have a N97, but they apparently have lack of memory problems (which will never be a problem on the N900). Lots of widgets will make memory problems worse. Possibly that's one reason your N73 is slow.

Message Edited by crashdamage on 04-Oct-2009 07:49 AM

Message Edited by crashdamage on 04-Oct-2009 07:51 AM

[ahmadka]

first of all, thanx for such excellent feedback crashdamage .. i really appreciate it

ok, coming to the point ... so about the 3rd party software support, is there like any site which I can see the existing range of 3rd party software currently available for the Meamo OS .. ? E.g. those which are for N900, or the previous Meamo phones ... ?

secondly, before I buy either phone, I really would like to try them out first .. Nokia has only 2 flagship stores in the US, both of which are very far away from me (Im in GA). Is there any other way I can try them out ? Most carrier stores don't have Nokia phones on display in the US ..

[radical24]

---

ahmadka wrote:

first of all, thanx for such excellent feedback crashdamage .. i really appreciate it

ok, coming to the point ... so about the 3rd party software support, is there like any site which I can see the existing range of 3rd party software currently available for the Meamo OS .. ? E.g. those which are for N900, or the previous Meamo phones ... ?

secondly, before I buy either phone, I really would like to try them out first .. Nokia has only 2 flagship stores in the US, both of which are very far away from me (Im in GA). Is there any other way I can try them out ? Most carrier stores don't have Nokia phones on display in the US ..

---

no there is really no way to try them out in the us unless there are some independent cell phone shops by you that sell such stuff. maybe you have some friends. you can also use twitter and see if there is someone by your that is using a phone to meet up with them and try it out. plus if you buy it in the us you have 7 days i think to get your money back minus 10% or 15% restocking fee. or you have 30 days to exchange your phone for the same model or a different phone if you don't like it. 

[crashdamage]

---

ahmadka wrote: ...is there like any site which I can see the existing range of 3rd party software currently available for the Meamo OS .. ? E.g. those which are for N900, or the previous Meamo phones ... ?

---

Maemo homepage:

http://maemo.org/

Downloads for the latest Maemo OS (before Maemo 5 of course).

http://maemo.org/downloads/OS2008/

Some - many - of these apps will work on Maemo 5.   Gives some idea of the work already done on Maemo, at the very least.  And remember, besides these, lotsa Symbian apps will get ported to Maemo.

Nokia's Maemo webpage. 

http://maemo.nokia.com/

For available software, check the Maemo Select section later.  Much more content will be added after the N900 release.

http://maemo.nokia.com/maemo-select/

More questions? 

Maemo forum:

http://talk.maemo.org/

N900 User Guide:

http://nds1.nokia.com/files/support/nam/phones/guides/Nokia_N900_Rover_en-US_es-LAM.pdf

Specs:

http://europe.nokia.com/find-products/devices/nokia-n900/specifications

Reviews - done with prototype hardware and software, NOT final prodution units.  Not all features are included, some information is not correct, particularly about space for apps, etc..  1st review is long and very comprehensive, 2nd is shorter, much less comprehensive and somewhat less favorable 9author is kind os a iPhone fanboy) but has lotsa screenshots.

http://my-symbian.com/other/preview_n900.php

http://www.mobile-review.com/review/nokia-maemo5-en.shtml

There...that outta keep ya busy for a while...

Message Edited by crashdamage on 04-Oct-2009 04:32 PM

Message Edited by crashdamage on 04-Oct-2009 04:46 PM

[maxximuscool]

I would go for N900 instead of N97 any day. Multi Desktop is a nice feature. I don't see why you don't like it. If you don't like it then just use the main Desktop screen. It is possible to jam everything into one screen like you see on the N97. As far as the price concern, It is a new release device where as N97 been out for almost 6months already. So the price you pay is for the technology itself. N97 is very slow compare to N900.

1. RAM will be onlly about 24MB after each restart. Where it will runs out after a few webpages opened.

2. Slow to operate tasks

3. Cannot do multi-tasking

4. Full load of Bugs and flawful firmwares

5. Touch screen is not very responsive and reliable

6. Camera issues, white light surged into the picture when taken at more than 1 light source. especially at night

7. Using the same hardwares as the previous generation

8. No Graphic 3D GPU

9. Using Symbian OS 9!!!! Not that I dont like it but Nokia Can do better than Symbian 9.4, it is too old to begin with a flagship device.

10.Who'd cares bout 3G? lol. Use wifi and it is faster. I turned my 3G off completely cos i cant be stuff.

Nokia N900 can also support AT&T in the future firmware releases. Or should I say the updates. The Bandwidth of the N900 is operated using Software based. Where you can change it to support AT&T 3G. That's what I've heard from people at Maemo.org

[radical24]

3g is a harware not a software issue ot looks like it will never be supported for att USA on 3g but u can still use it over edge its just slower connection and since u cant use boice and data at the same time on n900 u will not be missing much but speed if you are ok with that hen go for it

[maxximuscool]

Yeah I am waiting for it. By the way, I'm from NZ this N900 is perfect for 3G here lol. But To me I never find 3G very useful interm of my usage. Since I got wifi at home,and work. There is no need to be on 3G all the time.

[fedupn97]

My advice is Please don't buy Nokia. I have almost suffered with this Nokia models. At last Nokia proof the one with N97.

[Q8ee]

The N97 should be the best smartphone ever build.. BUT it got the worst software ever !! after updating my n97 two times with the new firmware update releases in the last couple months, the phone still freeze and change tones half display and many other bugs... I really don't remember a day goes by without having to remove the battery or restart it again and again.

I will give it one more chance and wait for the new software update should be released this month that nokia claim will resolve all these bugs ... and if it remains the same that will be for sure my last nokia device i will buy.

Every mobile company produce a **bleep** product from time to time .. but when nokia announced the N97 more than one year ago and boldly market it the best smartphone ever .. and come up with this poor performing device.. then i assumed that nokia lost it.

so ahmadka if you insist in buying nokia then you should go with the N900 im sure for what ever reason will be better than the n97.

[kivikant]

Hi ahmadk,

first of all I have to say I haven't owned either of the phones in question N97 or N900. However a friend of mine (a gadget freak like me bought the N97 the minute it came out and now he's extremely **bleep** with Nokia because they came out with N97 mini and N900 about 2-4 weeks later. His expriences with N97 have been everything but stellar. The phone freezes all the time, one week I could not call him at all because the phone just cut off the calls etc.

My advise is to just wait a little and go with the N900. It seems to be very much more mature softwarewise than N97. N97 seemed to go out with very immature software just like my 5800 Xpressmusic which took about 6 months to get to this point. Now it is quite usable. 

Well still waiting for Nokias promise to bring the Contact bar to 5800 firmware.. Probably never coming.

I'm waiting for my N900 to arrive any day now ....

Just my 2 cents,

Jarkka

P.S. I live in Finland which is known in the mobile world as Nokialand

[guymcdade]

Hey please dont but any nokia brand fone the nokia n97 is **bleep** i got one and u should see how complaint ive seen try typeing into google search this ( bad signal with nokia n97) and then look at the nokia discussions its not just bad signal problems there more problems the fone is bad ive got one. I looked at a presentation on youtube a member of nokia teem talking about the n97 the bloody n97 he was showing was so not the one tht ur going to but please do not but a nokia brand i am prob going to b banned from these discussions lol from nokia for saying tht. And am makeing a bebo page to tell the public not to buy a nokia product.

[guymcdade]

Hey please dont but any nokia brand fone the nokia n97 is **bleep** i got one and u should see how complaint ive seen try typeing into google search this ( bad signal with nokia n97) and then look at the nokia discussions its not just bad signal problems there more problems the fone is bad ive got one. I looked at a presentation on youtube a member of nokia teem talking about the n97 the bloody n97 he was showing was so not the one tht ur going to but please do not but a nokia brand i am prob going to b banned from these discussions lol from nokia for saying tht. And am makeing a bebo page to tell the public not to buy a nokia product.

[Tom_Rees]

It depends how big your pockets are I got the mini partly because I don't want to lug around a big heavy phone.