Nokia n810 Internet Tablet

It took me a while to figure why anyone would need a device like the nokia n810 internet tablet. My first reaction was 'Its produced by nokia and you can't make phone calls with it? Being 'neither-this-nor-that', it competes in too many categories when there are so many choices for PDA, portable game handhelds, smartphones it simply competes in too many categories.

What i like about it

1. Good wifi connectivity allows you to be always connected, perfect for streaming audio and video
2. Internet Tablet OS 2008, built on Maemo 4.0 is simple with very friendly user interface
3. Good audio speakers
4. Compatible browser for Youtube video
5. Superb battery life. Can last almost 5 hrs constantly connected, with BT on and streaming
6. Open source which means unlimited possibilities in software applications

My favourite applications
1. Pidgen - IM software that allows you to integrate all your IM services like msn, yahoo, google talk
2. VM Garnet - Its like running Windows on a Mac machine. A must have for die-hard Palm fans 3. Skype - Nice interface and voice clarity

What i dislike about it
1. No PIM applications like calendar
2. Cannot synchronize with popular PIM programs like Outlook
3. No Microsoft office support (though you can overcome with using Google docs - will post more here later)
4. Drains battery of your phone if connected via Bluetooth

How does it work for me?

When sitting next to my bed,
1. Desktop photoframe
2. Alarm clock
3. Internet radio


When using it in other parts of the house including the toilet,
1.Straits Times alternative with RSS feed reader (Favourite feed www.channelnewsasia.com)
2. Email reader
3. Web browsing
4. Watch Youtube
5. MSN chat & Skype calls
5. Life saver when the 4 year old daughter asked about 'Dicotomous plants'
6. Distracting your kids away from your PSP with simple drawing games

Warning : The above activities really annoys the wife and could result in traumatic consequences when used in bed. Other possible effects include fighting children. Proceed at own risk.

Closest competition ipod Touch - (Read comparison review here) Phone makers? None. No phone maker is willing to take the risk to offer something like this yet. The other closest competitors will be the UMPC but different in form factor.

Should you get one?

Yes, if you are someone who is always in a connected environment. The device is almost handicapped without internet connection

Yes, if you prefer to carry a slim, sexy phone but would like to browse the web in its full glory occasionally (provided you still wear baggy pants and don't mind carrying 2 devices)

Yes, if you suffer from insomia. It is a better alternative to reading or watching lousy reruns on TV

No, if you live in the Suburbs and the nearest internet connections is 100 miles away

My Final Verdict
The nokia n810 internet tablet is not for everyone. If you have some spare cash , a gadget freak and want to have a secondary mini-pc to bring along to the cafes or just surfing around the house, this might be the device for you to stay truely connected. If you have any questions about the device, do contact me here at simonsiah@gmail.com.