N800 Running OS 2008
Apr 30 2008 - By George Webster
The nokia n800 Internet tablet just achieved omega status in my book. Ok maybe not just, but as of the beginning of the year they released the new 2008 version of their Linux based OS to go along with their n810 series release. I won't get into n810 envy, as the new tablet looks pretty sweat! Fortunately for all of us n800 users the OS 2008 upgrade significantly improves operating speed, so it runs the os at virtually the same speeds as the new n810. That said really the only thing missing is the cool pop out QWERTY keyboard. I'm not loosing sleep of it that's for sure, I've gotten along just fine with the onscreen popup keyboard this long, it can last a bit more.
After some initial experimenting a few things jump right out at me.
First it looks great! Aesthetics are a must in the computing world otherwise why would we use Internet tablets instead of cell phones. Our Internet experience should be as smooth and pleasant as possible.
Secondly and in my opinion most improved usability feature is the handwriting tool. If you had to bear with the previous versions of the os then you would be quite familiar with the not so user-friendly handwriting input..which basically meant you we're suck punching keys with your stylist on the virtual keyboard or popping out the full screen keyboard to use your fingers. Both of which work fine, but the full screen obviously is not always convenient since well....you can't see where you are typing anymore!
Finally the new os has added solid video support. Previous versions of the os while touted as all in one multimedia devices (except non voip phone) still lacked real video support, and such viral phenomenons as youtube where basically unavailable to your newfound mobile surfing experience.
While I am still playing with the new os I most pleased so far. The addition of the terminal app right in the menu is great, obviously a must for any UNIX based operating system.
For now I'll be having fun with the new (or at least new to me) OS 2008