I know, I know, 32GB microSDHC cards aren’t even available yet and I’m already talking about SDXC. These next generation cards are supposed to revolutionize storage with capacities ranging from 32GB to 2TB and bus interface speeds from 104 MB/s up to 300 MB/s. Lucky for us, their will also be a mobile version in the form of the microSDXC (Secure Digital Extended Capacity). It’s been a few years since the launch of the N95, which is also one of the first Nokia smartphones to support microSDHC with capacities of up to 32GB. Shouldn’t Nokia be already thinking about the next generation?

With multi-megapixels Nseries devices approaching 10 Megapixels, possibly even surpassing that and the inevitable HD video recording, suddenly that 32GB of storage in your N900 or N97  doesn’t sound as impressive. Nokia’s own Comes with Music service is another way to quickly fill up your memory, OVI Maps and our ever present desire to carry anything and everything in our mobile devices are other reasons to look ahead to those 2TBs being promised with SDXC.

Another plus comes from the standard’s its fast bus interface. No need to get technical here, just think faster file transfers from your PC to you mobile. Also, in many electronic devices, including our smartphones, the storage system is almost always the weakest link. Adding a speedy storage system could make overall performance possibly a bit more responsive.

Who knows, when looking for your next Nokia you won’t only be checking  the specs to see whether it has Symbiam, MeeGo and QWERTY, but perhaps also whether it has microSDXC.

Is microSDHC enough or should Nokia quickly implement

An interesting post at the Symbian-Guru, showing 10 things Android does better than Symbian got me thinking. What struck me was that all of these things that Android indeed could do better than Symbian, were all things Maemo had already taken care of. Everything from the Browsing experience, multiple home screen and even notifications are advantages that Android may have over Symbian, but certainly not Maemo. In fact, all of these “new” features set to be introduced in the upcoming version of Symbian can be used right now using the N900 and Maemo.

After using Maemo on the Nokia N900, Symbian looks and feels outdated. Judging by the recent Symbian^3 and ^4 videos, fails to impress with just minor changes. Even Engadget seems to agree.

The N900/Maemo combo’s multi-tasking abilities could make any PC proud. Symbian in contrast feels leisurely when performance is concerned and is limited in multi-tasking. Unlike Symbian, Maemo is actually useable. The classic example is that of having multiple applications and browsers open and still having the ability to keep a Youtube video playing in the background and even having enough horsepower to show a preview of this video on the Dashboard! Unlike Symbian, the N900/Maemo combo never keeps you waiting and there isn’t really a limit to how many apps you can keep open with 1GB of RAM. For many PCs this is plenty enough, for a mobile device this is simply heaven. The best part is that performance never suffers, even with multiple apps or browser windows open.

Apps look great with next generation effects, even the system sounds are cool. There aren’t confusing soft keys, just point to where you want to go. Applications are also updated automatically and so far I’ve didn’t have the need to update the firmware using a PC. Sure, Maemo on a smartphone is fairly new and still needs a few fixes here and there.

We can also mention Maemo’s tightly integrated uploading features, Skype and Conversations. Features that Symbian doesn’t necessarily lacks, but isn’t as polished as Maemo.

Last but not least, we can mention Maemo’s crown jewel, its browser. Something that Symbian and in fact any other mobile device can match.

I can go on and on, but simply put: Maemo is in my opinion better than Symbian. For this reason I’ve simply stopped using current Symbian device, especially 5th edition based devices. One notable exception are the E72, E55 and E52. It’s sure going to take a lot to get me back to Symbian.

Do you agree? Is Maemo/MeeGo better than Symbian?

1.Backlit keys: This is one of those features that is increasingly  becoming popular among consumers. How many time did you find yourself trying to type in the dark and trying to put your screen at an angle so that you can see keys. This is especially the case for those of us that can’t blind type. This feature used be something reserved for high-end system, but Alienware’s 11” M11x has brought this feature in the sub $1000 range. The Booklet 3G is all about mobility, adding backlit keys means that the user can enjoy this mobility even in low-light conditions.

2.Add Nvidia ION 2 with Optimus Technology: The Booklet 3G is equipped with the Intel Graphics Media Accelerator 500 which struggles with 720p and 1080 video, making it virtually unplayable. Any form of 3D gaming is only reserved for the most basic titles. The inability to play high-def video makes the inclusion of a HDMI port less useful. Using the Nvidia ION 2 would equip the Booklet 3G with two graphic system: a dedicated Nvidia graphics card (for HD video and Youtube HD playback) and an integrated Intel Graphics when you need long battery life. By using the Nvidia Optimus technology, the system can automatically switch among the two graphics system depending on the task at hand. One example would be that it automatically switches to the Intel graphics when typing in Word and switches to the Nvidia graphics when a Youtube video starts playing in your browser.

3.Upgradeable RAM:The RAM is soldered to the motherboard and is not user upgradeable. The Booklet 3G actually works just fine with 1GB of RAM, but the user should always have the option to add more RAM. Heavy multi-tasking can in some cases reveal the limits of having only 1GB of RAM.

4.Longer battery life: The Booklet 3G’s 12 hour battery life is impressive, but real world usage is more in the range of 10 hours. Other models half its price, such as the Asus Eee PC 1005PE-PU can already achieve an even more impressive 14 hours of battery life.

5.Drop Windows 7 Starter: The system is supposed to come with various flavors of Windows 7, but so far I’ve only seen Windows 7 starter. This particular version of Windows 7 lacks any way to change the Desktop Wallpaper, Windows Aero and Visual Style. The Booklet 3G has always distinguished itself as a “premium” system and for this reason should at least come with Windows 7 Home Premium and not the most basic form of Windows 7.

6.Better integrated 3G wireless: One of the features I was really looking for, was a netbook/laptop that had integrated 3G. No more USB 3G modems. To my surprise, I found that the 3G wasn’t as good as a dedicated USB modem, in fact it was way below.

7.Thick Screen Bezel: The screen is surrounded by a thick bezel. In this very same space, Nokia could fit an 11” display while still keeping the compact overall dimensions. The Booklet 3G looms impressively thin, but the thick bezel makes it look a bit funny when seen from the front.

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I really love the N900. It’s a great all-round piece of gadgetry: crazy multi-tasking, best browser so far, speedy performance and 4 home screens that make trips to the menu a rare thing. On top of that there’s the great Skype integration and it’s simply fun to use. It even has graphics that could make a PSP proud and and an open platform that would make a developer blush. And yes, out of memory warnings and apps closing on their own are finally a thing of the past. Even with its geek phone status, it also seems to appeal more to the average consumer, when comapred to other recent Nokia phones like the N97. Despite having a lot going for it, Nokia seems to have forgotten about the mighty N900. Here’s why.

1.No free, voice guided turn-by turn navigation: When devices like the E72, N97 and X6 received their lifetime free navigation upgrade, N900 owners had to watch in envy as their device didn’t even have voice guided turn-by turn navigation. We are not even sure whether  this update will come eventually or whether they will just skip it and focus on their next Maemo/MeeGo device.

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One of the cool features of the Nokia Booklet 3G is it’s ability to reset to the original factory state. Basically bringing it to the state it was when it came from the factory. This is handy for those cases when you for example have an unmovable virus or spyware, slow performances and you just want a clean restart.

This can simply be done by pressing F8. You need to press F8 before the operating system logo appears. In the Advanced Boot Options screen, use the arrow keys to select Advanced Boot
Options > Repair your Computer. On the second screen choosing “ImageX recovery utility” should reset the system to factory defaults. Be sure to plug the Booklet 3G in. The entire process should take less than 30 minutes.

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This is a quick heads-up to let you know that Nokia Ovi Suite 2.1 has now graduated and can now be downloaded here. Those running the BETA should get a notification to upgrade to the latest version 2.1.0.87.

What I can’t understand is why the Nokia N900 still isn’t supported. The N900 is currently an orphan without any love from either PC Suite or OVI suite.

The ZAGGsparq, one of the products we named “Ultimate Accessory for the Nokia N900” seemed to have a few problems charging Nokia’s latest Maemo smartphone. We weren’t sure whether this was being caused by the N900 or the ZAGGsparq, but provided a possible solution to get the two devices working.

Now it’s pretty clear that that problem was being caused by the ZAGGsparq, as ZAGG is now contacting their customers to get a replacement of the product. They are apparently working on version 2.0 of this product that should be released in late March. Current customers, including myself were contacted via phone to get the replacement in late March. Customers who haven’t been contacted should give them a call.

The ZAGGsparq seems to be Out of Stock, as they get ready to released the revamped 2.0 version. Once the 2.0 version comes out, we’ll be taking another look at it as its 6,000 mAh
battery power is still very impressive.

Have you been having trouble charging your N900 with the ZAGGsparq?

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The Nokia N900 has received a small 16.2Mb over-the-air update that brings it up V3.2010.02-08 (PR1.1.1). This is likely an over-the-air only update that has started to hit many, but not all product codes and should reach most if not all by this week.

This minor update will make room for a second, major update that’s supposed to come out very soon that could bring Qt to the N900.

Other than make way for the upcoming major firmware, it also should properly support OpenGL ES 1.1 and fix a bug that I’ve been experiencing myself where the N900 can’t to a WiFi network until it is restarted. More of these community reported fixes can be found here.

What other changes have you noticed?

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Introduction

When we covered the Nokia BH-804 in our First Impressions and later on in the Final review, we proclaimed it “Nokia’s most complete Bluetooth headset to date,” and still consider it one of the best headsets out there. Such a status isn’t easily achieved, of course. Most of it can be attributed to the high-quality materials, design-centric styling and considering it’s diminutive size, good wireless performance and battery life. Audio performance was also rated it as “above average.” An impressive feat for such a small piece of gadgetry. One would think that these elements are the only key for the success of such a Bluetooth headset, but as the Nokia BH-904 proves, there are different ways to reach one goal. In fact, the story of the BH-904 is one that contradicts with what is considered the current norm and completely defies current trends. This especially becomes evident when it’s compared to it’s smaller sibling, the BH-804, a Bluetooth headset that prioritizes style. As this review will show, some of these contradictions are actually in the BH-904’s favor.

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When we reviewed the Nokia CP-321, we loved the classic design, but without any access to the microUSB, 3.5mm headphone jack, and camera it wasn’t for everybody. Nokia went back to the drawing board and magically the CP-408 appeared. From the picture above we can see that the case allows access to every single feature of the N900, including the camera. The design isn’t unknown for Nokia, as the same basic design was used on the CP-235 case for the Nokia N95 8GB. See the similarities?

You can bet we’ll review this case as soon as it comes out.

Do you prefer the classic look of the CP-321 or the utility of the CP-408?