The Nokia N900 finally got its share of GPS navigation goodness from Sygic, with their Mobile Maps for Nokia N900. The turn-by-turn voice guided navigation application is the first to hit the Maemo platform, but does come at a steep price, especially when you consider that other Nokia devices such as the N97, E72 and now the N86 8MP all have unlimited free voice guide navigation with OVI Maps.
Proporta is currently offering a 15% discount off it’s product, by using the code SHAMROCK. Perfect if your planning on getting one of their USB TurboCharger 3400 and 1200, which we reviewed right here.
Ever since Nokia discontinued the DT-22, it has become almost impossible to get your hands on one or even an alternative. Well, that’s until now. We’ve recently got our hands on another tripod that does the job quite well, the Fly Mobile Holder.
This little tripod is perfect for mobile phones, because unlike most digital cameras, mobile device lack a built-in tripod mount. By using the adapter (Mobile Holder) you could in fact mount the device to the included tripod or just about any other tripod system, even the larger ones. This makes it very useful for mobloggers or just about anybody that tried to do a one-handed unboxing video or had countless group photos where they were missing from the shot. It’s also great for preventing camera-shake, also works perfectly for stop-motion video and even HDR photography.
There seems to be two units available, but the one we got was the model number S2120W. It comes in glossy black that perfectly matched our test Nokia N900 and consists of two parts: an adapter and the mini tripod.
The adapter is actually the most important part as it allows you to connect your device to any tripod. It’s adjustable at two key point, allowing you to adjust both the height and length. It has a spring loaded mechanism to control its extended height, but it’s not manually adjustable to a specific length. You can pull it up so that the device can fit in, and the strong spring loaded mechanism pulls it back down until it rest on the device. The mechanism has a VERY strong spring in the sense that it requires you to pull really hard to get get your device in.
In contrast, the DT-22’s solution works by using a screw to open or close its adapter. Both of these systems get the job done, but the DT-22 screw system allows for finer adjustments and requires a lot less force to pull it up. Strangely, the the part that extends the length of the adapter is fully (manually) adjustable and uses another adjustment system. This part requires little force and allows for precise adjustments. I also like the fact that the adapter has rubberized pads on the inside that should prevent any scratches. Other than a strong spring, it’s simple to use and it works quite effectively in securing even a large and heavy device such as the N900.
The tripod is very compact, but the legs can be extended to almost double its height. With the legs extended and pulled together, it can even act as a monopod to get a shot above a crowd or even tight situations such as beehive. The tripod base uses a ballhead which allows it to pan and tilt in every possible direction and can be locked into a specific position using the key. As a plus, it can be removed from the adapter and used with most point-and-shoot digital camera and was even able to support a heavy camera such as the Canon Powershot G10.
Overall build quality is really good. The adapter does feel a bit plasticky, but seems to be strong to handle heavier devices such as the N900 and even survive a fall. It’s also light enough as to not add much weight to your mobile device. If you like taking pictures or videos with your smartphone, this is a must have and gets a 8.7 out of 10. The Fly Mobile Holder can be purchased at MobileFun.co.uk.
Pros
-Steady shots for HDR and stop-motion photography
-Good build quality
-Adapter can be used with other tripods
-Rubberized pads to protect your device
-Tripod can be used with digital cameras
-Highly adjustable
-Tripod can be adjusted to almost twice it’s height
-Supports even larger/heavier devices such as the N900
Cons
-Spring mechanism for height adjustment requires a lot of force
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 SDXC?
With the ever-increasing amounts of accessories needed to make your mobile phone run smoothly, check out the Dial-a-phone website to see what’s vital.
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?
To find out more information about Nokia phones like the Nokia N8 and to read the latest review, check out Dialaphone today and find the best deal to suit you.
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.
