There’s no denying that the N900 is quite the capable gaming machine. With various native Maemo games and lots of emulators from DrNokSnes to VGBA and on the hardware side a capable graphics, fairly fast CPU, TV-out and a QWERTY keyboard. But let’s say you wanted to take things to another level. Well, now you can add Game-Gripper to the list. It’s basically a controller that latches on to the N900 and takes advantage of games and emulators that allow for custom keyboard binding, like DrNokSnes. It comes in 9 different colors, out of which we think the all-black model will look extremely good on the N900. It’s a pretty basic with a  rubbery flexible design, and it also have openings to accommodate things like the charger and headphones with the controller attached. It will set you back €14.95 and pre-orders can be done here. 

Would you buy the Game-gripper or do you prefer the QWERTY keyboard?

Nokia never made a USB desktop cradle for the N900. The closest thing from Nokia is the now discontinued DT-13. Brando has released two very interesting solutions for the lack of a proper desktop stand. The first model, the 8500 syncs your N900 using the built-in USB connection and charges the battery in the process.

The second option is basically the same thing, but adds a place to charge a second battery. That last model, the 8600, cost $6 more, but the option to charge a second battery seems well worth the extra.

Both of these cradles seem  a bit plasticky to us, but overall quality seems to be good. Have seen any cool desktop cradles for the N900, let us know.

32GB microSDHC card have been announced almost a year ago, but are just now starting to become available. Instead of leaving the memory card business to third parties, Nokia usually follows with their own branded versions of the highest storage capacity  available on memory cards available. This time Nokia has released a monstrosity in the form of the MU-45, their version of a 32GB microSDHC card. This also means that 64GB of storage is now easily available to the masses as flagship devices such as the N900 already have 32GB of built-in storage.

Nokia branded memory cards are usually not the fastest, but very reliable. We still don’t have no word on pricing, but expect something in the range of $130 to just south of the $200 mark. It’s also safe to say that the latest if you bought your Nokia in the last 2 years it should be able to supprt the SDHC standard. Nokia’s own compatibility list can be found here.

When we took a look at Nokia’s first and official case for the N900, the CP-321, we liked the stylish and simple design, but it was several steps back in convenience: It lacked any access to the lock switch, microUSB port, 3.5mm headphone jack, camera button and both the camera lens and speakers were blocked. It was pretty and helped to to protect the N900, but it sure wasn’t useful. Nokia went back to the drawing board and came up with what we have here: the Nokia CP-408. Would we choose it over the CP-321? Is it the ultimate N900 case?

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For a while Nokia’s Video-Out Cable CA-75U was that one unique accessory included with the high-end multimedia devices. With the launch of the Nokia N8, they’ll be offering a few interesting accessories in the box.

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I’ve always been impressed by those high-speed memory cards, offering speedy transfer rates of several MB/s over the standard vanilla cards. The advantages are clear in multi-megapixel digital SLRs and even compact digital cameras that are now capable of HD video capture. But how would these fair in the mobile environment? Are there any benefits when compared to slower Class 2 and 4 cards? One would certainly think so, especially since 8+ Megapixels, HD video capture and multi-Gigabytes of media is quickly becoming the norm. Enter Lexar’s High-Speed Mobile microSDHC Class 6 cards, with both 8 and 16GB flavors and includes their Mobile USB Card Reader. Let’s find out as we review Lexar’s speediest solution.

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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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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?

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The first images of  Mugen Power’s N900 extended has appeared on the their site and is reported to be shipping in “limited quantity” on March 1st. This 2400 mAh battery, also known as the HLI-N900XL almost doubles the N900’s included Nokia BL-5J battery capacity (1320mAh) at the cost of a much thicker N900 that also seems to loose the kick-stand.

While this photo is  considered a “draft” we can be certain that it will make the N900 a lot thicker. In my opinion it’s at a certain capacity where it isn’t that attractive: At 2400 mAh it doesn’t seem to have enough juice to justify the thickness. The N97’s extended battery came in at a whopping 3600mAh. I’m not so sure either that I’m willing to give up the kick-stand anytime soon. They should have given it a really large capacity 3000+ mAh or just tad more than the original battery to avoid any increase in size.

If you haven’t decided yet, you still have plenty of time to think before March 1st. I’m actually looking forward to the Powermat Powerpack batteries that are set to give some popular Nokia phones wireless charging capabilities, including the Nokia N900.

Via: Nokia Addict

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Maemo.org member “Fake” has created a laser-cut 3-piece acrylic or wood stand for the N900 and his now taking order/pre-orders for this creation. Because he wasn’t happy with the N900’s kick-stand, he decided to create his own that not only holds the N900 at a more comfortable and stable angle, but also has a place for the stylus.

The prices range anywhere form $10 for a wooden model to two acrylic models for $30.

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