So after the new firmware came out for the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet, I didn’t backup before doing the update, and thus was left with basically an out-of-the-box N800. I’d also noticed that, frankly, since I got my N95, my N800 usage had dropped considerably. Thus, I needed a new perspective on it.

One thing that I think is interesting is the name N800. Its predecessor was simply 770 Internet Tablet. Its own product line. However, the N800 obviously took on the prestigious but also loaded N-series moniker, and had to wonder about that. What makes the N800 more multimedia-centric than the 770? Is it really even more at all?

The first thing that I did was to see what all I could do directly out of the box. Obviously video calls, but I don’t think that’s what got it the N-series name. At least I hope not. The quality of the camera is dreadful for anything other than video calls, and even then, it’s not the best camera for that sort of thing.

It does have internet radio built in, and defaulted as one of the applets on the main screen. This is actually REALLY easy to use, except that for some reason, with this new firmware, it has a bunch of BBC stations, with which I’m not sure what to do. However, you can easily pull up Shoutcast.com, pick your station, and once it loads in the Media Player, you can quickly add the stream to your bookmarks, and it will then show up on the desktop applet. Easy as pie.

One thing that does work remarkably well is uPnP and the built-in media player. I have Orb running on my home laptop, and also have been experimenting with Windows Media Player (not sure why, honestly). Both show up automatically in my Media Library, without me having to do anything. Nice. I’m able to browse and play any of my content directly through the media player. This is simply fantastic. It’s easy, effortless, and something that just plain works.

I also did some exploring to find gPodder, a podcatching solution for the N800. The experience has been dreadful, to say the least, and I simply don’t use the app. I’ll try to explore it a bit more, but the N95 has my podcasts mastered pretty well.

So what am I using my N800 for? Mostly entertainment. When I cook out, it’s easy to bring to the back patio with me and listen to music. At work, it’s a GREAT little stereo system. I do wish I could use the FM radio without having external speakers plugged in, but oh well. Is it worth $400 yet? No, but I’m still playing.

Do you have any thoughts as to why they named the N800 with the Nseries? Do you have any ideas that you’d like me to try out?

Categories: Rants, Reviews
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