Teemu’s Blog

It was announced yesterday on the maemo developers mailing list and reported by some bloggers already, that new version of Python for Maemo has arrived. Project has recently moved from Sourceforge to Maemo Garage and the version of Python language was updated from 2.4 to 2.5. The new runtime package should work on both the Nokia 770 and the new Nokia N800.

I’m really expecting to start experimenting with this on N800. I already found a neat example on how to access the webcam using Python. I just need to install the new SDK and then I’m ready to go. I also noticed that the new site lists also my year-old tutorials in the documents section so I probably need to start updating them as I learn new things about the new Python for Maemo.

I’m really glad to see also that Python has started to gain interest of more Maemo developers. Obscura by Martin Grimme seems really promising. There aren’t any releases out there yet, but I think I’m downloading it from the subversion and trying it out. Here is some more info about it if have missed it earlier.

So, I got the N800 yesterday and have been using it for one evening. First of all, I was really impressed on the way that it “feels” when I’m holding it in my hand. It has definitely more “high-tech” feel to it than the Nokia 770. Also, the touch screen feels a bit better and the stylus is somewhat thicker which is good in my opinion.

It is definitely somewhat faster than its predecessor. But maybe not as much improvement on that area as I expected. Of course, you see the difference when you e.g., browse to some large websites, but overall the operating system is not that much faster than the old one. Yes, the OS on Nokia 770 improved quite a lot in terms of performance during the one year I used it, so I’m expecting some performance improvements here as well, if possible.

The biggest improvement in terms of browsing is the updated Opera browser with Flash 7 support. Basically, this could mean that definitely the coolest service on the web currently, YouTube, should work on this baby. It does, but the frame-rate is definitely too low. It is close to satisfying when the video quality in Flash settings is set to the lowest possible, but still it is not usable in longer term. The area where I’m looking forward for the performance improvements the most is definitely here.

So far, the features that I’ve enjoyed the most is the new “stand” that is attached to the device now. Even on the sofa, where I probably use this device the most, I don’t have to hold it on my hand since the stand is always with me. Also, the possibility to use two memory cards and basically all the variations or SD and MMC is a great addition. I also like that I can use the device now with my native language (Finnish). I was a bit surprised when I installed the FreeCiv game and noticed that it is now also in Finnish. But yeah, that’s the way it goes when localization is done properly. Yes, and of course I like the improved performance although I’m expecting something more in that area in the future.

I’m quite confident that I haven’t figured out all the cool improvements on N800, so I can’t give my final judgement yet. But so far I’m very satisfied.

Order tracking just showed that my N800 has been shipped. So, it looks like I’ll get it tomorrow. Also it looks like one Nokia 770, that has served me very well for over a year now, will now be looking for a new home. It makes me sad, but I need to move on…

Finnish magazine Taloussanomat is reporting (in Finnish) that Nokia is working together with Skype to get Skype for Nokia’s new N800 Internet Tablet. I also found an official press release on this and seems like Skype will come by the end of first half 2007 for the N800.

Huh, I was really amazed this morning when I just randomly tried this link and it worked. The link is or course the page at Nokia Online store that allows one to order the N800 (the improved Nokia 770). The price for Finland was €399. So not too much in my opinion. I was even so eager that I had to pay €32 extra to get it delivered by tomorrow. If you can wait 3-4 days the delivery is free of charge. Lets see if I get it tomorrow. I’ll keep writing progess here in my blog.

FON was offering their WLAN access points for free here in Finland, so I went and ordered one. It didn’t cost me anything so I had nothing to lose. I have to say that I’m really impressed of the quality that FON has been able to produce with this thing. The access point was packed in a very cool looking package. Also the instructions manual was way better than in any manual of a “commerical product” I’ve seen. Also, the WLAN AP itself has a cool and kind of Apple look. Look at the image below. Doesn’t that D-Link router look damn ungly next to the FON router. I’m running my FON access point in a “Linus” mode, so all other Foneros, you are welcome to use my shared access and you can expect me lurking at your corners as well.