I just bought a Nokia N900 which runs Maemo Linux 5 and after three days I would like to share my initial impression of the device.
Pros: Phone is very well built and comparable to my old iPhone 3G in every way. The 5MP camera is absolutely amazing, I will probably use this as my primary camera for normal photos and bits of video. The Maemo platform in use by the phone is super responsive and feels faster than anything I have ever used. Things open instantly and the multitasking is very smooth. The Linux OS underneath is impressive and I can run emulators for games, although the OpenGL ES 2.0-enabled accelerometer-based 3D game it comes with (Bounce, it is called) is really impressive. I hope this phone lives up to its potential.
Cons: Most apps are in landscape mode only. Also, physical keyboards are overrated. Can’t figure out how to use FM Radio yet. Not a lot of apps out, although there is a huge community around the OS so I expect this to change quickly. T-Mobile 3.5G service is not available everywhere and this phone depends on a fast data connection. Battery life could be better. I wish it took a regular SD card instead of a microSD. Also, where is Ovi sync, Nokia?
Other Thoughts: An expensive device, even after rebates and promo codes. The Maemo forums are very active and you should join them.
This is the second Nokia product I have purchased that runs the Maemo operating system, the first being the now-defunct Nokia N800 Internet Tablet, which I blogged about a while back when I first got it.
