Nokia N800....Convenient WiFi Device

Nokia recently released the long-awaited update to their Internet Tablet (tabelet) N770 device. The N800 is more stylish and has broader market appeal than the Linux-based 770. Reviewers were not kind to the initial release of the 770 back in 2005, but with updates to the OS such as Internet Tablet 2006, even the 770 breathed new life. And a recent price cut has Amazon and other online retailers pushing the 770 out of the door at around $140 (USD). What a deal, if you don't mind a little frustration.

Back to the N800...this is not an Internet phone; not a PDA; not a cellphone; not a compact notebook computer; not a Pocket PC. Very simply put, like its predecessor the 770, the N800 is an Internet browsing device with a high resolution display in a small package. And, oh, it is also based on the Linux OS...and that's a good thing.

There are numerous occasions when a computer user wants to check email, or catch up on the latest headlines without booting up the PC, making coffee, and returning to their PC to find the Windows logo still on the screen. The 800 solves that problem by (almost) instantly pulling up your landing (home) page when a WiFi connection is available. Check the news through RSS feeds, pull up GoogleTalk or Gizmo to IM or for quick connections with VoIP (Skype, too), or listen to streaming media and Internet radio.

If you already own a smartphone with Bluetooth, an MPEG player, and a fast 3G connection (that would be the world outside of iPhone users), you might use the N800 for its larger screen (800x480) and an Opera browser that looks similar to what you might view on your regular PC. Great for roaming around the office or the house on WiFi when cellphone data connections are iffy, and the time to get on and off of the Net are paramount.

Another benefit may be for those travelers that want to quickly check their email or news shortly after boarding a plane, but before the FAs start looking over your shoulder and reminding you to turn off your phones, PCs, and handhelds. Hibernating your notebook and stowing it takes minutes; the N800 only takes seconds.

One other thing...if you are not comfortable doing a bit of tinkering with software applications, command lines, and trial-and-error computing, you may be frustrated by this and similar devices. But, if you want to browse the Internet quickly without booting up the PC, and enjoy the mobility available within the confines of a WiFi signal, you will really enjoy using the N800.