Binary Me...

I've been using the Linux operating system (OS) for many years (since 1994) and in that time I've installed and used many different distributions (versions) of the OS.

During the past couple of years, I've mainly settled on using Debian/GNU Linux, Ubuntu and/or Linux Mint, although I will frequently download and try other versions just for fun. I also like Bodhi Linux for quick/easy "Internet Cafe" type installs. I tend to stick with Debian based systems (package management) and have never been a big fan of RPM or other packaging systems. While I can understand why some people like the "do it yourself" approach (Gentoo, et al.), I just don't see the point (on modern hardware) and, frankly, don't have the time or energy to do it from scratch every time (I don't grow my own food for the same reason).

I recently decided it was time to start looking for a new headset. I've been spending more time on the phone and also wanted to be able to listen to some music, in stereo. I had misplaced my previous Bluetooth (mono) headset some time ago and was not happy with the cheap wired headphones I'd been using for listening to music.

After a bit of online research, I decided to try the Plantronics Backbeat 903+ Stereo Bluetooth Headset.

I've now been using the new headset for a couple of days and have to say I am quite happy with them, but...

I did have a few issues at first (after pairing them with my HTC Sensation - that bit was easy!), because the connection kept dropping out every few seconds. I had charged the battery for at least 3 or 4 hours before using them so I was confident this wasn't the cause. After using them for a while, I went online to do some more research and discovered I wasn't alone in my experience. One of the pages I read suggested to do a reset (Turn off. Hold power button in and plug in the charger), so I gave it a shot. This helped a little but the problem persisted.

Having had a couple of weeks to familiarize myself with the Nokia N900 and having spent some time configuring and tweaking, I decided it was probably about time to initiate some kind of backup procedure.

The Nokia N900 is a fantastic device and has completely surpassed my expectations of what a "hand held" device can do. It's amazing how much functionality has been crammed into this 'phone'.... however there is one small issue I am not impressed with: The N900 comes with PC Syncing software but it's for Windows! - Apparently, you simply connect the supplied USB cable, select the appropriate option on the phone ("PC Suite Mode") and install the relevant software on your Windows PC. What? If I wanted to sync with Windows, I would have bought a Windows Mobile based device.... I don't, so I didn't. As I use Linux on all of my computers, I have no use for the included software.

The Nokia N900 (released is the US a few months ago) has only recently become available, through official channels, in Australia. I had been contemplating the purchase of a new 'Smart Phone' for a couple of months and had considered a few options (I had looked at the Apple iphone and some Android powered devices - the latter being more likely, as I am not a big Apple fan but enjoy using Linux). Nothing had really jumped out at me... until I read an article in "Linux User & Developer" (mag) about the Nokia N900 & the Maemo 5 Operating System: I was intrigued and 'sold' within minutes.