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.

At this point, I have to admit some ignorance on my part: I knew there were Linux based Smart Phones on the market but had never heard of the Nokia N900 or the Maemo OS, until reading about them in the above mentioned mag (followed by a quick online search for product reviews). I was somewhat familiar with Android but not interested enough to actually buy one. I use PC's all day every day and love using Linux (debian, mint, ubuntu & others) but, until recently, had no real need for a smart phone or Internet Tablet. However, I started a new business last year and, as I've found myself getting busier, it has become evident that I need a little help staying organized... so I was in the market for a new toy.

I had been using a Nokia 6600 Slide as my phone (+ basic calendar and to-do list). I liked the 6600 (even though it is "just a phone") and this may have been a factor in me 'noticing' the Nokia N900 while reading the magazine. A few days after reading the above reviews, I happened to pass by an "All Phones" Kiosk in a local shopping centre (Albany, Western Australia). I had already walked passed but, remembering the magazine article, turned back and approached a salesman with the question: "I don't suppose you've got a Nokia N900 in stock". I knew they were a new release model in Australia and Albany is a little remote so it was more of an observation than a question. To my surprise, he answered: "Yes, we did have one in stock. I'll just check if we still have it". Less than ten minutes later, I was walking away with my new Phone, PDA, Internet Tablet... Linux Computer... (I hadn't really figured out what it was yet). The shop assistant did offer to help me get started by inserting my SIM but I assured him I would manage OK on my own... and left the store without opening the box.

After a few days of fiddling and familiarizing myself with this new toy, I have to say I'm very impressed and pleased with my purchase. There are a number of good reviews available online, that describe the N900 in some detail, so I'm not going to go into a lot of technical detail here (btw, I started writing this on the Nokia but switched to my laptop because I was getting thumb cramps ;). The keyboard is actually quite good: I'm just not accustomed to typing with my thumbs yet!

Some of the reviews I read (and watched on youtube) appear to suggest that the N900 is geek phone and isn't suitable for the general public. I agree that the N900 is a device that many geeks would probably be thrilled to own (particularly if you like Linux, Open Source Software and the flexibility to customise the user interface (and applications) to suit you own needs), but I don't agree this is a "geeks only" device. My 11 year old son had it doing things I didn't know it could do within minutes of picking it up. The interface is very clean and clear and adding new shortcuts (or moving shortcuts) is easy. Some reviewers have commented on the lack of icons (navigation, back buttons, etc) but again, I think the user interface is very intuitive once you get a feel for it: Click on an icon to open an application. Click the 'X' to close. Or click on the mutli tasking/menu item (top left) to access other apps. In multi-tasking mode: Click on the preview to give an app focus, or anywhere else on the screen to go back to the 'desktop'. Either way, most apps (and config options) are only a couple of screen taps away. I can't see how it could be much easier.... unless someone develops a device that uses telepathy.

I use Linux (ubuntu/Mint) including Gnome, compiz, multiple virtual desktops and various other tools like the Avant Window Navigator (awn), on my desktop and various laptops/netbooks. Nokia's Maemo 5 interface with it's 4 virtual screens and powerful graphics engine feels very familiar to me. It's like having Linux, Gnome and Compiz... all in the palm of you hand! Add to that Wireless/Bluetooth, a 600 Mhz Processor, 1 Gig if RAM/swap and up to 48 GB's of internal memory... and you have a very powerful tool in your hand or your pocket. I Love it!

Edit: This issue has been resovled - fixed after OS update, so feel free to skip this paragraph... I [did] have a few minor issues with the N900. The most significant issue for me is the configuration of Wireless networking. Background: I run an internal network with various PC's (linux/windows), a server (debian server running DNS and DHCP) and various other network components, including two ADSL routers. I also have two wireless access points (APs) on my network. I haven't had any issues connecting to the outside world (the Internet) with any of the dozens of PC's I have used in my home or workshop. Issue: The Nokia N900 can see machines and devices on my internal network (including web/mail server and default gateway(s)) but refuses to talk to the outside world.... unless I set the wireless to use a static IP/DNS address. The problem appears to be related to DNS settings but I haven't been able to resolve it as yet. Another Wireless issue is the fact that the wireless configuration tool picks up one of my AP's as having basic WEP security on it, when in fact both of my AP's are configured to use WPA2. This could be an issue with the AP but other devices are able to connect to it ok so it's a little unclear why the N900 is having this problem. The N900's wireless configuration wizard does not allow you to choose WPA if it 'thinks' the AP is using WEP security. (are you confused yet?) These issues probably relate to my specific setup and are unlikely to effect the average Smart Phone user. Further investigation required... when I find the time.

Other than the above mentioned issues, I am extremely happy with the Nokia N900 and expect to have many months/years of geeky fun with it. In short: It's fast, user friendly, has an intuitive user interface and is very effective at doing a variety of tasks... all at the same time. Oh, and it even works well as a phone. Well done Nokia!