[mdlug-discuss] One more reason

[Peter Bart]

On Wed, 2010-03-10 at 07:58 -0500, Ingles, Raymond wrote:
> > From: Peter Bart
> > >  Then there's the Droid. Not as open as I'd like, but open enough.
> The
> > > hardware supports USB host mode, believe it or not.
> > > (http://www.tombom.co.uk/blog/?p=124) Uses Java, has a *gorgeous*
> > > screen, etc. I know what *I'm* going for.
> > 
> > What about a Nokia? <http://maemo.nokia.com/n900/>
> 
>  I looked at it, but there's the matter of (a) up-front expense,

	Look at it this way. I bought the handset unlocked full price. I pay
$10.00/month for unlimited internet access, you will be required to pay
a minimum of $30.00/month. The difference is $480 you will pay that I
won't over the two year contract, and I don't have a contract. I can
suspend service at any time w/o any ETF.

>  (b) GSM
> instead of CDMA (which is a hit against the iPhone, too),

	It might be a hit against for you, but it's a bennie for me. I can surf
and call at the same time with the same handset. You won't be able to do
that with a CDMA handset. Coverage, call quality, etc are all very
similar for my use around the metro area.

>  (c) no
> included GPS navigation software that I know of, 

	<http://maemo.org/downloads/Maemo5/navigation/>

> and (d) lack of USB
> host mode, which I'm really curious to play with.

	This does not appear to be coming anytime soon
<http://talk.maemo.org/showthread.php?t=31921>. However it does have
bluetooth and wifi to connect your goodies.

>  Don't get me wrong, it's a helluva unit, and had I a fraction more
> disposable income I'd go for it. But the Droid has roughly comparable
> hardware, is significantly cheaper with carrier subsidies, and works on
> the network I'm already on.

	I got you, don't worry. Also getting root access is much easier
<http://maemo.org/downloads/product/Maemo5/rootsh/> and not wiped out by
firmware updates, which no longer require flashing. Updates are
delivered via the application manager. If you're interested I'll try and
come to the next meeting so you can play with one.
-- 
Best Regards,

Peter The Plumber