iPhone looking better and better.

If I was to go with a touch-only device at this point, I would have to
choose the iPhone. I recently made a visit to a Verizon store at a
mall in Fairfax, VA and took a close look at the Droid. The hardware
qwerty was simply unimpressive and felt like a stone slab against my
fingers. To add insult to injury, the soft qwerty was no better than
the membrane keypad and I was done with the Droid within minutes. I
attempted to allow my fingers to do speed typing, but this was not to
be without the accuracy I was accustomed to on the iPhone. In that
moment, the possible benefits of getting the Nexus One seemed to not
be worthwhile anymore. The more I think about the iPhone, the better
it seems to appear as a most useful device for ultimate portability
and usage. There is certainly a yearning for the smooth performance of
the OS that runs on the Jesus phone, and I cannot help it. No advanced
hardware feature on a competing device can begin to downplay the
importance of a great interface, and this is why the E72 and
BlackBerry 9700 may not be considered.

The Nokia E72 and BlackBerry 9700 exhibit the perfect form factor for
me, a qwerty bar, but they both suffer from lackluster OS. I will not
dispute the possibility of there being a good OS on a non-touch model,
but these two just happen to fall behind in their own way. While the
E72 qwerty is sufficient for daily typing at adequate speed with
reliable auto-correction, Symbian 3rd edition feels ancient and in
need of an overhaul even with feature pack 2. Navigating its familiar
menu layouts and cartoonish icons feels juvenile at times, but I can
appreciate certain pros from multimedia support, PIM data management,
function shortcuts, and third party apps. If anything, the E72 could
indeed be a backup to the iPhone. Yes, the BlackBerry 9700 did get my
attention when I played with a friend's unit at a lunch meeting. It
has dimensions similar to that of the E72, but seems to display better
build quality. Unfortunately, as the E72 suffers from an antiquated
OS, the 9700 suffers from an antiquated OS with hardly ANY depth. Once
I pass the obvious facelift of the homescreen, I am greeted by the
typical black text on white background and I am bored to tears. As
nice as RIM's products look on the outside, they have no trouble
losing my interest with what's on the inside.

Using the N900 has really revealed to me just how important ease of
usability really is for me. At the end of the day, it is too much of a
complex Intenet tablet devoid of characteristics that make smartphones
good mobile companions when on-the-go. I miss being able to pocket my
device and not have to worry about extra steps to do simple tasks like
update social networks or correspond with contacts via phone. I miss
being able to rely on Google Maps due to N900's incompatibility and my
refusal to settle for Ovi Maps. I miss being able to access so many
convenient uses from third party apps to make my life that much
easier. There is a reason why the iPhone is such a popular phone: ease
of use. One basically unboxes the iPhone, connects to iTunes, and is
up and running with practically no trouble. I miss this "painless"
aspect of the iPhone along with its captivating OS. This change of
preference back to a one bar form factor with no moving parts sadly
exlcludes even the Touch Pro 2 models. Those amazing qwerty keypad
layouts still remain the best in the industry for hardware standards,
but I guess I am just tired of sliding stuff open all the time! No
longer am I interested in taking pictures or watching flash videos, I
simply want a convenient phone that can do its job with minimal worry
from me. As much as I do like the thought of an E72 as a candidate
with Missing Sync, the iPhone takes the top consideration. On March
2nd, I am due to turn 29, so I am wondering if that has anything to do
with this want for more simplicity and efficiency in my phone usage.

Another factor that I am keeping in mind is the unpopular nature of
TMobile's 3G network. VERY few devices are currently available to
cater to the 1700 MHz band while AT&T has so many more possibilities
with its 3G bands. Paying less money for unlimited services only to be
left in the dark from using other compatible 3G models is not in my
best interest anymore. I am SO glad that I have no contract with
TMobile at this point, SOOO glad! It could be anytime in this coming
week that I decide to return to AT&T for the iPhone 3GS and call it a
day. The search for the perfect phone will continue on as more units
are introduced from manufacturers in the future, and I may be going
nuts for something else. For right now, I just want my phone to be
simpler than what the N900 can offer...and I would even entertain the
thought of trading with WomWorld for a Nokia E72.

Trent Smith
Sent from my iPod Touch 64GB
*************************************
TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
YouTube.com/absolon3

iPhone or Android?

I am typing on the iPod Touch and am feeling pretty good about my
experience so far. For so many years I have been reluctant to say that
I could tolerate a touch-only phone, but is there a chance that this
could somehow change for me in the near future? Who knows. I can only
say that anything is possible with the way technology is constantly
changing from week to week.

Yes, there is a part of me that still craves the notion of a device
just working and doing what it is intended to do with flashy graphics
and smooth interface transitions...and the iPhone keeps coming to
mind. I do understand the limitations of certain features on the
iPhone such as camera, web functions, and speakerphone volume, but I
still have to consider reality. As much as I like using my N900,
there is a certain amount of efficiency that is lacking for daily use.
This could come from going without portrait mode and tolerating the
newness of Maemo5 for certain third party apps. While the E72 could
certainly address this matter by giving me the best of a seasoned OS,
app compatibility, hardware features, and hardware qwerty, there is
still something about the iPhone interface that draws me. Some sort of
magic seems to take place inside my iPod Touch whenever I access
functions with the touch of my fingertips, and I remember this from
using an iPhone in the past. The look and feel of an interface is just
as important as what hardware it is running on, and I honestly cannot
see how Symbian would be able to compare to the iPhone...even if it is
more advanced in some ways. I would be lying if I claimed to not be
affected by the flair and smooth performance of the iPhone OS. The
remote trace of this in the way that Maemo5 carries itself with
onscreen transitions is why I am using the N900 in the first place.
There is certainly an ease of usability that comes with the swiping
and turning of that coveted Apple device, and I think about this from
time to time when I have to slide open a qwerty or be forced to use
both hands on any mobile gadget. As much as I do like the allure of my
N900 feeling more like an Internet tablet, I am honestly missing the
convenience of a typical smartphone...especially one that can offer an
impressive touch experience. Another huge benefit of the iPhone would
be Mac syncing from the iTunes relationship. There would be no more
need for the Missing Sync app from mark/space since all concerns would
be handled every time I connect my device via USB.

Being with the TMobile network makes Nexus One a possible candidate
for a touch-only device, but I am not fully convinced of Android's
usefulness and performance in comparison to the iPhone. Mac syncing
could indeed be partly taken care of by Google Calendar, but I am not
familiar with it and may not take to complementing iCal with it any
time soon. Missing Sync software fortunately has an Android version,
but it only addresses contact syncing at this time. Once calendar sync
is enabled with this app, Android could certainly be a promising
alternative...but not now. Responsiveness of the virtual qwerty is
another concern of using Nexus One. Right now I am typing this word
document on my iPod Touch via Quickoffice for iPhone and I am
practically flying through the keys with no trouble at all. THIS is
the kind of typing experience I prefer when on a mobile device, and I
have so far received it only from the Nokia E71/E72, Apple iPhone/iPod
Touch, and to a certain extent the HTC Touch Pro 2. As virtual qwertys
go, I never had much favor for HTC Sense on HD2 or Symbian 5th edition
on N97/N97 mini. Honestly, I don't favor Maemo5's virtual qwerty on
the N900 either. The last time I had touched an Android virtual qwerty
was at a TMobile store when I looked at the myTouch model. I was
indeed turned off by the cramped layout and there was absolutely
nothing about the typing feedback that reminded me of the Apple
alternative. Responsiveness of the keys seemed fine, but accuracy was
a different story altogether. I would build up a great speed in
writing and then suddenly get snagged with a typo that couldn't be
redeemed by auto correction. While I thought that screen size made the
difference in typing experience, the HD2 and its 4inch screen proved
me wrong with a not-so-promising performance. As much as I wanted HTC
Sense to be a primary OS for my daily usage, typing on those soft keys
was not as responsive as the iPhone. There is no ignoring the fact
that OS determines performance factors of any qwerty, virtual or
hardware.

As I continue to type this document on my iPod Touch, I am reminded of
the excitement that awaits me in possibly unboxing an iPhone 3GS with
AT&T. However, I am also aware of the potential boredom that may kick
in after a period of use. While boredom comes with every device,
overall satisfaction can make the difference between staying or
adopting something else. I can remember the first time I had the
iPhone in my hands with my SIM, and it felt great! Taking my fingers
and swiping commands to my heart's content seemed to conjure a surge
of endorphins, and I was glad to be one with my Jesus phone. Having a
direct sync line to my Mac via iTunes basically solidified my position
as an Applehead, a certified Mac fanboy willing to die for Steve
Jobs. :) Nothing wrong could come of the first-gen iPhone for me, and
I was almost convinced that it would be one of my most perfect
possessions until the end of time. Then reality smacked me in the face
with lack of MMS, hardware qwerty, and the drawbacks of AT&T and
certain iPhone features. I ultimately decided to put my trust in Nokia
for the best convergence of multimedia and office functions.

I only chose the N900 for the perceived benefits I would gain from its
hardware being manufactured by Nokia. There have been too many times
when I have gone to competing manufacturers like HTC only to be
underwhelmed by built-in features. Quality of speaker audio and camera
lens tends to be a high priority in selecting a phone, and at this
point this seems to not make sense anymore. How important is it to
have five or more megapixels in a lens? How important is it to have
stereo speakers? How important is it to have 30 frames per second for
video capture? How important is it to have acceptable audio quality on
that video capture? The more I use my phone, the less crucial these
features are starting to become for me. I am slowly but surely getting
to the conclusion that only email access, calendar appointment/contact
management, portability, ease of use and Mac syncing are the most
important features for me in a smartphone. I sometimes feel like I am
punched in the gut from harsh reality when I really take time to
consider real time use of my phone. Will I ever SERIOUSLY prefer a
mobile phone camera over my Panasonic Lumix or Canon HD camcorder?
Should I ever truly depend on the battery life of a phone to playback
music and multimedia files when I have an iPod Touch? Common sense
would say "no" to both of these questions, but a "yes" answer could be
used for the sake of versatility. Finding multiple uses for a device
can be quite useful, but even Nokia's reputation for well-made
hardware can lose some clout on this matter. No matter how many tasks
a phone can take on, I have always figured a Nokia to be a jack of all
trades and master of none
in regards to features. The past did have Nokia in a better light as a
most innovative manufacturer, but the tables are turning as other
companies are rising to the challenge. My N900 may be able to convey
ultimate utility in web browsing, but its lack of convenient portrait
mode navigation, suitable Mac syncing, Google Maps compatibility, word
document editing, and portability is starting to wear on my patience.
While a Carl Zeiss lens can take suitable still images, it isn't like
they will ever be printed from my computer. Any mobile device
generating a picture will most likely be doing so for the web, and I
have found that 3 megapixels versus 5 may not be that big of a
difference to be worried over. Since purchasing my Canon HD camcorder,
I have yet to regain trust in shooting a TRENT SENSE episode with a
Nokia phone (or with ANY phone) no matter how good its lens happens to
be! Mobile speakers tend to be null and void for music playback aloud
since they usually can lack bass along with depth, so headphones would
most likely be a necessity. Carl Zeiss lenses with 30 frames per
second video capture no longer carry the same weight they used to with
me. Turning my phone into a multimedia office suite doesn't seem to be
plausible after so much time in trying one device after another. There
is always a point of compromise that has to be considered when using
any model, and I am learning this first hand with my N900. This could
be the starting point to venturing out beyond Nokia without feeling
like I am downgrading. Only the Nokia E71 has managed to be a mainstay
for an extended period of time due to portability, durability, PIM
data, office suite, and Mac syncing. Multimedia was a feature that
wasn't the E71's strength, but I accepted it for the most part. This
would have to be the only time I can honestly say I really felt
content with a device as a well-rounded companion. For touch-only
models, I appear to be stuck at the moment between my curiosity for
Android and my familiarity with iPhone.

As I realize that my wants in a mobile gadget may be changing once
again, not having the mini version of a battleship that can do
everything doesn't seem so bad anymore.

Trent Smith
Sent from my iPod Touch 64GB
*************************************
TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
YouTube.com/absolon3

Android Hesitation

I have an increased interest in the adopting Android as a primary device, but I am still hesitant to make the move at this point. Since the introduction of Nexus One, I have been excited for the potential of its OS with well-rounded support from Google. It seemed that an iPhone competitor finally took the first step in getting something right! Not saying that Android would ever conquer Apple domination to achieve the gold medal, but it certainly has beat out other contenders for silver. Watching Nexus review videos and reading tech blogs solidified my Android desire over the Palm WebOS, but the lack of a suitable hardware qwerty model bothers me. Every single option leans to the touchscreen variant, and I am over the whole iPhone-inspired craze for touch navigation of smartphone interfaces. It is never promising to browse online shops whose Android hardware qwerty selections are limited to only Motorola. While I respect Moto's comeback with the Droid/Milestone and Cliq, there is a part of me that feels unsatisfied with the onboard keypad of both models. One is an unappealing membrane surface while the other simply feels like a Toys-R-Us sale item.

My N900 is too memorable (even with its flaws) to be replaced with what I consider to be a subpar device. As great as the Nexus sounds on spec sheets and looks on videos, I am sure that the camera and loud speaker experience will be disappointing. HTC's track record has proven this with every phone I had the chance to power on, and I think it safe to assume the same for Google's new touch-inspired baby. I won't even go into fears that were conjured from my skepticism behind the Hero model released a long while back. Samsung continues to encourage nightmares of mediocrity with its build quality and software features, so it isn't even in mind as a viable candidate. This opinion is based on previous experiences with Samsung models running Windows Mobile OS and may indeed be wrong to believe, but I don't have faith in Samsung to improve with its Android units. Sony Ericsson seems to be as hopeless as Samsung in this regard. Not only does this company have a terrible reputation in delivering disasters such as the P990 and Satio, but its CEO is bold enough to justify passing up the chance to manufacture the Nexus (which may have been a blessing in disguise). I have absolutely zero expectations for the Xperia X10 interface. Promotional videos and commercials may show speedy transitions and breathtaking graphics with the swipe of one's finger, but I am almost certain real world use will be the anthithesis of this. I will not be surprised if SE will have to muster an arsenal of tech support operators to handle a surge of complaints about laggy performance and faulty hardware features. What makes that sad is that SE is pretty good at creating high-quality builds that show-off and gleam for cameras and onlookers alike. As I mentioned previously, Motorola hasn't really made a promising impression with its hardware qwerty devices so far. If there is another manufacturer that I am missing at the moment, it is most likely due to the absence of a hardware qwerty keypad. Often I wonder if Nokia will ever release a device for Android with the same prowess as the N900, and then I come back to reality. Nokia appears to be stuck in the world of Symbian and Maemo, and it is a shame that no other OS will have the blessing of Nokia's experience in offering terrific features for its solid gadgets. If Samsung and LG were able to reap the benefits of having a Nokia OS on its hardware, why can't this work the other way around? I would certainly spend money for a Nokia model running an interface alternate to Maemo and Symbian, but I assume I am being naive to some sort of copyright infringement possibility...and Nokia is dealing with enough of that.

I can only hope for a Nexus with a sliding qwerty keypad. Friends of mine have mentioned the HTC Desire as another promising model, but they are both from HTC and may be ultimately the same. I had read an article about a Motorola with a sliding qwerty, but that was based on a photoshop rendering. I still have good expectations for Android, but the current hardware selection is primarily limited to touchscreen variants. In the meantime, I guess it is a good thing to not be inspired to spend money and be content with what I have in my N900.

TRENT
Sent from my N900 via MaStory

Gadget Boredom Cure: N900

After spending some time with the Touch Pro 2, I simply couldn't ignore the emptiness I felt from the absence of certain N900 features. Yes, I did enjoy being reunited with Mobile Word and its spell check tool. Yes, I certainly felt whole again when Missing Sync came to life on my Mac via a bluetooth connection with my HTC. Yes, having my thumbs working over those amazing qwerty keys did conjure feelings of satisfaction. When I powered on the TP2, I felt as if a new found urge to write had suddenly possessed me and my thumbs went typing away! However, there was no denying the upgrade in functionality I had gained in unboxing my own N900. By the end of that same day, I promptly returned my SIM back to its rightful place in the Nokia.

I was under the impression that having the HTC's advanced qwerty motivated me to write a blogpost, but this was not the case. Switching my SIM card to a different device motivated the writing urge, not the qwerty keys. Upon thinking back to every blogpost that had been written on a non-TP2 gadget, it was senseless for me to come to such a conclusion. Simply put, I had another reason to write again and took advantage of it right away when I happened to have the HTC.

I guess I needed to have a period of time with the Touch Pro 2 to realize just how useful the N900 has been for my daily usage. This is definitely the most advanced execution of touch interfacing so far from Nokia, and I am glad its performance cannot be classified in the same field as Symbian 5th edition. Maemo5 is truly not on par with the iPhone, but it is definitely an improveent over that previous OS on the N97. Adequate speed in interface navigating for screen transitions and web browsing almost take on a similar aura as the iPhone...ALMOST, but not quite. There are still some responsiveness issues plaguing Maemo5, but nothing that cannot be tolerated any more than Symbian 5th edition. Every time I pick up this gadget, its solid construction and hefty size give me reassurance of a high-quality build. It doesn't have the slimming of the E71/E72 or the easy pocketability of the E51/E52, but it's not a huge behemoth like the E90 either. For overall sizing, it is closest to the HTC Touch Pro 2 with a bit more heft thrown in for good measure. I personally like the solid weight and prefer it over the lightness of plasticky and lackluster gloss from certain competitors (AHEM*Samsung*AHEM). As a brief side note, I had thought that the most unimpressive build quality came from Sony Ericsson with its P900, but the Samsung Omnia Pro took the so-called honors. This model had a low-grade cheapness factor that felt more appropriate at a dollar store, and I hardly felt Samsung was justified in its retail pricing of such poor craftsmanship. From flimsy port covers to overly-glossy surfaces that attracted countless fingerprints and smudges, there was no shortage of disgust for me from the i780 to the Omnia Pro. Even with the battery installed, the Omnia Pro felt hollow and lifeless in my hands...and this feeling continued when I powered it on!! The Samsung TouchWiz interface is absolutely HORRIFIC and appears to be nothing more than a needless clusterf*** onscreen...and I will even go on record to say that I would rather go back to using Symbian 3rd or 5th edition before EVER considering another Samsung device again!! WHEW!! Anyway, as I was saying before, the N900 truly exhibits a secure and well-rounded form factor in its physical composition.

As much as I do praise my N900, I am not blind to its opportunities for improvement. Software features can be bland and uninspiring since they tend to offer only basic functions, and the camera and media player are prime examples of this. Even the E72 camera with its video light and panorama feature offers more variety than the N900, and the lack of EQ for music playback is a disappointment. Watching video files is a two-step process: you pick the video and watch it. There is no changing of aspect ratio to stretch or fill the whole screen, and from what I have seen there is no video editing capability either. It is not that I have intentions of turning my N900 into an mobile iMovie media machine, but it would be nice to have something to compete with current and even past handsets. For crying out loud, I remember being able to edit video on my Nokia N95 years ago!!! Being lost and not able to carry on without a mobile office suite or Mac syncing is not in the cards for me, for I have learned to carry on in spite of. Word document editors on other devices were primarily used to create blogposts, and I have found an alternative in the MaStory application. Lack of spell check can be an inconvenience, but I am an adult who doesn't mind trying to be careful with what I type on the qwerty keys. Missing Sync has yet to make a version that works with Maemo5, but a friend of mine has opened me up to the notion of Google Calendar. I already imported my iCal to this but have not yet been comfortable with syncing my N900 to it. Considering my dependency on Missing Sync throughout the years, I will most likely update my Mac and N900 separately until a compatible version is introduced...if at all. As I mentioned previously, the Maemo5 interface does get issues with response to touch commands sometimes. While I am sure this is standard fare with any touchscreen device, it can certainly get annoying. There is also a glitch on my N900 where music from the media player will start playing either by itself or when I try to decline an incoming call...very strange. The fact that music can still be heard when the device is in Silent mode still bothers me. Figuring out appropriate settings to convert videos to the right resolution for playback on the N900 is an ongoing adventure. I simply throw my hands up in the air and choose the iPhone/iPod Touch setting on Handbrake, and this has worked for one movie conversion so far while many others have failed. After banging my head against my desk, I have resigned myself to no more attempts at converting movies for N900 to keep what I have left of my own sanity. Using the device in landscape mode ALL the time is getting old, but this tends to be a love/hate relationship. There are times when I like the fact my N900 cannot be categorized as a typical smartphone made for one-handed use in portrait mode. I can instantly slide open the qwerty and begin swiping through desktop homescreens with my fingers and feel as if I am a staffer on the Starship Enterprise (yes, I have actually imagined this in my own head while using the N900). However, the lack of portrait orientation can be a major pain as well...especially for running around during the day running errands. Quick responses to incoming messages/calls isn't really possible since one must take the handset and use both hands to do anything with it. Yes, I was fully aware of sacrificing one-handed operations when I first purchased this, but I would be lying if I said I didn't miss it. GPS may as well be absent from my N900 since I can only use it for geo-tagging on taking pictures with the camera at this point! Google Maps is still not compatible with Maemo5, and Nokia Maps is absolutely UNRELIABLE!! Sluggish performance in getting a secure signal lock and constant loss of tracking placement while on the road equates Nokia Maps to the Bubonic Plague, and I avoid it as such! On a recent 14-hour drive to Fort Lauderdale, Florida from SE Virginia, the iPhone 3GS of a family member was used to keep us on track with Google Maps navigation. The iPhone had worked FLAWLESSLY with NO issues at all, and my N900 had been shoved into the storage compartment of the Toyota Camry rental car for the remainder of the trip. I normally ridicule competing devices whenever I can, but my mouth was instantly shut in that moment and there was nothing I could do about it...nothing. It was a sad say for my N900...and my pride.

Overall, the N900 is a diamond in the rough for me at this point and I am glad to have pre-ordered it from Amazon in November of 2009. Something about it just intrigued me as I read more preview articles and watched promo ads. I recall one ad set in an interrogation room where a questioned suspect suddenly breaks into a seizure-like state and transforms into a N900...freaky deaky stuff!! While a part of me saw this and thought "What the hell has Nokia been smoking?!!", another part of me was drawn into the ad for its uniqueness. Any manufacturer could have taken a device in an ad and hovered it in midair to make it magically transform on its own to showcase features (this did happen with N900), but Nokia tried something different. As freaked out as I was by that N900 promotional ad, I was also interested in having that new device in my hands ASAP. What can I say, the marketing certainly worked on its charm on me! Despite seldom issues, I still remain with my N900 because it is the best alternative going for me at the moment. In my circle of friends and acquaintances, I see my fair share of iPhones, BlackBerry handsets, Windows Mobile gadgets, Droids, and cheap throw-away dumb phones. My N900 allows me to be in a class of my own as a mobile geek, being able to amaze anyone who dare to confuse it with any other typical smartphone. Accompanied by 32GB of internal storage, stereo speakers, a suitable camera, a control key, an amazing web browser, and hardware qwerty, Maemo5 is a Nokia triumph for me after the Symbian 5th edition OS tragedy with N97. Yes, I do have curiosity for the Android OS, but no hardware has inspired me to make a jump as of yet. Another factor is fear of possibly downgrading from Maemo5 to another typical smartphone OS in Google Android. There seems to be so much potential in the future of Maemo5 with a growing community of developers, and it feels good to be a part of that. Honestly, I know nothing about coding or programming...I am simply and end user of this N900 who has learned to appreciate its benefits in spite of its flaws. When my friend, Jon of Tehkseven, mentioned that I had written a lot on my previous blogpost, I thought it was due in part to the TP2 inspiring me. But after writing this blogpost on MaStory via my N900, I am finding myself just as inspired this time around as well.

TRENT
Sent from my N900 via MaStory

Gadget Boredom

I have switched my SIM card to the Touch Pro 2 device for TMobile since I grew bored with using the Nokia N900. Just recently I found out that a new N900 firmware update has been released after my doing this, but it turns out to be a minor one with only a few fixes. After over a couple months of using the Internet tablet device as my main phone, I am at a crossroads concerning my usage once again. Even though the N900 has LOTS of potential with desktop web browsing and social network connectivity, it can certainly be so much more in regards to its qwerty keypad performance.

While my thumbs type on this Touch Pro 2 in wild abandon, I am instantly reminded of what drew me to this sliding qwerty in the first place. The writing experience on this HTC device is equaled by no other, and I will continue to stand by this opinion for as long as possible. The tactile feedback and spacing of the keys is absolutely perfect, and long periods of time can pass being spent on writing out my thoughts. After using my terribly-missed Missing Sync software to update PIM data on the TP2, I am back at home with its advanced qwerty and non-Maemo5 OS. Five rows of characters printed onto tactile keys spaced in a most generous manner simply bring joy to the gadget addict from within, and I cannot help but wonder how I could transplant this to my N900.

There is no doubt that the Touch Pro 2 lacks many features that make the N900 stand apart from it, but it may be good for me to adopt some simplicity in my usage for right now. Nokia's newest device keeps me connected to all of my social networks from Skype and GoogleTalk in addition to my phone contacts. As a matter of fact, EVERY single point of contact is automatically included into my N900 contacts whenever I have some type of correspondence. Scrolling through the entire listing can be a chore when I see that email addresses have been incorporated with Skype and GoogleTalk screen names. True, I can (and have) consolidate bits of this data into one contact file, but this can be tedious over time as I come across new people. This new expansion of constant connectivity has been very different for me to get accustomed to, for I had been used to being offline from my social networks when using my previous smartphones. With N900, I can be surfing the web and suddenly get an IM message from GoogleTalk AND Skype along with the usual email and SMS alerts. While this was interesting at first, I have to admit that it began to feel challenging at certain times. I was in search of a device that could keep me connected in a multiple number of ways and I got it with the N900, I just was not sure if I wanted it. Only running into friends and contacts on my Mac via Facebook and Twitter and other channels was no longer the name of the game, and I had to adapt accordingly. However, from a positive aspect, the N900 has opened me up to a whole new way to be in touch with new friends over such various networks. Life is made better when it is spent in good company, and I have had nothing but that whenever I have been contacted on my N900 by a friend or even a TRENT SENSE fan.

Being on the Touch Pro 2 at this point does feel refreshing after spending such a long while with the N900's features and Maemo5 interface. In previous years I was hopping from one device to another in short amounts of time, and friends even jokingly stated I changed my phones with my underwear! Now that I have not been purchasing as often as I used to, I still find myself getting bored with just using one model. In all honesty, the N900 is certainly the most advanced Nokia I ever had the pleasure of owning. Its stereo speakers, suitable camera, acceptable qwerty, desktop web experience and connectivity really impresses me to this day. However, there is a void when it comes to GPS tracking applications, office suite support, and Mac syncing...a HUGE one! While the benefits seem to outweigh the negatives, I still encounter occasional boredom with that high-end Nokia. Since I have turned away from excessive spending on new gadgets and am not currently inspired by anything on the market, my Touch Pro 2 for TMobile is the best solution for now.

What is funny is how I end up trading one basket of pros and cons for another in switching devices. My HTC without question has the best qwerty on the market, offers a standard office suite, syncs flawlessly with my Mac, provides send/end keys, CAN BE USED IN PORTRAIT MODE, and reliably uses GPS with Google Maps. However, web browsing on Opera Mobile can only be but so great without flash support, there is a lack of ample internal storage, camera capabilities are suitable for stills but sad for video capture, navigating between multitasked apps can be a chore, and the interface seems stagnant. Updating to the Windows Mobile 6.5 from 6.1 may seem like a possible solution, but I already experienced that with my unlocked Touch Pro 2 with mixed results. As a breath of fresh air it seems to be with this locked Touch Pro 2, I am missing the positive qualities of my N900. When I use the N900 I feel like I am powering a bona-fide communication web machine!! There is a certain sense of superiority to all the average smartphone users when I have this device in its holster, for I know that it is not just any other smartphone. This allure that comes from being an Internet tablet with a phone built-in is the same phenomena I experienced when using the E90 Communicator and iPhone for the first time! As much as it can be a benefit to not be like every other smartphone, it is also a curse at times. Lack of portrait mode is a crucial fault on the part of Maemo5 for a mobile device, and I certainly feel the pain of this on a regular basis. As much as I try to psych myself out in thinking that landscape mode 24/7 can be appealing in its own way, it simply is not...especially not in daily life away from home. Not having the convenience of EFFICIENT one-handed use while on-the-go is a big problem that I hope is rectified soon with updates. Another feature I took for granted on previous smartphone models is the pairing of physical keys for call/end commands. Fooling with the touch-only keys on an iPhone is one thing due to its reliable OS, but Maemo5 is not at that same level to warrant any kind of confidence from me. There are moments when touch inputs are not responded to, and this can sometimes be solved by the presence of a physical button. Going without an office suite and a method of Mac syncing is never a great thing for me to tolerate on any mobile device, but I still believe that the uniqueness of the N900 is well worth it. I have adopted the Notes app as an acceptable workaround to writing my thoughts, even though a fully featured document editor would be preferred sometime in the near future. Not being able to sync PIM data with my Mac is a necessary evil until Missing Sync can develop compatible software for Maemo5. All I can say is that the Nokia N97 mini on trial from WomWorld and the Nokia Sync/Transfer function REALLY saved me from the tedious task of inputting EVERYTHING into my N900 manually!!

With all of that said, there are plenty of possible reasons why I should stay with one mobile device, but one certain reason why I may not: boredom. Even if I put down funds to get a Nexus One or Motorola Milestone delivered to my home, I am sure there will be a time when I pick up that gadget and look forward to the next best thing.

Trent Smith
Sent from my TMobile Touch Pro 2
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TRENT SENSE blogger/netcast host
trentsense.com
youtube.com/absolon3