Price and specifications of Nokia N800 advantages, disadvantages, and a comprehensive explanation

Overview of Nokia N800

The Nokia N800, released in Q2 of 2007, represented one of the pioneering steps into the evolving segment of internet tablets, aiming at creating a device that offers better internet accessibility and integrated communication features. Although not a smartphone, the device sits as a bridge between personal digital assistants (PDAs) and modern tablets. Designed for internet enthusiasts and those wanting advanced multimedia capabilities, the N800 was a bold attempt to integrate wireless connectivity with portable multimedia functions.

Design and Build

The dimensions of the Nokia N800 are 144 x 75 x 13 mm, and it weighs 206 g, making it a fairly hefty device when compared to today’s standards. It boasts a sleek and industrial design with a silver and black color scheme that gives it a modern but rugged look. The build quality reflects Nokia's well-known attention to durability, ensuring the device was robust enough to endure daily portable use. With a resistive touchscreen and a QWERTY keyboard, the N800 serves as a precursor to the typist-friendly designs that would become popular with later smartphones and tablets.

Display

The Nokia N800 features a 4.13-inch TFT resistive touchscreen which supports 65K colors, offering a resolution of 480 x 800 pixels. Despite the limited color depth and older technology by today’s standards, the screen was advanced for its time, aimed at providing a reasonably sharp display for web pages and media consumption. The screen’s 226 ppi density provided clear enough detail for general use, although it might not meet the expectations for fine-detail viewing by current standards.

Performance and Hardware

Under the hood, the N800 is powered by a 330 MHz processor, supported by 128MB of RAM and 256MB of ROM. These specifications were typical for the period, allowing for decent performance for browsing, media, and basic applications. Multitasking capabilities were limited but adequate for its era, catering well to the primary uses of internet browsing and media playback.

The device includes a microSD slot for storage expansion, facilitating additional storage beyond the internal capacity. At the time of its release, this ability to expand storage was especially advantageous as users increasingly demanded more space for multimedia content.

Operating System and Software

The Nokia N800 runs on the Internet Tablet OS 2007 edition, a Linux-based platform. This operating system was relatively open for its time, providing users and developers some flexibility to customize and extend the device’s functionality. This approach appealed to tech-savvy users who valued customization. The OS included applications for browsing, multimedia, and basic organizational tools, consistent with the device's role as an internet and entertainment tool rather than a full-fledged communication device.

Connectivity and Communications

One of the distinguishing features of the N800 is its focus on wireless internet connectivity as opposed to cellular connectivity. It supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g and Bluetooth 2.0 with EDR, facilitating wireless data exchange, internet browsing, and peripheral device connections. The lack of cellular connectivity meant it wasn't a phone replacement but an accessory to it.

The absence of GPS and radio features emphasized its design as a specialized device for internet and multimedia use. Despite these limitations, its wireless capabilities allowed users to stay connected in hotspots, which was a growing trend in many urban areas in the late 2000s.

Camera

The device includes a basic 0.1 MP camera, capable of capturing video at 352x288 resolution. At the time, the focus of the camera was likely more on video conferencing functions, given the growing interest in internet communication. Its capabilities were limited; however, the presence of a camera was still a valued feature for a device of its type.

Audio and Multimedia

The N800 comes equipped with stereo speakers and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The inclusion of stereo speakers was relatively uncommon at the time and added significant value for media consumption, including music and video playback. The sound quality was considered sufficient for personal entertainment.

Battery Life

Powered by a removable Li-Ion (BP-5L) battery, the N800 was designed for prolonged portable use. It offers up to 312 hours on standby and 3 hours and 30 minutes of talk time servicing the long-hour browsing capabilities enthusiast users looked for. Given the focus on mobile internet use, strong battery performance was critical for maintaining user satisfaction when accessing media and internet services on the go.

Market Impact and Reception

At its launch, the Nokia N800 was met with a mix of interest and skepticism. On one hand, it promised an early glimpse of a future dominated by mobile internet devices, with praise often focused on its robust design and capable media features. On the other, it faced challenges due to its lack of cellular capabilities, which limited its appeal as an all-in-one device. Despite these mixed reviews, the N800 set the stage for the more sophisticated internet tablets and early smartphones that were to follow, influencing industry trends and future product designs.

Legacy

Looking back, the Nokia N800 can be seen as a precursor to the tablet and smartphone revolution. While it had limitations, its blend of wireless capabilities, media features, and open-source operating system captured the imagination of an early tech adopter audience. It foresaw a market for devices dedicated to leisure and internet access, paving the way for subsequent success stories in the portable smart device industry.