Origami Project interview

Blogger straigtened out ultramobilegeek.com just in time for me to post my brief interview with Microsoft's Origami Project team. I wish I had the opportunity to conduct a formal interview with the Nokia 770 team. Ari Jaaksi? Anyone?

Nokia 770 fans should take a look to see what's coming from "the other side."

Contest Extension!

dragorn posted a note to Comments on my contest announcement letting me know he fixed the Kismet driver issue on the Nokia 770! The Xterm version is now available. So assuming my contest isn't won by it's original specifications by the deadline, the new contest will be:

-- Same requirements but -- The GizmoProject prize WILL be awarded - I'll default to give it to the current n770 Kismet developers by Sept 15 if no one meets the previous requirements.
-- Bonus prize: a $25 ThinkGeek Electronics gift certificate.

Want a laugh? My UMPC blog is broken thanks to Google Blogger Beta. It seems many people are having this same problem. Let's hope they don't break this blog too.

Development Contest Ends in two days

Remember that Nokia 770 development contest? September 1st at midnight Pacific Daylight Time is the deadline to get those submissions in! No qualifying submissions so far, so the prize is wide open.

Nokia 770 on TV

Here's a bit showing the Nokia 770 on a TV spot demonstrating Bluesnarfing. It's fun to watch, even if not all the facts are accurate.
YouTube video:

Nokia 770 Unboxing - 2006 version

First thing: You may as well get the CompUSA TAP protection plan. Really. I never got a reply back from them on my previous fiasco and am still disappointed about that, but the protection plan really paid off. In and out in 5 minutes with a new Nokia 770 in my hands. The woman told me I am still covered until the original purchase date.

The 2006 box looks different. The boring Nokia Phone-Like box was abandoned to show off more of the device. Everything inside is the same down to the stylish print on the slip cover. Two stylii, a battery, a charger, a stand, an RS-MMC memory card, a USB cable, and an instruction manual.

Here are unboxing pictures.

Nope. It's dead.

After a fresh firmware, no R&D mode, and no USB host mode, I tried simply browsing the web for a while and got four consecutive crashes. My 770 needs to go to the shop.

Here's a conundrum:
I purchased the instant exchange program through CompUSA, but my local CompUSA stores are sold out of the 770. They're also out of stock for delivery. This means that CompUSA will likely try to exchange it for another product - Likely a PDA. I don't need or want a PDA. However, if I send my 770 to Nokia, it will likely void my instant exchange program with CompUSA since the serial numbers won't match.

A normal person would either wait for the 770's successor to arrive, THEN do the exchange... or get a different product. Is a successor to the 770 on the horizon or will it be the same hardware with Sardine/IT2007? No one is talking.

Either way, I can hardly keep this blog going with a crashy 770.
*Edit* It's replaced.
CompUSA has the 770 in two different SKUs. The IT2005 OS was out of stock but the IT2006 OS was in stock.

My 770 in a downward spiral

I got a new case for my laptop project which fits beautifully and looks SO much cooler, but was a little concerned over an issue I mentioned in InternetTabletTalk forums.

*Edit* I fell victim to a known bug in IT2006 and since keyboards are technically "not officially supported" it's not a "flaw" but it's on the bugzilla. It effects mostly just the Google applet.

Basically, whenever I went to a text field to enter text, the darn thing rebooted. Now I installed and removed a bunch of beta and half-assembled applications and thought there may be an incompatibility with some software, so I took the plunge, backed up my software, and re-flashed.

Upon reboot, I was able to click a text field but suddenly no keys worked anymore EXCEPT the arrow keys and "Enter." I went to backup/restore and got "Restore Error Occured" and another reboot. I wanted to poke around on it more so went to install X11VNC server. When the .deb finished installing, it rebooted again! I figured I would want to try installing the Bluetooth driver to at least have a keyboard while I tinkered. Another reboot out of nowhere.

Okay let's try firing up Ubuntu and turning off, then on R&D mode or USB host mode. Same issues. I finally got the bluetooth keyboard plugin installed and rebooted (on purpose this time) and paired the bluetooth keyboard. I then tapped the Google search field, and it rebooted again!

Being a good systems administrator I decided to duplicate the problem. Rebooted. Connected to the keyboard via Bluetooth. Tapped the Google search field. Rebooted! Grr!

Edit: On the last flash, I got this:


Is there something in the new firmware, R&D mode, or USB host mode that disables non-screen keyboard input or did I just somehow toast my 770?

770 Laptop Full Videos

I decided to make a second video showing off my Nokia 770 laptop conversion project as shown in my last post. Either click here for the Nokia 770 compatible download version (21M AVI) or look below for the YouTube version. This video offers a more in-depth look at how it all fits together plus explains some of my design decisions and how I would improve upon them.

The Nokbook 770!

(Warning: This post is image heavy and has a YouTube video)

Linux hackers want to hack at the 770, and like doing so directly from the device. What does it need, then? A keyboard, USB host ports, and an extended power source of course! Add this all to an easy-to-carry case. You have your own Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. You have ...
The Nokbook 770! *edit: more videos posted*

Prerequisites:

• Your Nokia 770 in USB Host mode.
  
• A mini keyboard, such as the one I purchased from Brando Workshop and posted about on UltraMobileGeek
• A slim USB hub that takes source voltage and distributes it to the downstream ports.
  
• A USB power source and cable which sends 5V both to the Nokia 770 and to the USB hub either homemade (like this one) or the one I used: a rechargable APC Mobile Power Pack.
• A day planner, such as the one shown. Purchased at Staples for $23.
  
• Adhesive Velcro.
  

Here's a flash file that will let you roll over the parts of the image below to see all the parts before assembly.

Beyond that, it's a matter of assembling it in a way that is slim, mobile, and attractive. Below is a time-lapse video of the procedure:


And more pictures:
Top view
Velcro:
Side/hub view:
Closed view:

Additional thoughts:

• Make the cables longer and purchase the planner BEFORE you build the cables.
• Use the 770 hardcase so you can flip the 770 backwards to protect the screen better.
• In the top image you will also see a cable going from the USB hub to the Nokia 770. That's a "Universal Nokia USB charger" and I am using the Nokia 7700 (that's not a typo) tip. The reason I did not have the APC battery charge everything perpetually is because it will provide a lot more life if seperated. In the current configuration, the 770 will run low LONG befroe the keyboard/hub, so the charger can be put into action at that time.
• This has been tested with a keyboard, USB flash drive, iPod nano, and USB keyboard light all attached and the power draw did not interfere with the operation.
• This would look excellent with DON'T PANIC emblazoned upon the cover.
• For a first generation attempt, it's not bad. It could be MUCH smaller with customized cables too.
• The USB cable for the keyboard can be shortened. I chose not to do so this time.
  

DON'T PANIC!

Blogger beta

I am using the new beta of Blogger and will be going over my old posts to tag them. Tags I have in mind are:
news, hacks, howto, hardware, tweaks, tips, IT2005, IT2006
I am sure I will come up with more. The reason I'm letting you all know is that sometimes editing a post on blogger republishes it into a site feed. If I inadvertently spam your planet or reader, I apologize. I'll let you all know when the new features are in place.

*edit* - False alarm for now. I'll play with it more this coming weekend because not everything transitioned properly and I rolled it back.

Preview of a new project

I have something in the works. Here's a picture. Can you guess what it is?
Here's another hint.
Still waiting for a package from Hong Kong.
UltraMobileGeek has a new Blogger template. What do you think?

Nokia 770 vs. TabletKiosk eo UMPC - Final post in the series

The last post in the series of the 770 vs. UMPC comparison was posted today.

The link is here on ultramobilegeek.com.

This last post is about how people react after having held each device for a while. Also included are my own conclusions.

Nokia770 vs TabletKiosk eo round 3 posted!

Round 3 posted!

This is how they stack up against other competitors in similar markets. Both do well.

Nokia 770 vs. UMPC round 2 posted

Round 2: The Coffee Shop.
http://ultramobilegeek.blogspot.com/2006/08/nokia-770-vs_09.html
Feedback is welcome!

Is the 770 an ultra-mobile PC?

There's a discussion on Origami Project Forums about whether or not the Nokia 770 is really a kind of "ultra-mobile PC." There are contributors on both side of the conversation. Personally I think the the Nokia 770 is a very small PC with a series of advantages and disadvantages. However, I'll post my contribution below.

Woadan said:

I wouldn't call the Nokia a UMPC because it doesn't have the full functionality of a PC, and it also lacks the memory capacity to hold files like a full OS would. I also wouldn't call the Dell Axim (or any other PDA) anything but a PDA if it didn't have a full OS.

My response:
Excuse me, but by that logic my Pentium 90 with 32M of RAM and Windows 98 OSR2 was not a PC because it had less memory, CPU power, storage, and a weaker OS than my Nokia 770 tablet.

I don't want Nokia 770 fans to swarm the forum en masse, but welcome comments to this conversation either as comments here or in that thread.

(full disclosure: There were some typos in my response on the forum itself that I corrected above. Hey - Are typos from handwriting recognition called "Write-o's?")

Nokia 770 vs. Origami UMPC Round One posted

Round One: The out-of-box experience.
Winner: Nokia 770
Read more: http://ultramobilegeek.blogspot.com/2006/08/nokia-770-vs.html

It's a picture heavy post and has a table in it, so forgive me if it doesn't look good when browsing from a Nokia 770.

Brando case review

I checked my mail today and was pleased to find this package from Hong Kong.
In the Box:
It's the Brando hardcase for my Nokia 770! Upon opening it, I found a retail-ready package that was mercifully easy to open. (I injured myself just last night on a sealed plastic case.) Included are:

• The case
• A swivel belt clip
• A screw-on nub to attach the belt clip.

Pictures and First Impressions:
The case is aluminum with a neoprene liner. It feels solid and is a matte finish so will hide scratches well.
The neoprene liner is thin, but will be plenty of shock protection from most normal drops. I haven't had the courage to drop-test this case, but my experience with this style tells me that I could probably drop it from about 2 meters (6 feet) and the 770 wouldn't know the difference.
The nub screws in and looks and feels secure if you twist it tight. I would feel secure with keeping it on my belt.
Installation is under five seconds. Remove the Nokia 770 from it's slider case. Slide it in horizontally to the Brando case. Could it be more simple? It holds the device snugly and will not slide out unless the case is open and shaken very hard.
There are cut-outs for all ports, buttons, and even the speaker, plus two very easy to use RS-MMC card holders. Here are more pictures:

Regular Use:
The case is only a bit heavier than the sliding case from Nokia. It makes the unit feel larger, but is only a mater of millimeters compared to the Nokia 770 with a factory case. It also does not interfere with the vast sweeping majority of the device. I will note that the top buttons are a little more difficult to press, especially with the case fully open. It also slips around and drops out of the stand, so you will want to remove it when using the stand or a windshield mount for GPS. Another reader suggested that WiFi range was decreased, but I wasn't able to duplicate those results.
This does, however, provide the added function of having a built-in sun shade for outdoor use. The screen is washed out in sunlight, but with that extra shade it's readable again.

Power Saving:
The Nokia 770 has a magnetic switch near the buttons to automatically "sleep" the device (by turning off the display and disconnecting all wireless connections) when the included slip case is on. The Brando case has no such switch, which comes with advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, it allows users to do something they've never been able to easily do before: Use the device while mobile and still be protected. Music playback, streaming radio, and wireless network scanning are three examples. On the other hand, it opens up the potential to waste a good deal of power. There are three choices: 1: Leave it on, either staying connected to WiFi or in "offline mode" and lowering the battery life. 2: Power it off, requiring boot-up time next time the device is needed. 3: Affix a small magnet to the inside of the lid where the reed switch will activate, thereby duplicating the slider's function. I think I'll personally do the third.


Geek Factor:
This is NOT an inconspicuous case or device. Hanging from my belt, it looks huge. However, it's so thin that my T-shirt can easily cover it. I'd wear it out in casual clothes, but tuck it in to a suit or slacks pocket when in business attire.

Summary:
Advantages:

• Price! $28 USD at the time of this writing.
  
• Full protection for the device from all sides
• Easy installation
• Quick access to ports
• Spare memory card storage
• Ability to walk around and listen to streaming Internet radio
• Sun shade
  

Disadvantages:

• Some button interference
• Some awkwardness while adjusting to how it sits in your hands
  
• Added weight, for those to whom every mg. matters
• Unable to use in conjunction with a stand or car mount

Final word:
This case is NEAR perfect, but would be much better with two improvements: If the top hinge were a double hinge allowing the lid to lie flat against the back of the case, it would be both more egonomic AND allow the lid to function as a stand. Finally, if there were a small (maybe removable) magnet in the lid to activate the reed switch, it would save a great deal of power.

For US $28, you can't go wrong. After one protected drop, the Brando case will pay for itself many times over.

To buy this case, visit this page on Brando Workshop.

Nokia 770 vs. Ultra Mobile PC - It's coming

The showdown begins this weekend. http://www.ultramobilegeek.com
Stylus vs. Stylus.
Tablet vs. Tablet.
Linux vs. Microsoft.
Penguin vs. ... Um... Folded paper.


Special bonus for readers of this blog:

Tux the Penguin and Fudge the Furby have stylii crossed and are ready for battle, but why is the Microsoft UMPC represented by a Furby? Well in the absence of a Bill Gates or Steve Ballmer plush doll, I thought maybe a folded piece of paper would be accurate to represent Origami. So I looked up instructions online. After quite a few tries and some experimentation, I couldn't seem to get anything near what they showed on the screen. as seen here:

After a great deal of frustration, I got a very good origami boulder!

ThoughtFix gets pwned by UMPCs

The dangers of venturing into Microsoft driven terrain were apparent six hours after opening my TabletKiosk eo.
Links:

• Unboxing
• pwned!