Interview with Dr. Ari Jaaki: The Podcast and Notes

Here's the link to the voice recording of the interview. I tried transcribing it but had some difficulty as we were talking at the same time at points and he showed some things that you could not see. However, a LOT of ground was covered.

I say "um" and "uh" too much.

Some notes and answers to what others have asked in comments in my last post:

1. The 770 was no more or less successful as expected. (I got no actual figures) but it was so successful that it proved the market for such a device and they are very happy.
   
2. This was the first time that Nokia had a software model that could upgrade capabilities through software upgrades (i.e. the IT2005 to IT2006.)
   
3. Linux, Gnome, gstreamer, and other open-source choices were a BIG contribution to the success of this device.
   
4. They didn't know offhand if SDHC would work. I took the N800 directly to the SanDisk booth and borrowed a card and it did not work. The SanDisk folks were VERY nice about this.
5. We do not expect to see more Linux in other devices at this time because Series 40 and Series 60 work just great in phones.
6. The primary function of the Internet Tablet series will be "Internet" and will continue to incorporate desktop Linux technologies.
7. There were many lessons learned from the 770 that went directly into the 800, including supporting the latest formats, providing software upgrades, and more.
8. The Nokia 770 is NOT end-of-life. It will still be sold and supported.
9. The IT2007 will not be ported to the 770. The new hardware and software were built to go together.
10. There's good discussion at about halfway into the interview about the division between laptops and the tablet, specifically use scenarios. Writing your novel, balancing your budget, etc. is best on a laptop. PIM functions and calls are best on phones. Internet (chat and browsing) is best on the Internet tablet.
11. The dream features of the development team (Skype and Navigation) are in development and on the way soon. They hope to support more media formats in the future as well.
    
12. I asked what Slashdot users always ask: Why does it has no phone or keyboard? Answer:
    
1. Phones: Nokia has plenty of phones. Exact words: "If we were anyone but Nokia, not so many people will be asking this question." Very good point that I hadn't considered before. (More in the audio)
2. Keyboard: The on-screen keyboard is functional. Bluetooth keyboards are an option. Keeping a hardware keyboard out keeps cost down, durability higher, and gives the option for people who want it. (Incidentally, the Control Panel "hardware keyboard" applet will directly pair with a bluetooth keyboard without any additional software.
13. Incorporation of propriatary software (as opposed to all open-source) like Skype, Rhapsody, and third-party navigation software is an expansion of the portfolio and not an abandonment of open source. These are a value-add option.

All of the above was PARAPHRASING from the audio except that one direct quote above. If Dr. Jaaksi offers any corrections, I will post them.

I intend to stop by the Pavillion tomorrow to follow up on a couple questions and tell them what I found out about SDHC. According to Sandisk, SDHC is more a firmware option than a hardware option. The cards have identical pinouts. It may be possible for Nokia to code an SDHC driver. This remains to be seen.

There are far too many improvements in the N800 to write about in this post. Put specific questions in the comments so I can address them individually. Off I go again!