OpenPhoenux Neo900 Bills Itself As Successor To Nokia's N900

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OpenPhoenux Neo900 Bills Itself As Successor To Nokia's N900

Posted by timothy on Saturday November 2, 2013 @04:36AM from the certainly-has-a-similar-name dept.

An anonymous reader writes "The latest device in the OpenPhoenux open hardware family is the Neo900, the first true successor to the Nokia N900. The Neo900 is a joint project of the Openmoko veteran Jörg Reisenweber and the creators of the GTA04/Letux2804 open hardware smartphone at Golden Delicious Computers. Furthermore, it is supported by the N900 Maemo5/Fremantle community, the Openmoko community and the OpenPhoenux community, who are working together to get closer to their common goal of providing an open hardware smartphone, which is able to run 100% free and open source software, while being independet of any big hardware manufacturer." So far, their Indiegogo campaign has raised more than half of the €25,000 they're seeking.

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3 line keyboard noooooo by gl4ss · 2013-11-02 04:41 · Score: 1

to reiterate, 3 line keyboard nooooooooo!
that's not too lame, dang filter. 3 line keyboard is lame. and I'm not supposed to repeat either, stupid filters.

--
world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
1. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by hydrofix · 2013-11-02 04:58 · Score: 2
  
  You do understand that the design is based on the original N900 design?
2. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by gl4ss · 2013-11-02 05:09 · Score: 2
  
  yes, but why not make it better? why not make it better and dodge a lawsuit at the same time?
  but why not make it better in hw too then, why stick with 800x480 resistive...
  
  --
  world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
3. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by dos1 · 2013-11-02 05:23 · Score: 1
  
  Because the creation of new case would be the most expensive part of the project at such low production runs.
4. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 05:34 · Score: 0
  
  ...Touch Pro 2 would be a better hardware shell to use... this updated TI hardware in a touch pro 2 case/keyboard = Perfect phone.
5. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by foobar+bazbot · 2013-11-02 05:36 · Score: 1
  
  yes, but why not make it better? why not make it better and dodge a lawsuit at the same time?
  but why not make it better in hw too then, why stick with 800x480 resistive...
  Because the projected volume is on the order of 1000 units. In that sort of volume, selecting a new keyboard, new screen, redesigning casework for them, and tooling up to produce it becomes prohibitively expensive.
  And I really don't understand what you mean by "dodge a lawsuit" -- AFAIK Nokia doesn't have any design patents on the N900, and even if they do, since they can't be bothered to pursue the makers and sellers of the parts that this will be made of, it seems really unlikely they'd bother coming after the Neo900 crew for (1) a tiny production run with (2) a retired OS lacking in general consumer appeal and (3) a last-gen CPU (though substantially upgraded from the original N900). It's not like this sort of thing is realistically costing them anything in lost sales.
6. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 05:38 · Score: 0
  
  Because this is a community funded project, which doesn't have millions of dollars to put into R&D. Furthermore, it serves a niche market with very small production runs, which makes very expensive already, and only very few people would be willing to pay several hundred dollars more to have a new plastic case with a (good) keyboard designed and produced.
7. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by Mr+Z · 2013-11-02 07:23 · Score: 1
  
  Not just based on it. It sounds like they're actually putting their boards into N900 cases, aren't they?
  
  --
  Program Intellivision!
8. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 08:25 · Score: 0
  
  Yes, that's the plan. There are still lots of third-party N900 cases available, so for the small numbers they are producing they decided it was the best option.
9. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by RoccamOccam · 2013-11-02 08:31 · Score: 1
  
  Nice idea. I have a N900 and that form-factor looks more appealing, to me.
10. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 09:42 · Score: 0
  
  Personally, I find having the keys in aligned columns to be a bigger deal than merely 3 lines. If you're going to reuse the qwerty layout, don't align the keys into columns!
11. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by citizenr · 2013-11-02 11:49 · Score: 2
  
  yes, but why not make it better? why not make it better and dodge a lawsuit at the same time?
  but why not make it better in hw too then, why stick with 800x480 resistive...
  Because the projected volume is on the order of 1000 units. In that sort of volume, selecting a new keyboard, new screen, redesigning casework for them, and tooling up to produce it becomes prohibitively expensive.
  so why not use COMMODITY parts that are available right now? why are they using legacy garbage bin crap instead? Even $40 chinese tablets are capacitive by now.
  
  --
  Who logs in to gdm? Not I, said the duck.
12. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by dos1 · 2013-11-02 11:56 · Score: 1
  
  I wouldn't buy Neo900 if it had a capacitive screen.
13. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by flyneye · 2013-11-02 15:43 · Score: 1
  
  What, you wouldn't pay up to $936 U.S. for a phone with a 3 line keyboard?
  Love the idea, but, the price says get a nice laptop with a real keyboard, communications software, DSL phone Card , a case of beer and a prime rib dinner.
  Not a fan of dinky screens and thumb keys anyway. This solution cuts the radiation you receive by carrying a phone in close proximity to your reproductive organs, while keeping the spirit of hacking alive in a familiar package.
  
  --
  *Repent!Quit Your Job!Slack Off!The World Ends Tomorrow and You May Die!
14. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by jonwil · 2013-11-02 16:21 · Score: 1
  
  +1 to this.
15. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by fatphil · 2013-11-04 07:13 · Score: 1
  
  +5
  
  I.e. I wouldn't have bought any of my 5 n900's (yes, I just bought another...) if it was capacitive.
  
  --
  Also FatPhil on SoylentNews, id 863
16. Re:3 line keyboard noooooo by Randle_Revar · 2013-11-05 05:47 · Score: 1
  
  Agreed!
  
  --
  Climate Progress - Hell and High Water
Spiritual successor? by Retron · 2013-11-02 04:42 · Score: 1

Hmm, it's more like the spiritual successor to the old Psion palmtops. They were amazing for their time and every so often I wonder what would have happened if they hadn't just given up in 2001...
Non-free parts include by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 04:50 · Score: 0

GSM, GPU and possibly WIFI.
1. Re:Non-free parts include by dos1 · 2013-11-02 05:26 · Score: 1
  
  GSM - free GSM module doesn't exists, replacing sw means revoke of certification and using non-certified device on public network is illegal
  GPU - only 3D acceleration is non-free. OSes like SHR or QtMoko don't need 3D acceleration and work great without it, with 100% FLOSS stack
  WiFi - it *might* be non-free (as in firmware, drivers will be free no matter what), but only if no acceptable free module can be found
2. Re:Non-free parts include by dnaumov · 2013-11-02 05:54 · Score: 0
  
  GSM - free GSM module doesn't exists, replacing sw means revoke of certification and using non-certified device on public network is illegal
  What a bunch of FUD. On your shitty network in a country with broken laws? Maybe. In the real world out there, operators don't "certify" devices. They provide a SIM and the SIM is used in the whatever device the customer pleases.
3. Re:Non-free parts include by davydagger · 2013-11-02 06:13 · Score: 1
  
  they said, all free software, not Open Hardware. Many wifi, and I think a few huewi LTE cards have Free drivers.
  
  As for GPU, a few of them have things like freedreno and the like. Not the best, but they exist.
4. Re:Non-free parts include by mrchaotica · 2013-11-02 06:27 · Score: 2
  
  I think he means "FCC certified," not "network operator certified." I strongly suspect other countries have an equivalent to the FCC...
  
  --
  "[Regarding the 'cloud,'] ownership was what made America different than Russia." -- Woz
5. Re:Non-free parts include by foobar+bazbot · 2013-11-02 06:48 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  Please. Calm down.
  
  GSM - free GSM module doesn't exists, replacing sw means revoke of certification and using non-certified device on public network is illegal
  What a bunch of FUD. On your shitty network in a country with broken laws? Maybe.
  dos1 is from Poland. I'm pretty sure that's not the broken-lawed country you were thinking of.
  
  In the real world out there, operators don't "certify" devices.
  And he never said they did. However, the FCC in the US, and the corresponding authority in other countries, do certify cellular terminals, and do make it illegal to operate uncertified ones (in the normal way, on a public GSM network).
  
  They provide a SIM and the SIM is used in the whatever device the customer pleases.
  Yes, and if you build yourself an uncertified GSM terminal, you are practically free to slot your SIM and use it -- you'll be breaking the law, but as long as your equipment really does conform to the specifications, nobody will notice or care.
  However, you can't presently get someone to sell you a prebuilt GSM module with open firmware, because (at least in USA; I'm not sure how the policies of radio comms regulators in other countries compare, but they're unlikely to be much better) the FCC will not certify such a device, because open means the user could load modified firmware that would cause the device to not conform to specifications. (If firmware is only distributed as a binary, that's all ok, because apparently FCC thinks reverse-engineering doesn't happen...)
  AFAIK there's not a big enough market for such things to motivate some Chinese factory beyond the FCC's reach to develop and produce open-firmware GSM modules, but even if there was, that only helps if each user is getting their own parts through customs and assembling it. If GolDeliCo imports such a (necessarily uncertified) module and uses it in a phone, that phone will then have to be certified, which not only is a ridiculously expensive process, but also will be impossible (at least in the USA) because the FCC still applies the policy that such firmware cannot be open. And selling an uncertified mobile phone for use on the public GSM networks will get you in trouble in a way that building your own for yourself won't.
6. Re:Non-free parts include by dnaumov · 2013-11-02 13:58 · Score: 0
  
  And he never said they did. However, the FCC in the US, and the corresponding authority in other countries, do certify cellular terminals, and do make it illegal to operate uncertified ones (in the normal way, on a public GSM network).
  What makes you think other countries even HAVE a corresponding authority to begin with? I live in Finland and we don't have any authority with the power to decide what device can and what can't be used on a public GSM network.
7. Re:Non-free parts include by storkus · 2013-11-02 14:08 · Score: 2
  
  Certification from the relevant national authority is absolutely required for *ANYTHING* capable of transmitting RF. For something that connects to a public network, there are additional certifications besides just the basic RF ones. I still remember back in the old days, if you took your AMPS handset into Canada, you had to have it registered at Canadian customs; this was eventually dropped, but I don't know if it was due to complaints, drowning in workload, or what.
  However, I disagree about FOSS firmware based on the very existance of all the 802.11 and Bluetooth drivers in our favorite operating systems: this was a real concern for them, but the wrath of the world's governments has not come down on them since, for example, MadWiFi was open-sourced. Cellular Radiotelephone networks present a special case, not because of the RF, but due to the authentication requirements to prevent toll fraud.
  Besides this, individual network operators also check out devices to be sure they behave on their networks before they commit to carrying them (for GSM).
  One last thing, though: at least here in the USA, much of our GSM will disappear in 2016 when AT&T shuts down that network; T-Mobile USA has not given a date yet. Unfortunately, WCDMA--much less LTE in its various forms--is heavily patented worldwide, so getting a legal FOSS implementation of it is probably impossible at this time, so certs would be the least of your trouble: do you really want the likes of Qualcomm suing you into oblivion?
8. Re: Non-free parts include by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 23:19 · Score: 0
  
  I believe this http://www.ficora.fi/en/index/saadokset/maaraykset.html
  would be the corresponding authority.
9. Re:Non-free parts include by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-11 00:12 · Score: 0
  
  And he never said they did. However, the FCC in the US, and the corresponding authority in other countries, do certify cellular terminals, and do make it illegal to operate uncertified ones (in the normal way, on a public GSM network).
  What makes you think other countries even HAVE a corresponding authority to begin with? I live in Finland and we don't have any authority with the power to decide what device can and what can't be used on a public GSM network.
  And after that you woke up...
  http://fi.wikipedia.org/wiki/ETSI
Send one this way.... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 04:52 · Score: 0

I have always LOVED the OpenMoko and now this for the hardware alone! Where can I get one in the UK??? I had one of the Openmoko ones a few years back and I loved it but couldn't use it as a production phone.
1. Re:Send one this way.... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 05:47 · Score: 1
  
  The creator of this device is Golden Delicious Computers, which are located in Germany. So it should be no problem to send one to the UK, once they are ready. Go to the homepage (neo900.org), subscribe to the mailinglist or put your donation, to make sure you'll get one of the first mass production batch.
2. Re:Send one this way.... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 08:29 · Score: 0
  
  do want!
  but they need to accept bitcoin, i've lots more BTC to give than real money.
3. Re:Send one this way.... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 08:40 · Score: 0
  
  Go ask on their IRC, maybe some individual solution can be found for you.
4. Re:Send one this way.... by Eunuchswear · 2013-11-03 01:13 · Score: 1
  
  Then change your BTC into real money.
  (BTC ? In the iso money naming that'd be Bhutan Colons).
  
  --
  Watch this Heartland Institute video
The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by OliWarner · 2013-11-02 04:58 · Score: 3, Insightful

A lot of people complain about the keyboard but frankly, it's a lot nicer than no keyboard and it's compact. It's enough for quick script writing and SSH. I speak from experience. On the other hand, the screen is dire by modern standards. The resistive touch sensor is great for stylus use but bad for fingers. The battery is awful.
To resurrect the N900, it needs more than just new innards.
1. Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by Burz · 2013-11-02 05:52 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  Fairphone seems like a more capable candidate for an open smartphone.
  http://www.fairphone.com/
2. Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 06:02 · Score: 0
  
  Isn't the entire point of a slide out keyboard that you do not have to sacrifice keys for compactness? If they are going to have a three row keyboard, I'd much prefer it not be a slider. That way the phone would be slimmer and more durable.
3. Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by alantus · 2013-11-02 06:23 · Score: 1
  
  That phone looks good, but I wish it had a physical keyboard and that it supported LTE.
4. Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by CRCulver · 2013-11-02 10:14 · Score: 1
  
  I lost my stylus about a week after buying my N900 back in 2010. For three years now, I've tapped on the screen with my finger, and I've never had a problem with it.
5. Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by ArsenneLupin · 2013-11-02 10:30 · Score: 1
  
  I hope the phone developers are more capable than the website authors...
6. Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by dbIII · 2013-11-02 11:52 · Score: 1
  
  I've still got mine. The battery is fine, it's the amount of juice the WiFi sucks that isn't which turns three days on a charge to one if you have any applications that keep polling something on the net. Also batteries and WiFi power consumption have both improved since the N900 came out so any workalike is likely to last longer on a charge.
7. Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by jonwil · 2013-11-02 16:15 · Score: 1
  
  I have a N900 and am very interested in the Neo900 (and in fact will be contributing to the software stuff where I can). I LOVE the N900 touch screen, its far better than the one on the iPhones and Android devices the rest of my family use, I love using the stylus and even with fingers its still good enough for me.
  And I love the keyboard too, its usable without being too annoying.
  I think the Neo900 is the perfect device for me (and will be interested in one when my N900 eventually fails)
8. Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by UpnAtom · 2013-11-02 20:13 · Score: 1
  
  The keyboard is what most disappointed me about the N900. The dodgy USB port was the only other thing.
  The screen was amazing in 2009 and doesn't look too bad today IF you don't mind using a stylus.
  Battery technology has advanced a lot since then too, but you can buy replacement modern batteries which last a third longer. Secondly, the N900, once properly configured, uses almost no power and will last 2-3 days with a modern battery.
9. Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by UpnAtom · 2013-11-02 20:16 · Score: 1
  
  Look for an application called AutoDisconnect. You won't get IM notifications, but your battery will last 2-3 days. You can also buy the same battery but with more modern battery technology.
10. Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by Randle_Revar · 2013-11-05 06:01 · Score: 1
  
  No, the resistive screen is one of the best parts. I hate iphone/android capacitive screens!
  They might end up using a new battery, and the SoC at least should be more power efficient. Anyway, the n900 battery life is more a function of software than hardware.
  
  --
  Climate Progress - Hell and High Water
11. Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen... by funky_vibes · 2013-11-08 10:02 · Score: 1
  
  Explain to me how is yet another Android phone open?
Golden Delicious Computers by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 05:02 · Score: 0

Ow my sides.
Fap fap fap by cosmin_c · 2013-11-02 05:03 · Score: 1

But seriously now, I would like to see at least a prototype, even glued together with duct tape and chewing gum. The target financing doesn't seem to be enough for a true serial production, more like a limited production of a niche terminal. Which, sadly, you could argue it is, since nowadays people have become obsessed with bigger screens and lightweight electronics.
1. Re:Fap fap fap by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 05:34 · Score: 0
  
  You can think of the OpenPhoenux GTA04 board as a prototype of the design. It is already working and several hundreds have been sold to interested people all over the world. This was the proove, that Goldelico can provide a working smartphone.
  As stated by Dr. Schaller of Goldelico, they try to show of a first mechanical prototype which fits the N900 case and provides some base functionality at the "OpenPhoenux Hard- and Software Workshop" (OHSW) at Nov. 30th 2013, in Munich. For further details see: ohsw.org
2. Re:Fap fap fap by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-03 00:25 · Score: 0
  
  The target financing is just for initial prototypes. It will count towards the purchase of a production model, if you order one, but there is a risk the prototypes will prove the idea isn't viable. The production models are expected to cost 700 Euros, unless they can get a hell of a lot more people interested to push the per unit costs down, but that isn't likely.
how about a "dumbphone"? by Gravis+Zero · 2013-11-02 05:12 · Score: 1, Offtopic

why is it that i cant get a cellphone that is a cellphone and not a tiny computer that has to be rechanged daily? i want a cellphone that i only have to charge once a month or so. is it too much to ask for?! MOTOFONE was my last hope but alas it is dead.

--
Anons need not reply. Questions end with a question mark.
1. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 05:22 · Score: 0
  
  Plenty of such options in India, a small subset: http://www.flipkart.com/mobiles/pr?p%5B%5D=facets.price_range%255B%255D%3DRs.%2B2000%2Band%2BBelow&p%5B%5D=facets.availability%255B%255D%3DExclude%2BOut%2Bof%2BStock&p%5B%5D=sort%3Dprice_asc&sid=tyy%2C4io&q=nokia
  Or, something like the Nokia 1280
  These are available in India, surely they will be available wherever you stay
2. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by pimp0r · 2013-11-02 05:23 · Score: 1
  
  You can.. And if you get something like the Samsung B2710 you get shock and waterproofing thrown in for good measure.
3. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by gl4ss · 2013-11-02 05:27 · Score: 3, Informative
  
  that's a pretty usual line to say on smartphone thread.
  so, why don't you fucking go and buy one so called africa dumbphone. 108 is coming soon from nokia and has a stated 31 days standby.
  and dunno if colors are too much but http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nokia-Dual-Music-Phone-Unlocked/dp/B005W3HP26 http://www.amazon.co.uk/Vodafone-Button-Senior-Pre-Pay-Display/dp/B007EOG0MC/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383413109&sr=1-2&keywords=mobile+phone or http://www.amazon.co.uk/Samsung-E1200-Sim-Free-Smartphone/dp/B0079JZ4O2/ref=sr_1_3?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1383413125&sr=1-3&keywords=mobile+phone
  you know why they don't make headlines? because these kind of phones have been 20-40 bucks unlocked - unsubsidized - for years and years now.
  
  --
  world was created 5 seconds before this post as it is.
4. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 05:30 · Score: 0
  
  I bought a Nokia 101 today in India.
5. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by willoughby · 2013-11-02 05:57 · Score: 1
  
  If you're referring to the MOTOPHONE F3, that's not what you want. I have one & everything is fine untill you actually start talking on it, then the battery drops very quickly. It's a mystery to me how such a simple phone can have such lousy talk time.
6. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by Gravis+Zero · 2013-11-02 06:43 · Score: 1
  
  that's a pretty usual line to say on smartphone thread.
  so, why don't you fucking go and buy one so called africa dumbphone.
  U MAD, BRO?
  
  --
  Anons need not reply. Questions end with a question mark.
7. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by dbIII · 2013-11-02 11:58 · Score: 1
  
  This thing, which is still a "tiny computer" but with longer battery life, is probably only a few weeks from being on sale as individual units:
  https://onyx-boox.com/coming-soon-e-ink-news/e-ink-smartphone/
8. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 12:21 · Score: 0
  
  Fuck Samsung. They just clone and dump.
  Get an old nokia 3210 or something the like.
9. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by gman003 · 2013-11-02 16:11 · Score: 1
  
  You seem to be a bit lost. Gizmodo is over that way. Or perhaps you're looking for Wired?
10. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by Gravis+Zero · 2013-11-02 16:34 · Score: 1
  
  You seem to be a bit lost. Gizmodo is over that way. Or perhaps you're looking for Wired?
  YEAH, HE MAD.
  
  --
  Anons need not reply. Questions end with a question mark.
11. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by amiga3D · 2013-11-03 02:08 · Score: 1
  
  Thanks for the link. That's just what I needed.
12. Re:how about a "dumbphone"? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-03 04:49 · Score: 0
  
  the thing is.. you would not buy it. Most of the price are not the components, which make a smart phone out of it.
  so a dumbphone would cost something like 650€ compares to a full featured 700€ device
Thick by Horshu · 2013-11-02 05:31 · Score: 2

As a brick
Finally! by Delusion_ · 2013-11-02 05:36 · Score: 0

Finally, an underpowered smart phone that is already as dated as the existing smartphone I have, and will struggle with heavy app usage. But it's FLOSS and that makes it better.
1. Re:Finally! by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 05:43 · Score: 0
  
  Yeah, we have to start somewhere, if we want to make a change!
2. Re:Finally! by Freshly+Exhumed · 2013-11-02 07:03 · Score: 1
  
  That's a pretty harsh slapdown of DIYers, coming from someone with a 5-digit Slashdot ID.
  
  --
  I deny that I have not avoided attaining the opposite of that which I do not want.
3. Re:Finally! by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 08:54 · Score: 0
  
  One reason for the low specs is that it is already based on an existing design (the GTA-04), with just small modifications, this is what makes the project feasible at all. Another reason is so that it will be compatible with Maemo 5 (though for copyright reasons the user will have to load this themselves if they want it). It is essentially a suped-up Nokia N900.
  The specs aren't anywhere near as good as I would like, but considering the constraints the team building it are under I can't fault their choices. It is a niche product with limited appeal, and if you weren't interested in the original N900, you probably won't be interested in this, but there are apparently enough people interested for a small run.
4. Re:Finally! by scrutty · 2013-11-02 09:32 · Score: 1
  
  What's so special about a 5-digit slashdot id?
  
  --
  -- Oh Well
5. Re:Finally! by Randle_Revar · 2013-11-05 06:07 · Score: 1
  
  I already put in €150
  I can't wait!
  
  --
  Climate Progress - Hell and High Water
Without Mobile Firefox it's dead in the water. by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 05:38 · Score: 0

The real successor to the N900 is Firefox OS.
1. Re:Without Mobile Firefox it's dead in the water. by davydagger · 2013-11-02 06:15 · Score: 4, Interesting
  
  Jolla Mobile
  
  http://jolla.com/
  
  Maemo -> meego -> mer -> sailfish.
  
  its even made by the same design team that rage quit nokia and founded a new company
2. Re:Without Mobile Firefox it's dead in the water. by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 14:26 · Score: 0
  
  I wish the Jolla guys made a phone with HW keyboard. For general use, it's no big deal. But for all the multiboot tinkering that I'm fond of doing (and what I would expect from an N900 successor), a HW keyboard is necessary... unless someone patches u-boot to support external micro-usb keyboard.
3. Re:Without Mobile Firefox it's dead in the water. by davydagger · 2013-11-02 14:55 · Score: 1
  
  they have this concept called "the other half", where you can snap all kinds of gizmos to the back of the thing, via I2C interface.
  
  Its confirmed there WILL be a HW keyboard otherhalf
4. Re:Without Mobile Firefox it's dead in the water. by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-03 00:18 · Score: 0
  
  However, it's not confirmed that it's going to be free and open platform at all.
5. Re:Without Mobile Firefox it's dead in the water. by Randle_Revar · 2013-11-05 06:09 · Score: 1
  
  Which goes part of the way, but it still doesn't have a resistive touch screen and stylus.
  
  --
  Climate Progress - Hell and High Water
6. Re:Without Mobile Firefox it's dead in the water. by Randle_Revar · 2013-11-05 06:11 · Score: 1
  
  No, it isn't. I want a Linux phone, not a Firefox phone. Jolla is much better in the OS department, kinda sorta get there with the KB for the "other half", but fail with the screen.
  
  --
  Climate Progress - Hell and High Water
Not N900 by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 06:44 · Score: 0

They should make a Nokia N950 clone
1. Re:Not N900 by Eunuchswear · 2013-11-03 01:24 · Score: 1
  
  The problem is the case.
  This idea came about because the GTA04 already exists, but only fits in the old OpenMoko case, which is nearly impossible to find.
  By the coincidence of being built around the same TI devkit as the RX51 the GTA04 almost fits the N900 case, and there seem to be a hell of a lot of them around. Try finding parts for a N950!
  So, a quick hack on the GTA04 board, voila, the Neo900, goes into a N900 case to get a working geekphone.
  Not at all the phone that many of the people around here seem to want, but then Slashdot hasn't been for "nerds" for years.
  
  --
  Watch this Heartland Institute video
N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by Freshly+Exhumed · 2013-11-02 06:47 · Score: 1

I really, sincerely hope that they will avoid ever using the weak connection of the original N900's MicroUSB socket that caused bricking when it separated from the PCB.

--
I deny that I have not avoided attaining the opposite of that which I do not want.
1. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by foobar+bazbot · 2013-11-02 07:09 · Score: 1
  
  RTFA; yes they'll avoid that.
2. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by Freshly+Exhumed · 2013-11-02 08:21 · Score: 1
  
  Are you sure there is a description in TFA about how the problem of the original N900's MicroUSB port separating from the mobo (and thus bricking the entire device) is going to be dealt with? I don't mind people pointing out something that I seem to have missed.
  
  --
  I deny that I have not avoided attaining the opposite of that which I do not want.
3. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 08:45 · Score: 0
  
  It doesn't get bricked, the motherboard provides USB pads used for testing. With some patience, you can link the a USB port with these pads using narrow wires. At least that's how I fixed it.
  The real fix to prevent the issue is to simply provide large pads around the port and pour a lot of solder essentially ensuring that the port won't separate unless the PCB itself breaks. I guess that's not hard for a PCB soldering factory.
4. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by dos1 · 2013-11-02 08:45 · Score: 1
  
  It's for sure mentioned many times on Maemo Talk thread. You might also want to place your cursor near "Micro-AB 2.0 (OTG)" in Neo900 specification page to see a little tooltip... ;)
5. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 09:16 · Score: 0
  
  OMG, you allow tooltips?
6. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 09:18 · Score: 0
  
  I epoxied the socket to the board and it lasted about 6 months before it wasn't fixable anymore.
7. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 09:23 · Score: 0
  
  If the socket got separated from the mobo it meant that the battery could not be recharged, so ti was the same as being bricked until you could replace the battery. Even if you had a spare charged-up battery this meant a complete shutdown. Nice to see this new project will have hot-swappable battery capability.
8. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by foobar+bazbot · 2013-11-02 09:24 · Score: 1
  
  Oh, I'm quite wrong. Sorry about that.
  The Neo900.org front page has gone through some changes since last I remembered -- I'm pretty sure that a couple weeks ago, the USB port being sturdier was mentioned on the front page, but it's not now.
  Anyway, it is a well-documented fact that they're quite aware of that issue, and will be avoiding it, but sorry for calling RTFA.
  Nitpick: I'm with the AC in objecting to your use of the term "bricking". As long as you don't scribble over the bootloader and initrd (and thus need to reflash it, for which USB is the only easy approach), and you have some way to charging the battery, it's still far more serviceable than a brick. I rigged an inductive charging unit into my N900 and used it for over a year with a busted USB port. Crippled, sure, but not bricked.
9. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 09:38 · Score: 0
  
  Neo900 announcement from 08-25-13 on Maemo Talk forums:
  http://talk.maemo.org/showpost.php?p=1369343&postcount=1
10. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by DarwinSurvivor · 2013-11-02 12:44 · Score: 1
  
  Even if you had a spare charged-up battery this meant a complete shutdown.
  Nice to see this new project will have hot-swappable battery capability.
  That's what I used to do until I got out of the car and it fell out of my pocket and got run over (screen is TOAST). Now using an N9 which is a much better phone (best UI I have *ever* used), but not nearly as good of a hacking device :(
  I'm guessing the hot-swap will require the device to be plugged in when switching batteries which to the best of my recollection could already be done with the N900.
11. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by sI4shd0rk · 2013-11-03 12:21 · Score: 1
  
  "Ba la la la leh leh leh! Ba la la la leh leh leh!"
  This is an amazing experiment! I've never see anything like it! A grand experiment is unfolding before my very eyes! Such a fuckin' thing!
  
  --
  Ignorance is a choice
12. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by Randle_Revar · 2013-11-05 06:14 · Score: 1
  
  Best UI? Isn't it like other smartphone OSs, lacking close buttons? That is one of many great things about Maemo/Matchbox/Hildon
  
  --
  Climate Progress - Hell and High Water
13. Re:N900 MicroUSB Power Connector Bricking by DarwinSurvivor · 2013-11-14 09:18 · Score: 1
  
  "Close" is a vertical downward swipe captured at the window manager level.
No indiegogo by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 06:54 · Score: 0

No indiegogo campaign, they're just straight up asking for donations.
1. Re:No indiegogo by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 07:17 · Score: 0
  
  Indeed. Unlike stated in the summary, I either didn't see them having an Indiegogo campaign anywhere.
Re:The keyboard is fine! However, the screen...YES by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 07:48 · Score: 0

I would LOVE to get a smart phone with a good resistive screen again - sick and tired of fat fingering/smearing/ghost touches when getting close/etc. I keep toying with notion of getting away from capacitive AND Google by going back to my old WinMo 6.5 Imagio, but a lot of downsides, so a "modern" OS not owned by GooPle with a good resistive screen (and good stylus letter recognition like Palm Graffiti or WM's Letter Recognizer) would really get me interested.
YMMV
independet? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 09:18 · Score: 0

If you people took the time to add a decent spell-checker to your open-source software, what you post online would look more professional.
1. Re:independet? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 11:21 · Score: 0
  
  If you people took the time to add a decent spell-checker to your open-source software, what you post online would look more professional.
  Wow, you really couldnt work that out. Why would someone feel the need to berate another over such a simple mistake. Is your penis is too small? are your eyes too close together? did you have to practice alot to become such a huge cunt or did it come naturally? Are you the kind of person who spends 5 minuts folding you toilet paper to be just right before you wipe ur arse? Mayby your just so fucking gay you were born with half a black cock hanging out your arsehole.
  There is only two ways to deal with cunts like you.
  1. wryte everthin lyke thas jst ta fckin piss ya orf in da h0pe ya g3t tha point an FUCK OFF
  2. or we could just come break ur legs.
2. Re:independet? by amiga3D · 2013-11-03 02:11 · Score: 1
  
  Two words.......anger management.
Why is that even here? by dbIII · 2013-11-02 12:02 · Score: 1

Considering that even Nokia dropped it like a red hot coal ASAP and shipped a different design why would anyone ever contemplate it? If someone mentions Fords do you bring up the Pinto fuel tank as well?
1. Re:Why is that even here? by Freshly+Exhumed · 2013-11-02 14:05 · Score: 1
  
  Lighten up, Francis.
  I was a very happy N900 owner. In the near future, when I open up the case of my dead N900 to update it to a Neo900 I will be glad to see that the MicroUSB socket does not separate from the mobo. I had not even heard of the Neo900 project up until today (I've been way too busy to follow the Maemo forums too) so if it is me that you are accusing of being a troll you are *wrong*, like in 180 degrees wrong.
  
  --
  I deny that I have not avoided attaining the opposite of that which I do not want.
2. Re:Why is that even here? by dbIII · 2013-11-02 15:09 · Score: 1
  
  You are being very weird by obsessing about a fault fixed before the phone was even released in quite a few markets so I had to assume there was some sort of motivation other than very stupid and ignorant rambling. Is there?
3. Re:Why is that even here? by Eunuchswear · 2013-11-03 01:34 · Score: 1
  
  Considering that even Nokia dropped it like a red hot coal ASAP and shipped a different design why would anyone ever contemplate it?
  Maybe because Nokia dropped it like a red hot coal?
  N900: Debian based, resistive screen, hardware keyboard, great for hackers, cute name "Maemo"
  N9: RPM based, capacitive screen, no keyboard, AEGIS!, horrid name "Meego".(*)
  ((*) some of this information is a lie, but it's Nokia's lie, not mine).
  
  --
  Watch this Heartland Institute video
4. Re:Why is that even here? by Freshly+Exhumed · 2013-11-03 03:24 · Score: 1
  
  Your use of leading questions only leads me to wish you a better life in the future. Sorry to have upset you.
  
  --
  I deny that I have not avoided attaining the opposite of that which I do not want.
5. Re:Why is that even here? by dbIII · 2013-11-03 11:05 · Score: 1
  
  Since you are obviously not sorry are there any more personality flaws you wish to expose or are you happy with just hanging out those two?
6. Re:Why is that even here? by Freshly+Exhumed · 2013-11-03 17:43 · Score: 1
  
  I can see that you have bested me. May you have peace and happiness now and in the future.
  
  --
  I deny that I have not avoided attaining the opposite of that which I do not want.
7. Re:Why is that even here? by dbIII · 2013-11-03 21:24 · Score: 1
  
  It was never about "besting" you - just about being pissed off with the vast number of liars pushing an agenda, especially the "Microsoft phone is good, Nokia before Elop bad" bullshit pushed by MS fanboys and most likely a few paid shills. It's ruining this site. In your case, bringing up a flaw fixed before I even saw that model of phone let alone got one myself a few years ago, it just did not look accidental but strongly resembled pushing such an agenda. If you are not a lying sack of shit then I am sorry that I confused you for one just because you were writing exactly what a lying sack of shit would write.
8. Re:Why is that even here? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-04 20:49 · Score: 0
  
  OP is being suddenly a fckng yogamat guru and the fcknut douchebag slammin him for being a fcknut douchebag is a fcknut douchebag.
The FUD troll continues by dbIII · 2013-11-02 12:04 · Score: 1

Please refer to my earlier post about this troll trying to sow doubt about a long fixed design fault.
1. Re:The FUD troll continues by Anonymous Coward · 2013-11-02 14:40 · Score: 0
  
  Better yet don't waste your time.
Need one for free by jago25_98 · 2013-11-02 20:27 · Score: 1

I have an old n900 at home. I'll be sitting this one out as I don't like resistive screens.
If you can show you're a developer with some projects under your belt who can help this project just send me a message and I'll send you my phone
-j

--
A blog I run for the wealth
Re: about a "dumbphone"? - Nokia 1280, shop in UK by walter_f · 2013-11-03 02:04 · Score: 1

The Nokia 1280 has been originally designed for India and some of the East African Markets (hence, Swahili as one of the languages selectable for the menus).
The Nokia 1280 is readily available in a number of case colours in the U.K. these days (around 23 pounds).
I bought my Nokia 1280 in Germany, where just the black variety seems to be available (between 26 and 30 euros).
And for the original poster who mentioned the Motophone (which was called the Motorola F3 hereabouts):
Among other things, I especially like the 1280's black-and-white display.
Another very simplistic but well made phone with a black-and-white display is the Motorola W156. It can still be bought in Germany, maybe in other European markets as well (around 30 euros). I have a W156 here as a fallback option to the 1280, but the Nokia doesn't show any weaknesses. ;-)
The Moto W156 does not have the unique electrophoretic display technology like the Motophone. So it does not offer the F3's exceptional battery time, but when it comes to reading or writing SMS or just to looking at a long international telephone number, it's advantage W156 (which still has very good battery time).