The old Nokia N900 reviews highlight a groundbreaking device for its time, blending smartphone and mobile computing functionality in a compact package. Released in 2009, the Nokia N900 ran on Maemo, a Linux-based operating system that offered a unique, desktop-like experience in the palm of your hand. It featured a slide-out physical keyboard, resistive touchscreen, and multitasking capabilities that made it stand out from other smartphones of the era. Although it had limitations, such as limited app availability and a bulky design, many reviewers appreciated its powerful hardware and open-source nature, which allowed for deep customization. The N900 remains a nostalgic piece for tech enthusiasts who enjoyed its versatility and innovation at a time when the smartphone market was rapidly evolving.
Design and Build Quality
The old Nokia n900 reviews frequently praised the device’s solid build quality and robust design. At 181 grams, it was heavier than most smartphones of its time, giving it a substantial feel in the hand. Its slide-out physical QWERTY keyboard was a standout feature, offering a tactile typing experience that appealed to users who preferred physical keys over on-screen keyboards. The resistive touchscreen, while not as responsive as the capacitive screens that became more popular, was functional and allowed for precise input using a stylus or finger. The phone’s overall design, with its industrial look and sturdy build, made it a durable device that could withstand everyday wear and tear, though its bulkiness was often mentioned as a downside.
Maemo Operating System
The old Nokia N900 reviews were particularly enthusiastic about its Maemo operating system, which set it apart from the competition. Unlike Android or iOS, Maemo offered a Linux-based, open-source environment that allowed for extensive customization and control. Reviewers appreciated its multitasking capabilities, which were far ahead of its time. Users could switch between multiple apps and processes seamlessly, just like on a desktop computer. The N900’s home screens were highly customizable, and widgets provided quick access to frequently used apps and system information. However, while Maemo was praised for its flexibility, many reviews noted that the platform had a steep learning curve and lacked the app ecosystem that iOS and Android were building at the time.
Multitasking Features
One of the most highlighted features in the old Nokia N900 reviews was its ability to handle true multitasking, a rarity in 2009. The N900’s Maemo operating system allowed users to run several applications simultaneously, with an intuitive task switcher that showed thumbnails of open apps. For instance, users could browse the web while listening to music, checking emails, and chatting on instant messaging services without significant slowdowns. Reviews praised this feature, noting that it gave the N900 a desktop-like experience that was unmatched by many other smartphones at the time. Despite this capability, some reviewers pointed out that heavy multitasking could drain the battery quickly, which was a trade-off for such advanced functionality.
Web Browsing Experience
The old Nokia N900 reviews often commended its web browsing capabilities, particularly for its time. The N900 featured a fully-fledged Mozilla-based browser that supported Adobe Flash, something that was uncommon in smartphones back then. This meant users could browse full desktop websites, stream videos, and interact with Flash-based content directly on the device. Reviewers were impressed with the browser’s performance, especially on Wi-Fi connections, though the browsing experience could be slower on mobile networks due to the limitations of 3G speeds. The resistive touchscreen, while precise, was not as user-friendly for scrolling and zooming as capacitive screens, which led some reviewers to note that browsing the web, though powerful, wasn’t always smooth.
Camera Quality
The old Nokia N900 reviews often praised the device’s 5-megapixel camera, which was equipped with Carl Zeiss optics, delivering impressive photo quality for its time. The camera included an LED flash, autofocus, and a dedicated shutter button, allowing for a more traditional photography experience. Reviewers noted that the N900’s camera produced sharp, detailed images in well-lit conditions, though it struggled in low light, a common issue for smartphones of that era. The N900 also had the capability to record video in 480p, which was considered good at the time. While it wasn’t marketed as a camera-centric phone like later Nokia devices, such as the N8, the N900’s camera was appreciated by users who wanted a reliable smartphone camera for everyday photography.
App Ecosystem
The app ecosystem, or lack thereof, was a frequent point of criticism in the old Nokia N900 reviews. While Maemo was an open-source platform, it didn’t have the extensive app store that iOS or Android offered. This meant that users had to rely on a much smaller selection of apps, many of which were community-developed. Although tech-savvy users could install various Linux-based applications and even port software from other platforms, the process was often too complex for average users. Many reviewers noted that the lack of mainstream apps, such as popular games and social media platforms, was a major drawback for the N900, especially as competing platforms like Android began to grow their app libraries significantly.
Battery Life
The old Nokia N900 reviews were mixed regarding its battery life. The device came with a 1320mAh battery, which, by today’s standards, seems small, but was fairly standard for 2009. However, due to the N900’s multitasking capabilities and powerful features, battery life could be quickly depleted with heavy use. Reviewers noted that with moderate usage, including web browsing, calls, and messaging, the battery could last a full day. However, those who pushed the N900’s multitasking and media capabilities found themselves needing to charge the phone more frequently. Some users resorted to carrying an extra battery or charging the device throughout the day. The general consensus was that while the N900’s battery life was acceptable for its time, power users would need to be mindful of their usage.
Physical Keyboard
One of the standout features in the old Nokia N900 reviews was its slide-out physical keyboard, which provided a tactile typing experience that was rare among smartphones. Many users appreciated the ability to type quickly and accurately without relying on a virtual keyboard, which was still a developing technology in 2009. The keyboard had three rows of keys, including a full set of numbers and symbols, making it ideal for messaging and productivity tasks. Reviewers noted that while the keyboard was compact, it was comfortable to use, though some users with larger hands found the keys a bit cramped. Overall, the physical keyboard was a defining feature of the N900 that set it apart from touchscreen-only devices.
Open-Source Flexibility
The old Nokia N900 reviews frequently highlighted the device’s open-source flexibility, which was a major draw for tech enthusiasts and developers. Running on Maemo, the N900 allowed users to modify the operating system, install custom software, and even dual-boot into other operating systems like Android. This level of customization was unheard of in most smartphones of the time, making the N900 a favorite among users who wanted full control over their device. Reviews praised this aspect, noting that the N900 appealed to a niche audience of users who were comfortable with Linux and open-source software. However, for the average consumer, the complexities of Maemo’s open-source nature were seen as a drawback, as it required more technical knowledge to fully utilize.
Legacy and Impact
The old Nokia N900 reviews, even years after its release, often reflect on the device’s legacy and its impact on the smartphone industry. While it was not a commercial success like other smartphones of its time, the N900 is remembered fondly by tech enthusiasts as a precursor to modern mobile computing. Its use of Maemo, and later the evolution into MeeGo, influenced the development of open-source mobile platforms and showcased the potential for Linux-based systems on handheld devices. Reviewers often mention that the N900 was ahead of its time in many ways, from its multitasking capabilities to its open-source flexibility, but it struggled to gain widespread adoption due to its complexity and the rapid rise of more user-friendly platforms like Android and iOS. The N900 remains a beloved device for those who appreciate its pioneering spirit.