Wednesday, February 11, 2009

New firmware Nokia 5800

Yes, new firmware! Version 20.0.012. Installation over-the-air (OTA) went smooth, I didn't need to reboot or hard-reset. So far I feel there's not that much changed. Let's hope this version of the firmware is less buggy - although don't have any problems. Others seem to have issues with the new update. See here for more information about the 5800.

Oh yeah, yesterday I bought a brand new Ultra Clear Screen Protector for Nokia 5800 Xpress Music, on screenprotector.nl for 9 euro. I looks good (you hardly see it's there) and it protects the screen from dirt and scratches.

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic Issues

I have discovered some issues with the 5800 and Nokia software. Most of them are fixed though... I have firmware v11.0.008 and Dutch language.

- single tap vs. double tap: you get used to it, so not really an issue

- unable to install extra software, you get a license expired message: I've spend hours searching for a solution for this problem. Nokia Support told me to change the date back to 2008 or 2007, but that didn't work. So finally I found a solution which worked for me:
(1) backup your device
(2) dial *#7370# code and enter lock code ‘12345'. The device will HARD reset, so you lose everything (contacts, calendar, settings etc)
(3) start the device, and restore the backup.
After this was done, I could install GoogleMaps and other extra software, as it should be!

- sync problems between Windows PC and the 5800. I installed the software on the mini DVD, which include the Ovi Suite. Unfortenately, I could not get it to work. So finally I installed the latest Nokia PC suite. Using that software I was able to sync my Outlook contacts and calendar items, make backups and add music.

- adding music was clumsy (via the PC suite). So I ended up attaching the 5800 as USB drive, and then copying the music to the (preinstalled!) 8GB microSD card. Easy and you don't need all that bullshit software on your pc.

- testing the Nokia Maps app is not possible since I cannot get a proper license. That is, I have a license for Germany/Austria but not for The Netherlands. Although I bought the device in Holland, it comes from Germany I guess. So, it seems impossible to change the license to my country. If anyone knows a workaround? The only solution is to wait for the official release, but even Nokia Netherlands does not known when that is.

- not an issue but...every time I press on the screen a little vibration is felt. You can turn this off, but now you feel you have pressed something. Strangely though, I sometimes think there's something loose in the device because of this buzz.
It's all a matter of getting used to.

Conclusion
Now that I'm able to install extra software, have all my contact etc on my device plus all my music and some movies (wmv format) I'm feeling ok. The Symbian OS feels reliable and is easy to use. In the next weeks I'll do more test and see how it performs as my day to day device.

Nokia 5800 XpressMusic

So here it is, the brand new Nokia 5800 XpressMusic. The first S60 touch screen device!
I've been playing around with it for a few days, and I'm impressed. As you may know, I have been using PDA's and smartphones for years now (started in 1998 up today) so I know all about these clever devices. My latest touch device was the best so far, the HTC Touch Diamond. But now there's a new kid on the block. How about it?



Here are my thought...

I know touch, but I don't know Symbian. Never used it, so as a newby, how does it work out of the box? Well, to be honest, easy. First of all, this is a port from standard S60 to touch S60 (5th edition), aimed at the touch user, and you can feel it. Buttons and option are big and fingerfriendly. Every press results in a little buzz (can be turned off) and pressing the screen is easy. It is a touchscreen, so can also use a stylus.
All in all, navigation around is easy and reasonably logical, although you have to get used to the fact that some settings are hidden at different places.
Main drawback (but after a while you get used to it): normally you have to tap once to activate something, but in lists you must double tap. So it happens that you tap, wait, and then tap again to get something done. Luckily, the navigation is speedy, better than the Diamond (WinMo in general).
Other drawback: I cannot install any software, so, no GoogleMaps, no QuickOffice etc. I'm looking for a solution.
The GPS works ok, you get a quick fix with Nokia Maps. The media stuff is alright, the music player works fine, like the video's and images.

In the next blog I talk about the problems...