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Multimedia Computer? – We’ll See!

By The Guru on April 7, 2007

Untitled
Nokia, for a few years, has referred to their S60 devices as "Multimedia Computers." Their newer flagship devices carry the tagline "It’s what computers have become…" And it’s very difficult to argue against this. S60 devices can do nearly anything you can think of, including at least 90% of the things you can do with a full-blown PC.

Also, with devices such as the upcoming E90 purporting to be laptop replacements, one can’t help but wonder, "Could you really use an S60 device as your computer?" Well, I’m going to answer that question over the next 30 days. I will be using my Nokia N73 ME in place of my laptop for 30 days, beginning April 15th. I will use my existing laptop purely for media storage (via SoonR), and will get my hands on a Nokia Bluetooth Keyboard (SU-8W) to post with (Which, if you know of a place that has them in stock, please let me know, as I can’t find them. Or, if you wish to send me one, email me and I’ll send you my address).

To really get the feel for whether this is possible or not, I will also
maintain my current pc-like usage, including RSS, IM, Email, and
Posting to this blog. The only thing I will use my PC for is storage.
I’ll post every few days regarding my progress, and things that I’ve
noticed and whatnot. They will come under a new category "PC-Free for
30 Days."

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The Guru

The Guru, aka Ricky Cadden, started Symbian-Guru.com in November 2006, out of his excitement for the S60 3rd Edition version of Symella. The Guru has used Symbian devices since the Nokia 6620, and is known for his perspective as a power user. You can follow The Guru on Twitter at @Rcadden

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  • DoubleDazzle

    Dude! What a great idea! I don’t see why it’s impossible, and I am really looking forward to reading into the pros and cons of ditching the PC for an S60v3 device. Keep up the good work!

  • DoubleDazzle

    Dude! What a great idea! I don’t see why it’s impossible, and I am really looking forward to reading into the pros and cons of ditching the PC for an S60v3 device. Keep up the good work!

  • DoubleDazzle

    Dude! What a great idea! I don’t see why it’s impossible, and I am really looking forward to reading into the pros and cons of ditching the PC for an S60v3 device. Keep up the good work!

  • http://dotsisx.vox.com/ Rita Khoury

    Great idea! I am also looking forward or the progress review.
    I would’ve loved to be able to ditch my pc for my phone, but unfortunately, I don’t have wireless internet here, so the pc is still irreplaceable :(

  • http://dotsisx.vox.com/ Rita Khoury

    Great idea! I am also looking forward or the progress review.
    I would’ve loved to be able to ditch my pc for my phone, but unfortunately, I don’t have wireless internet here, so the pc is still irreplaceable :(

  • http://dotsisx.vox.com Rita Khoury

    Great idea! I am also looking forward or the progress review.
    I would’ve loved to be able to ditch my pc for my phone, but unfortunately, I don’t have wireless internet here, so the pc is still irreplaceable :(

  • Eric

    Dude – hope you don’t break the joystick! ;) Seriously though, great idea. You’ve seen how I’ve been able to use my N73 for work with the Wizards videos. If the damn keypad weren’t so squeaky I’d probably T9 more.

  • Eric

    Dude – hope you don’t break the joystick! ;) Seriously though, great idea. You’ve seen how I’ve been able to use my N73 for work with the Wizards videos. If the damn keypad weren’t so squeaky I’d probably T9 more.

  • Eric

    Dude – hope you don’t break the joystick! ;) Seriously though, great idea. You’ve seen how I’ve been able to use my N73 for work with the Wizards videos. If the damn keypad weren’t so squeaky I’d probably T9 more.

  • EL

    good idea, realy cool, i to am looking forward to reading “PC-Free for 30 Days.”.

  • EL

    good idea, realy cool, i to am looking forward to reading “PC-Free for 30 Days.”.

  • EL

    good idea, realy cool, i to am looking forward to reading “PC-Free for 30 Days.”.

  • JonnyBruha

    That’s an awesome idea, but I don’t think it’s fair. You still lack WLAN on the N73, so all of your data transfers will be limited to the capabilities of EDGE. I think this would be more fair using the N95, but if you think the N73 can do just as well, then by all means, DO IT! I’m excited.

    I have an SU-8W, but you can’t have or borrow it. N95 will be here Wednesday or so and I’ll be using it like a mug. The 6260 wouldn’t install the v2 app properly. :(

  • JonnyBruha

    That’s an awesome idea, but I don’t think it’s fair. You still lack WLAN on the N73, so all of your data transfers will be limited to the capabilities of EDGE. I think this would be more fair using the N95, but if you think the N73 can do just as well, then by all means, DO IT! I’m excited.

    I have an SU-8W, but you can’t have or borrow it. N95 will be here Wednesday or so and I’ll be using it like a mug. The 6260 wouldn’t install the v2 app properly. :(

  • JonnyBruha

    That’s an awesome idea, but I don’t think it’s fair. You still lack WLAN on the N73, so all of your data transfers will be limited to the capabilities of EDGE. I think this would be more fair using the N95, but if you think the N73 can do just as well, then by all means, DO IT! I’m excited.

    I have an SU-8W, but you can’t have or borrow it. N95 will be here Wednesday or so and I’ll be using it like a mug. The 6260 wouldn’t install the v2 app properly. :(

  • http://profile.typekey.com/symbianguru/ Ricky Cadden

    Glad to know there’s excitement about this. I’m excited, too, frankly. Though my “supportive” girlfriend has already started taking bets with my friends as to how long I’ll last. Can you feel the love?

    @JonnyBruha – thanks for mentioning it. Where did you get yours, though?

  • http://profile.typekey.com/symbianguru/ Ricky Cadden

    Glad to know there’s excitement about this. I’m excited, too, frankly. Though my “supportive” girlfriend has already started taking bets with my friends as to how long I’ll last. Can you feel the love?

    @JonnyBruha – thanks for mentioning it. Where did you get yours, though?

  • http://profile.typekey.com/symbianguru/ Ricky Cadden

    Glad to know there’s excitement about this. I’m excited, too, frankly. Though my “supportive” girlfriend has already started taking bets with my friends as to how long I’ll last. Can you feel the love?

    @JonnyBruha – thanks for mentioning it. Where did you get yours, though?

  • JonnyBruha

    I got “the call”. Nokia Chicago called me and after we tried to arrange for a buddy of mine to pick it up, they offered to ship it to me in Georgia for free if I still paid sales tax and ordered by fax. The total will be $820 or so when they charge my card.

    Made in Finland? Nokia? Leather case? MicroSD card? Screen protector? I have no idea. But I have a warranty.

  • JonnyBruha

    I got “the call”. Nokia Chicago called me and after we tried to arrange for a buddy of mine to pick it up, they offered to ship it to me in Georgia for free if I still paid sales tax and ordered by fax. The total will be $820 or so when they charge my card.

    Made in Finland? Nokia? Leather case? MicroSD card? Screen protector? I have no idea. But I have a warranty.

  • JonnyBruha

    I got “the call”. Nokia Chicago called me and after we tried to arrange for a buddy of mine to pick it up, they offered to ship it to me in Georgia for free if I still paid sales tax and ordered by fax. The total will be $820 or so when they charge my card.

    Made in Finland? Nokia? Leather case? MicroSD card? Screen protector? I have no idea. But I have a warranty.

  • Jthousand

    I think JohnnyBruha is right about the WLAN. I tried to go this route when I got my E62 but just couln’t stick to waiting for edge to keep up. The other issue is the screen size, I grew tired of panning around to view web pages.

    Don’t get me wrong, I love my E62. Wish I had an E61i for the WLAN and camera though. By the way I am reading and posting from my E62 right now.

    Good luck, I’m looking forward to reading…Hope you’re successful.

  • Jthousand

    I think JohnnyBruha is right about the WLAN. I tried to go this route when I got my E62 but just couln’t stick to waiting for edge to keep up. The other issue is the screen size, I grew tired of panning around to view web pages.

    Don’t get me wrong, I love my E62. Wish I had an E61i for the WLAN and camera though. By the way I am reading and posting from my E62 right now.

    Good luck, I’m looking forward to reading…Hope you’re successful.

  • Jthousand

    I think JohnnyBruha is right about the WLAN. I tried to go this route when I got my E62 but just couln’t stick to waiting for edge to keep up. The other issue is the screen size, I grew tired of panning around to view web pages.

    Don’t get me wrong, I love my E62. Wish I had an E61i for the WLAN and camera though. By the way I am reading and posting from my E62 right now.

    Good luck, I’m looking forward to reading…Hope you’re successful.

  • Bryan

    It’s not the Nokia keyboard, but the iGo (previously ThinkOutside, aka Stowaway) keyboard I have been using with my n80 is fantastic, and available in-stores at Best Buy:

    http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/xtbtue/stowawaybt_product.html

    If you get it just make sure to install their keyboard driver so you can use the various hot-keys (Fn+left/right halves of the space bar are the 2 softkeys, fn+enter is the “select” key of the dpad, etc)…that was all lacking when using the standard Nokia wireless keyboard driver.

  • Bryan

    It’s not the Nokia keyboard, but the iGo (previously ThinkOutside, aka Stowaway) keyboard I have been using with my n80 is fantastic, and available in-stores at Best Buy:

    http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/xtbtue/stowawaybt_product.html

    If you get it just make sure to install their keyboard driver so you can use the various hot-keys (Fn+left/right halves of the space bar are the 2 softkeys, fn+enter is the “select” key of the dpad, etc)…that was all lacking when using the standard Nokia wireless keyboard driver.

  • Bryan

    It’s not the Nokia keyboard, but the iGo (previously ThinkOutside, aka Stowaway) keyboard I have been using with my n80 is fantastic, and available in-stores at Best Buy:

    http://www.thinkoutside.com/products/xtbtue/stowawaybt_product.html

    If you get it just make sure to install their keyboard driver so you can use the various hot-keys (Fn+left/right halves of the space bar are the 2 softkeys, fn+enter is the “select” key of the dpad, etc)…that was all lacking when using the standard Nokia wireless keyboard driver.

  • http://profile.typekey.com/symbianguru/ Ricky Cadden

    Thanks all for the keyboard suggestions, but I want the Nokia one for the full integration with the menu key and application shortcuts and all.

    Also, I would MUCH rather perform this experiment on an N95, but I just don’t have the funds to spring for one. So unless someone wants to donate…..

    As for EDGE vs. WLAN, I don’t think it’s a factor, seeing as how the only place I go that has WLAN anyways is my home. I’ve been on EDGE since the 6620 and I find that it’s pretty sufficient.

    Quite honestly, I’m more thinking this little experiment will make me love S60 all the more. Time will tell.

  • http://profile.typekey.com/symbianguru/ Ricky Cadden

    Thanks all for the keyboard suggestions, but I want the Nokia one for the full integration with the menu key and application shortcuts and all.

    Also, I would MUCH rather perform this experiment on an N95, but I just don’t have the funds to spring for one. So unless someone wants to donate…..

    As for EDGE vs. WLAN, I don’t think it’s a factor, seeing as how the only place I go that has WLAN anyways is my home. I’ve been on EDGE since the 6620 and I find that it’s pretty sufficient.

    Quite honestly, I’m more thinking this little experiment will make me love S60 all the more. Time will tell.

  • http://profile.typekey.com/symbianguru/ Ricky Cadden

    Thanks all for the keyboard suggestions, but I want the Nokia one for the full integration with the menu key and application shortcuts and all.

    Also, I would MUCH rather perform this experiment on an N95, but I just don’t have the funds to spring for one. So unless someone wants to donate…..

    As for EDGE vs. WLAN, I don’t think it’s a factor, seeing as how the only place I go that has WLAN anyways is my home. I’ve been on EDGE since the 6620 and I find that it’s pretty sufficient.

    Quite honestly, I’m more thinking this little experiment will make me love S60 all the more. Time will tell.

  • http://mobileministrymagazine.com/ Antoine of MMM

    I heard about your experiment via Ring Nokia and think that you are doing a good thing by trying so. Granted, I’ve been doing this for a bit over the last year with my Treo 650 (now 680) and have had varying degrees of success with doing so. I think that the N95 is a great device to try solo living on, and outside of battery life and the occasional site that goes funky, you should be just fine.

    If you don’t mind, I’ll be commenting on your progress via my personal blog, and then extending things via Mobile Ministry Magazine topics. The time is come to put the computers up to the abilities that they should have had some time ago IMO.

  • http://mobileministrymagazine.com/ Antoine of MMM

    I heard about your experiment via Ring Nokia and think that you are doing a good thing by trying so. Granted, I’ve been doing this for a bit over the last year with my Treo 650 (now 680) and have had varying degrees of success with doing so. I think that the N95 is a great device to try solo living on, and outside of battery life and the occasional site that goes funky, you should be just fine.

    If you don’t mind, I’ll be commenting on your progress via my personal blog, and then extending things via Mobile Ministry Magazine topics. The time is come to put the computers up to the abilities that they should have had some time ago IMO.

  • http://mobileministrymagazine.com Antoine of MMM

    I heard about your experiment via Ring Nokia and think that you are doing a good thing by trying so. Granted, I’ve been doing this for a bit over the last year with my Treo 650 (now 680) and have had varying degrees of success with doing so. I think that the N95 is a great device to try solo living on, and outside of battery life and the occasional site that goes funky, you should be just fine.

    If you don’t mind, I’ll be commenting on your progress via my personal blog, and then extending things via Mobile Ministry Magazine topics. The time is come to put the computers up to the abilities that they should have had some time ago IMO.

  • http://www.soonr.com Steve Dinwiddie (SoonR)

    Hi Ricky,

    This sounds like a great experiment and I’ll be very interested to read about your experiences. I replied to your question (to support@soonr.com), but my reply bounced back due to a full inbox. I just want to let you know I’m not ignoring you. I’ll try re-sending the message later or you can write me an email and I can resend. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

    Steve

  • http://www.soonr.com/ Steve Dinwiddie (SoonR)

    Hi Ricky,

    This sounds like a great experiment and I’ll be very interested to read about your experiences. I replied to your question (to support@soonr.com), but my reply bounced back due to a full inbox. I just want to let you know I’m not ignoring you. I’ll try re-sending the message later or you can write me an email and I can resend. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

    Steve

  • http://www.soonr.com/ Steve Dinwiddie (SoonR)

    Hi Ricky,

    This sounds like a great experiment and I’ll be very interested to read about your experiences. I replied to your question (to support@soonr.com), but my reply bounced back due to a full inbox. I just want to let you know I’m not ignoring you. I’ll try re-sending the message later or you can write me an email and I can resend. Let me know if I can be of any further assistance.

    Steve

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