* David Binger wrote on [2007-11-27 17:58:30 -0500]:
>> I present to you the worlds smallest QP application "server" (as in
>> box):
>> http://mikewatkins.ca/2007/11/27/nokia-n800-runs-qp/
>
> Wow.   I wonder what applications might follow from this.

Some imagination as to what a *really* portable (jacket pocket)
internet/wifi enabled device with an 800*480 display, that will fit
in your jacket pocket, will no doubt come up with all sorts of
possibilities.

This sort of device feels like it is more likely to have traction as
a mobile GUI or browser-based client for remote services than
smaller form factor phones will; users of blackberry and the like
might disagree. An 800x480 screen such as is on this device is very
crisp and bright but I don't think you can make it any smaller
without shutting out half the population!

The device isn't quite there yet, from a broad mass-market readiness
perspective - some more refinement of application packaging and
distribution, making it really drop dead simple for regular users -
is still needed. The N-series devices run a version of Debian
(maemo.org), apps are installed/managed using debian packages but
isn't quite as user friendly as Ubuntu in this regard.

Eventually this device and devices like it will be usable, out of
the box, to consumers or regular users. The cost for such a beast is
currently approximately $220 US; a newer device with GPS and
keyboard is $400+. One would think that the $100 mark ultimately
isn't too hard to achieve given the OLPC work being done. I believe
Nokia is investing in this research (including the marketing),
foreseeing one day high speed data and VOIP, from portable devices,
cutting into regular cellular usage.

No WiLAN device is yet available but that's only a matter of time
and market penetration of WiLAN itself I would imagine. 802.11b/g
WiFi support is very good. Tethering to a bluetooth enabled phone
with an appropriate data plan is also easy to accomplish and is
another way of getting relatively high speed data access, anywhere.

My experience with the unit is that its ideal for data/information
"consuming" purposes, less ideal for data entry. Newer devices which
include integrated thumb keyboards are probably much more effective
in this regard, although even without I do find myself consuming and
replying to email in a limited fashion. Touchscreen "keyboards" for
stylus and fingers are available as input methods as is handwriting
recognition.

With the latest OS release the default browser is Mozilla based, and
the approach of Nokia's open source group which drives the OS and
app support development is that web apps shouldn't have to run
altered just because they are consumed by tablet devices. So from a
web app developers perspective, whether the server runs on board or
remotely, anything that can be imagined can be done.  Plus you also
have a modern GTK development environment there to exploit.