I have one and I think it has a decent chance of holding its own against the iPhone.
There's a need for tiny computers. For programmers, the iPhone doesn't cut it, because the user doesn't have enough control. Unless Apple makes the iPhone more open, there's room for someone else to make the device a lot of hackers end up carrying in their pockets. And what hackers use, they write apps for, which in turn makes the device more valuable for everyone else. Like the Apple II.
If you can't be root on your own computer, then it's not a computer.
The N800 is the kind of open device hackers need to show users the value of cool 3rd party apps. Either on-deck or off-deck via Flash. The iPhone currently does not allow for either of these options which leaves a sour taste in my mouth.
The hacking of the iPhone wont cut it either. That is just a handful of users and does not make it a mainstream change valuable to developers.
I dont think Apple will truly open up the iPhone until there is real pressure to do so. Maybe when "killer" 3rd party apps start gaining mainstream acceptance and users demand the ability to install them on their own devices.
Apple has been pretty good at leaving an outlet open for the hacker steam to escape. You can install Linux on your iPod and write any application you want. Hackers already have shell access to the iPhone. It won't be long before it's running Linux. And it's not open enough for me, but lots of hackers love Mac OSX.
Wow, I was going to post about the N800 today. It just came out with Skype support 2 days ago. I first heard about it a few days ago on buy.com -- the previous model is selling for $139, just with a slower processor, mono speakers, and no web cam.
PG, would this work? Give users your GrandCentral number, that rings both your cell phone and the GizmoProject app on your N800. If they're near a WiFi hotspot, such as at home, work, or school, the user could then pick up the N800 and talk for free over WiFi (at home and at work.) If only the phone rings, such as when you're in a car, you can pickup the phone. With Gizmo Out (or SkypeOut), you can also call anybody for 2 cents a minute.
I think that's exactly how a Google-branded Phone would work. It would be such a media device, that supports their calendar in online and offline-mode via Gears, something this device does not have. And the large screen with 800x480 resolution means you can view web sites in landscape mode without horizontal scrolling. You can also use a bluetooth keyboard with it.
And since Treos have a small screen, this will be the end of Palm. Also, the end of smartphones, in general. Your phone will be a phone again!
It would also be the end of expensive phone plans! People would still need to have a regular phone, but only with a $30 plan that includes 300 minutes -- weekends and nights are unlimited anyway, and during the day, you'll be near a WiFi hotspot except in the car, using the Google Phone instead.
I believe this is what Google's WiFi Phone will look like and Nokia will be the company that makes it, maybe even this year! I believe Nokia's next update to this platform will literally be the Google Phone... it has already supported GoogleTalk for years now; they just need to integrate call/hangup buttons on it.
There's a need for tiny computers. For programmers, the iPhone doesn't cut it, because the user doesn't have enough control. Unless Apple makes the iPhone more open, there's room for someone else to make the device a lot of hackers end up carrying in their pockets. And what hackers use, they write apps for, which in turn makes the device more valuable for everyone else. Like the Apple II.
If you can't be root on your own computer, then it's not a computer.