Nokia N800 - version check

If you've flashed your Nokia tablet, you'll want to check that you're running the correct version.

To do this on the tablet Application menu, select Settings > Control panel > About product.

On mine it now says "Internet Tablet OS: meamo Linux based OS2008 version 4.2008.23-14"

Nokia N800 - flashing from OSX

Flashing your Nokia Internet Tablet 770, N800, N810 from OSX is not formally supported, however, it can b done using a 3rd party piece of software, 770Flasher.app from www.bleb.org/software/maemo

1. ensure your tablet is off. You can have it connected to your USB.
2. download the file 770Flasher-2.0.dmg
3. open and drag the application to your applications folder
4. download the latest .bin file for your model from http://tablets-dev.nokia.com/
5. double click the flasher application and when it asks open the .bin file you downloaded from Nokia

Turn on the tablet and watch the messages as the image loads to the 770/N800/N810 after which it reboots automatically.

Done!

If the host doesn't see the tablet on boot then try removing the memory cards. For me at first it wouldn't. I removed the cards and it went through no problem.

Nokia N800 - Cannot browse from Apple Mac OSX via Bluetooth

Even after you pair your Nokia N800 and your Mac by bluetooth, you cannot browse the N800 from your Mac. You can, however, send files by Bluetooth.

When you send a file OSX---> N800 you'll get a warning

"File type not accepted. The target device claims it will not accept a file of the type you are trying to send".

It is safe to click "send anyway".

Nokia N800 - Root access

The Nokia N800 being linux based has a root account, but since there are no externally accessible services the fact everyone shares th same root password by default is not an immediate problem. If, though, you want to use, say, SSH then you need to change the root password.

First off, you need to become root:

Enable the repository Eko One from www.gronmayer.com/it

http://eko.one.pl/maemo
bora | user

and then install 'becomeroot'.

From X-Term type 'becomeroot'.

The change the root password. By default its 'rootme' for ALL Nokia tablets.

'passwd'

then type the new password

Nokia N800 USB Host mode

There's an interesting thread on Internettablettalk about running the Nokia N800 in USB Host Mode.

For a newbie like me, what you need is a USB female to male adapter. If you have access to UK based Maplins their A80AH does the job. Their online catalog says they are EOL, but if you call the assistant can do a search on which stores actually have them.

I've not tried a (USB) keyboard yet, but my (Kingston) 2Gb thumb drive works OK.

To enable host mode you'll need to become root, and then run

$ echo host> /sys/devices/platform/musb_hdrc/mode

plug something in with fingers crossed.

I got the 'USB device not Supported' message, but don't worry. File Manager opened and off I went.

To go back to normal operation:

$ echo otg > /sys/devices/platform/musb_hdrc/mode

UPDATE: USB keyboard works fine

Nokia N800 and iGo Traveller Stowaway Bluetooth Keyboard

I got my Nokia N800 the other day, and also purchased the iGo Stowaway bluetooth keyboard on Ebay. Their web site doesn't mention N800 compatibility, but enough resources suggested that both the iGo and the N800 are HID compliant that it was worth a go.

After unpacking and putting the batteries in, the next step was to pair the 2.

First you go into the control panel on the N800, and with 2007 firmware (2008 is different), select 'Hardware Keyboard'. Make sure 'Generic 105-key PC' and 'English USA' are selected. If you try to select a different keyboard layout (I tried initially tried English (United Kingdom)) when you pair you will get a 'pairing failed, device resources exceeded' message.

Then go to the Bluetooth panel of your N800 and search for new devices.

Make the keyboard is discoverable by pressing 'CTRL and BOTH Fn' Keys until the green LED flashes.

It finds the Stowaway keyboard, offers to pair and gives you a code. Click OK on the N800, and then on the keyboard, hold down Left FN + number keys to type in the code. Press Left FN + Enter.

The N800 is now paired.

The very nice thing about having a bluetooth keyboard is that when you want to enter text on the N800 it doesn't use 1/3 of the screen as a soft keyboard.

Update: You can also use the iGo with a bluetooth enabled Apple Mac. Instructions from my Macbook Pro here