Thanks to ThoughtFix, we have more great information about the N800.

Some highlights for me:

• The primary use case is the Internet.
• This (and the 770) is the first device built from the ground up for the Internet experience.
• Leaving out the keyboard makes the device smaller, more durable and cheaper. Makes sense, but I’d like to see a keyboard that optionally attaches as a slide-out device.
• Adding proprietary software (Skype, Rhapsody) is not a departure from open source. The 770 and the n800 were only possible because of Open Source and they are maintaining a commitment to open source.
• Development and support for the 770 will not end. I actually think this is true, but not necessarily because of Nokia. Developers are not going to stop supporting the 770, because they’ll most likely be keeping them. Ari does make the point, too, that the 770 currently beats the pants off the n800 for in car navigation.

And some lowlights:

• No ETA set for getting Youtube to run well on the N800. Could a more n800 optimized version of Flash solve the problem? This is a HUGE oversight.
• I was hoping to hear about upcoming accessories for the N800. Navigation kit?!

Also, Ari repeated that the SD slots can handle 2GB cards. As mentioned previously, at least one user on ITT forums says 4GB cards work.

On his blog, Ari had a lot to say about the N800 launch and what it means for the Internet Tablet line of products.

• Apps compiled for the N800 will not work on the 770, but the platforms are similar enough that many apps can and will be built for both devices.
• Nokia will continue to support the dev community on both devices.
• Internet Tablet OS 2007 will not be back ported to the 770.

The pressure is on from the dev and user community. They want Nokia to make OS 2007 available for the 770. That would be ideal, yes, but I’m not upset. I do hope Nokia sees the community reaction and keeps it in mind when they launch the next device, though. Really, I’m just glad that the platform was successful enough to launch another product.

Updating my n800 as I write this!

Release Notes (thanks to gpd and Disconnect on #maemo for the information)

Nokia Internet Call Invitation (Beta)

Nokia Internet Call Invitation (Beta) is a new feature for easy internet calling between Nokia N800 and PC users; also calls between two N800s are supported. The feature introduces a simple wizard through which N800 users can smoothly invite their friends to free-of-charge internet video or voice calls by chat or email.

Bluetooth connection on/off enabler

This Bluetooth connection on/off enabler makes it possible to switch Bluetooth connection off when it’s not needed. If a user has a compatible Bluetooth-enabled phone then after pairing the phone the Bluetooth connection is set automatically on but user can easily change the status when needed. User can maximize battery life by switching the Bluetooth connection off.

Improvements in finger usage

Improvements in dialog selection when using the Nokia N800 Internet Tablet with fingers and not the stylus pen.

ThoughtFix linked to the official specs page this morning. Engadget has coverage, too.

The N800 got a lot of coverage this weekend because of the early release. Personally, I think Nokia should be thanking CompUSA for launching on Saturday. If they had launched today as planned, I don’t think they would have gotten as much press. There are too many announcements going on with CES underway.

Here’s the N800 hands on video in case you missed it!