[Updated Oct. 26, 2005] — A number of open source software developers have published brief reviews of Nokia's forthcoming 770 Internet tablet. The reviews are based on early 770s that Maemo developers are allowed to purchase from Nokia at a discount.

The 770 Internet Tablet is Nokia's first consumer product based on Linux. It is a small tablet based on a 220MHz ARM processor, with integrated WiFi and Bluetooth, and various Internet clients.

The 770 was expected to ship in September, at prices around $350, but was delayed, possibly due to problems with the Opera browser. At least one reviewer describes the Opera browser in his 770 as “evil,” although several others praise the browser.

Nearly all early reports praise the usability of the small webpad's WVGA (800 x 480) display. Complaints include inadequate audio and video playback performance, and a quirky filemanager. Contrary to earlier reports, the device is “anything but slow,” one developer writes.

Links to available reviews can be found listed on the Maemo developer website, some of which appear on this unofficial Nokia 770 site, as well as at InternetTabletTalk.com and its blog.

Another highly anticipated mobile Linux device expected to ship this fall is the GP2X from Korean embedded gaming device firm Gamepark Holdings. It can be pre-ordered from several sites for $180. It features dual 200MHz processors, and can play video as well as devices based on 400MHz ARM processors, according to a post on its developer site.

Meanwhile, Archos continues to offer its PMA-400, a Linux-based portable media player/recorder (PMP/R) with PDA functions. The device is equipped with a 40GB harddrive and QVGA (320 x 240) TFT touchscreen, and sells online for about $700.

 
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