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Check out our new page Funny LOL Pictures (click here) - it brings you daily funny pictures that will make you LOL!
Want to read some of your favorite articles on Wikipedia? But what if you don’t have any internet available for some reason? Or maybe you just want to save up money or battery charge for keeping internet connection.
Evopedia will allow you to download an archive of all Wikipedia articles and read them online, optimized for the N900 screen size.

Archives of Wikipedia for many different languages are available. A few Wiktionary archives can be downloaded as well.  A demo archive with 999 articles is available under the name “small”.
Note: Most archives take up more than 100 mB of space on your MyDocs, make sure you have space.
As soon as you download the archive(s), you can search for any article from the main screen. Since all archives are stored locally, the search is very fast. Pick any article and it will be opened in your Web application, and easy to read, thanks to optimized view.

One and only problem I had with Evopedia is that most archives are downloaded via BitTorrent, which takes up a lot of system resources and sometimes can be very unresponsive. Maemo’s watchdog reboots the phone in such occasions and this sometimes messes up the file system. In case if you get a problem with MyDocs mounted read-only, run this as root and reboot the phone (don’t worry, you won’t lose any files):
  fsck.vfat -a /dev/mmcblk0p1
Apart from that, Evopedia provides a nice and easy way to read Wikipedia articles without having any internet connection whatsoever.

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Quite often do we run into situations where certain calls are unwanted. Maybe you’re at work and you don’t want anybody outside of the working environment calling you, or maybe there’s just a certain annoying person who you don’t want to talk with. In any case, Callerx is a simple app that will help you solve these problems.
Once launched, you will be greeted with a screen that easily allows you to view all inbound calls and manage your lists with blocked/allowed phone numbers.

Adding new numbers or contacts to the list of blocked/allowed numbers can be done by pressing the ‘Manage Lists’ button, choosing a list of your choice and picking a menu option. It’s that simple.

Callerx also allows you to block any numbers that are not listed by enabling the whitelist mode and has an option to block all unknown numbers.
Being a daemon, it is configured to auto-start at each boot, and can be configured via a command line, by editing ‘blacklist.txt’ and ‘whitelist.txt’ files located under your MyDocs directory and calling
/etc/init.d/callerx loadblacklist for switching to blacklist mode or
/etc/init.d/callerx loadwhitelist for whitelist mode
Easy to use and effective, Callerx is all you need to stop any unwanted calls from ever bothering you.
 

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The S60 software platform is slowly ageing away with Maemo covering it up. So I have to say, that the S60 users have to now get used to Maemo. You’ll hear me say this a couple of times here at our Nokia N900 blog.
Maemo 5 is currently present on the Nokia N900.
The Maemo OS which is based on Debian Linux and the GUI which is derived from various frameworks and libraries. The software uses the window manager, and GTK-based Hildon as its GUI and application framework..
Maemo 5 actually has nice 3D games cooking up for us with a new Twitter app.
Here is something that you can expect for the Nokia N900 :

So you can see that Maemo is actually better than Symbian but only in a few ways. The best thing is that you have the terminal to fix problems and awesome games e.g the roller coaster game in the video is really testing our patience.
At work/home and your laptop or computer stops working? Then use your Nokia N900, it is a mini computer in your hands.
With (Maemo) Debian Linux based, Mozilla, the internet browser technology and the Nokia N900 deliver a extremely good mobile experience. The device shows where Nokia is going with software and Nokia should continue to work with the community to unlock the new software capabilities.
Maemo is something that is fuses the power of the computer, the internet and the mobile phone, which is great to see that it is evolving marvelously. If you have any different opinions, let us know at the Nokia N900 forum.

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Push Email is a function, that allows you to get messages instantly to your device, without retrieving the mailbox over defined time-periods. Most of these services have to be purchased before you can use them, or as the built-in Nokia Messaging provider has an free testing period. I also searched, googled the net for free services, but I did not found something suitable. Maybe someone of my readers can suggest some “free” services for pushing emails to the N900, although I don´t think that there is one ready for our phone yet. Symbianusers have some choices for installable Push Email services, like emoze or Nuevasync (this one is also working with the N900, but only in the premium version). By the way, Nuevasync is a very interesting service also for syncing calendar and contacts between devices, and maybe I will test and review this in one of my further posts.
I always wanted to try the built-in Nokia Messaging service. First you have to create a new mailbox and to choose Nokia Messaging as Provider. Then you will be asked for your Email address and password. You will be guided through the install routine until the setup is done. Now you will see the installed mailboxes (in case you have installed more than one mailbox, as I did) in your Nokia Messaging account.

There are a few account settings, which allows you to adjust the sync settings and the installed mailboxes. And thats all. As easy as that. And it works. Tested with several emails sent between my mailboxes .

- sam | visit our Nokia N900 forum -

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Sounds like K.I.T.T. is doing the job for you, but the truth is, this application helps you to find your car. Haven´t you been in such situations where you didn´t remember, where you left your car? In a foreign town maybe, or even in your hometown? I remember one case, it was in my hometown, that I had an appointment. Being a little late, searching a parking-lot, I ran to the meeting. After a long and productive “sit-in”, I offered my client to drive him to the airport. My mistake! I nearly remembered the direction from where I ran to the meeting. So we headed for my car .. after about half an hour, I gave up, took a taxi for the meanwhile impatient client, payed it, and continued searching. It is really TRUE that it took me another hour to find my vehicle in the maze of little lanes of the first district.
So, with this application, this would not happen again.

EasyPark is a very nice light app from the Author Jaap Braam. To install just go to the application manager of your phone. EasyPark will also install the Geolocation plugin for the N900 browser, which is necessary to determine your current location. After installing be sure to configure your GPS preferably with Network positioning.

When you parked your car, just tab “park” and the app remembers the location shown as a little “P” on the map. Thats all you need to do. When returning to your vehicle tab “route” and the app will guide you to your four wheels. It will also show you your current parking time, or the distance to your car. You will get an audio alert, if your parking time is running out, so you can easily extend your parking permission.

Please goto the developers homepage, to get more information and a full manual. All in all a very useful application, especially when you need to drive a lot, having outside meetings, etc.
- sam | visit our Nokia N900 forum -

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Working on visualizations as part of my every day job, this application could be very helpful for presentations at customers. Imagine the wow effect, when demonstrating some nice rendered project pictures or scenes with the N900 in combination with a beamer or a big screen over cable or even blue-tooth if available.
Author Juha Vesanen from the finnish company SVS Innovations Ltd. developed a 3D cross-platform, multipurpose 3D engine for desktop computers and embedded systems, as in this case for use on our beloved N900. This version is only a first sight demo, but the examples coming with the installation will give you first impressions about the possibilities of this real-time visualization tool. Capsule 3d has been designed for devices supporting OpenGL ES 2.0, i.e. majority of the upcoming high-end handheld devices.
For more technical information visit the developers Homepage. There you will also find screenshots, this example video, and the download link to your phone. The application demo can also be downloaded in the Maemo Extras section.

Potential uses for this engine are in first place engineering, visualization and entertainment, that´s what the common user is probably waiting for, the implementation to 3D games, but for me it would be the visualization presentation experience what I´ve been looking for.
- sam | visit our Nokia N900 forum -

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If you look at the competitor Apple with its iPhone, it is unchallenged, that they do really have apps. Sometimes I just go through the amount of applications for the Apple phone to see if something would be interesting to have on the N900. And indeed I always find some programs, which I really would like to see on my phone.
For example the Linkedin app, which is basically the business version of Facebook. What in the world can be so difficult to adapt this social media version to the Nokia phone, when Facebook is already in it? There can´t be much differences between this two, or am I erring?
Then there is Spotify, the online music database, to listen to your favorite tracks everywhere, everytime you want to. Yes, I know there is some kind of client named Yaspot, but I didn´t really have had the ambition to test this one yet , and I have to say, that I would prefer the native version rather than some auxiliary programs.
What I am really missing is Total Recall from Killermobile. I used this app on my N73, and I loved it. It records all your calls, incoming or outgoing, automaticly and saves the files to a folder you can define. It uses the file type amr, which saves the recordings in really small files and even sends you the attachments by email, so you don´t have to worry about backups. In the Maemo download section you can find a similar program, which allows you to record your calls, but it works only manually, so its not that useful as Total Recall. (Recording of phone calls, is not allowed in some countries. So be careful when using this application).
Which apps you would like to see on the N900?

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As I mentioned in my further post about the Nokia Map Loader, I would test the downloaded maps on the N900 on my road trip only with the GPS functionality. The main reason why, is saving roaming costs being abroad, which can be very high in some countries.
Finally I got home and the test succeeded with almost satisfying results. Mostly I described the functions of Ovi Maps in my post Ovi Maps – Navigation on the N900, so please get further information about how to use the map functionality there.
Although there are some issues with Ovi Maps, like the lack of Turn by Turn, no history, no bookmarks, no rerouting, and so on, it works as it should, for now. (We all hope, that Nokia is releasing the full navigation package for the N900 soon.)

Planning the route without the A-GPS functionality is almost the same routine as normal. You have only to disable the network function in the GPS settings of your phone first. It is then going to ask you if you want to connect to the internet (which are available) and negate this one. Be also sure that the settings for the internet is set to “always ask”. Then set your route and wait for the route calculation. In this mode it will take a little longer for it has no assistance from the mobile network (this is what the name stands for: Assisted Global Position System), but once its calculated you will have your route shown as it used to be with assistance on.

I was guided well and getting no bills from roaming partners in other countries.

- sam | visit our Nokia N900 forum -

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Many times during my studies I was in urgent need of small, primitive computer-like device that would help me solve simple math problems, device known as calculator. Many phones have built-in applications for really basic calculations, so what can we expect from N900?

Maemo 5 has it’s own built-in calculator, rather simple, with basic look-and-feel. There is possibility to switch to ‘scientific’ calculator, but still number of operations you can perform is relatively small, but it may be enough for everyday use.

If you don’t really need any sophisticated math algorythms you will probably prefer something simple that will allow you to sum, multiply or divide floating point numbers. NCalc is such application (available in extras-devel and extras-testing), clear, simple, easy to use, good solution for less demanding users.

On the other hand, if you want to use advanced math, like trigonometric functions, logarythms etc. you should be satisfied with free42 (available in extras). Look-and-feel emulate plain calculator, with classical buttons and simple LED screen. By default free42 runs in portrait mode, so it’s easy to operate with one hand, while taking notes with the other. In my humble opinion it’s enough for most of math of physics classes, even if you want to fiddle with ‘black magic science’ like quantum mechanics.
Variety of calculators doesn’t end on this three, you may already know some other applications, feel free if you’d like to share your point of view.
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For more info on devel and testing catalogues visit Application catalogues tutorial
Please visit Nokia N900 Forum

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Most of you probably know sudoku, logic game of placing numbers in 9×9 grid following few simple rules. This games comes to almost every phone or mobile device in general and it’s no different for N900, even more, at the moment you have four alternative applications.
First of all we have EightyOne already available in extras, so it appears as pretty stable and well written piece of software. It has few difficulty levels, so everyone may be satisfied with playing. On exit current progress is saved, so you can take hard level and little more time in few parts. I also think that interface is quite good, numbers placed initially are different color than placed by player, you can easily tell how far you are from the beginning. Also gives few intresting options like statistics, tips or solving all game to check if you’re following good trail.
Another sudoku-based game is masudoku, for now available in extras-testing and extras-devel. It’s also equipped with few difficulty levels, but I find it more difficult to play because of one-colored numbers, only wrong placed pieces are shown in different color. It also gives you possibility to solve all, check if you can still solve the game and take hints. Unfortunately no option to save, so you have to start from the beginning every time.
masudoku – levels, marks, tips, devel&testing
Third I’ve found is gpe-sudoku (in extras-devel) and I was pretty confused seeing it’s interface, not so intuitive to be honest. It lacks level distinction, description of basic functions on screen, but also has some neat functionalities, like saving game or placing checkpoints to which you can go back to specified point.
The last one is Thumb Sudoku available in extras-devel. Following the name, it can be played using only your thumb, because runs in portrait mode, so it’s easy to operate with one hand. Nice interface, large grid, good visibility and comfort to play anywhere are most obvious pros. Save on exit is another useful thing, but unfortunately it doesn’t give you choice of difficulty level. Nevertheless still in devel, so it can improve soon.
As you see …

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IMPORTANT UPDATE: one of users, Huschke, insisted on putting reasonable info on reliability of applications from extras-devel and extras-testing. I agree with what he is trying to say, these repositories are created for applications not yet approved by Nokia and Maemo community, even if hosted by Nokia and Maemo. These software packages are considered unsafe for your device! Before you add these catalogues please be sure you know what you’re doing.
Before I get to the point let me remind you about previous word on catalogues, where I’ve covered most of general informations about where to find packages I’m writing about. I will also remind that applications from extras-devel and extras-testing are there because they’re not completely ‘safe’ for your N900. This time I will give you step-by-step tutorial how to add them to your device. This thing was mentioned here and there many times, but some of you may have missed it.
First of all run your App manager as usual. Then open menu from toolbar and choose Application catalogues option, which will give you possibility to add new software download sources.
When you have it opened look if you already have extras catalogue, should be installed by default but may be disabled.
Open catalogue settings and uncheck Disabled field. If you don’t have this catalogue(s) add new with one of following settings:
For extras:
Catalogue name: Maemo Extras
Web address: http://repository.maemo.org/extras/
Distribution: fremantle
Components: free non-free
For extras-testing:
Catalogue name: Maemo Extras-Testing
Web address: http://repository.maemo.org/extras-testing/
Distribution: fremantle
Components: free non-free
For extras-devel:
Catalogue name: Maemo Extras-Devel
Web address: http://repository.maemo.org/extras-devel/
Distribution: fremantle
Components: free non-free
You can check weather package you’re looking for is available in extras, extras-testing or extras-devel using maemo.org Package Interface, which I’ve mentioned before. Just type word from package name and examine findings, package details will give you clue on where to look releases of what you need.

From now on I will try to include link to this tutorial every time I post info on extras-testing or extras-devel packages, I hope it will help you.
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Please visit Nokia N900 Forum

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Some time ago Sam posted loopable wallpaper tutorial, so now you know how to put your favourite pictures on your homescreen. In the end he got it to quite low-level file editing, which apparently can be done in a little simpler way using wallpapercreator application. Take Sam’s steps to the point when you have a 3200×480 picture, save it and upload to your phone. When you have it ready run WPcreator, select the image and when you press crop you can see how it will be divided into parts. Then just press Install, give it a propper name and you can select your new wallpaper when changing desktop background.

When I first made wallpaper this way I wanted it to be visible, not to cover all of it with icons, bookmarks, widgets etc. Also I like to keep some things categorized, I have IP and Dataplan widgets along with MaePad shortcut on one desktop, everyday application shortcuts on second, games and bookmarks on third and inbox widget on fourth, the rest of screen space is empty to show my wallpaper. Also I think some applications could be included in status menu (along with internet connection, sound profile etc.) like BlueMaemo to connect N900 as remote controller via bluetooth. Today I’ve found quick-launch, which allows to do such thing. When it’s installed it gives you additional options in settings menu, there you can choose any 4 of installed applications to be shown as shortcuts in statusbar menu.

Of course this is my point of view, I’m just showing some concept and it’s up to you weather you choose to use it or not. Your N900 should look and work as you want to, this is what I think in the first place.
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Please visit Nokia N900 Forum

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I was very curious about the Theme Maker. The new version 1.2.9, which supports also the N900 has been out for a while and I wanted to try making a theme of my own to use it on my phone. After downloading Theme Maker from the Maemo Garage section, there was no installing necessary, just unzipping the folder to the desktop. First I didn’t know how it could work, and the instructions are a little bit exhausting to read. I am also more the learning by doing type.
After getting more and more into the material I asserted that this one isn’t as easy as I thought it would be. First of all you really need an image editing software. The package includes templates with all the buttons, backgrounds, icons, etc. which can be edited, but it’s kind of complicated, because all the drafts are in just one layer. So in principle you have to make new ones because just changing or replacing colors would not lead to satisfying results. Once you have done all the creative work, the compilation process is the easy part. This is actually the program. Starting Theme Maker and pointing to the paths of the created image files, clicking the “Build” button will do the rest.
A new theme is created which can be installed on the phone. I didn’t managed it yet. It is really a lot of work to make a fine theme to personalize your device.
Fact is, with Theme Maker you are of course able to build a theme, but you have to be a graphic designer with good tools to construct a real shiny one. It is really not comparable with carbide.ui.
- sam | visit our Nokia N900 forum -

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As most of you may already know, N900 operating system is actually Linux. Maemo is based on Debian, to be exact, distribution well known in IT industry. When I was completely green with open source solutions the newest Debian version was 3.1 ‘sarge’ in testing branch. To be honest I was a little scared after first try and switched to something simpler. After some time someone said ‘lets make Linux distribution for everyone’ and Ubuntu came to daylight, taking lot of it’s internals from Debian and became very popular. In my opinion, taking backstage solutions from Debian to make user friendly mobile device was really good choice. But to the point…
One of the most vital advantages of Debian is it’s packaging system. Every piece of software is enclosed in file with deb extension called simply Debian Software Package. Such package is created for specific hardware platform if it contains application or library (in case of Maemo for ARM processor), or for any platform if provides graphics, text configuration files or documents. It also encloses information about packages needed to be installed before or the ones which collide. So called Advanced Packaging Tool or apt in short does all of checking and installing automatically and, what’s most important for us, it’s included in Maemo.
Ok, no more babbling, lets focus on how to use it. The simplest way you may want to try is downloading the package from the internet when it’s not yet available in catalogues. I’ve found that Maepad, note-taking application was updated recently but because of one bug is not available in extras-devel yet, so I’m still hanging on 1.1, when 1.3 is ready to download. If you want to install just open N900 browser and follow link to file maepad_1.3_armel.deb (name of this file contains package name – maepad, version – 1.3, and platform for ARM processor – armel, which is common for packages). After you click the link you will be asked how to open, use App manager and from this point everything goes the same way as in Ovi store, few more seconds and you have …

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As long as I breathe and have the N900 my quest to personalize it never stops, so lets take a look on some other useful things you can do with some more tweaking tools.
Last time I mentioned something about disabling Nokia hands startup video. I realize not all of you may want to get rid of it, or even more, someone may get the idea that this video can be changed. If you do, you’re right! If you search around the web carefully you probably can find way to do it by editing configuration files, creating symlinks but there is also a tool to do that. Simply download BootScreen application (available in extras-devel), which allows to add files you want and play multiple animations or one random from the list. But be careful if you already disabled hands video using Powatool! After first use of BootScreen video may dissapear completely and you will need to run it once again.
Another neat helper I’ve found is related to keyboard layout. If you frequently use more than one for any reason it’s nice to know which one you’re using at the moment. To keep track of layout you can use Keyboard Layout Status Icon (package kblayout-status in extras-devel), that shows small icon in statusbar. It may save your time and won’t take much of screen area, you can see it on screenshots with my PL layout.
What else can be changed? Most of things, really! If you have any idea of further changes let me know, I’ll try to find the way.
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Please visit the Nokia N900 forum.