If your N800 or N810 doesn’t have the latest operating system, here’s how you can upgrade to OS2008.

First, if you’re new to this, here’s an introduction to the process. Most electronic devices run on top of something called firmware. The firmware is responsible for communicating with the underlying hardware. This is the layer that allows the system to connect to Wi-Fi spots, talk to other devices, display information to the user, play sounds and so on. It is software that tells the device how to behave when the user interacts with it.

The N800 and N810 run on top of a version of Linux called Maemo. Depending on when you got your device, you might have an outdated version of the operation system on it. To find out the current version of the OS on your device, go to Settings > Control Panel > About product. If it says OS2007, you want to upgrade. The latest version of the Maemo tablet operating system is OS2008. The N810s usually already have OS2008 installed on them; N800s shipped with the older OS2007. You can upgrade your device using a couple of different upgrade methods. The upgrade process is known as “flashing” so you’ll see that term used below.

Before you update the firmware on your device, be aware that the update will remove all data on the device memory. Make sure to backup all settings and data on the memory card before the update. The flashing process will not wipe anything stored on the memory card. Also, you’ll need to connect your tablet to your computer using a USB cable, so make sure you have one available before starting this process.

If you use Windows to upgrade your device’s operating system, the process is fairly easy using automatic update:

1. Download the Nokia Internet Tablet Software Update Wizard.

2. Install the software by running the file you just downloaded. This will put the latest version of the update manager on your computer and will install any necessary USB drivers.

3. After making sure your tablet is fully charged, switch it off. Then connect it to your PC using the USB cable.

4. Start the Software Update Wizard (Programs > Nokia > Nokia Internet Tablet Software Update Wizard).

5. Press and hold the Home button on the front of your device (it looks like a small house). While holding down this button, press the power switch on the top of the device to turn on your device.

6. Now, on your PC, Follow the instructions in the Update Wizard to upgrade your firmware.

After the firmware has been updated, the device will automatically start up with the new operating system.

The Windows update is the easiest firmware update method. If you are using either Linux or Mac OS X, you’ll need to download the new operating system manually and will need to use a different tool called the “flasher” in order to update your firmware.

You can download the latest version of the operating system image here for the N800 or download here for the N810.

If you are using Linux as the primary operating system on your computer:

1. Download the Linux flasher and make sure you have the appropriate operating system image on your computer.

2. Make sure the battery in your tablet is fully charged. Turn off your tablet, unplug the charger and connect it to your computer using the USB cable.

3. Then, as root, run the following command from your terminal: “./flasher-3.0-F XXX.bin -f -R” where “XXX.bin” is the name of the image you downloaded above.

4. You should see a “Suitable USB device not found, waiting” message.

5. Switch on your N800 while holding down the Home button.

6. The application will upgrade your device and your tablet will automatically reset and start up with the new OS.

If you are using OS X as the primary operating system on your computer, the update method is similar to the Linux style. You can either update using the command line or via a GUI tool called the 770Flasher. I’ve had a much easier time getting the GUI version working and prefer that over any other method. Don’t let the name 770Flasher mislead you, as it can be used for not only the 770, but the N800 and N810 as well. For more information on this approach, read Jose’s Workshop article on the topic.

I love the look of the OS2008. The menus are better organized and fonts and colors make the visuals more attractive and easier to use. The update process can be a bit tricky, but it’s completely worth it. It will make your tablet seem as though it’s brand new again.

Share your feedback on this article and thoughts on OS2008 in the comments.

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