Nope the USB port has the same issues on both devices. If you update to OS2008 there is a quasi USB host mode called On-the-go (OTG) and you can buy an adapter that converts the mini USB to a standard USB plus it automagically activates the OTG and supplies about 100mA to the port. That is pretty much not enough for 99% of the USB devices out there.
I to have an external MBB setup. I have a Tekkeon MP1550 combined with a Cradlepoint CTR350. I opted for the CTR350 over the PHS300 because of the increased flexibility of the WAN port to also work as a lan port, again automagically. Plus it was only $129 including shipping. And has an amazing firmware with oodles of really powerful config options.
I posted a thread in general and will put up a pic or two tomorrow. The NIT is the biggest component. The router and the MP1550 are about the size of a deck of cards and weigh about the same or less. I tried to keep the weight down hence the MP1550 over the MP3450 which can really provide the power for all day and then some for a couple days after that....
I am still in my love hate stage with being back in a UNIX like OS again. I managed a QNX network and an accounting system the ran the early command line version of Solaris...and Linux is really just a variation on a theme. I still have issues dealing with the lack of true platform portability that never materialized in Linux...I know it runs on EVERYTHING and every bit of hardware is different...so things just need a bit of fudging and recomplies...but still...
Ya cannot deny the total control you have over every aspect of the system under these OS's though...
I am having a ball getting into it now because it's for fun.
I looked at the N810 and do understand the nice idea of the added screen real estate offered by the built-in keyboard. But for me it was the loss of the internal SD card slot that killed the deal. I can, if I wanted to drop about $1000 or so, but I can have 64gb of memory on the N800 vs a theoretical max of 34gb on the N810. I bought an iGo Stowaway keyboard for when I want to go some lenghty typing.
I am wanting to partition my SD card so I can boot KDE...you know why? Because there is a crossword puzzle program that runs natively under KDE and reads the AcrossLite .puz format...the only way I can do that in OS2008 right now is via the Garnet VM and running BeCrossword...I like to do the NYT xword puzzles....
I did not consider the size difference signifcant at all, in fact because I have probs in my hands due to RA I like the bulge at the top of the N800 as it helps me hold onto the thing.
I do find it puzzling that , on both devices, they decided to omit a place to attach a wrist lanyard to help prevent dropping the tablet. I will soon enough wander by the camera store and grab a stick-on type...
Well, it's almost 4am and I am needing sleep...have fun with your NIT...to me it's the most amazing device that I am using more and more every day. Even the keyboard is just 1/2" thick when folded up...and it all fits in a tiny bag and can't weight in over 2-2.5lbs total, including extra batteries and everything.
Gotta love it!
BTW, I am posting this from my completely untethered N800 rig and over the EVDO setup...just amazing...I have said this about the thing before, it is the first piece of tech I have purchased in a very very long time that I have no regrets with...still lerning the OS but otherwise it does pretty much all I need and does it well. Plus things improve software wise daily. Worth the $250 for the tablet...the extras likely ended up costing a bit over that...but what the heck!!
BTW, if you are a Star Treck fan...have you tried the LCARS PADD themes? makes the think look and sound like one of the devices on Star Trek...kinda silly but fun!