In terms of strategy this makes no sense to get rid of the S40 line in North America. There still remains a market for feature phones and especially the type of phone that costs under $40 for prepaid plans, and emergency calls.

To clear up the arena for a very direct campaign on WP7 flavored devices is one thing, but to say we don't need to sell the phones that kept us afloat any longer is ridiculous. Honestly the N9 not being available in North America is not an issue to me because the phone is DOA anyways. It really is a beautiful concept, and it is designed superbly. The issue with the N9 is that it is more so apparent that Nokia doesn't want to support it than the N900. They are selling it in markets like Finland because they don't want it to hamper the WP7 draft pick.

I am actually willing to try a WP7 made by Nokia, so long as it has a HW KB, and not solely rely on touch. Also selling the phones through carrier partner channels guarantees better control of the product, the product promotions, and its' uptake commercially. But S40 phones still have a place in the North America market.