I just finished updating our twin N9s.
(one more is left - shall do it later - takes a while).
It can be done, with ease, vide a PC & thru the Nokia Software Updater & the Nokia Link.

Took a lot of time, 'coz:
1. In Canada, the Auto update doesn't work - so we need to use a PC.
2. Initially d/loaded the NL-Mac... made back-ups in the MBAir,
3. Then clicked NCS-Mac... alas, it doesn't support S/ware updates.
4. Thus, had to redo the complete process on my son's Win-7 laptop.
5. Also found-out that the safest & best way to do so is thru Nokia-Europe. Avoid all other Nokia sites.

The Steps:

1. Visit Nokia-Europe's 'product-support' page: http://europe.nokia.com/support/prod...-1todtmt9d3bee

2. Click 'Nokia N9' from the cell-pics selections.

3. U'd be notified the update availability as:
.....a) "Latest software release for Nokia N9 is 20.2011.40-4/22.2011.44-2"
.....b) The drop-down 'green' button would show the features (of this update).

4. Below that select, "Update Using Your PC".
.....-The drop-down menu would give u the 'green' "Download" button, for EXE | 35MB. Click it later.

5. Above u'd find Nokia Link in 'blue': http://europe.nokia.com/support/prod...ort/nokia-link
.....-Click that first. before u download the NSU.
.....-U need to sync your device with PC before the Update - else, your content/s might be lost. (it didn't with me - more later)

6. The NL would be downloaded... launch that.
.....-Then Connect your N9 to your PC with the USB cable. And transfer your Music, Videos & Pictures, as a back-up.
.....-Once the sync is done thru the NL, disconnect your N9 from the PC.

7. Now, go back & download the EXE | 35MB. Remember, while d/loading the NSU your device must not be connected to your PC.

8. After downloading the NSU as u launch it, reConnect your N9 to your PC.
.....-The s/ware would detect the N9.
.....-It'd ask u to accept the agreement. Agree to it.
.....-Them click "Continue" (at the bottom of the menu).
.....-The updating/extraction bar would start rolling.
.....-Do not disconnect the N9 midway -- that could 'brick' it.
.....-It takes about 10-15 minutes to complete - so have patience.
.....-Once it nears "4 minutes Remaining" - u'd notice the N9 has a "Vertical Blue Updating-Line".
.....-At about "2 minutes Remaining" - the N9 switches off & restarts (by itself).
.....-Once done updating - the N9 would ask u to check Time, Date etc.
.....-Accept it as it is. 'Coz, as it reboots - u'd have your 'old' settings back automatically.
.....-It'd also ask u to Log On to Nokia. Do that to proceed further.
.....-Now u'd notice "Updating Completed Successfully" posted on the NSU (in your PC).

9. voilà - u r done! Disconnect the N9 from the PC.

10. Now go to "Settings" on your N9 & Check "About Product".

U should now have the Version displayed as:
PR1.1 (20.2011.40-4_PR_005)*

(Yes, I checked the N9 after the update - nothing was 'lost' - though the site suggests u to backup. Thus this step may be avoided - however it's wise to do so)

Hope that helped.

Qorax
*Techie members, pls advice "is this the correct version of PR1.1?" Or my 'updating' got goofed-up somewhere?