Update on my inability to update to OS08. The wrapup is that my n800 and I were having a great time waiting on OS08 to increase the loving. Then it couldn't take it! Different cables, ports, host machines, flashing from the net from my downloaded file: nothing but brick. no buttons. no recharging, no access to os. Could reflash to OS07. did that between attempts to keep the beasty charged up.
Sent off to Nokia-land for R&R. Returned today! Wow!
Running OS07! Flash attempt fails. at the same point, 1 min 44 sec. failure reports disconnected usb cord or corrupted file (neither).

Called Nokia and they are apologetic and I have to send back! nearing $40 on my end to send. could have gotten a phater flash card for that.

Now if i get this back working before February I'll be happy boy. also wrote buy.com to tell them my troubles. maybe they will lean on nokia too.