Agreed.
It is a lot.
However, due to it's open aspect....
I expect a verrrrrryyyyy healthy, long multiple-option os and hardware lifespan out of this device to warrant the expense.
Since my n8x0's has done me fine almost a decade and my n900's more than 5+ years [and expect roughly another 5] ..
My hope is that the neo being so open... will last me at the worst 10 yrs and at best 15 to 20 yrs before it is too old.
I'm sure after 5 to 10 yrs there will be a few successors to the neo900 that I'll be eyeballing by then...
soooo..
all in all ...
I see the price as being a sound and valid investment in a long-term future.