Well, I can't say if multi-touch is over-rated or not. But, if there is a user base asking for it, then why can't Nokia provide it. Hardware specs may be good for geeks but features are what sells well with end consumers. When we are providing the best of features, why stop short of one silly feature. Just my opinion.

I am not sure, if multi-touch is a patent of apple. I guess not. Recently announced Zii (from Creative) too offers it (10 fingers at a time!).

Btw, I am guessing that N900 has some kind of trick for multi-touch which isn't announced/leaked yet!