I spoke to someone on the phone and he also said they "expect" (not guarantee) to have them in around Mid October. Thought he said 16th but perhaps it was 19th, I have a terrible memory for numbers.

He also said they are getting LOTS of calls about the N900 but that when they get the first shipment in they should have more than enough to cover all the pre-orders.

I think basically Nokia has said the target is mid October but there is nothing set in stone. Anyone claiming that date is simply repeating what Nokia has said all along, nothing new and no guarantees.