Here's a take from an outsider at the Maemo Summit (and note that Chippy is in no way an Average Joe):

http://www.umpcportal.com/2009/10/what-is-the-n900/

He doesn't see it as a consumer product, nor does he think Nokia sees it as a consumer product. As he says:

"The N900 is a technology showcase designed to stimulate a wide range of development activity that can be used to refine the products that will appear with the next, final, phase of Maemo. The real consumer-focused products."

Still, it is not a negative review. His conclusion is:

"The N900 is a catalyst and it just so happens that it’s good, is going to get better and is available to all of us who enjoy the ultra mobile computing experience. It’s another great option and as a converged, pocketable, voice-capable device, the best I’ve ever used. It’s a great catalyst!"