First post and I'm pretty sure this has already been posted a bunch, but here is the conversation I had with nokia a few minutes ago on their nokiausa website.

Paul: Hello, welcome to Nokia. I am a Nokia Sales Representative, may I assist you finding a device today?

You: nope, just had a question.

You: do you have any idea when the n900 will be shipping in the us?

You: preferrably a specific date.

Paul: The N900 will be launched in the last week of October

Paul: Don't have the exact date yet

You: thanks thats it.